TRIBUNAL AT VARIANCE

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 404, 12 July 1928, Page 9

TRIBUNAL AT VARIANCE

SCOTLAND YARD INQUIRY TWO REPORTS PRESENTED CONFLICT OF EVIDENCE (United P.A.—By Telegraph — Copyright) (Australian P.A.—United Service) LONDON, Wednesday. The judicial tribunal which inqured into the conduct of the police in their interrogation of Miss Irene Savidge, in connection with the charge against her and Sir Leo Chiozza Money, lias stated its findings in two lengthy reports. The tribunal consisted of Sir John Eldon Bankes, who recently retired from his position as a Lord Justice of the Court of Appeal, Mr. J. J. Withers, Conservative member of the House of Commons for Cambridge University, a Fellow' of St. Catharine’s College, and a solicitor by profession, and Mr. H. B. Lees Smith, Labour member for Keighley. The majority report is signed by Sir John Bankes and Mr. Withers. T|ju minority report is signed by Mr. Lees Smith. They have been presented to the Home Secretary, Sir William J oynson-Hicks. CREDIBILITY OF WITNESSES

It is stated that the difference of opinion reflected by the conclusions reached in the two reports proceeds from the acceptance by one side and the rejection by the other of the police evidence on disputed points in the case. The conflict of evidence presented the greatest difficulties that were encountered by the commissioners. The reports indicate clearly that the commissioners are still divided on the question of credibility. It is understood that the majority report accepts without qualification the police declaration that the alleged improper questions were not put to Miss Savidge at Scotland Yard, and that the alleged demonstration did not take place. POLICE CENSURED It is stated that the minority report challenges the basic conclusions of the majority report, in that the former rejects the police version in the evidence on disputed matters. The minority report criticises and censures the police with respect to certain aspects of the case, and comments on the extent to which the issue of the liberty of the subject is raised by the whole episode. It suggests that there are many matters connected witli the administration of the police force which urgently demand grave attention by the authorities. It is understood that the majority report, while accepting the police version, makes suggestions for a modification of the existing practice where statements are required by the police from witnesses whose personal characters might be involved.

AMAZING POSITION SLUMP IN LONDON ARRESTS LONDON, July 4. The Savidge case has produced an amazing position throughout London. There has been an extraordinary slump in the number of arrests for street offences, illegal betting, traffic offences and similar charges. Constables are afraid to make an arrest unless they secure an independent witness, ow r ing to the fear of being accused of perjury. There have been no arrests in Hyde Park for “Hyde Park offences” for two months, which is unparalleled. The Home Secretary, Sir William Joynson-Hicks, says the situation is causing him the gravest anxiety. The suggestion had been made that the police should leave Hyde Park alone, but he could not allow that, as it would be a disgrace to civilisation in a fortnight.