POLICE OFFICER RETIRES.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 223, 20 September 1928, Page 5

POLICE OFFICER RETIRES.

■ SERGT. ROCK, OF OTEWMARKBI EULOGIES AND PRESENTATION. The retirement of Sergeant J. Rock who has been in charge of the New market police district for some years was made the occasion yesterday of s valedictory function in the Newmarkei Borough Council Chambers. The Mayer Mr. S. Donaldson, presided over a repre aentativc gathering of business raei and citizens, and prominent polic; officials. Sergeant Rock is retiring owing to ill-health. Mr. Donaldson, in his opening remarks said that Sergeant Rock, by his courtesj and sense of fairness, had earned the respect of the citizens of Newmarkei and had shown that a policeman can d< his duty and still retain the respect anc affection of the members of the com munity. Commissioner W. B. Mcllveney saic it was with mixed feelings that he wai present that day to bid good-bye to on< of the most honoured sergeants in thi New Zealand Police Force. The occasioi had both a pleasurable and sorrowfu aspect—pleasure at being permitted t» hear the appreciation of those who hat been associated with Sergeant Rock anc regret that he was losing such a value< member of his staff. The thirty year; or so that Sergeant Rock had been ii the service had been spent mostly ii the Auckland province. Mr. McDvcnej said he regarded Sergeant Rock as J man who was both sympathetic anc just. The deputy-Mayor of Newmarket, Mr G. E. Smerdon, referred to the tolcran spirit of the police of the district uncle: Sergeant Rock. Speaking on behalf o: the business people he commended Ser geant Hock for the comparative absenci of serious crime in Newmarket. Hi thought it was due to the efficiency oi the police that Newmarket had beei so free from cases of robbery anc assault. Superintendent W. G. Wohlmann anc Inspector J. W. Hollis also paid tribut; to the many good qualities of Sergsam Rock. On behalf of the citizens the Mayoi presented Mrs. Rock with a flower anc fruit epergne and silver tray and tet and coffee service. Sergeant Rock wai presented with a wallet containing t sum of money. In returning thanks, Sergeant Rock said he was proud to feel that his ser vice had been satisfactory. The absence of crime in Newmarket was a compli ment to the citizens and to the zeal 01 his staff. The proceedings terminatec with cheers for Sergeant and Mrs. Rock The gift of the flower epergne was peculiarly appropriate, Sergeant Rock's hobby being the growing of roses. His rose garden adjacent to the police statior on Remuera Road has annually been ih< subject of much admiration and favour able comment. Even Commissioner Mc Ilveney could not refrain from referrin: to Sergeant Rock's hobby.