THE LONDON POLICE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 20190, 5 July 1928, Page 7

THE LONDON POLICE

NEW COMMISSIONER LABOUR’S OBJECTIONS TO VISCOUNT BYNG [ British Official Wireless. 1 RUGBY, July X. The Home Secretary (Sir William Jovnson-Hicks) announced in the House of Commons that Sir William Horwood, Commssioner of the Metropolitan Police had intimated early in the year his intention of retiring in the late autumn on attaining the age of 60. The King had approved the appointment of Viscount Byng of Vimy to succeed Sir William Horwood. The announcement of the appointment has produced a storm of Labour questions. Why was an Army instead of a police officer chosen? Why was a man of 65 selected when his predecessor had resigned on the attainment of tho age limit —60? Why was the appointment made before the inquiry into police methods had been reported? What salary and pension would Viscount Byng receive? Sir William Joynson-Hicks took full responsibility for the appointment. The only policy was to obtain the best man for the job. The recent inquiry in no wise inpugned Sir William Horwood ’s conduct. Ziscount Byng had made no stipulation regarding salary or pension, only insisting on freedom to retire at the moment he felt unequal to tho task. ;He had only accepted it as a stern cal! of duty. The Labourite members intimated that they would later oppose the appointment on the adjournment motion. It is suggested in several quarters that in view of tho hostile reception accorded the appointment, Viscount Byng should withdraw his acceptance of the Commissionership of Police.