KEEPERS OF THE KING'S PEACE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 4, Issue 171, 22 October 1941, Page 4

KEEPERS OF THE KING'S PEACE

THE cDnclusion of the notorious Westland man-hunt brings very forcibly to mind the vital work which is performed by that force of men dedicated to the maintenance of law and order—the police. As a result of the episode four members of the force lost their lives in the prosecution of their duty. Many others taking their lives in their hands scouted the fugitive knowing full well that he would shoot on sight and without distinction. The Police organisation was instituted byvSir Robert Peel, the great statesman reformer. SSnce his day the force has been copied. more or less by every other country in the world. The English Bobby is celebrated for his courtesy and his intelligence and throughout the Empire the pattern has been closely followed. New Zealand's police have often earned high praise for their efficiency. Their work has become so much a part of our communal life that it is largely taken for granted and it requires a tragedy such as that which took place on the West Coast to remind the population of its value, the high moral code which is required of members of the force and the life of sacrifice which the average officer is expected to lead in order that the community may go about its normal life without fear of lawlessness or corruption.