EL—34.

Sess. 11.—1897. NEW ZEALAND.

CHARGES AGAINST INSPECTOR EMERSON (COPIES OF LETTERS, ETC., LEADING UP TO COMMISSION OF INQUIRY ON).

Laid on the Table of the House of by Leave.

Mr. A. Hendeeson to the Commissionee of Police. g IK Custom Street, Auckland, 30th September, 1897. With reference to the complaint formulated against Inspector Emerson, I may say that when the of the Prohibition League requested me to give a written statement as to what I witnessed I declined to do so. Probably a word of caution to the Inspector might have kept him straight for the future. Of course, a request from your department is virtually a command. I consider the Inspector was under the influence of drink, and for the time was offensive and objectionable. I am, &c, The Commissioner of Police, New Zealand. Adam Hendeeson (per J. G. H.).

Mr. W. Coopee to the Commissionee of Police, Wellington. gjj. Wyndham Street, Auckland, 30th September, 1897. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 23rd instant, enclosing letter from Mr. Haselden to the Hon. the Minister of Justice with reference to certain charges made against Inspector Emerson. In reply to the questions contained in your letter to me, I beg to state that Mr. Haselden's communication is substantially correct, and that if an inquiry be held I shall be prepared to give in Auckland my own testimony as to the allegations made against Inspector Emerson. I have, 4c, Commissioner of Police, Wellington. W. Cooper.

The Commissionee of Police to Messrs. A. Henderson and W. Coopee. Bie,— 23rd September, 1897. I have the honour, by direction of the Minister of Justice, to forward for your information a letter making charges against Inspector Emerson, of the Police Department, Napier, and to request that on the receipt of this letter you will kindly inform me in writing as to whether these charges are correctly stated, and whether you are prepared to support them and give evidence thereon in any proceedings that may be taken before any Court or tribunal. I may add the Minister has been informed you are one of the gentlemen referred to in the letter before mentioned. I have, &c, A. Hume, Commissioner of Police. To Adam Henderson, Esq., Shipbuilder, North Shore, Auckland, and William Cooper, Esq., Barrister, Auckland.

Hon. T. Thompson to Mr. H. C. Haselden. (Telegram.) Wellington, 22nd September, 1897. FoBWAKD the names of the two gentlemen, fellow-travellers of Inspector Emerson on " Dingadee," and who are prepared to support charges. Names are required to forward to the Inspector for his explanation. T. Thompson. H. C. Haselden, Secretary, Temperance League, Young Men's Christian Association Rooms, "Wellesley Street, Auckland.