H.—l6b

58

not give him a drink because he was not a customer. I was very angry with him, but he would simply laugh at me. I told him he was trying to be funny, but he was simply silly. Mrs. Witt, the licensee, was witness to most of it. She was afraid to speak for fear she might suffer for it. She was not pleased, but did not say much. Some short time after this, one night at 11 p.m., we had some men in the house. Mrs. Witt was doing her utmost to get them out—she really does her very utmost to close at 11, and I have sometimes seen her crying when they would not go out for her; she was putting one man out at the back. I was waiting for my wages out of the till when Kemp and Burrell came in; it was five minutes after 11 p.m. Kemp talked a good deal to Mrs. Witt; something was said about the license getting indorsed, &c. He took Mrs. Witt into another room, and I believe accused her of telling he did not pay for the drinks and cigars, and offered to pay, &c. They then left—l mean the two constables. I am almost sure Kemp was in plain clothes ; Burrell was in uniform. Mrs. Witt was frightened she would get into trouble through my quarrelling with Kemp for not paying. We put this sudden visit down to that. I offered to go away and leave her service sooner than bring trouble on her in this way. The fact that Kemp did not pay got talked of somehow. I was several times asked if it was true, and I told no falsehood about it. Some people would ask, " Any cheap or free drinks here ? " I usually answered, "No more of that," &c. "We expect some trouble over the matter." Eva Sanford. Harriett Witt, widow, licensee of Exchange Hotel, says,— I heard the statement made by Miss Sanford, and I can corroborate it as being correct. Harriett Witt. These women were very busy when 1 called on them; they had to leave me every few minutes, so that I could not take everything down they said. Mrs. Witt is very frightened of the police, and most unwilling to give any statement. She, however, told me Kemp was angry when he came in with Burrell after 11 p.m., and accused her of telling people he did not pay, &c. He took her into another room, pulled out a pound-note, and then offered to pay. She did not accept it then. He also told her something about getting her license indorsed for having the barmaid in the bar when they came in. She says it was ten minutes after 11 p.m. then. She was doing all she could to get the men out. She was sorry the barmaid spoke to Kemp as she did. She hoped she would not get into trouble over the matter. I told her to be careful and she would get into no trouble. I told her that if any attempt was made to improperly trouble her to wire me and I would see she got fair play. I urged both women not to tell any one the object of my visit, and they promised not to do so. I next called on— Ernest Oakey, engineer, Bridge Street, Nelson ; he made the following statement: — About a month ago I was in the Exchange Hotel between 8 and 9 p.m. I met Constable Kemp there, or he came in after me. I shouted for him. He afterwards asked the barmaid to shout. She refused. He handed me a glass of gin. I think he had one himself. He also took a cigar for us both; he went behind the counter to get the cigars. He did not pay for either drinks or cigars ; he refused to do so. The barmaid had some words with him over it. Mrs. Witt was in the passage most of the time, and witnessed all that took place. I did not think much of it at the time. I think the worst feature in it is that they went back to frighten her afterwards. I offered to pay myself, so as to have no trouble over it. Ernest Oakey. This man promised not to tell any one I had spoken to him on the subject. I am, however, satisfied he told Kemp. I took his statement on the 13th. I was going along Bridge Street on Sunday, the 16th, when he came up to me and said he wished to correct his statement. I asked what it was. He said that he before said Kemp had shandy to drink ; he was now inclined to think he had lemonade. I said that was not much; was there anything else? He hesitated for a little, and then said, "I am now inclined to believe that Kemp offered to pay." I said, " No, he did not that night." He said, " Well, lam not at all sure, but lam now inclined to think so." I said, " Have you seen Kemp since?" He said, "No, I have not." I said, " Now, Mr. Oakey, be careful; do you say you have not been speaking to Kemp since ? " He replied, " Well, yes ; he was in the shop on factory duty once." I said, "Of course he was; I was sure of it; but you should stick to the truth." He said, "I do not like to get any one into trouble." I then left him. lam strongly of opinion that he told Kemp himself, and that every effort shall be made to square all the rest. lam satisfied that Burrell and Durbridge will stand or fall together. I should not be surprised if the barmaid clears out. E. Macdonell, Inspector. New Zealand Police, 26th February, 1902. Commissioner's Office, Wellington.

Telegram to the Commissioner of Police, Wellington. sth March, 1902. Re your wire of this day : I have heard of no disturbance or threats between Constables Williams and Durbridge. lam calling on both of them for reports, and will forward them as directed. E. Mackay, Sergeant.

Telegram to Sergeant Mackay, Police-station, Nelson. sth March, 1902. lam informed Constable Durbridge has been using threats towards Constable Williams. You will please procure reports from each of the constables at once, and forward them direct to Inspector Macdonell. I hold you responsible if any disturbance occurs between the men under you; and you should at once wire your Inspector if anything of the kind has occurred, so that effective measures can be taken. J. B. Tunbridge, Commissioner.