WHILE 100 PEOPLE WATCH.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17780, 25 February 1926, Page 6

WHILE 100 PEOPLE WATCH.

POLICE CONSTABLE AND SERGEANT FIGHT. BRISBANE, February 1. How two policemen on duty fought out an argument in the street, before a crowd of 100, has just been revealed in the appeal of Sergeant P. Cowley against punishment inflicted on him by the Commissioner. The appeal was heard in public by the Police Appeal Board. Constable James Egan ga\-e evidence that he was spoken to in the street by Sergeant Cowley 'in a manner he resented. He told Sergeant Cowley that if he had a grievance against him there was a way to deal with him. Sergeant Cowley replied, “You are worse than a Bolshevik; you are only a mongrel,” and struck him over the temple with his clenched flst.

The blow, Constable Egan added, staggered him. While he was puiling his hands out of his pockets he 55-as struck twice by Sergeant Cowley. He had to defend himself, and hit back. A struggle took place, and they fell, with the sergeant underneath. Other police officers separated them in the presence of about 100 people who had gathered around. No provocation, said the constable, wS given for the assault. He and Sergeant Cowley had not been on speaking terms, other than on matters of duty, since last May.

Sergeant Cowley’s 5-ersion of the affair was that he had occasion to tell Constable M I I ugh and other constables to “ get a move on, and look round town.” All left except Egan. He stood before the sergeant with folded arms.

He said to Constable Egan, “ It’s a pity you stand here talking to young constables on a busy night like this.” Constable Egan replied. “ You mind your own business.” The sergeant said, “ Don’t talk to me like that.” He was about to move away when Constable Egan said “ You are a mongrel, Cowley,” and struck him on the right jaw and right ear. He fell backwards, and Constable Egan threw himself on him. They ultimately fell, with Constable Egan on top. Sergeant Cowley added that he had been in the police twenty-seven 5-ears, and for twenty-three years had been in charge of stations, and held an absolutely clean record. Constable Guthrie, who assisted to separate the sergeant and constable, gas'e evidence that Constable Kelly rushed tip and exclaimed, “ Get them apart, for goodness sake. This sort of business in the police force is no good.” The Appeal Board has forwarded its report to the Commissioner of Police, who will send it 6n to the Home Secretary.