THE POLICE COMMISSION

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2595, 1 September 1909, Page 4

THE POLICE COMMISSION

SENSATIONAL STATEMENTS BY AN M.P. [Per Press Association.] -AUCKLAND, August 31. At the Police Commission this morning, Mr. Poole, M.P., said politicalinfluence was rife. Every department should have the control of the Crown in guarding its officers against it. The Commissioner of Police should be free of all influence. He knew of a case in which political influence obtained, but was bound in confidence not to disclose his information. He agreed, however, to admit Mr. Bishop to hi* confidence at the close of tee Commission. Mr. Poole asserted that the polieewere under intimidation of the party responsible for the amount of drunkenness seen in Auckland. It was a nightmare to the police. They knew us party could play havoc with them, and took the line of least resistance. He did not intend to reflect upon the inspector. He believed the inspector had himself been pretty roughly handled on that score. Mr. Bishop; Do you say the fear now operates? Mr. Poole; Yes. J. Cullen, part proprietor of a sporting newspaper, complained of favoritism having been shown by the police in regard to a prosecution for publishing certain advertisements. He alleged that the police harassed ex-prisoners in their employment. He also asserted that certain constables had been found guilty of. drunkenness on their heats, and that there had been a differentiation in the punishment of such offend-' ers. Mr. Dinnie stated that every man charged with drunkenness was dealt \vitk according to the merits of the case. The Commission adjourned till tomorrow.