THE JOHNSON SUICIDE.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XV, Issue 4779, 21 July 1894, Page 3

THE JOHNSON SUICIDE.

Mr Hogg Defends the Police, (By Telegraph-Own Correspondent)

Wkij.isotoX, Saturday. In roplj to Mi 1 Buchanan's question about the late inquest at Masterfon, the Hon Mr (tollman. Minister of Justice, read a report from Sergeant McArdle, and a letter from Mr Arthur Vile, foreman of the jury, and stated that 110 blame, as regards the inquest-, could bo attached to the Acting Coroner or the polico, Mr Buchanan thereupon moved the adjournment of the House, and attacked ths police, accusing them of negligence in not arresting Johnso# when asked to do so by his wife, and also with using abusive language to Mm Johnson after the suicide.

Mr Hogg commented severely 011 Mr Buchanan's execrable tasto in travelling out of his own district to interfere with his (Mr Hogg's) constituents, and warned members that Mr Buchanan's weakness was to be continually assailing public officers under circumstances that prevented thom defonding themselves. He was addicted to hitting below the belt, and there was hardly a public servant 111 the Wairarapa from Constables to llaihvay Stationmastors, Postmasters to Sheep Inspectors, that lie had not persecuted with complaints or tried to remove. The police were but human, and at times they might en', but when complaints were mado the complainant should manfully meet the officers accused, or approach tho Inspector, and not air his mischief-making propensities on tho floor of the House.

- Dr Newman repeated Mr Buchanan's assertions, and called for an enquiry.

The Premier, as head of the Police, replied that 110 enquiry would be granted where complaints were not lodged with the department in a proper manner.