IN THE HOUSE

Hokitika Guardian, 29 November 1933, Page 5

IN THE HOUSE

RECENT N.Z.: CRIMES

ACTIVITY OF THE POLICE FORCE.

(Per Press Association; Copyright).

WELLINGTON, November 29.

In the House, of Representatives yesterday the- Hon. J. A. Young gav© notice, of . his intention to introduce the ■Sunmufr-tiini© Amendment Bill (Number Two). The Bill proposes to extend the, period of summer-time, which would then be from the' last Sunday in. September till the last Sunday in April. ; . •. ; Consideration of the estimates was resumed, and .vthb, following classes were passed: State Fire Insurance account, £34,713; Government Accident Insurance -account, £20,270;' International Affairs £320,224; Justice and Prisons! ! £250,635;. Police £435,769; Marine £102,200 ; Land and Survey £162,235. . ■ ;

Discussing ;the Polic® . ;Dqpartmenfc estimates," Mr. D. G. Sullivan (Lftb., Avon), said that' reference had been made in the Department’s annual report to the need for appointing additional detectives. He said he hoped that the lack' of men was not being allowed to contribute to the failure to detect the number of serious crimes of late.

The Hon. J. ,G. Cobbo (Minister in Chaff© of Police), replying, said that although actual arrests had not been made in connection with, a number of serious crimes recently, it should be remembered that the police had to be very sure of their ground before making an arrest. He, as Minister, had been very impressed by the work carried out, and he’ qould assure the House it was very efficient indeed. There wore, however, certain crimes that i.t was almost impossible to detect. Mr Sullivan: “How does the proportion of undetected crimes in New Zealand compare with the proportion in other countries?”..

Mr Cobbe: “More than favourably.” The House rose at midnight. £