THE Temuka Leader. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1892. MR INSPECTOR PENDER.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2440, 20 December 1892, Page 2

THE Temuka Leader. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1892. MR INSPECTOR PENDER.

The fiat has been issued, and Mr Inspector Pender is to sever his connection with Canterbury, where he has lived, we believe, for over 30 years. It is meet that we who have known him for the greater part of the time, should say something by way of a farewell to an officer who has succeeded in doing his duty, and in winning universal esteem. To begin with, Mr Pender’s career has been a distinguished one. Early in life he joined the Royal Irish Constabulary, and in two years had risen to the rank of Sergeant, When the Crimean War broke out volunteers were invited to the front, and Mr Pender threw up the position he had attained, and went to the field of action. In the Crimea he occupied a position on the staff of Lord Raglan, the cpmmander-in-chief, and distinguished himself so that he won two or three medals. The war over, Mr Pender returned home, and shortly afterwards set sail for Victoria, where, after a short colonial experience he joined the police. His promotion was, as usual, rapid, and when the Provincial Government of Canterbury sent over to Victoria for officers to organise a police force in this province Mr Pender was one of those who were selected for the service. He was soon installed as Inspector, under Commissioner Shearman, in Christchurch, but while occupying that position he had to undergo the most vilainous persecution that any man was ever subjected to. We are not sufficiently acquainted with the facts of the case to enter into it fully, but sufficeit to say that when the Provinces were abolished, and the police were taken over by the Colonial Government Mr Pender found himself in the lowest rank of inspectors, while men who had served under him as constables were ranked as his superiors. For nine or ten years he had to bear this injustice, and to crown it all at the time of the retrenchment in 1881 he was amongst those who were called on to retire from the service. This, however, led to an investigation of his claims, it was then found that he had been unjustly treated, and he was retained in the service. It was not, however, until Sir Robert Stout held the reins of the Government, that Mr Pender got his proper rank in the service, and since then he has received fair play. He bore his cruel wrongs patiently, and without complaining, during all these years, and now he has the satisfaction of being placed in the highest position in the police at the seat of Government. For many years Mr Pender was stationed at Tiraaru, to which place lie was removed from Christchurch. When leaving Qhristchurch he. was the recipient of a lai-ggi public testimonial, and when he returned to Christchurch again, Timaru treated him with aqua! generosity. Mr Pender was removed to Christchurch for a purpose. At that time Christchurch wa*> h,e?et by footpads, thieves, and rascals of all kina*. It was immediately after the exhibition, and a large number of very bad characters had collected there,

, but in a very short time Mr Pends*.- had them ffither in gaol or out of the place. Is it to bo wondered at therefore, that ' lender is esteemed by the people of t-,, : , , . uud that they used Oimstclmrc, • /} e taiu him in their strenuous eltorts to ■ midst when they found he

removed ! All they could do, however, did not avail. Mr Pender is wanted in Wellington, and there he must go, and when he goes he will not leave a more honorable, a more just, or more upright man behind him. Mr Pender may be described as the slave of duty. With him duty comes before all considerations. He does his duty, but he does it honestly. If he felt sure of a prisoner’s innocence no one could work more deligently to get him out of his trouble, and to secure the real culprit. On the other hand he is a terror to evil-doers, and as a general rule they always try to give him a wide birth. Asa police officer he has no equal in the colony. He is firm, courteous, and conciliatory in his manner, sound iu his judgment, and free from any suspicion of officiousness. No one could perform his duties in a less offensive way than he does; he listens to the humblest as readily as to the proudest, rich and poor are the same to him, hence the secret of his great personal popularity. He ia always just and courteous to all,

and all except the criminal class look upon him as a friend where his duties are concerned. He is to be removed to Wellington, because the Minister recognises that he is the Chief Inspector of the Colony, and that the chief position at the seat of the Government is his proper place. The removal in fact, is promotion for i him, and we wish him God speed, and a long and happy life in his new home.