THE POLICEMAN'S BEAT

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 222, 13 June 1919, Page 3

THE POLICEMAN'S BEAT

AND THE EIGHT-HOURS DAY. Most people would have supposed that the introduction of the eight-hours day in the Police Force, a reform which had been asked for during years past, would have met with the- undivided approval of the men in the force. It appears from some remarks, nmde by tho Minister ot' Justice to a deputation of tho Public Service Association waiting upon him yesterday in regard to n number of police matters' that this is not so.

"We are trying the eight hours day in Wellington, and if it is a success here we shall bring it into force all over New Zealand," said Mr. Wilford. "But vou 'would be surprised to know the number of complaints that to me about it. Men have written to me telling me that they simply cannot inarch for eight hours on the Wellington pavemonts. I have heard of a man who lay down on the floor, too tired to get into a chair, after coming off his beats I am told that he was absolutely done."

Sergeant Lopdoll, who was present representing the force, said that he was surprised to hear what the Minister had said. Ho had thought that tho forco whs unanimous on the question.

Mr. Wilford: Oh, no, not unanimous. .Here are these statements made to me. Sergeant Londell said that at any rate he was sure that the force generally was in favour of tho change.

Mr. Wilford said that he had decided to give the thing a trial, because it seemed to him to bo the right thing.

■Sergeant Lopdell: I am suro the force will be indebted to you for the opportunity of giving it a trial.