H.—2,

114

89. Have there been a dozen in this district during the year? —More than that in the district, I think. Of course, my district extends to Palmerston. 90. The Chairman. ' You could state how many prosecutions you have brought ? —I could not from memory. There would be no difficulty in getting the number. 91. Mr. Tunbridge.} You can say that within the last two months you have had seven prosecutions, can you not ?—Yes. There is one this morning also. 92. Mr. Taylor.] Is not that rather larger than the average—seven in two months in Wellington ?—Yes. 93. "What is the custom in connection with these hotels on Sundays—are you aware that they make special provision for watching the police ? —Yes ; it has been reported to me so. I have no doubt it is the case. In one case we discovered a bell at the door which we traced to a bell in the bar. That is probably two years ago. 94. What hotel was that ?•—The Metropolitan. I went and examined it myself. 95. Was that the only hotel where a similar arrangement existed ?—I have heard there are similar means used at other hotels, but that one I saw myself. 96. In conducting licensing prosecutions, what is your experience of the evidence on the other side—the witnesses for the defence ? —ln a great many cases it is not satisfactory. I do not speak in a general wa.y at all, but a great many of the witnesses are opposed very much to what we believe to be correct. 97. To put it very plainly, do you not think that perjury is frequently indulged in by witnesses for the defence?—l am afraid there are cases where perjury has been committed. On more than one occasion I have pretty well said so; but that is the exception, not the general rule. 98. You do not find the evidence of the police is supported in the Courts by the witnesses for the defence ? —No; but a man may be giving his own version of the thing, and stating what he believes to be correct, and not agree with the police version. In some cases I think they go too far in the opposite direction. 99. In that class of prosecutions do you think they are as careful in their statements as persons connected with other cases before the Courts ? —Well, some people are careful always when they are on their oath. 100. Yes, but I am speaking of that particular class ?—Well, generally 101. Do you remember a remark made by Mr. Beetham, Stipendiary Magistrate of Christchurch, to the effect that there were two classes of people who perjured themselves without any hesitation before him, and they were men mixed up in gambling cases and hotel cases?—l think I have some recollection of it. 102. Generally speaking, do you think that censure was deserved ? —I do not know that I could say generally—now and again we find a man giving evidence in a licensing case or a gambling case that appears to be false. 103. Take those two classes, and your experience goes to confirm the opinion expressed by Mr. Beetham, under whom you were in Christchurch ?—To a great extent. 104. Do you know whether tradespeople are in the habit of sending presents at Christmas time to any of the men at the barracks ?—Not that I know of. 105. It has not come under your notice ? —No. 106. In regard to the constables doing plain-clothes duty; do you always make the selection of plain-clothes constables yourself ?—I have always done so here, and I think in Christchurch too. 107. You always make the selection ?—Yes. 108. Take the case of Nixon, did you of your own motion put him on plain-clothes duty?— I did. 109. Did you consult with any one about that ?—No one, not even the Commissioner. 110. The same with Cox ?—The same with Cox. 111. The same with Broberg? —No, Broberg came to me on transfer from some place—l do not know where. 112. You select the men for plain-clothes duty on you own motion ?—All my own men, 113. You know nothing whatever about political interference in connection with policeofficers? —I have nothing whatever-to do with politics, and no one has interfered with me in connection with the Government in regard to my duty since I came here—never in the slightest degree. 114. As far as you know there is no political interference in the Police Force in regard to transfers, promotions, and so forth?—l have heard of such things in the street, but Ido not know of any particular case. The men are transferred to me and sent away, and I know nothing more about it. 115. Do you decide on the men who are to be sent away? —No. The men have frequently been transferred without consultation with me. 116. You are not consulted as to transfers ?—Mr. Tunbridge has consulted me. 117. But prior to Mr. Tunbridge coming you were not consulted about transfers?—l think I was, in some cases. I have nothing to do with Ministers or members, and I never go near them. I think Colonel Hume consulted me about some cases. He would probably ask me if such a man was suitable for a station; but as a rule transfers were made without my being consulted. 118. Colonel Pitt.] What are the duties of the mounted constables ?—Mounted constables in Wellington are employed in serving summonses. There are a large number of summonses to serve. They also patrol the suburbs at night, and do other duty. For instance, if a man reported a case out at Karori, a mounted constable would be sent. In the country, of course, the mounted men have to do various duties—acting bailiffs, Clerks of Court, and so forth. I think one man holds ten appointments.