THE HOUSE.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1526, 23 August 1912, Page 6

THE HOUSE.

CRIME IN AUCKLAND. STATEMENT BY THE HON. A. L. HEEDMAN. The Houso of Representatives met al 2.30 p.m. Mr. A. JI. MYERS (Auckland East) quoted from an article in the "New Zealand Herald" on August 20, stating that the increase in crime commented upon by J udgo Cooper was due to insufficient police supervision, and that the force was not only numerically inadequate, but that "political influence has notoriously foisted into the force men who are below the high standard of intelligence and reliability ordinarily and properly lequired of police recruits." Mr. .Myers said that these statements formed a very serious allegation against, the Justice Department, and as the matter was one of grave public importance, ho asked the Minister if he intended to mako inqniry into this direct charge against the administration of his Department, If the "Herald's" statements were correct, steps shoulcf be taken to remedy the condition which was d-escribed. The. MINISTER I'OR. JUSTICE (Mr. A. L. Herd man) said that it was ridiculous to suggest that the present Government was in any way responsible for the condition, which it was slated obtained in Auckland. If there had been any political activity displayed in connection with

the manning of the police force, if any political influence had been brought to bear in regard to appointments and promotions, it had not occurred since he had charge of the Department. Mr. Myers: I never said it did. Mr. Herdman: That should l;o made clenr. These statements deserve serious consideration, and I- shall have the matter looked into at once with a view to teeing whether the statements are accurate, And, if so, whether anything can be done to remedy the state of affairs. Regarding the increase in crime in the Auckland district, Jlr. Hcrdniali suggested that this was in a measure due to the rapid increase of the population of the city and district during the past three years. Another circumstance that should bo taken into consideration was that Auckland was in close touch with Sydney, and lie understood that criminals migrating from Australia made Auckland their first call. Mr. Myers: Owing to its many attractions. Jlr. Herdman. The Queen City of the north 110 doubt has attractions' for tile enterprising burglar. The Minister said ho would call the attention of the head of the police force to the article, ami ask him to make inquiries at once. As soon as a report was made, he would make a, statement to the House.