THIRTY YEARS’ SERVICE

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 716, 16 July 1929, Page 8

THIRTY YEARS’ SERVICE

POLICEMAN RETIRES SERGEANT P. J. BROWN After 34 years’ service with the Government, 31 years of which he has been a member of the police force. Sergeant Philip Joseph Brown, of Devonport, is about to retire on superannuation. Born at Broadfields, near Lincoln, Canterbury, Mr. Brown was educated in Christchurch, finishing up at St. Leo’s Collegiate High School. He came to Auckland over 31 years ago, and in 3 898 joined the police, being sworn in by Inspector (later Commissioner) John Cullen. After service in the city and Ponsonby, Mr. Brown was placed in control at Whitianga, Mercury Bay, where he also acted as clerk of the court, deputy-relieving officer for the

Charitable Aid Board, Customs House officer and inspector of fisheries. Promoted to a sergeantcy in 1916, he came back to the city, where he served for two years, and then took over the wharf station for four years. Another four years followed at Parnell, and then Sergeant Brown was transferred to Devonport station, also controlling the Takapuna, Xorthcote and Birkenhead police. In addition to being a keen and courteous police officer, Mr. Brown has always taken a big interest in athletics, and for many years has officiated as a leading field judge under the Auckland Amateur Athletic centre, and for the various clubs. In 1895-96 he won the high jump and hammer-throwing championships at the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association’s Dominion championship meeting. Sergeant Brown is being relieved by Sergeant Clark, from Whangarei.