POLICE OFFICER DISRATED

Hokitika Guardian, 28 September 1927, Page 2

POLICE OFFICER DISRATED

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association,

CHRISTCHURCH, Sept. 27

■ Senior-Sergeant I. 11. Alathieson has been disrated to constable and transferred from Ashburton to the North Island, for alleged breaches of the police regulations. In consequence, business men of Ashburton have circulated a petition, which they will forward to the Alinister for Justice, the Hon. Air R-olleston, asking for a review of the sentence.

The Ashburton Borough Council passed a resolution in support of the petition last evening. The matter was introduced by the Mayor. Mr R. Galbraith, who said a large section of the community considered the punishment was too severe, and a very largely signed petition had been circulated, with a view to a deputation waiting on the Minister for Justice, praying for a review of the sentence. The petition had been signed by all the influential men of the town. The Mayor said he thought perhaps the Council would like to pass a resolution. He also had in mind the calling of a public meeting. The Mayor then road a letter written to the promoters of the petition by Hon Mr Nos worthy, the Member for the Ashburton district, which was as follows: “I am in receipt of your letter asking that a deputation to the Minister lor Justice he arranged, with a view to presenting to him a petition praying for a review of the sentence of disratement passed on Senior-Sergeant Mnthieson recentlv. I have discussed tie matter with the Hon Mr Rolleston. and he informs me that he has given his decision, and does not feel disposed to reopen the question. In view of the Minister’s attitude, therefore, T am unable to do anything in the way of arranging for the deputation to wait upon him.” Tn the petition was set out the six charges against Senior Sergeant Mntbieson The notitioners claimed: (1) That the punishment is too severe and out of proportion to the offence committed; (2) that the circumstances under which the charges were brought about should lie taken into consideration ; (3) that the decisions of the Appeal Board do not warrant the severe punishment inflicted. After a short discussion, the following motion, moved by the Mayor and seconded by Or IV. H. Woods, was

earned: “That this Council, in supporting the prayer of the petitioners, views with concern tlie severe punishment inflicted on Senior-Sergeant Mathieson for breaches of the police regulations, and from the knowledge of the circumstances which led to the charges preferred against him. and from the nature of the charges, is strongly of the opinion that the punishment is out of all proportion to the charges sustained against him and respectfully requests that the Minister for Justice may review his decision.”