POLICE COMMISSION.

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 281, 30 April 1898, Page 2

POLICE COMMISSION.

(by telegraph—press association). Christchurch, Thursday. The Police Commission has resolved as follows :—(1) Ihat in future no charge or matter will be dealt with which has arisen after February 4th, 1898, being the date of the Royal Commission ; (2) that, having regard to the already lengthy period during which the proceedings of the Commission have been consolve that no charge or complaint brought before the Commission will be dealt with in Christchurch which is not now before it, and th.it at other places where the Commission may ait no complaint will be investigated unless such complaint be furnished in writing to the secretary to the Commission (and so as to be received by him) within 24 hours after the commencement of the sittings of the Commission at each such place. A deputation consisting of Servant Bourke and Constables Pratt aDd Stanton (clerk) waited on the Commission. Sergeant Bourke thought that the rate of pay as between third-class sergeants and constables thould be increased. The present difference was 6d a day, and a man who was promoted from a first-class constable to a third-class sergeant lost money by his promotion. Sergeant Bourke considered he had lost £3O a year through promotion. He thought that promotion should be more rapid. Constable Stanton pointed out that the prison, postal, and railway departments got free uniforms. With regard to the pension fund, Sergeant Bourke pointed out that the nature of police employment prevents the men from embarking in speculation or other business. The pay was no more than they could live on, and they were further hampered by the old men remaining in the force who would have been retired had a pension scheme been in force. Witness did not think the present pay was sufficient for the men to contribute towards a pension fund. In reply to the Bench, Constable Stanton said on the whole the men would prefer the ordinary insurance system to the pension scheme, as in the event of a man dying before old age the insurance would be paid up, while there was no provision made for this in any pension scheme which had yet been formulated. The delegates dealt with a number of points of local management, generally contending that more men should be put on. Mr Tunbridge said he would endeavour to relieve the men on night duty from doing escort wotk. Christchgrch, Last Nieht. At the Police Commission to-day a large number of Justices of the Peace and old residents gave evidence as to the good conduct and sobriety of the force. There was a breeze between Mr Taylor and Commissioner Tunbridge. The latter accused Mr Taylor of throwing mud, and Mr '.Taylor said the Commissioner had no right there defending bad characters of the force. Mr Tunbridge said he was not subject to Mr Taylor or the whole House of Representatives, but could go home if not wanted here.