COMMISSION.

Plunket, Governor. By his Deputy, James Prendergast. To all to whom these presents shall come, and to Helyar Wedderburn Bishop, Esquire, a Stipendiary Magistrate : Greeting. Whereas allegations and statements have been lately made from time to time respecting the administration, efficiency, and control of the Police Force of the Dominion : And whereas, in view of the public importance of the matter both as regards the public and the members of the Police Force, it is expedient that full inquiry should be made into the several matters hereinafter mentioned : ' Now, therefore, I, William Lee, Baron Plunket, the Governor of the Dominion of New Zealand, in pursuance and exercise of the powers conferred by " The Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1908," and of every power and authority enabling me in this behalf, and by and with the advice and consent of the Executive Council of the said Dominion, do hereby appoint you, the said Helyar Wedderburn Bishop, to be the Commission for the purpose of inquiring into the several matters and things hereinafter mentioned and referred to, that is to say,— 1. The general organization, control, and enrolment of the Police Force of the Dominion as it now exists in its several branches, and the discipline and efficiency thereof, and in what respect the said Force or any part thereof could be better recruited, organized, controlled, or made more efficient. 2. As to the efficiency, conduct, sobriety, and morality of the members of the said Force or any of them. 3. As to whether any political or other improper interference exists in connection with the said Force; and, if so, to what extent, and whether such interference has any influence in the administration of the said Force. 4. As to the methods of promotion of members of the said Force, and the reasons governing the selection of members of the Force for promotion. And you are hereby directed to inquire into the said several matters aforesaid, at such place or places in the Dominion as you may think fit, by all lawful ways and means, subject to the terms of these presents. And, for the purpose of such inquiry, you are hereby empowered to summon and have before you and examine on oath or otherwise, as may be allowed by law, all witnesses or other persons whom you may judge capable of affording you any information upon or in respect of the said several matters of inquiry hereinbefore mentioned, or any matter or thing arising thereout or connected therewith : And also to have before you and examine any books, writings, records, or documents whatsoever which you shall deem necessary for your information in these premises : Provided that no inquiry shall be held by you into any matter or thing which has already been investigated and determined before any judicial or other lawfully constituted tribunal, or where any member of the Police Force has been dismissed from the service, or whose services have been dispensed with in consequence of his misconduct or for any other reason : Provided also that, if any allegation or statement is made before you which relates to or affects the personal conduct of an individual member or members of the said Police Force, you shall not enter upon any inquiry in respect thereof