H.—2

XXXIV

Complaint of Constable Thomas John O'Brien, representing that he had been ordered to proceed on transfer from Auckland to Napier, and that while so proceeding he was wrecked in the s.s. " Tasmania," and lost clothing and effects to the value of .£BO 165., and that the Police Department had refused to recompense him in any way in respect of such loss, on the ground that he shouid have insured the articles referred to. Finding.- —We are of opinion that as Constable O'Brien was proceeding to Napier under orders, and, as the loss was beyond his control, he should be reimbursed by the department the value of his uniform and clothing. We cannot consider the department liable for extra articles, such as his violin and things beyond his outfit as a constable. Mr. Fleming's Complaints. —We consider the several charges made by Mr. George Spencer Fleming, and which are set out in the Schedule hereto, were wholly without foundation, and we have ordered that the costs of such witnesses as were subpoenaed at his request be paid out of the amount deposited by him for their expenses. i. In addition to the matters referred to in the Schedule hereto, a large number of letters were received by us containing suggestions as to various matters connected with the organization and administration of the Police Force of the colony. At each place where we held sittings, the local members of the Force were invited to bring any grievances, complaints, or suggestions which they had to make in respect to the Force before us, and at each place complaints and suggestions were received in writing. These have been carefully considered, and the result of our consideration is embodied in our general report. We now return to your Excellency the Commission with which you honoured us, together with this report. The Evidence, Minutes of Proceedings, and Appendix are being printed, and will be forwarded to your Excellency as soon as possible. In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals, this twenty-eighth day of July, one thousand eight hundred and ninetyeight. (1.5.) Albert Pitt, (1.5.) J. W. Poynton, (1.5.) H. S. Wardell.