FAITHFUL SERVICE

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 361, 23 May 1928, Page 1

FAITHFUL SERVICE

SEN. SERGEANT LANIGAN RETIRES THIRTY-TWO YEARS WITH POLICE To-morrow Senior-Sergeant Richard Lanigan will retire from the police force, after serving the public of the Dominion for 32 years. He has been in charge of the Newton district for the last 10 years and has performed his duties without fear or favour. Senior-Sergeant Lanigan was born in Kilkenny, Ireland, in August, 1863. At the age of 21 he went to Lancashire, England, where he married. Nine years later he decided to break with the Old Country and settle in New Zealand, which at that time was considered a great field for the young man with plenty of energy. Mr. Lanigan, as he was then, set sail on the Rimutaka and landed in New Zealand in 1893. After two years of

various adventure he joined the artillery in Wellington. His instructor was Gunner Richardson, now Sir George Richardson, who recently relinquished the post of Administrator of the Mandated Territory of Samoa. In those days there was no chance of any man joining the police force unless he had served for some time with the artillery. In 11 months from the time he joined Senior-Sergeant Lanigan had graduated to the force. That was in Wanganui in 1596. During his stay in Wanganui Mr. Lanigan became a member of the Union Boating Club and a number of trophies and medals is proof of his ability as an oarsman. In IS9S Senior-Sergeant Lanigan was transferred to Auckland and was stationed on the wharves, where he was kept very busy. At that time the Auckland Police Station was at the corner of High and Chancery Streets. From the wharves the Senior-Sergeant was transferred to the watchhouse, then to a position in the,district office and later io the position of court orderly. In January, 1900. he went to Papakura. Ten years later he was promoted sergeant and took over duty in Auckland as a section sergeant. In 19IS, after being in charge of the Parnell Station, he was promoted to his present position—senior-sergeant in charge of the Newton district —which he will relinquish to-morrow. Senior-Sergeant Lanigan is a keen bowler and at present plays at the Grey Lynn Club’s green. After his retirement he will live at Point Cheyalieir# '**