POLICE AND FIREARMS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 287, 3 April 1913, Page 5

POLICE AND FIREARMS.

ARREST OF AX ANTI-MILITARIST. By Telegraph—Press Association. Christchurch, Last Night. A reporter brought under the notice of Superintendent Kiely to-night certain statements to the effect that one member of the police force was reported to have been armed with a revolver at the Clock Tower last Saturday evening, when one anti-militarist orator was arrested. Superintendent Kiely stated that there was not the slightest likelihood either of the members of the force indicated were carrying revolvers, and he gave the statement an unqualified denial. The two men were not on their usual patrol on Saturday evening, and both were on duty for the purpose of serving the warrant, as they were both acouainled with the person wanted. There was no desire on the part of the authorities to arrest the antil-militarist at the Clock Tower, but as he could not be found during the day in his usual haunts he was arrested at the Clock Tower, where, according to an announcement made by him, he'intended addressing the public. "The police are supplied with revolvers," Superintendent Kiely continued, "but they never carry them about with them. Yon will usually find the weapons in drawers at the police station. Only in case of the town being attacked by a gang of desperadoes would the members of the force arm themselves with revolvers, but there is no necessity to use revolvers against crowds that assemble at the Clock Tower."

One phase of the matter the superin-' temlent considered ought to be emphasised. He did not know what the object was in making the alienation, but" it was possible that it was made for the purpose of giving anti-militarists some colorable' excuse fer arming themselves against the police, He desired that it should be widely known that the police did not carry arms, and that consequently the allegation that they did would he no excuse for anyone carrying revolvers.