POLICEMEN AT PLAY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2581, 16 August 1909, Page 2

POLICEMEN AT PLAY.

SCENES IN AUCKLAND BARRACKS PHYSICAL AND MENTAL CULTURE A sonorous bass voice, singing to a rousing pianoforte accompaniment, and the click, click of billiard balls in an adjoining compartment met the, ear of a “New Zealand Herald” representative the other evening during a visit to the Auckland Police Barracks. A glowing warmth permeated the atmosphere, i and the stalwart specimens of muscular mankind, whose turn it was to indulge in evening recreation did so with an apparent healthy enjoyment and a pleasing display of esprit de corps. At nine p.m. 14 constables and two sergeants formed up for the late shift, and, after passing inspection, proceeded out into the night, to relieve their comrades, and to be. wherever duty might call in the name of law and order. The incoming batch were not very long in preparing to seek the solace of slumber, and by 11 p.m. every light in the sleeping quarters had ceased to flicker. “We are very snug up here, one ot the men remarked, as he opened the door which led to his neatly-kept cubicle. All was clean as burnished brass, , ventilation, as well as light, was amply provided for, and with it all the only signs of feminine influence were in the direction of several tastefully-framed photos. —presumably the “cosy-corner <nrls” of the man in blue. Each of the other 40 cubicles on the top floor proved to be practically a fac-simile of the one described, and when another member of the force spoke of the _ barracks as “Home, sweet home,” the writer had reason to credit lmn with sincerity. Bathrooms and a sickroom, which, by the way, is consistently deserted, are also provided up aloft. A large messroom, with a well-appointed kitchen 1 attached,-was inspected down in the basement, but still no signs of •feminine handiwork were visible. This band of bachelors in reality demonstrates its independence of the other SOX. The number in barracks is 40, and, being comprised of the unmarried members of the force, youth is mostly on their side. Full of health and vigor they are, in fact, a body of men which Sir Robert Peel could he hut glance down the ages, would surely be pleased to claim as disciples. The total strength of the Auckland district, apart from Inspector Cullen, Sub-Inspector Hendre3 r , Chief Detective Marsack, and Station-Sergeant Traanor, is 17 sergeants, 127 constables, mno detectives, and three acting-detectives. “A continual stream of policemen pass through the station,” an officer remarked, “what with interchanges from one station to another and the drafting out of men who are succeeded by newcomers from tho depot.” Ho said that the force contained a largo percentage of Australians, and some immigrants from the Old Country had successfully passed the rigid tests, which were regarded as more difficult in New Zealand"than in any force in the world, with the oxception, perhaps, of the Itoval Irish Constabulary.. Two of the brightest departments in the Auckland barracks are the readingroom and library. The former possesses a nice-toned piano, and there are not wanting musicians and vocalists among the socially disposed inmates. Use of the billiard table in the library produces a revenue of over £SO a year, ana the amount is placed towards tbe purchase of books, gymnasium outfit, etc. The library shelves are well stocked with literature, varying from the historical records of the rise and fall of tho Roman Empire and the classics to the lighter works of Mark Twain and Artemus Ward. Much time is spent among the hooks. Considerable patronage is accorded the .gymnasium hall, the principal forms of pastime being handball, wrestling, boxing, ball-punch-in etc. The provision of the piano and billiard table is due to tbe generosity of Inspector Cullen in financing their purchase, and to tbe enterprise of the men in providing tho necessary funds by debenture.