A DENIAL BY THE ACCUSED MEMBER.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2548, 8 July 1909, Page 5

A DENIAL BY THE ACCUSED MEMBER.

CHRISTCHURCH, July 7. Mr. Laurenson, M.x., was seen by a reporter with regard to the statements made in evidence by Constable Connel before the Police Commission at Invercargill. Asked if he would make a statement for publication Mr. Laurenson said: “In view of the allegations made I wall take an early opportunity of going before the Commission and giving evidence. The allegations are of a monstrous character; and I think I shall have no difficulty in disproving them at the proper time.” Asked if lie would go into particulars at present, Mr.-Laurenson said that he did not desire to do so. The matters referred to had taken place some time ago, and he would require to look up details before he said anything on the subject.

IMPORTANT MINISTERIAL ANNOUNCEMENT.

INVERCARGILL, July 7 Mr. H. W. Bishop has received the following telegram from the Minister of Justice, and desires it brought under the notice of every police officer in tho Dominion:—“For -the purpose of ensuring that every police officer who gives evidence before the Commission should do so freely and without possible fear of the consequences of Ins evidence, should it be adverse to the administration of the Department, I, as Minister of Justice, desire you.to give au assurance that the giving of such evidence will not be allowed to prejudice, in any way, the career in the police force of any such officer, provided, of course, that, in your judgment as Commissioner such evidence is not given falsely or in bad faith.”