Our Tongue-Tiod Police.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XII, Issue 3941, 17 October 1891, Page 2

Our Tongue-Tiod Police.

(to the editor.}

Sir—You have already called the attention of the publio to a mean and unworthy attempt to remove an " up country consia'ulG " ZZSJ *»

I has been faithful in the discharge of his" duty.' If, a?' rumour says, it is true, that prominent 'public men at the instigation of a publican, to whom the said constable has become per* sgnaljv troublesome,'are the prime mo've/s in this little business, tfcep ajl I can »ay is this, that the • tpwn and district'may very yell be ashamed pf such conduct. X refrain for the present from gi«ng their names, but the whole affair will probably be unearthed, when they will have an opportunity of clearing themselves. I have been waiting for some time, ■loping that some one would be found chivalrous enough to speak for a man whom the law does not allow to speak for himself, but I have waited in vain. Masterton is certainly wanting in that

fine old English characteristic, pluck The policeman in question is Constable Roche, of Eketahuna. Having recently spent a day or two there I find that tha respectable and lawabiding settlers are very indignant at the underhand way in which certain persons are endeavouring to secure the removal of the has, during his residence in that township, been a faithful servant of the State, and, with the exception of a publican, and a few old topers, who wish him a little further off, he stands well with the community, and is most deservedly popular as a man who fearlessly does his duty. The face that he has incurred the wrath of the lawless otid turbulent, is the best praise that oan be giveu to bim, and the greatest reason in the interests of morality that he should remain where he is. The constable himself has a wifo and Beven children, and would himtelf prefer to remain. What makes whole business so objectionablevis this: He is blnndly cold that tlieyjfc are simply seeking his promotion, ™ But this is too thin and transparent. If promotion be their object,, why need he be removed? They have only to recommend that he be made a second-class constable, and this can be done without any removal. In view of the proposed rnilway exten* sion, and the consequent gathering together of all sorts and conditions of men, it is essentially necessary in the interests of law, order, and good morals that Constable Roche be retained at Eketahuna.—l am, etc.,

John Dukbs.