THE POLICE COMMISSION

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2583, 18 August 1909, Page 5

THE POLICE COMMISSION

SITTING AT NAPIER

(Per Press Association.' NAPIER, August 17,

The Police Commission sat hero today. The evidence was mainly on the lines of that given elsewhere. Constable Wilton, as spokesman for the local constables, expressed a unanimous desire for increased pay' and house allowance, free railway pass, and extended holidays. The promotion of district clerks caused dissatisfaction, and it was suggested they should he a clerical force only. Sergeant Smart thought the force compared very favorably with that of years gone by. He knew nothing of political influence. Merit should govern promotion,. Sergeant Cruickshank thought the physique and intelligence of the force was not up to the old standard. He had seen a semblance of political influence—things which ho could account for in no other way. Sergeant Forley complained of sergeants having to travel second-class, whilst a junior cadet in the Civil Service was allowed first-class fare. Men should not be given tho option of refusing promotion. Sergeant Hutton (Gisborne) complained of tho difference in rates of pay allowed sergeants (6s) and detectives (8s) when on special expeditions. Mr. Dinnie stated tho grievance in regard to steamer fares was now being remedied.

Detective Hill said that when he came to Napier there were a lot of “special men” here, but they had now been weeded out. The district had been in a bad way, but certain changes were made, and things were very much better now. Inspector Dwyer, Napier, said that he did not think the rate of pay was sufficient to induce good men to join the force. In Napier co-operative laborers were receiving 9s a day, which was more than was paid to a constable, who, as in London, should receive pay equal to mechanics. Men joining the force should receive the approval of the inspector of the district. He regarded the district clerk as the most responsible man next to the inspector, and he did not think they or their assistants should be put on Sunday duty. He thought that, for the sake of the harmony of the force, it would be better to make district clerks a special allowance, and not promote them to sergeantships over other men. The channels of promotion should be open to detectives, allowing for merit. The general conduct of the men under his control was very good. When he came into the district there was a little trouble, but this had now been removed. „ Promotions should be made on the recommendations of the inspectors, in order of seniority. He had never had any complaints of men being sent to sergeants by district clerics. He thought that, before sergeants were promoted, they should be medically examined.

To Commisioner Dinnie : He believed in seniority and merit being considered in promotion. He knew of no general dissatisfaction regarding control in the force, and knew nothing of political influence. Candidates for the force were subjected to a most searching examination . To Sergeant Forley: He did not see how the police could avoid some duties imposed on them by other departments. The hearing of ' the evidence was concluded, and the Commission adjourned.