THE POLICE.

Westport Times, Volume VI, Issue 1031, 20 December 1872, Page 2

THE POLICE.

{To the Editor of the Westport Times.) Sir,—ln perusing the ' Westport Times' of the 17th instant, I was surprised to fiud that no report was given in the case of Keogh v. Constable Meredith heard in the Kesident Magistrate's Court, held at Westport on Saturday the 14th instant, before J. Giles, Esq., R.M. The facts of the case are as follows, John Keagbl deposed that he was in the employ, ment of Doctor Bruen on and off for the last four years, and on the 11th instant while doing some carpentering work, Constable Meredith and Hunter came in, Meredith asked him what he was dora# there, making towards him and catching him by the neck, and then dragging him towards the door. Constable Hunter and Doctor Bruen gave corroborative evidence. J. Giles Esq., 8.M., commented strongly on the conduct of the Constable, and fined him in the mitigated penalty of five shillings and costs. I cannot attach any blame to the paper in not giving publicity to this case, as cases against Government Officials are too often heard behind the scenes, and thereby escape the notice of the public.j I think if a wholesome code of rules' and regulations for the guidance of the Police Eorce on the South-west Goldfields was in existence, and always; strictly adhered to, no such disrepu.; table acts aa those which have taken place lately in the force could occur.

I am &c, J. w Westport, 19fcli Dec,, 1872. [Cases heard in open Court on Tuesdays are reported. Of cases heard at uncertain times on other days, we obtain no notice except the bare record entered in the official books after the cases hare been disposed of, Our reporter went as usual to the Police Station to inspect the Offence Book on Monday evening last, and was shewn it by Constable Hunter, Serjeant Kiely being absent at Keef .ton. No entry referring to the case Keogh against Meredith, had then been made therein. Ed. W. T.]