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69. Mr. Tunbridge.] There is something in the records of the office, so far as that batch is concerned, to show why these men were promoted ? —That is so. 70. The Chairman.] Now you have a record to show how promotions are made? —Yes. 71. Is that the first case in which you have a record of the grounds for promotion?— Yes, except in meritorious cases. 72. Mr. Tunbridge.] Now, there has recently been advancement in class, which is called " promotion " here ?—Yes. 73. In making selections for these advancements, do you not know that the seniority-book was consulted, and that the senior men were advanced except in cases where the men had been reported within a recent period for misconduct?— Yes. 74. And you know what was the system on which these promotions were made ?—Yes. 75. Do you remember the number of these recent promotions in class?— Something over 50 ; 25 were advanced from third to second class, and 27 from second to first class. 76. Now, as regards transfers: You stated, I think, there was nothing to show in the office, beyond the fact that the men had been transferred, why they had been transferred ?—ln many cases there is nothing; simply the fact that orders were sent out for transfers. 77. Has that system prevailed since I have been here ?—I believe you have called upon Inspectors to recommend. 78. There has been no batch of transfers?— Not a large batch. 79. As a matter of fact, since I have been here, has not every transfer that has taken place been in consequence either of the man being a defaulter, or a transfer to fill a position which would be considered of benefit to the man, and for which he was more suitable ?—Yes. 80. Unless the man has been a defaulter the transfer has been to the man's benefit ? —Yes. 81. The Chairman.] Within what period ?—Since October, 1897. 82. Mr. Tunbridge.] Then, there is reason apparent in the office for these transfers since October, 1897 ?—Yes. 83. But there is no reason apparent in the documents in the office for the batches of transfers that occurred prior to that time ? —ln many instances. 84. Will you kindly refer to these annual reports, and give the strength of the Force for the year ending the 31st March, 1886?— It was 494. 85. Will you give the numbers in the report for the year ending the 31st March, 1896 ?—484; a reduction of ten in ten years. 86. Now, will you refer to the Year-book of the colony for 1897 ? Do you see there that the increase of population between 1886 and 1896, the years you have quoted, has been 189 per cent.? —Yes. 87. An increase of nearly one-fifth ?—Yes. 88. Which shows that, although the population has increased during that period by 18 - 9 per cent., the Police Force has decreased by ten?—-Yes. 89. Colonel Hume.] When I took over charge of the police in 1890, what were you in the office t hen ?—Third clerk. 90. And who were over you ?—There were two seniors—Messrs. Fox and Goldfinch. 91. What was the salary of the chief clerk, Mr. Fox ?—£375 at that time. 92. He was dispensed with shortly after I took charge ?—Yes. 93. Was his vacancy filled up ?—No. 94. Do you recollect how the Police Gazette was issued in those days?—lt was compiled and issued by Sergeant-Major Fair. 95. He had the rank of sergeant-major on a salary of what? —£228 2s. 6d., which included allowances. 96. And his sole duty was to compile the Gazette ? —Yes. 97. Do you remember if he had anybody to help him in that arduous duty?—l believe he had assistance in compiling the index. 98. He was dispensed with soon after I took charge ? —Yes ; he was transferred to police duty. 99. How is the Gazette compiled now ?—lt was taken over by Mr. Tasker. 100. Who was Mr. Tasker? —A clerk in the Commissioner's office. 101. Did he get any extra pay for this Gazette? — No. 102. Was anybody put in the office to help him in consequence of having to do the Gazette ?— —No. 103. Do you recollect who was Commissioner when I took charge of the department?— Major Gudgeon. 104. Do you recollect what the salary of Major Gudgeon was ? —£4oo. 104 a. Had he anything to do with defence when I took the police over from him ?—I do not think so. He was Commissioner of Police only. 105. What salary did I get as Commissioner of Police ? —I do not think you drew any salary as Commissioner of Police. 106. I got nothing?—l do not think so. 107. Had I ever any salary as Commissioner of Police ?—Not to my knowledge. 108. I should like to go back to 1881 for a minute. You produced letter-books just now showing the manner in which promotions and transfers were made, or memoranda about them. Who made the promotions ?—The Commissioner. 109. Without reference to the Minister at all ?—-To the best of my belief. 110. When was this ?—ln 1883. 111. And as regards transfers and appointments: who made them ?—I believe the Commissioner made them. 112. I suppose in Major Gudgeon's time Mr. Fox was away sometimes ?—Yes,