THE LOCAL CONSTABLE

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 9 October 1914, Page 4

THE LOCAL CONSTABLE

Detective Hollis, who was down here during last week taking evidence in connection with a petition signed by a number and Justices of the Peace of Helensville, alleging that Constable Driscoll had lost the confidence of the public, concluded his duties on behalf of the Justice Department on Saturday. The petition asked for the constable's removal, but according to a resolution (see Town Board report) by the members of the new Town Board, who must be credited with being the representatives of the people, Mr Driscoll is an "honest, impartial, and capable officer." How it came about otherwise, we are unable to say, suffice that during his term as official guardian of the peace, now about six years, has had many unpleasant duties to perform, amongst others, two murder cases, several robberies, etc., which have all redounded at the conclusion to his credit; while there are numbers of people who state that the welfare of the town has been much better looked after than formerly, when stray cattle, unlighted vehicles, and furious riding and driving were rampant. He is indeed an extraordinarily smart constable and clerk of court in charge of a thriving town such as Helensyille who could " please " everybody. Why it is but a few months ago some of the signatory to the " removal petition " asked the Minister for Justice (by deputation here) that Constable Driscoll be relieved of his onerous duties as clerk of the court, when Hon. Mr Fisher replied that he would endeavour to, have "an EXTRA constable " appointed.