THE POLICE COMMISSION

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 146, 17 July 1909, Page 2

THE POLICE COMMISSION

DUNEHIN SITTINGS. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Dunedin, Friday. Before the Police Commission this morning, Detective Ward said detectives were much disturbed" at the announcement of the late -Minister for Justice, that the avenues of the higher offices were closed to the detective force. He was well aware that Dr. Findlay had reversed his predecessor's action, but witness' point was that the political world might be turned upside down to-morrow, «nd they might get another MeGowan in office, and the men wanted Mr. Bishop. He complained that steerage boat fare alone was allowed when travelling, and he had paid the difference out of liis own pocket.

AN INTERLUDE. COMMISSIONER DtNNIE VERSUS MR. ARNOLD. Duncdin, Last Night. At the Police Commission to-day, Sta-tion-Sergeant King said he was laboring under a sense of injustice. He complained that when he was' appointed station-sergeant lie had to leave a good station and lost 3s Ud per week. He also complained that a man junior to him had been appointed sub-inspector. Witness went on to say that false reports had been circulated in connection with the Papakuio murder case, these being indirectly attributed to him. The work of a station-sergeant was the moat irritating and unpleasant in the service. He would like to know why he had been passed over when promotions had been made. He had complained to Minister of Justice, and the Commissioner had saul Two men, recommended for promotion, were considered superior in qualifications to witness. He thought constables were underpaid. In reply to quesitons, Inspector O'Brien said ho had recommended King for a sub-inspectorship. Constable Dark, South Duncdin, quoted instances of promotions of men over

seniors to one-man stations. There was a widespread feeling that . promotion could not lie got in the Dunedin district, and tliat tin 1 sooner a .policeman got out of Dunedin tlie 'better. He als'o advocated increases in pay and house allowance. Mr. J. F. Arnold, M.l\, then came forward for cross-examination by Com-' mifisioner Dinnie. Commissioner Dinnie said it surprised liim that Sir. Arnold had made his allegations without ascertaining whether there any foundation for them. It was practically a staib in the back, both (is 1 regards himself and tlie Department. Mr. Arnold dared not make those statements outside. Otherwise he might have liftd to appear before another Court. Mr. Arnold replied that he had made tneni since.

'Mr. Dunne said he was afraid there was an ulterior object. In the course of his evidence Mr. Anobl had said that during Commissioner TunJiridge's term ot ollice (10 men were dismissed from the toree and nine resigned. Dnriii" Commissioner Dinine's term Ml) men had been: . dismissed and 22 had resigned from the force, which had been growiii" Irani bad to worse and discontent be" '•"'lie more intense. The question of a fingerprint expert getting six mouths' leave on full pay to go Home ,»■„< ra U-

Mi Arnold s'aid that in spite of what Hie hie may say, he would ask Commission Dimne, when the latter was giving evidence, if he would say on "nth that originally six months'We of absence on full pay was not granted Commissioner Dinnie offered to producemi file to show that he recommended one month's leave on full pay and I tile rest without pay, l,„ t Mr. Arnold suggested the (lie had been altered. If 'Commissioner Dinnie swore on oath that the file was original, he would then decide whose word he would accept, Mr. Dinnie's or that of other ■"■!'•'■' Wiom he need not at present vt'pn •" Wo, ,' ld takl " thl ' H< ">- Mi'McGowan s word on oath. He thought t would be necessary for Mr. Mcfiowan to come forward. Either Mr. MoGouran or Mr. Dhuiie would have to defend himself very seriouslv. He did not accept the (lie «is the original file aft-r Commissioner Dinnie's statement that '.he hies might he faked, I In the course of further examination. I it. Arnold said hj, complained about (he discrimination between Commissioner Dinnie's friends mid others i„ the force.

j <'»inmissioner Dimiip saiil his son was entitled to 30 days, and got a month, while another constable got full leave. Arnold said in that ease Inspector Pinnie was discriminating against his friend. Commissioner Dinnie: I nii«lit .l m ve hail an object. Hr. Arnold: I presume you had an object. Commissioner Dinnie: It was fo'- such as you a little bit of fait to pull at. ■Mr. Arnold: (Hi, nonsense. Commissioner Dinnie: I knew what T ffns doing and knew it would be made public, .Mr. Arnold: You laid a trap for public, men to fall into? That is what it menus. Commissioner Dinnie: Yes; for men who are .seeking informalinu of (||i s kind, for men who are interfering with tile Department., i Commissioner Dinnie was then sworn ftnd_ gave evidence rotating to the question' Olf enquiry into constables' diameter before joining the force, after which the Commission adjourned till to-mor-ronv,