A NEW ROLE

Hokitika Guardian, 10 April 1929, Page 2

A NEW ROLE

SUCCESS IN FIRST CASE,

AUCKLAND, April 8,

To discard the blue uniform of a constable on March 31 and assume the responsibilities and dignity of a solicitor on April ] was the experience of Mr Alan Smyth, of Auckland. Only a few days ago lie was known merely as P.C. 180, but now he is Air Alan Smyth, solicitor, Grey Buildings, Courthouse Lane. He handed in his uniform, shako, handcuffs and baton and replaced them with the gown and brass plate of a solicitor. Not long ago Air Smyth, when he came to the Police Court to explain to the Magistrate why he had arrested a wrongdoer used to lean against a wall waiting fur his case to lie called. On Sat-

urday morning last, when he made his first appearance in his new role, h<> was sealed in the legal benches in front of his old colleagues in blue. In appearing for a young man charged with theft Auckland’s newest solicitor did quite well, too. There was a smile on his lace when his first client, instead of being sent to gaol, was admitted to probation. Born at (lore twenty-eight years ago Air Smyth went to the (lore and Alataura primary schools, and was later educated at the Core High School. Le aving that school ho worked in the [public. Trust Office at Invercargill but did not like the work and found employment on road contracts in Canterbury district. lie joined the police force in 1921, being stationed at Wellington for fifteen months. A transfer to the detective office aL Invercargill followed. About eighteen months ago Air Smyth came up lo Auckland on

transfer and was posted to the detective office here.

Air Smyth commenced his studies for the law in 1921 and worked hard all the time he was in the police force. He completed his examinations in 1927 and was admitted as a solicitor last December.

Several members of the lori’e have already succeeded in gaining solicitors credentials. At the present time Sergeant John Gallagher, of the ( oinmissioner’s office, Wellington, is a fullfledged solicitor, while some years ago Sergeant, Dart, who was instructor at ifie police training barracks. Wellington. and later in charge el the Aletnveu (Canterbury) station, left the force and set up in the legal profession. The late Air .John O' Donovan, who was Commissioner o! Police for some years, was another who was a solicitor of the Supreme Court.