THE POLICE COMMISSION.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9579, 27 August 1909, Page 7

THE POLICE COMMISSION.

THE SITTINuS IN AUCKLAND. By Telegz'aph—Press Association. AUCKLAND, August 26. At the Police Commission, Sergeant Sheehan, who appeared as representative of sergeants, was questioned by Mr Bishop, S.M. , Mr Bishop; Do you think there is tiny falling-aff in the physique of the men entering the force to-day, as comiared with a few years ago? Witness: Yes, there has been a very inferior class of men entering tne force during the last thr«3e years. A great many of them are what you would call "wasters," and not at all fitted for the service. When they get in it is difficult to get them out again, as long as they behave themselves, i Mr Bishop: To what do you attribute this state of things? Witness: Oh, men come here from Australia and get into the force, and they contaminate others. ! Mr Bishop: And what is the reason of it? Are no good men available? Witness: I do not see why they should not be available, but I think the small rate of pay offered is a bar. Another thing is that the youth of the Dominion does not seem inclined to knuckle down to discipline. ■ Mr Dinnie, Comissioner of Police, submitted Sergeant Sheehan to a cross examination on the question of "handy men" without shaking the conviction of the sergeant that these "handy men" existed. The discipline in the Auckland district was referred to by the witness as the best in New Zealand. He did not think sergeants shculd be allowed to remain more than six years at one station. The Commission adjourned until tomorrow.