POLICE COMMISSION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1508, 17 July 1905, Page 2

POLICE COMMISSION.

(Per Press ’Asgaoia.ti’on.) Dunedin, Saturday. At the Police Commission, Inspector O’Brien said his duties were such that he could not give the personal supervision required. That also applied to the subinspector. A station sergeant should bo appointed to relieve the sub-inspeotor of certain duties, such as the principal part of Court work, and also clerical work. Witness would like to be relieved of certain offico and clerical work. The Inspector and Chief Detective Herbert both said it was highly improbable that thieving was going on by the police in other parts, as stated by McDonald. The chief detective said McDonald never at any of the interviews with him hinted that thieving was' going on in other parts. They had reason' to disbelieve tho statements made by McDonald. Constsble O’Connell said it waswell known among his comrades in Christchurch that McDonald was mixed up in a case of theft from a fruit shop in Chrietchurch. \ Dunedin, last night. Before the Police Commission Inspector O’Brien gave evidence on various points in connection with tho working of the station. As regards the size of the beats he recog--nisod that they were too large, but it was

no use reducing them unless there was an' additional sergeant. Ho had always discouraged sterotyped visits by sergeants. In reply to a question as to whether all those connected with thefts were now out of the force, witness said that beyond the statements of the convicted men he beliGved they were, but if these statements were to bo believed there were still dis honest men left.

Chief Detective Horbert gave ovidence, in which he said he thought what induced Moses to make a statement was that he was smarting under a wrong through the public belief that he was the cause of the downfall of tho other men. They were satisfied now that Mobbs was not the leader.

Constable Hunt, who had been over nine years in Oamaru, said there was not the slightest suspicion that thieving was going on os suggested by McDouald. Constable complained of his being removed from being acting detective and transferred to Dunedin. His daughter having married he shouted for his comrades in Christchurch, when the subinspcctor came and told him that he had been drinking. He said he had, as his daughter ’had just been married. Ho brought five witnesses to prove there was no sign of drink on him. Witness had been in Christchurch for sis years, and only heard of two cases of theft. One constable was sentenced to sis months, and McDonald had been mixed up with the other case (theft from a fruit shop). It never came before the Court.

The Commissioners intimated that they would go over the beats’ou Monday.