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Shakespere Walk, Nelson, 16th February, 1902. Sir,—Under other conditions I would have been pleased to give you any information, but having accepted an apology I feel that I cannot in honour consent to give evidence. Yours, &c, Inspector Macdonell. w - J - Bannehr.

New Zealand. —Police Department. From Inspector Macdonell. Eeceived 3/3/02. Subject : Constables Kemp and Burrell charged with assaulting George Allen, Nelson. Inspector Macdonell.—Another instance of a man nursing his wrongs until you seek him out and invite him to make a statement. If assaulted, as he alleged, then he should have taken action spontaneously, and the matter could have been inquired into on oath. This suggestion, that the complainants were afraid to complain, is all nonsense. People do not put up with being knocked about without complaining these days. This man can lay an information if he desires. J. B. Tunbridge. 3/3/02.

Police Office, Greymouth, 27th February, 1902. Beport re Alleged Assault by Constables Kemp and Burrell on one George Allen. George Allen, fireman, Port, Nelson, says, " The same night as William Eeed was assaulted by the constables I was assaulted, I believe by the same men. I was on my way home by myself pretty late, and when going along Haven Eoad I was passing Constables Kemp and Burrell. Pat Gallao-her was with them. As I was passing them on the footpath one of them put his foot out in front of me to trip me. I said, ' What is the meaning of this ? ' One put his foot behind me and the other at the same time struck me on side of the head, knocking me down. I said to Gallagher, • You witnessed that.' He said, ' Yes.' Kemp said, ' What is that ?' at the same time giving me a clout on the face. Both constables then took hold of me, saying they would lock me up. Burrell then said, ' He can manage him ; I need not interfere,' and he let me go after taking me back a few paces. Burrell said, 'We will let him go.' Kemp then let me go, and when he did so he kicked me as I was going away. I did not resist or attempt to retaliate in the least. I knew it was no use. I did not report it, as I had no witness. If I complained I might be worse treated another time. We often hear of this sort of thing on the part of the police. Arthur Young, of the Port was interferred with by some constables the same night when passing them alone. One of them put out his foot to trip him. He stumbled, but passed on without saymg a word, and was allowed to go on without further interference. I do not like making a statement in this way; I think it looks likes informing. I would prefer to go straight before them and make my statements there.—G. Allen." I did not hear whether or not this man has been interviewed by any of the single constables. He appears to me to be' a particularly straightforward man ; still, I have not the slightest doubt but almost every word he says will be denied. — -~ ' My remarks in Eeed's case re getting a careful statement from Pat Gallaghan, or Gallagher, fully applies to this case. I was unable to see Arthur Young above referred to, nor two others named W. Smith and H. Atmore, said to have been assaulted by Constables Durbridge and Burrell. I am very busy at present, but further correspondence will follow. E. Macdonell, Inspector.

New Zealand. —Police Department. Eeceived, 3/3/02. From Inspector Macdonell, Grey. Subject : Constable Kemp charged with assaulting William Eeed, Nelson, and Constable Durrell looking on. Inspector Macdonell,—lf this man had anything to complain of he should have done so at the time. The offence, if committed, is a statutory one, and could have .been dealt with by a Magistrate. The nearest the man can give is that it occurred two or three months ago, and he believed it was certain constables. Would it not be manifestly unfair to put constables on their defence as to what occurred two or three months ago when complaint could have been made at the time ? No doubt almost every person who has been proceeded against by the police imagine they have a grievance against the police, and are only too ready to ventilate their imaginary or real grievances when they are sought out and invited to make statements. This man can, if he wishes, lay an information and then the matter can be investigated on oath.—J. B. Tunbridge, Commissioner. 3/3/02. Noted.—E. Macdonell, Inspector. 23/3/02.

Police Office, Greymouth, 27th February, 1902. Beport on Alleged Assault by Constable Kemp on William Beed, of the Port, Nelson, Constable Burrell looking on. William Eeed, fisherman, Port, Nelson, says, " About two or three months ago, on a Saturday night, I was coming home from Nelson. When opposite the gasworks I met two constables—l think, Kemp and Burrell. Pat Gallaghan, now in Wellington Gaol, was with them; they appeared to be questioning him. One of them said, 'Good-night' to me. I replied, 'Good-night, sir.' He asked, 'Where are you going?' I replied, 'Home, sir.' He then asked me my name. I replied, 'Eeed, sir.' He said, 'You are one of the notorious Eeeds,' and at the same time bashed'me across the face with his hand. I said nothing ; I simply walked away. Pat Gallaghan