H.—l6b

J. K. SIMI'SON.]

12. How many weie dismissed while you were there? —As far as I can recollect, there were three in the twelve months. 13. Are there any men, to your knowledge, at present in the Force who arc addicted to drink? —I cannot say I know of any. 14. Were there any who were dealt with for drunkenness while you were in Auckland?—l do not think so. 15. In regard to morality? —The men 1 have come in contact with in Southland are all of good moral character. 16. What about Auckland? —There were some exceptions there amongst the recruits, but in all cases they were dealt with. 17. To what extent was this immorality? —I do not say I know of any immorality or grave breaches of propriety. 18. Do you know of any instance in which political or other influence has been used on behalf of constables or sergeants?—No, I never heard of any. I have heard it mentioned that So-and-so had a good " pull." 19. Was that understood to be political " pull "I—l understood it to mean that. 20. Do you think that exists? —Not to any extent; I cannot say of my own knowledge that I know of any case where there has been any. 21. Do you think it exists? —It is only human nature that if a man has friends at court he should try and make use of them. 22. Have you any views on promotion? —No, 1 have been fairly dealt with myself. An examination has been lately instituted, and the Commissioner stated that those who went up ami were otherwise qualified would be considered for promotion. 1 passed the examination in general knowledge of police duties and in certain statutes. 23. And you received promotion soon afterwards?— Yes. 24. Mr. Dinnie.] What service had you when you were promoted? —Thirteen years and over. 25. It was not simply because you were examined that you were promoted?—No, I was otherwise qualified. 26. Do you find amongst probationers and young constables we have sonic trouble as regards di inking?— Yes. 27. Do you know any senior constables who are addicted to drink? —No. 28. Do you really believe influence obtains to any extent?—l have suspicions of it. 29. What makes you suspect it: what you hear?—Y'es, from the man in the street. 30. Have you seen anything you could,not account for in any other way than by political influence?—No, I know of nothing myself. 31. The Commissioner.] Can you name any one you have heard boast of it?—l have heard others speak of it, but. not the ones concerned. There is one matter 1 might mention : when sergeants of police are travelling they have to travel steerage. 32. You think they should be allowed to go first-class?—l think so. All brandies of the Railway service, for instance, are supplied with first-class passes. 33. Up to what grade do they travel steerage? —All constables, all sergeants, and all detec fives except Chief Detectives —any one below the rank of Sub-Inspector. 34. Have you travelled steerage?—l paid the difference myself. Steerage accommodation is not fit for the Force, especially in the case of married men with families, particularly as regards the people you have to associate with. 35. Men like you prefer to pay the difference? —Yes. Mr. Dinnie: I may say the regulations are being altered in this respect.

Dunedin, Monday, 12th July, 1909. James Frederick Arnold, Member of Parliament, examined on oath. (No. 10.) Witness: I should like to preface anything I have to say by reading a communication sent to me by the Minister of Justice on the Ist, of this month. It is as follows: " Sir, —I have the honour "to transmit, for your information, the accompanying copy of a Commission under the hand of His Excellency the Governor, appointing Mr. Bishop, S.M.,'to inquire and report, on certain allegations and statements respecting the administration, efficiency, and control of the Police Force. The Commission will open its sittings in Dunedin early next week, and I have no doubt that you will facilitate its proceedings in every way, and furnish it with the fullest information concerning the cases referred to by you in your recent speech in Parliament. —I have, &c, J, G. Findlay." I read that because the Minister refers to a speech I delivered in Parliament during the session just ended, also to shoyv that it is partly at his wish that I am here to give evidence. I should like to say also that lam delighted that you, sir, have been appointed to conduct this mission, and I am pleased to be here this morning to help you in every way I possibly can, not only to-day, but during the whole of your mission. Tt has been suggested that, having taken an active part in this matter, and having been interested in police matters for years past, I should accompany the Commission thiough its travels: but after making full inquiry, I am satisfied the Commission can itself ascertain the full facts as to the position of affairs in the Police Department and I am satisfied that neither I nor any other individual can get evidence before the Commission from members of the Force itself to prove the true position. I trust, however, the Commission will be able to ascertain those facts in other ways. There are various departments of the public service which it is necessary public men should interest themselves in, and it is necessary they should be ready to conserve and to protect the members of those branches of the service; and from my experience! have felt that if there be one branch that requires the sympathy and co-operation

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