THE POLICE FORCE.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1724, 15 April 1913, Page 6

THE POLICE FORCE.

—_ . THEIR ASSOCIATION. AND REASONS FOR FORMING IT. (Br Teleeraph—Pross Association.) ; Auckland, April'l4. - A\"lieii tho matter ol tlie new Police Association was mentioned to iiuperm-' tuiiuent -Mitchell, who is ill command of the Auckland police district, ho tne action of 1110 men concerned cams' as a complete surprise to Jnm. Mo stated that means were provided- by which men who liad grievances could bring them under the. notices of officers of tho Department, and have them investigated. Tho superintendent-could understand tho desire on-the' partfof tho men to use outside means if tliey failed to get redress lor 'real grievances through' tho official channels provided. ' Personally, however, he was not aware of such grievances. Tho action ; of tho men, in forming, an association, was a breach of the regulations. • A statement dealing with the reasons for forming >a . Police- Association was handed to a "Herald" representative by an officer of the association yesterday, lii opening, the statement deals with the remarks of Superintendent Mitchell to the effect that the men have ample means for ventilating their grievances, and then goes on to state that, when the Hon. A. L. Herdman (Minister for Justice) was in Auckland ho said that all men with grievances could see him at the'-police office. A number of constables presented themselves at the office, but were informed that tho Minister hail not much time, but would see them again. The men had not been called upon to present themselves again, and hence (the statement says) tho present formation of an association. An instanco of . alleged bullying on the part of a sergeant is included in the statement, and also a case of alleged unfairness. Referring to what was considered unfair promotion, tho following cases were given.—A mail with six weeks service was admitted into tho Commissioner's office, being .promoted over the heads of men with many years' service. Another cunstitble, with seven weeks' service, was ap]K)inlcd to the position of mounted eon-' slablo, although men of far longer service and proved uhility had applied for tho position. The statement also refers to (lie qu?stion of wages, which arc claimed to lw very low for the work to l;o performed and the hours worked. No overtime was paid, and-the men only got. one Sunday off in five. The question of having to put in extra time at. Court, after an arrest' white 011 night duty, is also dealt with at length; It is stated that there had been instances of a constable having to spend the following day at Court. It. is stated that the men fully recognise that many hardships are inseparable from their work, but they contend that the pay is not commensurate with work which tlioy have to perform. A policeman Earning Ss. a day had to pay <£3 n month for his mess, 10«. a month for washing, buy his own floor polish, provide bedclothes, nny for tho making up of his uniform (.£2 10s. a year) and provide boots and pav for upkeeo (a fieavy item). It is said that all other police forces in the British Empire nre supplied with two suits of clothing free p»r vear. The statement concludes as follows:— This accumulation of what we believe anyone will concede to he undoubted griev-' ances is what has instigated tho police force of this town lo t;ikn the steps liiey liave in forming tlio ; Polire Association, and our uiotto is "Sfai'ul firm,"