THE POLICE COMMISSION

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2597, 3 September 1909, Page 5

THE POLICE COMMISSION

SITTINGS AT AUCKLAND. [Per Press Association.] , AUCKLAND, September 2. At the Police Commission this morning, Sub-Inspector Hendry and Sergeant Sheehan were recalled by Mr Dinhie and questioned in respect to their statements regarding hand men. Both stated they did not for a moment think the Commissioner instigated such inquiries, or was aware of the existence of such men. Mr Bishop said he would regard it as likely to deal a severe blow at the discipline of" the> force here if it was correct, 'as stated, that two men were using their positions to convey information to the head office. Personally, he did not think for a moment Mr Dinhie would allow that, but if the report were true, the two clerks referred to must have done this for their owp benefit or for the advantage of someone else.. So far, however, they had only a repitition of the rumour. There was no reflection upon Mr Dinnie. \ > ' . Inspector Cullen said that three months in the depot was quite enough for new men. There was need for practical instruction and less law in the depot. There were many fine men in the Auckland force, But there was too large a proportion of undesirables. Rather too much was made of the clerical department. The men of that department should not be loft too long in an office after being appointed. Sergeant clerks were inclined to put on airs and patronise uniformed sergeants. He had known one clerk who wanted to look patronisingly upon his inspector. Sergeants should pass an examination in the practical police work and discipline, and the law bearing thereon, after they had been recommended by an inspector. The same should apply to promotions in the detective force. Medical examinations should be necessary before promotions were made. He did not think there should be so many transfers, especially among men at their own request. Regarding defaulters, it would be better to let them remain in the district in which they defaulted. Inspector Cullen went on to say that he thought that the Dominion should be divided into four divisions under the control of four divisional superintendents, who would control the. inspectors ad sub-inspectors and their districts. It would only be necessary to have sub-inspectors at Napier, Wanganui, Palmerston North, Timaru, Greymouth. and Invercargill. Referring to recent promotions in the Commissioner’s office Inspector Cullen said that discontent had been created by these appointments.

In reply to a- question by Mr. Bishop as to whether any attempt had been made to bring political influence to bear upon him, Inspector Cullen said that when he was first in Auckland he was waited upon and asked to do a great many things outside of the ordinary course, but he never did these things, and these- people ceased to trouble him. He could not remember the particulars of a case in which Mr. Kettle, S.M., was stated to have directed that a man should be prosecuted for perjury, but in which the warrant was not issued for a month, with the result that the man got clear away from the country. He believed that the case had been referred to the Crown Solicitor, but he could not remember exactly, as the file of papers was now away from Auckland. The Commission has concluded its Auckland sitting, and the next sitting will be at Rotorua on Monday.