ELSIE WALKER CASE

Hokitika Guardian, 5 April 1929, Page 3

ELSIE WALKER CASE

COMMISSIONER’S FINDING

I I3y Telegraph, Per Press Association. J

WELLINGTON. April 4

The report of Commissioner E. Page, S. who was appointed by the lion. T. M. AVilford to inquire into the eon duct of the police in connection with the Elsie Walker murder case, completely exonerates the police from anv charges that have been levelled against them.

Commissioner Page finds that the steps and the inquiries taken by tinpoli e were prompt, thorough, and exhaustive, and he expresses the view that they were well and capably direct hV throughout, and were methodically and faitlifullv carried out.

The existing rules and instruction to the police in the manner of prosecuting their inquiries and conducting their duties are deemed to be, adequate. Mr Wilford says that the Government and people of New Zealand will find satisfaction in the report. “We must not he misled,” he says, “in '•ending the report, into saying. ‘ Yes. Imt they didn’t find the murderer!’ Mv answer to that is that it lias not been proved that Elsie Walker was murdered, nor is there proof that any particular person killed her.” In his opinion, the Commissioner’s report, not only clears the police from even the suspicion of failure, but shows them to he a zealous, capable and conscientious body of public officers, w.io have done their duty. As Minister, and on behalf of the Government, he heartily congratulates the officers concerned on their complete exoneration from any charges which may have been made against them, and oil their splendid efforts to unravel the mystery.

“It is g(foci for New Zealand,” savs tlie Minister, “ that this inquiry has been held, for it has proved, as I have always contended, that there is no finer body (if police in the world than the members ot our service here.’ Mr Wilford expressed his satisfaction with the work of Commissioner IC. Pngo, S. M. He stated that his was an example of thoroughness, adding: “Tl is concise, cogent analysis of the evidence is a monument to his ability.”