POLICE COMMISSIONER

Waikato Times, Volume 94, Issue 14776, 15 October 1921, Page 3

POLICE COMMISSIONER

RETIREMENT ANNOUNCED, A VALUED AND TRUSTWORTHY PUBLIC SERVANT. A SPLENDID CAREER. Never before, in any one year, have so many old and well-tried Public Servants retired from the services of the Stale as in 1921. Many of the retirements, it is correct to say, hav-j been in the cause of retrenchment, which, in common with^ private business Itouses, is affecting the Public Service, but several are due to the officer appioaehing the compulsory retiring age and the desire of the officer to ease the pressure on those below him and to make way for their promotion. It is in this latter category can be placed the retirement of Commissioner U'Donovan (announced by the Minister for Justice, the Hon. E. P. Lee), who for the last forty-two years has been a member of the New Zealand Police Force. Unfailing courtesy to his men and to the public, conscientious, ellioient, and hardworking in the performance of his duty, have always been the evident characteristics of Mr U'Donovan, and he leaves the force shortly with a record of service which should ensure his future happiness in the days of his retirement. A Native of Cork. Mr U'Donovan, who is 64 years of age, was born in Counly Cork (where lie had been a teacher under the National School system) and came to New Zealand in 1878 to join his brother, Mr R. U'Donovan, engaged as a contractor, and who represented the Ukarito Province in the WcstlanJ Provincial Council, in April, 1879, he was appointed a constable at Hokitiki by the late Inspector Iviely. He served in the forces in that capacity until 1898, when, at Stratford, he was promoted to the rank of sergeant and immediately transferred to Hawcra. In May of that year Mr U'Donovan was transferred to Wellington, where he had the distinction of having been appointed the first instructor in the then newly-established Police Training Depot. Un July Ist, 1902, he was promoled to be a sub-inspcclor, and replaced Sub-Inspector Wilson. In 1903, at the time His Excellency the Governor Cord Plunket took up his residence in Palmcrston Norlh, Mr U'Donovan was transferred to lh.it town, and on being made an inspector in 1911, was transferred to Invercargill. A year later, Mr U'Donovan took charge of the Napier district, and in 1915 he was appointed superintendent with headquraters in Duncdm. Un the retirement of Superintendent Ellison 'in November of the same year, Mr U'Donovan was transferred to Wellington, where he has since remained, assuming the position of Commissione:' of Police (vacated by Mr J. Cultcn) on December Ist, 1916. With the Royal Family. On two occasions Mr U'Donovan performed notable duties to the Royal family. Under Commissioner Tunbridge he had charge of the special detachment of uniform police which attended the movements of Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York, now Their Majesties the King and Queen, in June, 1901, on the occasion of their visit to New Zealand; and, as Commissioner of Police, he had charge of the arrangements 'in connection with the visit of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales to New Zealand in April, 1920. For the last-mentioned duly Mr O'Donovan was invested DV His Royal Highness the Prince ul Wales witli the Cross of Membership of the Royal Victorian Urdcr, fourthclass, on board 11.M.5. Renown, at Lytllel.on, on May .'lst, 1920, the eve of Ills Royal Ilighuess's departure from New Zealand. The Minister's Appreciation. In referring to Mr U'Donovan's relircmcnt, Mr Lcc expressed the opinion thai the State was losing a valued officer. Since he (Mr C Pi " ' had assumed the Ministerial control at the Police Department—and also, he understood, before Ihen—Mr U'Donovan, as chief adminislralhe officer. had had a trying lime. The increasing duties and responsibilities Mr U'Donovan had borne uncomplainingly, and hi; hoped that his retirement from official worries and pexplexiities would be the means of restoring his health and vigour. "The extraordinary fiiiiount of work which devolved upon the Commissioner of Police and his men miring I lie war period," continued M.' Lee, "is really no| known by Ihe public. Since I have been Minister for Justice I have had opportunities of judging how efficiently, lad fully an:l completely that work—much of it being unpleasant —was none, and i i think the Commissioner and his loyal staff are deserving of the highest rommendalion." Asked as In whether nny uVcis»:i had leen mine lo regarding M ' o'liiiiMY,m's successor, Mr l,ee sad \ lii.il Mr O'Di'invan would n<>i r'din j quish his position imlil Ihe bo.srinnin-r of next year, and in Ihe meantime lie

had n" iiunouncemenl I" make. I