H.—2,

38

407. On general lines, do you think it is a wise thing to select two practically inexperienced men to investigate such a case as the Satherley case? —I would say it is not. Mr. Pender may have thought it was the best material he had to send. 408. Do you know whether Cox has been within the last few months (July of last year) mulcted in damages to the tune of £25 for wrongful exercise of power as a detective ?—I think so ; but I may also add there were two men in it. He was junior, and he simply did what the other told him. 409. The inference is that he was fined because he had never been trained in his duty. Do you know whether he was the detective officer or plain-clothes constable of whom the Defence Minister said in the House he would like to have fifty more like him ? —I do not know to whom the Minister referred. 410. I would like to ask whether Broberg or Cox were appointed on your own motion, without any consultation with the Minister?— Cox came from the Permanent Artillery. I told him I would do my best to put him in; and Broberg, I think, came from the Permanent Artillery too. 411. Have you the papers in connection with the retirement of Constable Black on compensation?— Yes ; I will read the papers of the case. The first is : "Police Station, Eakaia, Bth May, 1890.—1 beg to report that, whilst out on mounted duty yesterday making inquiries as to further evidence in the case Begina t>. George White, Clifford, alias Eoss, at Charles Angus's, where the horse was stolen from, and when returning to the station along the Pound Eoad, which is unformed, the horse stumbled and fell on his head, and I was thrown with considerable force, and in endeavouring to save myself I wrenched my back severely. I beg to append the doctor's certificate, and would respectfully ask that a constable be sent here for a few days, or until I am able to resume duty, as there is a considerable amount of work on hand here at present.— J. Black, Constable 264." This is minuted: ''Forwarded to the Inspector. 1 have sent Constable McGill to Eakaia to take charge during the time Constable Black is laid up.—Henby W. Felton, Sergeant." He was in charge of Ashburton. The medical certificate reads :" I certify that Constable Black, who has severely strained the muscles of his back, is unfit for duty, and it will be some days before he is able to resume it.—-Louis M. Cordnbr, L.E.C.P. —Eakaia, 7th May, 1590." The next letter is from Constable Black, as follows : " Police Station, Eakaia, sth June, 1890.—1n consequence of the non-recovery from the injuries I received to my back and loins from a fall from the troop horse on the 7th ultimo, whilst on mounted duty making inquires at Somerton in the case Eegina v. White charged with horse-stealing, Dr. Cordner who has been attending informed me that I will probably be laid up for an indefinite period, and from the nature of the injuries I received will probably suffer from chronic weakness in the back. Dr. Cordner's certificate is herewith attached. I would beg to suggest that in consequence of the foregoing, if permitted, and that my officer deems me entitled to compensation for my past service, I will herewith tender my resignation as a member of the Police Force, and as Clerk of the Eesident Magistrate's Court here. —John Black, Second-class Constable, No. 264." It is minuted, " Forwarded to the Inspector, and I respectfully request the application may be favourably recommended for the Commissioner's consideration. —Henby W. Felton, Sergeant. —7th June, 1890." The doctor's certificate reads : " I certify that Constable J. Black, of Eakaia, is still unfit for duty, owing to the severe strain of back suffered by him some time ago, and I consider it will be a considerable time before he will be fit to resume duty.—Louis M. Coedneb, L.E.C.P.—Rakaia, sth June, 1890." It appears that the Defence Minister was unwilling to grant compensation, because he minuted the papers, "Inquire from Dr. Cordner whether hs considers Constable Black has sustained a permanent injury, and, if not, when he will be fit for duty.—W.E.E., 13/6/90." This certificate reads :" At the request of the sergeant of police at Ashburton I have this day specially examined Constable Black of Eakaia, who has been suffering from an injury to his back. I find that probably there will be no permanent disablement, but care will be required for complete recovery, and, as rest is essential in all strains, and more particularly where back or spine is involved, I should recommend four to six months freedom from all duty. It is important to bear in mind that in injuries of back or spine symptoms are frequently latent, so that after weeks of apparent health grave complications may arise.—Louis M. Coedneb, L.E.C.P.—Eakaia, 18th June, 1890." The Inspector at Christchurch writes on the 21st June, 1890, to the Commissioner of Police: "In comDliance with the instructions contained in your memorandum dated the 13th instant, re Constable Black's case, I beg to forward a certificate from Dr, Cordner dated the 18th instant, from which you will observe that the doctor, after a further examination of the constable, is of opinion that possibly there will be no permanent disablement, but that care will be required for complete recovery, and he recommends from four to six months' freedom from all duty. From the concluding paragraph of the doctor's certificate, even with care and rest, grave complications may arise. I may state that I was at Eakaia and saw Constable Black about a fortnight after the accident occurred, and he certainly appeared as if he had received a very severe shaking.—P. Pender, Inspector." It appears this last letter was submitted to the Defence Minister with the following minute ; " It seems to me that under the most favourable circumstances this is a case in which it would be better to pay the man off and let him go.—W. E. Gudgeon, 23/6/90." This is further minuted, " Approved.—W.E.E., 24/6/90." And Inspector Pender is advised on the following day, " Discharge Constable Black on 30th. Voucher for compensation prepared here.—W. E. Gudgeon." 412. Now, when was he reappointed? —He never has been reappointed. 413. Is he not in the service now ? —No. 414. Do you remember the case of Constable Cullinane : Was he discharged from the Force on compensation ? —Yes. 415. Was he reinstated?— Yes; he was discharged before my time, but was taken on after my time.