H.—l6b.

L. MTJLLANY.]

or anything else is concerned, but it is generally considered that when a man is passed over and then promoted years afterwards some political influence has been used. Ido not know whether it is so or not. 5. When you speak of political influence, what do you imply by that? —That a man has friends in Parliament or elsewhere. 6. Mr. Dinnie] Are you aware that the uniform men have the same opportunities of getting into the detective branch as the detectives have of getting into the uniform branch?—l was not aware of that. 7. Do you know of any constables wdio have been appointed to the detective staff after veiy short service? —I understand they would have about four years' service. 8. They would then only be appointed acting detectives temporarily until they are tried?— 1 do not say anything against that, 9. Are you aware that very few returned troopers have been taken on since I came to NewZealand? —The time I refer to is nearly five years ago, and I know a number of them were taken on in Christchurch when I was there. 10. Do you think they have not been a success?—No, a dismal failure. 11. You say the physique of the men has deteriorated. You know they have to pass a medical examination, and must come up to certain measurements?—Y T es; but still I do not think the physique is what it was. 12. Chief Detectire Herbert] Have you only learnt to-day that if you had chosen to join the detective department, instead of remaining in the uniform branch, you would have had an opportunity of doing so? —Yes, as sergeant I mean. 13. Are you aware thai Sergeant Siddells was transferred to the detective department?— Yes; but I am aware he is the only sergeant who has been so transferred. 14. Do you know whether any other sergeant has applied to join? —No. 15. You were in Dunedin for nearly four years on beat duty : did it ever occur to } t ou then that you might have been a detective if you had wanted? —I was asked if I would take the position when 1 was in Dunedin. 16. Do you not think it would be fairer, if you wanted to be a detective, to get in at the bottom and gradually work vp —say, in twenty-five years?—A man may alter his opinion a good many times in twenty-five years. 17. Would it be fair that a sergeant who had no previous detective experience should step in at once at another branch of the service with the same rank?—A man must have considerable experience before he is appointed a sergeant. He has had experience of the detection and prevention of crime and of all other classes of work connected with the service. 18. They have often to send for a detective, with all their long experience?—lt is not on account of their inability to do the wink in the district, or on account of the exceptional ability of the detective branch, that they send for a detective, but it is because the sergeant in such a district has other duties to perform, and they have to send for assistance. It is simply a question of time. 19. Is not one of the main objects in sending for a detective in order that the responsibility may be transferred? —No. 20. Do you say a Chief Detective is not properly trained or qualified for the position of SubInspector?— No. 21. Do you think it would be unfair competition that he should come into the uniform branch as Sub-Inspector? —I think, if the position is going to be given to the Chief Detectives, the uniform branch of the service has little or nothing to look forward to. 22. Do you realise also that the detective or the Chief Detective has nothing to look forward to? —I have no objection to the Chief Detective being appointed to Sub-Inspector provided a sergeant, is given an opportunity of getting into the detective branch. 23. Have you discussed this question with the other sergeants, or are you giving only your own opinion in this matter? —It is m\ own opinion only. 24. The Commissioner] Do you think there is any feeling of dissatisfaction amongst the members of the Force with regard to the present conditions?—l have not been very much in touch with the police generally, but i have no knowledge of any dissatisfaction if it does exist. 25. You have no grievance yourself?— None whatever.

Thursday, 15th July, 1909. John Downey, Miller, examined ou oath. (No. 27.) This witness detailed circumstances which some twenty years ago led to his being charged with abusing a policeman and being fined £2 by the Magistrate. He submitted that he had been wrongfully interfered with by the policeman, and asked the Commissioner to endeavour to get his money back for him. Tlie Commissioner told the witness that it. was impossible for him to review the decision of a Magistrate. Terence O'Brien, Inspector, further examined. (No. 28.) Mr. Dinnie: I desire to submit (he report of the Commission held in 1905, specially calling attention to that part dealing with the supervision of this district. I make no comments, but leave the Commission to judge whether Mr. O'Brien's opinion is right as regards my evidence, and the result thereof.

51