The Death of Herbert Mullins.

Manawatu Herald, 3 August 1895, Page 3

The Death of Herbert Mullins.

♦ — In the House on Wednesday Mr Buchanan asked the Minister of Jus tice whether he will cause inquiry to be made by some qualified official into Ihe circumstances attending tup death by drowning in the Manawatu River on 12th April last of ihe boy called Herbert Mullins, with a view to proceedings being taken in due course of law by the police, if it appears such circumstances disclose matters requiring judicial investiga tion. Hon. Mr Reeves replied that Mr Mullins had asked the Colonial Sec- I retary for an investigation, but from \ the report of Sergeant Slattery it | appeared that the evidence of the boys most concerned proved nothing cou'd be done in the matter. However, he was quite willing, if the father desired it, to hold another inquiry. On a motion for adjournment, Mr Buchanan emphasised the necessity for inquiry, and urged that general dissatisfaction was expressed in the district at the inaction ot the police. Mr Pirani explained rthtft the member for Wairarapa had kindly taken the matter up at the request of Mr Mullins with the consent of himself (Mr Pirani) owing to the latter's illness, and there was no doubt if ever a question for searching investigation existed this was one. He detailed the circumstances, and urged the Minister of Justice to have a thorough inquiry, pointing out the excellent character the lad held and the strong testimony of his school- 1 mates to his kindly disposition. , The Minister of Justice said the department had never refused further inquiry, but in response to a request for an inquest, had explained that none could be held without the production of the body. He would promise that thorough investigation would be made into the matter. The Premier said he knew of no reason for further inquiry into Mul lino' case, and it appeared ihe member for Palmerston merely wanted an excuse to abuse the police. He could not think our New Zealand boys would do such a thing as stated, and he could not understand the member for Palmerston asking that the boys in question should be arrested. Mr Wilson said he could speak from personal knowledge of the dissatisfaction of the people of Palmerston with the police, and a change was needed in that respect. The Premier was not correct in attributing the statement to Mr Pirani that he wanted the boys arrested. Mr Pirani had said that if the alleged facts were proved then the boys should be arrested, which was a very different thing. Mr Bell strongly urged fresh in* quiry, pointing out that the statements of the member for Palmerston fully justified action being taken. — Standard,