POLICE COMMISSION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1513, 22 July 1905, Page 2

POLICE COMMISSION.

(Per, Pres;-; Association.)

Christchurch, last night. The Police Commission opened its sittings to-day. Inspector GiLUs, Christchurch, said the strength of the police force in the city was five sergeants, 37 constables,five detectives and one matroD. The bents in the city wore eleven. The men went out at nine p.m., and were on duty till five in the morning. The- sergeants were instructed to visit each constable at least three times and to pay as many surprise visits as possible. The system of giving charge of Court eases to the sub-inspector andmhief detective in their several branchei®bad worked well. The witness thought the subinspector had too much to do and uot enough time to inspect stations. The duty of station sergeants might well be extended to relieve the sub-inspeotor. Eighteen menths ago the bßats had hoen shortened in consequence of complaints. The city was insufiiciently staffed, and he thought ten mere constables were wanted. He had heard a hint that McDonald while in Christchuroh had been guilty of stealing fruit from a shop, but made inquiries and found that tho story was absolutely untrue. He never heard any other charge of theft against the force. Both the sergeants and constables were doing their duty well, and were anxious to do it. Sub-Inspector Dwyer corroborated Inspector Gillies’ evidence, but said it was true that McDonald was oaught stealing fruit in Christchuroh and had to pay for it. Tbe evidence of both officers was lengthy. Rater. —Sergeant Donovan, in charge of the night seotion of Dunedin from January of 1904 to Juno of 1805 affirmed it was untrue that he bad visited constables on beat at appointed times. Ho had brought under the notice of Inspector O’Brien broaching and stealing of grog plaoea in the lockup and police stables, but no inquiry was held. He had also told the lospector that a certain constable possessed a bunoh of keys with which he was supposed to be entering stores. The Commission adjourned to tboNorth Island.