THE POLICE COMMISSION.

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 248, 17 February 1898, Page 2

THE POLICE COMMISSION.

At the Police Commission, sitting iu Wellingtou, on Tuesday, Inspector Pender, the first witness, stated that the Permanent Artillery as a rule are not good policemen, and he urged that quarters be erected near the station for the married members of the force. In his opinion the proportion of police in Christchurch and Wellington was not sufficient. He thought the Act should 1 e amended so that a fine would be inflicted on any person found on licensed premises afttr hours. John Evans, seizor clcik in the Police Depigment, wa3 also examined. It came out in his examination that Colonel Hume, who had had charge of the Department, could not on his own responsibility make promotions, appointments, or transfers. Mr Evans said often Colonel Hume's recommendations were struck out by the Minister. Mr T. E. Taylor, M.H.R. for Christchurch, was present during a portion of the sitting, and said he had come specially to hear the examination of Colonel Hume. The latter protested at being examined so early in the inquiry, saying it would come much better near the close, when the charges were formulated. It was decLltd to call Colonel Hume the next day, and Commissioner Tunbridge will follow. Mr Taylor was given leave to ask questions. The Commission this afternoon is examining documents, reports and records.

(UY TELEGRAPH—OWN CORRESPONDENT). Wellington, Last Night. Colonel Hume was examined before the Police Commission. He quoted from his annual icports from 1891 to 1897 as to the slowness of promotion in police. Regarding the removals, he said there were connecting reports as to the reasons. It was alleged that some were changed because they looked too well alter publichouses, and others be ause they neglected them. As long as the liquor laws remaiued as at present, no organisation could pnssihly grapple with the question. What was required was that clause twenty five of the Impel ial Licensing Act of 1872 should be adopted in toto in Mew Zealand, instead of only the last four lines. This clause makes persons found on the premises during prohibited hours individually liable to penalties. The efficiency of the force was impeded through the absence of a superannuation scheme. He described the method of appointing constables, the final selection resting with the Minister of Defence. Witness as a rule made no recommendations.