PRESENTATION TO MR. J. CULLEN

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2956, 20 December 1916, Page 6

PRESENTATION TO MR. J. CULLEN

.—- $ EX-COMMISSIONER OF POLICE. At the Lambton Quay Police Station yesterday morning a i large number of officers and men of the Police Force met to present a token of appreciation to Mr. John Cullen, 1.5.0., ex-Commis-sioner of Police; who. recently retired: on superannuation. In calling upon the Hon. A. L. Herdman to make the presentation, Commissioner O'Donovan ■ explained that it had been decided that the present should talis the form of a substantial cheque. Ho to the splendid work of the ex-Commissioner, and read a letter from Inspector "Wilson, of Wanganui, expressing the opinion that Mr. Cullen was the best Commissioner the Force had evfer had. The Hon.' A. L. Herdman regretted that one who had served 1 so long as Mr. Oullen should have severed his connection with the Force. His services and knowledge had been indispensable to the Government. The Minister made reference to the fine training Mr. Cullen had no doubt received in the Irish Constabulary, in which body his police career had commenced. During Mr. Cullen's term of office, the Force,, generally speaking, had been stiffened up. In handing Mr. Cullen the token of Force's esteem, the speaker wished him, his wife, and his family health and prosperity. "You retire from the Police Force," he said, "with the thanks of the Government, having performed your duties faithfully .and well." Mr. Cullen replied that it was a great pleasure to know that his services had been appreciated. Ho spoke in terms of praise of the Force as a whole, and said he believed that the men in New Zealand were moro intelligent and resourceful and showed more initiative than the Metropolitan Polico. The Force was, however, only in its infancy, and the mon should strive to gain still greater efficiency. He thanked the Hon. A. L. Herdman, Commissioner O'Donovan, and tho others prosent for their kindness, and concluded by wishing them tho complimonts of the season.