H.—l6b.

30

[o. p. bßosnan.

A to identify me. On his arrival they adopted a course which I understand is quite illegal, for I sat in a chair with three officials present while this person scrutinised me without result. I interviewed Inspector O'Brien, and made a plain and straightforward statement of my complaint, after which he —1 may have been unduly affected by my trouble —remarked that I appeared to be drunk, and he did not care to go into the matter. I can with all truthfulness affirm that 1 do not drink, and that I certainly had no drink that day. 1 told him that if I did not get a promise of redress, in order to prevent future unjust annoyance, 1 should interview some higher official than he. He then told me that if I put my complaint in writing he would inquire into the matter. As I did not think I would receive much consideration from that quarter, owing to the insults heaped on me, 1 have taken the occasion of appearing before the Commission fully convinced that these wrongs will be righted. Speaking as one who has had dealings with the police officials, if such an opinion as mine will be accepted, I desire to make the allegation that'there are those in the Force who adopt unprincipled methods to secure convictions as a stepping-stone to promotion, and who, instead of being guardians of the public welfare, are not only a menace to society generally, but are manufacturers of crime. Were I not confident of my own ability of reforming myself I should do what many another has done in the same circumstances—lose heart, and sink into the old groove again. But 1 demand as a free citizen, as long as I am living an open and honest life by my own exertions, be the past what it may, 1 demand I should not be subjected to the hounding-down methods of despicable members of the service—those few who cast discredit and bring opprobrium on the honester members of the Force. 1. Inspector O'Brien.] Did you call at my office on a certain day? —Yes, at 3 in the afternoon. 2. Before that you had been in the detective office?— Yes. 3. You were greatly excited when you arrived at my office? —I may have appeared unduly affected. 4. As a matter of fact, you were greatly excited? —1 dare say 1 was. 5. You told your story in a very excited manner?— Not necessarily in an excited manner; 1 told it plainly and straightforwardly. I was no more excited than I am now. 6. What was the suggestion made about your being intoxicated? —You said I appeared t» be drunk. 7. What were the words 1 used? —That I appeared to be drunk, and you did not care to go into my story. 8. Were not these the words 1 used, " Brosnan, have you been drinking to-day'? " —So far as I remember, you told me I appeared to be drunk. 9. Do you remember everything that passed on that occasion? —Yes, the facts of the case made such an indelible impression on me. 10. Did I not tell you to put your complaint in writing?— Yes. 11. Have you done so?—No; I did not consider! should receive proper consideration, as insults had been heaped upon me. I wrote to the Dunedin Star, and the sub-editor consulted with me, and told me he had communicated with Mr. O'Brien, and his advice was to give evidence before the Commission, so I did not consider it necessary to put my complaint in writing. 12. You decided to appear before the Commission, instead of placing it in my hands? —Yes. It has been promised me that my name shall not be divulged. 13. Why did you not give me a.trial first, and if I failed you would then have your remedy before the Commission ?—You told me I was drunk, and I might have been told I was doubly drunk the next time I came before you. 14. The Commissioner.] Are you in respectable employment now?— Yes, :n a grain-store. I have been there since the 22nd of last month. 15. Has this prejudiced your position? —In a certain sense. 16. Will the fact of your coming before the Commission affect your position?—l should not think so. I understand my employer interviewed Mr. O'Brien in respect to the police action. 17. Were you actually arrested by Mr. Mitchell?—l was taken into custody. 18. But if a man is in custody he can only be released by a Court? —Well, I would not say 1 was arrested exactly, but 1 was taken in charge, and escorted by him. 19. Compulsorily? What did he say? Tell me exactly whether you were arrested or not? —1 will tell you what took place. I was working, and Mitchell and Thomson came along and asked me about a bike I was riding. Mitchell told Thomson to go aud look at the bike, and then said he wanted to ask me a few questions. Knowing police methods, I refused absolutely to satisfy 20. Had you any previous knowledge of them?—No; they had been in uo way connected with my previous trouble. I knew Mitchell by sight. My employer was standing alongside, and my fellow-workmen were looking at me in wonder at these two detectives speaking to me. I went to my employer, and asked him to allow me to go and speak to Mr. O'Brien, as I wished toask him whether this was legal. I got on my bike. Mitchell said, " Where are you going? lo the Inspector," I said. " No, you are not," he said. A scuffle took place. 2L Did he lay hands on you?— Yes, and prevented me going of my free-will, and escorted me to tlie detective office. 22. In the presence of other persons? —Yes; four persons 1 could name. 23. Why did you not prosecute him yourself? —I am in no circumstances to prosecute. 24. He actually laid hands on you?— Yes. 25. Who yvere present?— Four persons. 26 1 should consider it very improper if you were laid hands on by any officer without sufficient warrant, but you must be supported by evidence, and I shall want the names?—l will give you the names privately.