THE POLICE COMMISSION

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2567, 30 July 1909, Page 5

THE POLICE COMMISSION

SITTING AT CHRISTCHURCH. (Per Press Association.! CHRISTCHURCH, July 29. The Police Commission resumed today. Mr. Dinnio said he intended to call Constable Wade when the Commission reached the North Island in order to reply to the charges made by Constable Fitzgerald the previous day. Constable Jackson, an for promotion, called witnesses as to efficiency, among whom were Messrs Hunt, solicitor, and Day, S.M., both speaking highly of Jackson’s ability. Mr. Day also defended the police methods in finding evidence against sly-grog sellers and fortune-tellers so long as these were not induced to commit offences. In cases where a policeman receives a reward that officer should not be allowed to conduct the prosecution, which should be done by the Crown Prosecutor. Other witnesses, in the force and retired from it, gave Jackson a high character. Jackson had been in the force since 1892, since which time 25 constables wore promoted over his head, only six of whom had passed the education test. He was one of the oldest Masons in the room, but his connection with that order had not helped his promotion in any way. He knew of no case in which it did. Several sergeants gave evidence. The chief grievance in the force, they said, was. on account of unfair promotion. The Commission will resume to-mor-row. '