Napier

New Zealand Tablet, 6 May 1915, Page 27

Napier

Sergeant D. J. Cummings, the popular police officer in charge at Napier, has received notice of his transfer to Rotorua (says the Napier Daily Telegraph ). The intimation that Sergeant Cummings is to be movdd from here will be the subject of universal regret throughout the district. , Of a quiet, unassuming manner, he has, by strict attention to duty and never failing courtesy, earned the good-will and respect of a large circle of friends. Coming to Napier six years ago as district clerk, Sergeant Cummings was two years later appointed to his present position, which he has filled with credit to himself and with satisfaction to all concerned for the past four years On the last occasion on which Sergeant Cummings appeared in the local Court before his departure for Rotorua, the Justices of the Peace assembled to make him a presentation and bid him farewell. Every justice was present, including the Mayor (Mr. J. Vigor Brown). Mr. S. E. McCarthy, S.M., said it was the desire of the Justices of Napier to recognise the able and courageous manner in which Sergeant Cummings had discharged

his duties in Napier. ’ The district was a big one, and the inspector was often away, and in his absence Sergeant Cummings had ably carried out the extra duties. Last year, during a long illness of Inspector O’Donovan, the Sergeant had most successfully carried out both his own and the inspector’s work. His duties in respect to his brother officers had been discharged with firmness and fairness. In court the sergeant had performed his work with intelligence and impartiality, and it was largely due to the sergeant’s efforts that Napier had such a small amount of crime. He wished Sergeant and Mrs. Cummings every success in the • future. Sergeant Cummings having suitably replied, the Justices adjourned to the sheriff’s room, where the gifts, consisting of a silver-mounted oak tray, afternoon tea set, rose bowls in silver and china, and a silver-mounted inkstand, were handed to him. The inkstand and tray were both suitably inscribed. The Mayor presided at a meeting of citizens, called for the purpose of presenting to Mrs. Cummings a purse of 50 sovereigns. In making the presentation his Worship referred to the high esteem in which Sergeant Cummings was held. He had been very tactful and humane in the carrying out of his duties. He wished both the sergeant and his good wife all prosperity, and would be pleased to see Sergeant Cummings back in Napier in the future in a higher office. The Mayor then handed Mrs. Cummings a lady’s handbag with 50 sovereigns in it. Eulogistic references to Sergeant Cummings were also made by Messrs. H. A. Cornford, R. L. Patterson, B. J. Dolan, J. C. Bryant, A. Kohn, Colonel Sandtman, and Dr. Leahy, to all of which the guest replied in a very happy speech. A pleasant function took place at the police station, where the members of the force gathered to bid farewell to Sergeant Cummings and present him, for Mrs. Cummings, with a handsome liqueur stand. The presentation was made by Detective-Sergeant Ward, who paid a well-deserved tribute to the ability, tact, and firmness of Sergeant Cummings. Complimentary speeches were also made by Sergeant Fraser, and Constable Rosanoski. Sergeant Cummings was also tendered a send-off by the local pressmen, who presented him with a silver-mounted umbrella, suitably inscribed.