THE POLICE COMMISSION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6125, 11 March 1898, Page 3

THE POLICE COMMISSION.

■ — _ « [Per Press Association.l WELLINGTON, March 11. At the Police Commission the Eev J. Crewes aaid that he had -watched the police in order to see how far the charges against them were justified. He had visited the gaol in Lyttelton in connection with rescue work. The police' compared very favourably with other classes of the community. The allegation that the supervision of licensed houses was more lax now than before was altogether opposed to what had come under his observation. The law required, amending, as in its present state it penalised the best class of publicans. Detective Campbell whs questioned at length: on the subject of betting. He was of opinion that there had been no increase of late years. The detectives now had orders to report breaches of the licensing law, which was formerly regarded as outside their work. At the Police Commission Colonel Hume declined to let anyone but the Commissioners see departmental papers; he was so instructed; there might be confidential documents among them. Mr Taylor alluded to the way in which men went behind medical certificates. Mr Tunbridge said this was already recognised, and they would guard against it by the appointment of police surgeons. A return snowed thirty-three arrests on Sundays for drunkenness in Wellington during the last six months. The Commission is now inquiring into further cases of individual constables.