POLICE DEPARTMENT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2533, 21 June 1909, Page 5

POLICE DEPARTMENT.

THE CHARGES AGAINST THE FORCE. (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Juno 19. The Minster for Justice, interviewed by a Post reporter in regard to the charges recently, made against the administration of the Police Department by the present Commissioner, said that so far the charges were couched in such vague general terms as to make investigation practically impossible. He himself had made inquiry into every case where definite allegations had reached him. So far none of those allegations had, upon inquiry, been sustained. He recognised, however, that the administration of the Police Department should not only be impartially carried out, but it should be as far as possible above any public suspicion of negligence or impropriety. In justice both to himself and the Commissioner, definite details in connection with these allegations made in the recent debate in the House, should be furnished fully and inquiry made by a competent, fully-empowered tribunal. “ It is to be .assumed,” said the Minister, “that if members of Parliament recognise the responsibility of making such charges as those referred to, if asked, they will afford the Minister the fullest assistance in making an investigation. In view of all these circumstances Cabinet has resolved to recommend to the Government that Mr Bishop. S.M., of Christchurch, foe appointed a Royal Commissioner of Inquiry into the charges, to make such further investigations in connection with the police force as may be deemed proper and expedient. It is obvious, continued the Minster, “from Mr Bishop’s long experience as a Magistrate. especially as a police magistrate, and his sound judgment, he has all the qualifications necessary to deal with the inquiry with which he will be entrusted. ‘lt is due to Commissioner Dinnie to say that ho earnestly asked me to have the fullest enquiry made by an independent tribunal into tnc allegations brought against the administration. As regards the duty of the Minister of Justice in connection with the police force and my administration of the Department. I will take the earliest appropriate opportunity or speaking froni a. public platform.