Timaru Evidence.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXIV, Issue 12829, 23 July 1909, Page 2

Timaru Evidence.

Further Startling Allegations TIMARU, July 22. At the sitting of the Police Commission this afternoon evidence was given by SubInspector Green, who complained that, though he was senior, Sub-Inspector Dwyer had been promoted over his N head to the position of inspector. Why this was so he was at a loss to understand, as, so far as he was aware he had a clean record, and Inspector Gillies had recommended him for promotion. Sub-Inspector Green suggested that a lot of irritation would be avoided in the force if a Board was established through which the men could appeal to the Minister when dissatisfied with , their treatment at the hands of the Commissioner. Sergt. Warring Baid that political influence was morfe rampant now than before the police had the franchise. He did not think the chief detectives should be allow to compete against uniform men for promotion, but should only be promoted in their own ranks. The- standard of education should.be kept as high as possible, as an educated force was better than an ignorant one. The physjique of the t men 1 now offering was not equal to v that of the condidates 30 years ago. Gaoler Wethered advocated higher pay for constables and a fairer system of promotion to the rank of sergeant. Also that the house allowance to constables should be the same. as for detectives and sergeants. He ridiculed thje suggestion of a constable in Dunedin, who thought constables and sergeants stould travel firstclass. 'Gaoler Wethere4.' characterised this as a piece of impudence' and said he felt ashamed of it. He algd complained that he had been passed over! in the matter of promotion. , Constable Gillespie (Temuka) voiced a strong complaint concerning the way he, had been passed over, and the promotion given to his juniors, though, he had a creditable record, extending over 20 years. He also detailed a complaint that political influence had been brought to bear by an ex-member of the Legislative Council to get him shifted from Temuka, though it failed. Constable Gillespie put in papers in connection with the case of alleged perjury against a constable, formerly of South Canterbury, but now of North Canterbury. He contended there should have been a prosecution in this case. Mr Bishop said he would deal with this matter in Christchurch. The Commission went on to Christchurch to-night.