5

H. -16b

Telegram, 3rd May, 1902. Sub-Inspector Wilson, Greymouth. The services of Constables Durbridge and Burrell are dispensed with, with pay up to and for date of suspension. Jno. Evans (for Commissioner).

Telegram, 2nd May, 1902. Commissioner of Police, Wellington. Sergeant Dougan reports having read your telegram to Constables Burrell and Durbridge. They still refuse to resign on advice of their solicitor. Edwd. Wilson, Sub-Inspector.

Telegram, 2nd May, 1902. Chief Clerk, Police Department, Wellington. Please let Constables Durbridge and Burrell be informed that unless they now tender their resignations their services will be dispensed with forthwith, and if they still refuse, then let their services be dispensed with accordingly, with pay up to and for date of suspension. If they resign, then pay will be up to date of suspension likewise. J. B. Tunbridge, Commissioner.

rBLEGRAM, 2ND May, 1902. Sub-Inspector Wilson, Greymouth. Re Constables Durbridge and Burrell : Hon. Minister of Justice directs that decision of Cabinet already communicated to you must be carried out. They must resign at once. Jno. Evans (for Commissioner).

Telegram, 28th April, 1902. Sub-Inspector Wilson, Greymouth. Be Sergeant Mackay : Decision of Cabinet must be carried out. John Evans (for Commissioner).

Police-station, Nelson, 26th April, 1902. Report of Sergeant Mackay relative to the Memorandum of the Commissioner of the 17th April 1902, No. 325. 1 respectfully ask the Commissioner to recommend a reconsideration of the decision of the Cabinet conveyed to me in the above memorandum, and desire to urge in support of my application the following circumstances : — • 1. I have been a member of the Police Force for a period of twenty-five years, and have by a careful discharge of my duty succeeded in attaining my present position of sergeant in charge of a station and sub-district. 2. That during my service in the Police Force my defaulter-sheet has been satisfactory and no serious dereliction of duty has ever been charged against me. 3. That the charges, six in number, formulated against me and inquired into by the Commissioner were not of such a character as to warrant the severe punishment of removal and disrating. Of these six charges, I was acquitted by the Commissioner in regard to three, and respecting the remaining three, I was convicted and cautioned to be more careful in regard to two, and reprimanded and cautioned in regard to one. 4. That during the time I have been in charge of this station I have used my utmost endeavours to perform my duties satisfactorily and with discretion, and I venture to believe that I have succeeded. 5. The Commissioner will be fully aware that it is almost impossible for a police officer if he performs his duty conscientiously to be a public favourite. He must of necessity earn the illwill of some. While performing my duty conscientiously and zealously I have always endeavoured to do so without causing unnecessary friction. 6. In conclusion, I now respectfully, but firmly and with confidence, ask that the decision of Cabinet be reconsidered, and that I may not after my lengthened service be branded as a defaulter and reduced to a position inferior to that occupied by me four years ago. I sincerely trust that a review of the charges preferred against me and inquired into by the Commissioner will, in view of the Commissioner's finding thereon, weigh with the Cabinet and cause a reversal of the decision already conveyed to me. In asking this consideration I fully recognise the right of the Commissioner to remove an officer when and to where he pleases, and if my removal from Nelson be necessary in the interest of the service my ready obedience may be relied upon, but I respectfully beg that it be not ordered as the result of the charges recentiy inquired into, nor yet that mv position in the service be reduced. E. Mackay, Sergeant No. 210.

Telegram, 26th April, 1902. Commissioner of Police, Wellington. Sergeant Mackay telegraphs that he is posting to-day report concerning himself, and he requests you will hold over action until you receive same. Edwd. Wilson, Sub-Inspector. Decision of Cabinet must be carried out. —J. M. 28/4/02.