Our New Commissioner of Police.

Manawatu Herald, 4 September 1897, Page 2

Our New Commissioner of Police.

Noticing a brief paragraph in the daily press the other day stating that ex-Inspector Tunbridge, of Scotland Yard, had been appointed Chief Commissioner of Police in New Zealand, I questioned the Hon. W. P. Beeves, whom I met in the corridor of the Hotel Cecil, as to the truth of the statement. " Yes." said he, " the appointment has been made as a result of the Premier's visit." I went in to see Mr Seddon a few minutes later, and, being primed, was in a position to ask a few question on the subject. " Can you tell me anything about the appointment of ex-Inspector Tunbridge to the positiou of Chief Commissioner of Police in the colony," said I. The Hon. Mr Seddon looked up with a perfectly vacant expression, and replied, " I know nothing about the matter." Here was a stone wall, and I could go no further, but I could not help speculating on whether

I would have had the same answer had the hon. gentleman known exactly what information I was possessed of. However, this ib preamble. The appointment has Just been made, and the salary is to be, t understand, £550 a year, rising to £850. Mr Tunbridge should from all accounts excellently fill the position he has been chosen for, and those acquainted with his skill as a detective and his ability in the executive department predict for him in his sphere of labour a great amount of sucess. Up till about two years ago Mr Tunbridge was one of the beat-known police officers in the metropolis. During the many years he was attached to Scotland Yard, in exposing frauds and bring to justice desperate criminals he had few if any equals. It was to his efforts mainly that conviction was obtained against that notorions poisoner Dr. Neil Cream. Since he retired from the' Metropolitan Police on a full pension about two years ago he has been engaged principally in building operations at Hythe, where he has capital invested. Mr Tunbridge will leave shortly for the colony to assume the duties of his office. - Post's London correspondent.