SCOTLAND YARD INQUIRY.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 June 1928, Page 3

SCOTLAND YARD INQUIRY.

Australian Press Assn.—United Service POLICE ENQUIRY. (Received this day at. 9.30 a.m). LONDON, Juno 12. At the police inquiry, Chief Constable Wensley said his' experience of taking statements from women was that they generally did not desire the presence of a polie-womnn, when intimate questions were being asked, especially in regard to themselves. He thought it would lie an improvement if police women always were present unless the woman witness did not desire it. LONDON', June 12. At the Police Enquiry Miss Marie Egan, who introduced Sir 0. Money to Miss Savidge, gave evidence that when she heard Collins desired an interview regarding the Money case she refused to go to the local police station and insisted that the interview take place at the -Constitutional Club. Mr Collins said lie wanted the truth because he already knew everything. He had been with Miss Savidge the whole afternoon. Mr Birkett, cross-examining, asked if witness had any complaint against Collins? . Miss Egan: “My complaint is very subtle.” When he put down the statements lie gave a slightly difficult conception than I desired to convey.” Sir William Harwood questioned by the commissioner, said there were no rules to guide officers when taking a -statement regarding differentntion in various types of examination. He said : ( “I am having the general orders reviewed. I should bo. happy to follow out your suggestions if. acceptable to the Home Secretary. Lees Smith: “Do you mean there are grounds for alteration of the Harwood rules that have stood the test for nearly a century.” - Sir Archibald Bodkin gave evidence . saying the Home Secretary referred the Money case to me, pointing out if proceedings were not taken, lie must be put in a position to satisfy Parliament, there was no case for a perjury prosecution. I was clearly of the opinion that the police had committed a wilful perjury after L, had read tho shorthand notes of the Magistrate’s judgment in dismissing tho case after Money’s evidence. I also considered there was not tho slightest suggestion that the judgment of the police is mistaken. I, therefore, ordered Collins to carry put an investigation with a view to the prosecution of the officers. .1 pointed out to him two respectable people had been pounced upon on an absolutely false charge. Bodkin emphasised the supreme importance of the urgency of the matter from a public viewpoint. • The hearing was adjourned.