I.—4a

48

Sergeant Frase.

3rd Oct., 1878

Mr.A. L.Sutton.

4th Oct., 1878,

1343. The Chairman] What was done with the case when this document came down from Dr. Hector ? —The document was laid on Atchison's table. He has seen it. 1344. AVhat did he do about it ? —He gave verbal orders to Smith to inform Farrell of it. lam almost sure Farrell was informed of it. 1345. Is it customary, when these documents come in, to give them into the officer's hands, without the Inspector first putting a minute on them ?—Tes. 1346. Now, in this document is a case from Christchurch : a warrant is forwarded for execution. What has been done in that?—lt was given to Farrell and Constable Smart. I may explain that some time previously to our receiving this w re received a telegram from Mr. Broham, asking us if we could find out the whereabouts of this man. Constable Smart, who was acting in Farrell's place, succeeded in finding the whereabouts of the man. Information was sent to Mr. Broham, and then this warrant came up ; but in the meantime the man had gone. He was working at the gas works, but seemed to suspect something, for he went away. Search was made, and this morning Smart reports that the man is at present in Blenheim. We will forward this document on to Blenheim as soon as we can get it into our possession again. 1347. There is nothing of all that on these papers ? —No. 1348. Do the documents pass through different officers' hands without there being any record of their having been through their hands ? —Tes. 1349. Mr. Barton] Now, here is a matter from the police at Sydney. It passes through Colonel Reader's hands on 20th September, through Mr. Sherman's on 21st, when it is sent to the officer in charge of the Wellington District. Is there any memorandum on that to show that it has received any attention from Mr. Atchison ? —No ; but it has been inquired into, and is entered up in the occurence book at the station. 1350. AVho keeps that. Tou ?—No ; a man named Ellison. 1351. Then you are speaking of an entry you have not seen ? —Tes. 1352. Tou suppose the entry must have been made by somebody ?—Tes. 1353. How does it happen that these papers still remain on the Superintendent's table when done with, as you say?— All papers always remain on the table. 1354. AVhether done with or not ? —Till we know the inquiries are complete, and then the papers aro returned to the person who sent them. 1355. This case from Sydney which was sent on to you by Colonel Reader: Of course a report ought to be made to him ? —Tes. 1356. Was a report made to him? —No; the papers are generally kept until inquiries are made. I may add that, as a rule, we have always been successful in being able to get evidence. Tery few offenders escape, aud most inquiries referred to us are satisfied, even if our system is not so very good. 1357. Are matters improved by a detective being engaged in serving summonses when these important matters are laid aside ? —AVe got on very well even before Farrell came here. 1355. Mr. Swanson] I think you stated that sometimes you went to the Pier Hotel to see the Inspector ? —Tes. 1359. Do you know what the rules of the service are with reference to Inspectors going to publichouses ? —I believe it is a rule that no member of the police force should frequent publichouses. But that is a rule more honored in the breach than in the observance. I have gone to publichouses myself, and, while I remain in tho force, I shall please myself upon that matter. 1360. Tou do not pay any attention to that rule ?-—No. 1361. Tou do not think the Inspector should obey the rules ? —He must answer for himself. 1362. The Inspector ought to set a good example to those under him?—l think he does. 1363. Pule 176 says that the Inspector must not himself frequent publichouses, nor allow his subordinates to do so : in fact, he will best consult his character and self-respect by never even entering them, except it becomes necessary in the performance of his duty. What do you say to that—that it is more honored in the breach than in the observance ?—Tes. 1364. Do you think so still ?—Tes; it is the case all over the colony.

Friday, 4th October, 1878. Alfred Llewelyn Sutton, being duly sworn, was examined. 1365. Tou have somethiug to do with the Foresters ? —I am Secretary to Court Robin Hood No. 4428. 1366. Did you succeed a Secretary named Quinn ?—Tes. 1367. Do you remember the circumstances under which he ceased to be Secretary ?—He did not give satisfaction to the Court. 1368. How is it he did not give satisfaction to .the Couat ? —I should like to be satisfied whether I am entitled to divulge anything tlrat takes place in the Court. The obligation one takes on joining is that he will not divulge anything in connection with the affairs of the Lodge. 1369. Mr. Swanson] That is, the secrets of the Order and the business of the Court. 1370. The Chairman] Supposing there would be embezzlement of the funds, do you mean to say you would object to give information in order that the person embezzling the funds might be prosecuted ? —AVell, that is a question. I should like Mr. Fox to tell me what I ought to do. He is a member of a similar society. 1371. AVell, we must get at the truth, and I will put the question point blank to you; then you will see whether you can answer it. AVere the accounts of Morton Quinn correct or incorrect ?—They appeared to be correct, until I went into them. But then we found that they were anything but correct. 1372. Was there a deficit ?—Tes.