THE POLICE COMMISSION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 178, 1 September 1909, Page 2

THE POLICE COMMISSION.

POLITICAL INFLUENCE AND TI£E LIQUOR PARTY. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, Tuesday. At the Police Commission this morning Mr. Poole, M.P., said that political influence was rife and every department' should have the support of the Crown in guarding its officers against it. The Commissioner of 'Police should tie free of all influence.. He knew a case in which political influence was obtained but was bound hi confidence not to disclose the information. He agreed, however,.to admit Mr. Bishop, S.M., to his confidence at the close of the Commission. Mr. I'oole asserted that the police were under the intimidation of the party responsible ifor the amount of drunkenness seen in Auckland. It was a nightmare to the police. They knew this party could play havoc with them, and rliey took the line of lenst resistance. He did not intend to reflect upon the inspector. Ho believed the inspector hid himself been pretty roughly handled"on that score. Mr. Bishop: Do you say that that fear now operates? Sir. Poole: Yes.

COMPLAINTS OF FAVORITISM,' Auckland. Last Night. J. Cullen. part proprietor of a sporting newspaper, complained of favoritism 'having been phown by the police in regard to prosecution for publishing certain advertisements. He also alleged that tlie police harassed ox-prisoners in thc-ir employment. He also asserted that certain constables had been found fruilty of drunkenness on their beats and that there had been a differentiation in the punishment of such offenders. Mr. Dinnic stated' that every man charged with dnmkenneses 'was' dealt with a'eeordftig to the .merits of the case. The Commission adjourned till tomorrow.