POLICE NOT ABLE TO WORK 40-HOUR WEEK

Chronicle (Levin), 14 May 1946, Page 3

POLICE NOT ABLE TO WORK 40-HOUR WEEK

-Press Association

Bv Telearavh-

CHRISTCHURCH, May 13. "IL is impossible for the Foliee Foree Lo work a 40-liour week at present," said the Cominissioner of Police, Mr. J. Cummings, when replying to a questiou today about recent negotiatiqns by members of the Foree foi a reduetion ot the existing 45 -hour week. j\lr. Cummings said that a reduetion of working hours- was not likely. "We are in the Foree to pay service to the publie who must be eousidereu flrst and f'oremost, ' ' said Mr. Cummings. Asked whe'ther it was true that the Poliee Foree was the only Government dexjartment at present working more than a 44-liour week, the Cominissioner said that was not so. He added that the working eonditions for policeineri •were very good today, particularly with regard to pay which had never been better. -The Police Foree was being enlarged to cope with expanding operations, said Mr. Cummings and there was plentv of seope for voung, energetic and eftieient young men desiring to join the Foree. The tendeney was to give more opportunities than ever to vounger men as shown by a memorandum just issued declaring that a eonstable was eligible for promotion to sergeant after thirteen vears' service instead of up to nineteen years ' service previously.