ELSIE WALKER ENQUIRY
(By Telegraph—Press Association). AUCKLAND, February 22. The Commission of Inquiry into the conduct of the police in the Elsie Walker case opened this morning before .Air Page, S.M. AI r Currie, of the Crown Law Office, Wellington, led evidence. Chief Detective Hammond was represented bv Air Alan Moody, Inspectors Willis, Mcllveney and Eceles by Mr A. H. Johnstone. Detective-Sergeant Kelly by ,M,r G. P. Finlay, Sergeant Lambert, of Otahuhu, and Constables Collins, Pollard, Neild and Maloney by Mr L. P. Leary, Superintendent AVohlmann bv Mr Noel Johnson.
'Hie magistrate said he proposed to view the place where the car was found and possibly the locality of Papamoa, where Elsie Walker lived with her uncle, prior to her death, but he would first hear Mr Currie’s opening. Mr Currie said as far as lie could see there would be a conflict of evidence on one point only, and he would have to ask for certain explanations. Perhaps it would be better ir all witnesses were ordered out of court.
Mr Finlay said the men represented by counsel were having charges made against them, and their presence In court was necessary to instruct counsel. Mr Currie said the Commission had no disciplinary powers and its report, would have no more effect than a leading article in a newspaper. Only the police authorities could deal with policeofficers.
Mr Finlay: Then this inquiry, is futile. Air Currie: I am not here to explain that. Mr Page said he would hear Afr Currie’s opening, and then decide the point raised. Air Currie suggested, and the magistrate agreed that when the methods of the detection of crime were broached, the evidence be heard in camera, as it was undesirable that the inquiry be used to educate criminals. Air Currie said the inquiry was not as to the cause of Elsie Walker’s death or into the general organisation of the police force. Air Page said supposing the methods of organisation were found to be unsatisfactory, surely such matters should be inquired into. II an individual officer were found at fault, the matter should certainly he inquired into and made the subject of comment. Air Currie proceeded to outline the evidence he proposed to call,
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Hokitika Guardian, 22 February 1929, Page 5
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370ELSIE WALKER ENQUIRY Hokitika Guardian, 22 February 1929, Page 5
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