H.—l6b

V

BE POET.

To His Excellency the Right Honourable William Lee, Baron Plunket, Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and over His Majesty's Dominion of New Zealand and its Dependencies. May it please Your Excellency. I, the Commissioner appointed by Your Excellency's Letters Patent of the 29th June, 1909, which Letters Patent were extended on the 20th August, and still further extended on the 20th September, and by which I was directed to inquire into the following matters and things, that is to say, — (1.) The general organization, control, and enrolment of the Police Force of the Dominion as it now exists in its several branches, and the discipline and efficiency thereof, and in what respect the said Force, or any part thereof, could be better recruited, organized, controlled, or made more efficient; (2.) As to the efficiency, conduct, sobriety, and morality of the members of the said Force or any of them; (3.) As to whether any political or other improper interference exists in connection with the said Force; and, if so, to what extent, and whether such interference has any influence in the administration of the said Force; (4.) As to the methods of promotion of members of the said Force, and the reasons governing the selection of members of the said Force for promotion, — have to report as follows :— To enable me to amply cover the ground set out in the order of reference, I found it necessary to visit a large number of places throughout the Dominion, and to examine a great number of witnesses. To make my inquiry as thorough and far-reaching as possible, I deemed it necessary to examine as witnesses all the Inspectors, Sub-Inspectors, station sergeants, Chief Detectives, and sergeants. A large number of constables and detectives were also examined, but these all came forward as voluntary witnesses, either as delegates for the local members of the Force, or to put forward matters affecting themselves personally or the general welfare of the Force. I found it quite impossible to complete my inquiry within the period originally fixed by Your Excellency. I therefore found it necessary to apply for an extension. The second extension was rendered necessary by my desire to afford all possible opportunity to Mr. Dinnie, the Commissioner of Police, to justify his control of the Force since he assumed office. He asked for, and urged the need for, a fortnight's time in which to prepare a statement covering such matters as he deemed desirable. I considered it advisable to afford him every facility, and therefore granted the adjournment asked for. It caused unexpected delay in my work. The statement he ultimately made appears in full in the evidence. The preamble to the order of reference in the commission issued by Your Excellency sets out as follows : — " Whereas allegations and statements have been lately made from time to time respecting the administration, efficiency, and control of the Police Force of the Dominion : And whereas, in view of the public importance of the matter both as regards the public and members of the Police Force, it is expedient that full inquiry shall be made," &c.