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Constable McGrath. Charge. —lmproperly remaining at the Nelson Police-station from 12.30 a.m. till 1.20 a.m. 15th instant while he should have been on duty. Finding. —Although it was the constable's duty to visit the police-station from time to time, I am of opinion that, although he might not have been on the station quite so long as named in the charge, and about which the Inspector was not very clear, still he remained longer on this occasion than was necessary for him to look round the place and sign the visiting-book, and under these circumstances I reprimand him and caution him not to remain so long in future. J. B. Tunbridge, Commissioner of Police.

Charge against Constable McGrath. Ewen Macdonell, Inspector, states :— 14th March, 1902. On night of 14th ultimo I placed myself in the vicinity of the police-station at Nelson. I took up my position some time before 11 p.m. Constable McGrath entered the station a few minutes after 11 p.m., and left again almost immediately. About 12.30 a.m., 15th ultimo, Constables McGrath and Burrell entered the police-station by the front door. I was not sufficiently near to see who the men were that entered. I then went closer to the door and continued to watch. No one entered or left the station by the front entrance until about 1.20 a.m., when Constable McGrath came out. I was then standing at the gate, about 8 yards from the front door. I called to him, and he turned to me. As soon as he recognised me he said in rather a loud tone of voice, " Good night, sir." I asked him where his mate was, and he said he was inside. I then went inside the station, and returned to the front passage a few minutes later. I called the constable into the station, and he came in and opened the men's sleeping-room door for me. I then left the station, and after seeing Constable Burrell leave the station proceeded to my hotel, Constable McGrath accompanying me to the hotel to, if necessary, show me the way to the back entrance. From the police-station to the hotel we walked at an ordinary slow pace, and at the most I do not think it took me more than six or seven minutes. I went up to my room immediately I got into the hotel, and then looked at my watch, and to the best of my recollection it was then 1.40 a.m. I made no note of the time at that period. It was 1.20 a.m. by the clock in the police-station when I was in the police-station ; Constable Burrell called my attention to the time. Examined by Constable McGrath.] I could not say it was you and Constable Burrell whom I saw enter the station about 12.30 a.m. I remained watching until you came out. I did not enter the station earlier because I wished to see how long you would remain, and I should not then have shown myself had I not been under the impression the other man was also about to come out. Questioned by Commissioner.] I did not tell either Constable McGrath or Constable Burrell that they would be placed on the report for being inside the station from 12.30 till 1.20 a.m. I directed each one to report in the morning why they had been in the station while they should have been outside on duty, but Ido not think I mentioned the period. At that time I had not made up my mind whether I would deal with them myself or submit the matter to the Commissioner. E. Macdonell, Inspector. Defence. Patrick McGrath, constable, stationed at Nelson, states :— I made a report in answer to this complaint by direction of the Inspector on 15th ultimo. The report now shown to me is the one I made. I tender that as evidence. What is stated therein is quite true. [Eeport annexed.] Police-station, Nelson, 15th February, 1902. Eeport of Constable P. McGrath, No. 505, re Constable Burrell leaving No. 2 beat on night duty and coming to the Police-station for supper : — I respectfully report that about 12.30 a.m. I visited the station, remaining a few minutes to have a look around. When Constable Burrell came to the station he informed me that he came to have supper. I replied, "Do not be long; get on your beat." I met Inspector Macdonell in John Street. The Inspector asked me what the other constable was doing in the station. I replied, " Having a cup of tea." The Inspector went into the station, and found Constable Burrell having his supper. On the previous night Constable Burrell also came in for supper, but did not remain long; went on his beat again. Patrick McGrath, Constable, No. 505. The Officer in Charge, Police-station, Nelson. I have nothing more to add, but desire to call Constable Burrell on my behalf. Examined by Inspector Macdonell.] I signed the watch-house book that morning at 10 o'clock. I left the station with you and went to the hotel. It was before 1 a.m. when I left the station. After seeing you to the hotel I returned quickly to the station and signed the book, making it 1 a.m. instead of 1.30 a.m. Patrick McGrath, Constable. Arthur Burrell, constable, stationed at Nelson, states: — Examined by Constable McGrath.] I remember the morning of the 15th ultimo. I went to the police-station that morning. I entered by myself. You were in the station when I arrived. It was about 12.30 a.m. or a little later. You remained in the station about five minutes, as near as I can recollect. I saw you afterwards speaking to the Inspector in front of the station. [No cross-examination.] By Commissioner.] I remember the time because the Inspector came in and fixed it on my memory. Arthur Burrell, Constable No. 912.

New Zealand.—Police Department. From Inspector Macdoneil, Grey. ■ Eeceived 26/2/02. Subject: Complaints against Constables Burrell and McGrath, &o.