THE MARRIAGE OF A POLICEMAN.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1906, 20 June 1889, Page 4

THE MARRIAGE OF A POLICEMAN.

The projected marriage of Sergeant M'Hugh has been the cause of much icommotion in I the official circles in Melbourne lately. According to the police regulations no member of the constabulary force is permitted to marry without first obtaining the permission of bis superior officer, and also submitting the name of his intended bride. Sergeant M'Hugh regarded the latter part of the demand as inquisitorial and an insult, and refused to give the Chief Commissioner of (Police the name of the lady to whom he had offered his hand. Mr Chomley contended that the demand was in accord with the police regulations, and that no reasonable objection could be offered to disclosing the .name, he having himself complied with a similar demand when a subordinate officer before he obtained the sanction of bis chief to enter the l holy • bonds of matrimony. It is held (that for the credit of the .force a (constable’s wife should be a reputable * person, and that the Chief Commissioner should be afforted the opportunity of making enquiries on that point. But Sergeant M’Hugh took higher ground, and contended tharian officer who, like himself, had been in the force for many years, and had borne a good record, should not be subjected to such an indignity. The diplomacy of the Chief Secretary had finally to be invoked, and with bis aid the difficulty has been overcome by a mutual friend of the parties giving, in a confidential way the narrie of' Sergeant M’Hugb’s intended bride to. the Chief Commissioner of Police, who thereupon immediately sanctioned the marriage. ;