fl.—l6b

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the law into his own hands. About two or three weeks after this I was working for Mr. Baigent, the Mayor. I was, in fact, talking to him when Constable Burrell came up and called me aside. He told me he was in danger of being put out of the Force for striking the boys, and as he did it when trying to find out who broke my windows he thought I should do him a good turn. He then asked me to deny that I saw him striking them. I told him I could not do that. He said it was only reasonable, that one good turn deserved another. I told him I would not do the like of that for my son or my own father. He urged me strongly. I told him it would be perjury. I told him distinctly I would not stain my character by telling such a falsehood for any one. He then left me. I went straight back to Mr. Baigent, and told him what had taken place between the constable and myself. He told me I did quite right. A day or two after this Burrell and Kemp came to me to get something in writing from me to support Burrell. Kemp urged me, saying he thought I should do something for Burrell, as it might cause him to lose his place, &c. [I omitted here that his son was got to write a letter which he thinks he signed and handed to Burrell. He says he is not sure what was in the letter; thinks it was excusing Burrell without telling falsehoods. He is not certain that he signed it.—E. A. M.] "E. M. Wilson." This man has no grudge against the police in any way ; he says he should be sorry to injure any of them, but would not tell an untruth. He said also that it is so long ago that he is not sure he gave the details in the exact order in which they occurred, but in the main he is sure the statement is correct. I called three times to see Mr. Baigent re this matter, without finding him. I, however, met him in the street on the 17th, and asked him if it was true that Burrell called Wilson away from him as stated. He said it was quite true, and that Wilson told him the substance of their conversation immediately after. I asked if true that Wilson told him then that he was urged to tell an untruth. He said it was quite true, and he (Mr. Baigent) commended him for firmly refusing to do anything of the kind. I remarked that it cannot be a make-up since on Wilson's part. He said, " No, it is nothing of the kind." Mr. Baigent was evidently in a hurry at the time, he said he would like to see me that night, and asked where I was stopping. I told him, and he said he would see me at the hotel that night. I thought from his manner he intended to say something in reference to the police, consequently I waited about the hotel until pretty late, when I had to go out. When I returned I found he had called. It was too late to go to look for him. I left at 4.30 a.m. next morning. I did not go near the boys ; their complaint is already in writing. They may contradict Wilson for all I know. Ido not recollect the particulars of their complaint. I am afraid there have been several instances of this sort of conduct in Nelson for some time back, and there is no saying where it may end if not firmly dealt with. E. A. Macdonell, Inspector. Inspector Macdonell, —In these cases the complainants had ample corroborative evidence had they desired to prosecute the constable, yet, notwithstanding that I advised them to do so, they did not accept my advice. Under these circumstances I do not feel inclined to reopen the case after this lapse of time. After Wilson's written statement made soon after the occurrence, not much reliance can now be placed on what he says to the contrary.—J. B. Tunbridge, Com. 3/3/02. Noted.—E. A. Macdonell, Inspr. 23/3/02.

Police Department. From Inspector Macdonell, Greymouth. Eeceived 14/11/01. Subject : Eeport re Complaints against Constable A. Burrell, of Nelson, &c. Memoranda. Mr. Evans, —Please reply as per draft letter attached (letter No. 881, 22/11/01). Inspector Macdonell, —Please see copy of reply sent.—J. B. Tunbridge, Com. 19/11/01. Noted and returned.—E. A. Macdonell, Inspr. 26/11/01.

1901/1810, No. 881. Sir, — 22nd November. In further reply to your letter dated the 27th ultimo, complaining of Constable Burrell, of Nelson, having used obscene language, &c, I have to inform you that from information now before me I have reason to doubt the allegations contained in your letter, and consequently do not propose to take any further notice of same. If you are dissatisfied with my decision you can lay an information against the constable yourself. I have, &c, J. B. Tunbridge Mr. C. Neve, Nelson. (p. J. E., for Commissioner of Police).