H.—l6b.

42

[m. mason.

1. The Commissioner.] You get no interim holidays at all?—No; we have the option of taking our holidays every year or of taking them all together every three years —thirty-six days. In the Prisons Department 1 understand they get fifteen days a year, and, in addition, they get ten days public holidays and every other Sunday off and every other Saturday afternoon, making about eighty-odd days a year, as against our twelve. In some cases we get a Sunday off, which means ene holiday a year. I work 365 days a year, except the annual holiday leave. We suggest that the annual leave for all classes of the police should be increased by two or three days, which would give great satisfaction. 2. Have you made any inquiries as to the treatment of the staff in mental hospitals?— No. In regard to passes on the railways, we do not think we are treated liberally enough. The Commissioner: I understand the Minister for Railways has declined to grant any concessions, and it is a matter for his discretion. The only possible way by which passes could be obtained would be by the Police Department paying for them, which is a big order. Mr. lyinnie: I applied specially for them, and the reply was that the Department could not see their way to grant them. ■ Witness: I should like to say this: Owing to the fact that we can seldom get our annual holidays during public holidays we are unable to take advantage of cheap fares, and passes would be a great consideration. Railway men get passes for themselves and families at any time of the year. Then, again, when we are on annual leave we are liable to be called on for duty at any time. 3. The Commissioner.'] Your holidays are granted subject to the requirements of the Department?— Yes. The Inspector in charge of a district may find, although your holidays are granted by the Department, that it is inconvenient for you to have them at the time. I think we should be granted a free pass when on annual leave, or, indeed, at any time of the year when we might want to go for a day. 4. When away on duty you get a pass?— Yes." The next question is that of promotion. I have no grievance in this respect, but I wish to say, on behalf of the meeting, that one or two promotions that have been made of young men in the service have given great dissatisfaction among the junior members of the Force. I am prepared to give one or two instances, and there are others, I understand, who will have something to say about it. One case is that of a young man who was promoted to the district clerk's office. There are men, I have reason to believe, who had seen as much service, if they were not actually superior to him, who applied and were overlooked. Ability seems hardly considered. lam not saying anything against this man, and do not say he is not fitted for the position, but it seems strange that some of the men who applied have passed the police examination, whereas he lias not; yet he has been promoted. 5. By promotion you mean he gets certain additional emoluments? —Yes, such as every Sunday and every Saturday afternoon off. His name is Lennon. 6. Has it caused general dissatisfaction throughout the Force? —Yes, among the junior members. Another case is that where a constable was taken off the street and given a position two months after he joined in the district clerk's office : his name is Chalmers. 7. Was he exceptionally well qualified? —He is a particular friend of mine, and I have an idea as to his ability : he is just an average man, and has not passed the police examination. 1 do not say he could" not if he went in for it. Any number of men could if they went in for it, but they do not bother about it. 8. Is there anything underlying that?—l do not know that there is, but there are many who may be fairly educated and yet be unable to pass the examination, because there are a certain number of catchy questions in it. I will not say that many appointments are not made in the best interests of the Department, but I wish to bring under your notice the fact that promotions have been the means of causing dissatisfaction amongst the junior members of the Force. 9. You contend that men of longer service and of equal qualifications should have the preference? —Quite so; if a man is sensitive it only needs a case or two like this—(if the Department do not consider it promotion the men do) —if this sort of thing goes on the young men will get disheartened and will leave the service. I cannot give any cases where they have done so, but I am sure they will. If I saw one or two cases where a man with no more ability than myself was promoted to a rank I had applied for while I was overlooked it would cause me to leave the service, because I should consider I had no ,chance. I have no reason person illy to complain at all. I applied for promotion eighteen months ago, and have no reason to believe I have been overlooked. 10. You applied for promotion as what?—As acting-detective. I have reason to believe I shall get it when my turn comes. Although I quote these cases it is not because I envied the men at all. 11. Mr. Dinnie.] As regards present pay and allowances, you do not mention what are the men's prospects: how long are they in the service before being entitled to a station, provided their conduct and qualifications are satisfactory?— From what I understand, from four to six years. 12. And then their position is pretty good? —I understand so. 13. Free rent, a good house, and other, emoluments outside their duties in many places?—l have that to learn yet. 14. You get an occasional Sunday off in addition to your twelve days?—l have never got one off for three years. 15. How many men are there with you? —Five and a sergeant. 16. If it is the practice, you should come in with the rest?—l believe there must be some reason why it is not granted ; these men may never have applied for it; I never asked for it. If I applied, I have every reason to believe the inspector would grant it. 17. Do you know'the qualifications of Lennon?—Not personally. 18. Do you know the qualifications of the other man you refer to?— Yes; 1 went through the depot with him.