M. MASON.]

43

H.-^l6b.

19. Is he a good writer? —I do not think so. 20. Do you know he was recommended by his Inspector for the position?—l do not mean to say he was not 21. Do you know he was selected from others because he was well qualified?—l fail to see it. Every man in the Force would respect this mail —Chalmers —but he is no better as regards education than an ordinary man. There was one man at the time doing street duty who had four or five years' service, of very great ability, and I understood from himself he would have been verypleased to get the appointment. 22. Did he apply for it? —I cannot say. 23. Do you say men leave the service through dissatisfaction in this respect?—l say they are apt to do so. 24. You do not know of a case?— No. 25. You have no complaint yourself?— No. 26. The Commissioner] What is your opinion in regard to the employment of probationers or young constables in connection with the detection of sly-grog selling?—l would not like to have anything to do with it as a probationer intending to remain in the service; but there are men who do not mind it. If I were a constable I would not mind it any more than any other duty. 27. You do not think it would he a sort of brand on you in the future?—No, it does a man no injury at all. 28. Mr. Dinnie] It is not desirable work? —No. 29. Not desirable to employ private individuals on?— No. 30. It is desirable such men should not be known ?—Yes. 31. If an old constable were employed there would be danger of his detection?— Yes. 32. The Commissioner] Do you know of any objection on the part of the police to coining into the general Superannuation Fund?— No. 33. You cannot tell me why they as a body think it more desirable to have their own fund? —I think one of the reasons is because they feel their own fund is pretty safe financially. The young members of the Force would prefer to go into the general fund, but the old ones do not. Chief Detective Herbert: The handing over of £31,000 is one strong objection, and also the extra charge on men who have been ten years contributing. I would go up myself 1 per cent. 34. The Commissioner (to witness).] It seems to me it would be very preferable to have one general fund. Did you hear Mr. O'Brien's evidence? —Yes. 35. Have you heard anything about what be called the "useful man ".? —I can say nothing about it :it has never been discussed at all. If there is one, Ido not know him. I have not been very long in the Force, and have not come in contact with many except young recruits. 36. Mr. Dinnie] The subject was not discussed at your meeting?— No. 37. The Commissioner] Do you think the standard of education requisite for enrolment is high or low?—I think it is rather high, although 1 am satisfied a man wants to be able to pass the Fifth to be able to do his duty in a proper manner, though there are men who have only passed the Fourth who would get on just as well. 38. Assuming there is a difficulty in obtaining the right stamp of man for recruits, would you urge as an attraction first to increase the pay, and secondly to lower the standard of education? —I think if the pay and concessions in the direction I have mentioned were increased suitable recruits would be forthcoming. 39. How do intending recruits know of these conditions?— Well, before I thought of joining the Force as a single man my first inquiries were as to the pay and general conditions, and when I heard of the pay I decided not to have anything to do with it. As a married man, the occupation I followed —shearing—in Australia and different countries was not altogether suitable. I was married when I entered the Force. As shearing led to my having to leave my wife when going shearing to Australia and elsewhere I decided to apply for enrolment, as there yvas a living in it. Men in the country who think of joining first inquire from men in the Force as to the conditions, and if these conditions were altered I think intending candidates would get to know of it. 40. Are you aware, apart from the facts you have mentioned, of any general feeling of dissatisfaction in the Force with the existing order of things?— That is the only dissatisfaction I know of. 41. Have you ever heard constables speaking of political influence being used on their behalf? —No; I have heard the matter discussed. 42. With what result?— They seem to think such things do go on. 43. Have you ever heard any one boasting about having such influence?—No; men who would use it would be likely to keep it to themselves. 44. Is there drinking amongst members of the Force? —Not to any extent; individual members might drink. I think the majority —the young constables especially —are very respectable men. 45. How old are you?— About thirty-one. Vyvyan Richarh Taylor, Constable, examined on oath. (No. 21.) Witness: I am in charge of Palmerston. I entered the Force in November, 1897. I would ask that constables should be allowed first-class travelling-allowance for their wives and families. I believe the higher offioers are allowed it. If a man is transferred, for instance, from here to Auckland the Department compels him to travel by steamer for the sake of economy. He has a wife and family dumped into the steerage, and given a couple of frowzy blankets. I consider the wives and families of all members of the Force are entitled to as much consideration as those of any officer, from the Commissioner downwards. I would ask also that circular 1408 be cancelled, applying to men applying for positions outside the Force having to apply to the Commis-