H.—l6b.

18

[W. A. BBOOKES.

28. That implies they are not fit to be constables'? —Yes. 29. They are the class of men you would always have to keep under watch if on your beat? — There is one I could name we have to particularly watch. 30. Hay- you even known of any political or other interference?— Not to my personal knowledge. 31. Have you heard constables boast of exercising it? —Only hearsay. Some one might say, " Oh, he must have got that by so-and-so." 32. Have you ever heard a man say, when ordered to transfer, that he would get that altered?— No. •'i-'i. Did you see anything of the general conduct of the Force in barracks when in Christchurch?—No; I was not much in the barracks. 34. Have you any views on promotion?—No, I have been fairly dealt with. 35. What, do you think should be the reasons governing selections for promotion?— Seniority and ability. 36. General all-round ability as policemen? —Yes. 37. Is the standard of education an important factor in a sergeant?—l think so; I do not think he could undertake his duties if he had not some education. 38. What extra clerical work has a sergeant to do as compared with a man in charge of a station?—He has a good deal of clerical work to do. 39. So has a constable in charge of a station?—He is on the same footing, but he might have more to do than a sergeant. 40. If a man has sufficient education to justify his selection for the charge of a station, and discharges those duties for many years, would he not be equally qualified to discharge the duties of a, sergeant?— Yes. 41. The standard of education is not important beyond that? —Those are the men mostly chosen for sergeants. 42. Mr. Dinnie.] You say there are men in Christchurch addicted to drink: how many? I can mention one particularly. 43. Any in the Force at present?—l should not like to say anything about one man who had one lapse and is now sober. 11. The Commissioner.] How long has he been sober?— Since about Exhibition time. 45. I want from you the names of all the men in the Force whom you have seen under the influence of liquor during the time you were there? —I could name two. 46. Have they both been dealt with?— Yes; one for drunkenness, whom I took off the street myself on night duty, and the other for entering a hotel when on duty and having a drink. 47. What service had these men?— One a very short time, and the other, I think, about fifteen years. 48. A man to be properly qualified as a sergeant must have something above the ordinary education required for a constable?— There are some men on beat who are very well educated. 49. Any education you may have is of assistance to you as sergeant?— Yes, and to the Inspector. 50. Have you anything to say as regards promotion?— No. 51. You believe in efficiency as well as seniority?— Yes. James Kerr Simpson, Sergeant, examined on oath. (No. 9.) Witness: I am stationed at Invercargill. I joined the police from the Permanent Artillery in 1895, and was sent to Greymouth, where I did duty as foot constable for two years ; 1 was then mounted there for three years; and was then transferred as second man to Kaiapoi, and held that position as mounted constable for four years; I was then appointed in charge of Kaiapoi for four years; was then appointed sergeant, and transferred to Auckland; remained there for twelve months, and was then transferred to Invercargill, in 1909. 1. The Commissioner.] Have you formed any opinion as to the organization, control, and enrolment of the Force? —1 have nothing to say in regard to that. 2. Are you aware whether there is a difficulty in properly recruiting the Force owing to lack of suitable men .'--That has existed for a considerable time. I attribute it to the increased cost of living and the low rate of pay, together with the high standard of wages ruling for manual labour, which is Bs. or 9s. a day. 3. Wet and fine—seven days a week? —I will not say that. 4. You think the rate of pay too low ; are you taking a special class of constable or the average constable, because as a rule they come in as single men?—lt is too low to command a good sample of men ; you can get any amount of men with the present rate of pay. 5. But it would not attract first-class men?— Not at present. 6. How ought it to be improved?--! think constables should start at least at Bs. a day after going through the school. 7. Would you improve the pay of all grades or only of constables?—6d. a day might be added to all. 8. What does it cost you, a, single man, to live?—l live in barracks, and it costs me 15s. a week for board alone. 9. Would you say the Force is'fairly efficient? —Yes. 10. What about their general conduct?—l should say it is good, with exceptions that have 1 n before the public lately. 11. Have you come into personal contact with any exceptions?—ln Auckland I noticed several little cases, but they were promptly dealt with by the Inspector. In some eases dismissal followed : they were breaches of regulations, and in some cases drunkenness.