H.—l6b.

8

fA. J. MITCHELL.

28. You have no certain individual knowledge of men in the Force in whatever position going behind the Commissioner? —No. 29. In regard to you disciplinary dealings with the men, you deal with them judicially, and there is right of appeal to the Commissioner ?—Yes. 30. How do you find the acceptance of your decision? Are your decisions ever overruled?— I can say positively that in no instance has my decision been overruled or questioned. 31. Have you any fault to find in regard to your own relations with the authorities? —None in the least. I consider I have been very lucky. 32. Have you any opinion in regard to Constable Connell since he has been here?— During the time he has been here I have had no cause whatever to complain. He is not an agitator by an} - means. I think he has learnt the lesson to keep his grievance to himself, and not to try to sow seeds of dissatisfaction amongst those with whom he works. 1 have no evidence that he has attempted to do that, but he considers he has a grievance in being sent here as a constable. 33. Have you any views in regard to the promotion of detectives to higher office in the Force? —No; I have no suggestions for improvement on the present system. 34. You think a man who has acted as Chief Detective is entitled to promotion as SubInspector?—l do; I see no reason why he is not fully qualified. 35. There is not much crime here?— No. 36. Have you any plain-clothes men here? —No. 37. You are sufficiently staffed? —Well, I should like a plain-clothes man here. 38. There is an extreme amount of dissatisfaction on the part of some members of the Force in regard to the Headquarters staff: do you know anything of this? I want to know what is tin' general feeling?—Of course, lam aware it exists. In regard'to my own feelings, it seems to me to be not altogether desirable that a Sub-Inspector should assume authority in the absence of the Commissioner, and more or less dictate to an Inspector, and I think there should be an alteration in this respect. 39. That view would not obtain with a purely clerical staff?— No. There would be no objection to a Chief Clerk acting for an Under-Secretar\- who was away. 40. Have you heard any feeling in regard to the extra privileges that men get in the Commissioner's office on account of not doing outside duty?—l know nothing at all about that. 41. Is your district clerk a sergeant?—No; but I am in hopes to get him promoted shortly. 42. Is it within your knowledge that the district clerks in the Dominion are generally sergeants ?—Yes. 43. Can you give me a solid reason why district clerks should be sergeants?—A man who acts as district clerk must have increased responsibilities, and, unless he possesses qualifications above the ordinary constable, it would be idle to expect him to be able to perform his duties. 44. Is it, not an absolutely clerical position? —Yes. 45. What has the position of sergeant to do with that of district clerk?— Well, it gives him increased pay. He gets Is. a day clerical allowance, which I think is far too small for a position of great responsibility. 46. Then, the position of sergeant does not help him except in providing further remuneration? —That is all; it is simply a means to an end. 47. You know of no reason from a police standpoint, or from that of efficiency, why he should be a sergeant?— No. 48. Mr. Dinnie.] I spoke to you, did I not, about the desirability of reducing the educational standard of applicants to the Force?— Yes. 49. Since I took charge of the Department there has been a change, has there not, as regards the appointment of Chief Detectives: the Chief Detective was simply an ordinary one, so named because of seniority?— Yes, the matter of pay has been revised. 50. You are aware that previously one or two have been made Chief Detectives who were not fit for the position?— Yes, by virtue of seniority, they held a position which they were not fit for. 51. Their pay has been considerably advanced since I have been here?— Yes. 52. You know that constables do resort to influence, and hold the belief that influence has an effect? —I know it is the subject very largely talked of, but of my own knowledge I know nothing of it. 53. Do you not think that the fact, of members of Parliament listening to constables is an inducement for the latter to ask for their influence? —That is a question I would rather not offer an opinion about. 54. But it induces constables to go to members?— Necessarily it does, and, moreover, the members only hear one side of the question from the man with a grievance. 55. Do you not think the clerks in the office should have some knowledge of police duties? — I cannot see of what advantage it is, unless there is a possibility- of their leaving the office and going on the street. 56. Supposing, for instance, I left my office, is not the Sub-Inspector in a position to answer any questions in regard to pressing matters in a way in which no ordinary clerk could do?—He occupies a false position such as I do not think he should. 57. But should not any one in that position have some knowledge of police duties so as to be able to answer questions in my absence? —It would be decidedly an advantage. 58. Are you aware that throughout the Force the clerical staff are police officers?— Yes; but I do not think a Sub-Inspector should be placed in such a position as to enable him to dictate to one in a higher position in the service than himself. 59. I quite agree with you there, but I mean as regards police experience?—Tn Australia members of the Force hold clerical positions, and so they do in England.