THE POLICE COMMISSION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 174, 16 August 1909, Page 3

THE POLICE COMMISSION.

"THOUGHT THEY KNEW A LOT."

By Telegraph.—Press Association. Palmcrston If., August 14. The Police Commission sat here today. Sergeant Stagpoole said the chief cause of complaint amongst the men was the pay, which was too small. He aavocated the men heing subjected to a course ofj athletic training, including boring. He had no knowledge of any political interference, though he had heard a gieat deal of talk on the matter. He complained, he had been 22 or 23 years a Bergeant, and had held responsible positions, yet junior men had been promoted over him. He was very sore over this. To Commissioner Dinnie he said the probationers' class was useless; men who came to him from it were ignorant, though they thought they knew a. lot.

Sergeant. Bowden, of Feilding, was dissatisfied because Sub-Hnspector Black was promoted over his head. The district clerks were the cause of a lot of dissatisfaction, and dictated impertinent letters to their seniors..

Constables Wood, Russell, and McLeod gave evidence on general lines as to pay. . -1 ' Constable Crozier, now retired, complained ttiat he had not been paid lodg ing allowance. . The Commissioner pointed out thai witness had not called attention to the stoppage of the allowance. • Albert Graham, a farmer of Apiti, eaid be had applied for admission to the force, and, notwithstanding a number of references, he was told his application could not be entertained. Commissioner Dinnie said lie took no notic- of references, but made his own inquiries. , . TV Commissioner said the Commission could not be used to whitewash people. ■"SiiMnspector Donovan advocated lrsVr pnv, and thought a fourth stand j rnV ■•»!!(ntion sufficient. He thought ih- 1 in the matter of promotion Commissioner Dinnie should ha* the advice of the inspectors; in fact, there should be" a board of four inspectors to deal with promotions to sergeants. No man should be promoted to sergeant after he had reached the age of 45. The Commission then adjourned.