POLICE COMMISSION.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9612, 5 October 1909, Page 7

POLICE COMMISSION.

By Telegraph—Press Association, WELLINGTON, October 4. Before the Police Commission, today, Commissioner Dr.inie made a lengthy statement in reply to the charges which had been mads against the Department. It was, he said, gratifying to be able to say at tie end of such a searching enquiry that the evidence and records showed the force was highly efficient and well disciplined, and the general conduct, sobriety and morality of the men was very good. He considered the Police Force of New Zealand compared favourably with the forces of other I countries, and he was satisfied that no Police Force of similar dimensions would emerge from such an enquiry so stainless as the New Zealand Force had. He distinctly affirmed that every allegation made by Messri Arnold and Taylor was either grotesquely exaggerated or absolutely baseless. Regarding tha v statement that sufficient enquiry was not made into the character and antecedents of the msn who recently joined the polic?, witness said that the evidence showed that enquiries were never so strict and complete as they are now, and it had also been proved that there was no general dissatisfaction. After referring J in detail tn the various statements ! made by Messrs Arnold and Taylor Commissioner Dinnie said it could not bo denied—in fact there was ample proof— that influence, political and otherwise was frequently sought by members of the service, and the mere fact that members of Parliament and influential persons apparently did not discourage members of the force from seeking influence had had a bad effect on' discipline. It was clear from the evidence that many members of the service believed that influence obtained in the Department, and that fact alone caused dissatisfaction. lie emphatically declared that in no case did ] he know that influence had obtained or had an effect in either securing ~ appointments, transfers, or advance- | ment of any kind of promotion. The [ syst:m of recruiting could scarcely \ be improved upon. For the year • onded August, 1909, 1,175 men ap- ' plied for admission. Of that number j 303 were appointed aii'l 605 rejected \ for the following reason s:—Poor j phjsique, 202; insufficient education, 1 170; unsatisfactory character, 113; i over age, 120. 3