Transfers.

Numerous instances similar to the one quoted could be given. The general effect upon the force of this political control may be judged by the evidence given by Inspector Broham, who said:—"The powers of inspectors have been very much curtailed of late years. Formerly, inspectors had authority to remove within their own districts all sergeants and constables from station to station. That power was taken from them. They have not been consulted of late years regarding promo- page 325 tions, nor as to the transfer of men under their charge. They know nothing whatever of the transfers until the men are told to go to different places, everything being controlled from Wellington. The constables knew that the inspectors' powers were largely curtailed; they knew that it was not by steady attention to their duty that promotion was to be obtained, or advancement given, and they sought promotion and advancement by political influence. This system directly bred insubordination and the spirit of disobedience throughout the force."

Other inspectors spoke to an exactly similar effect as to the evil results which have followed the conversion of the police force into a medium for conferring patronage in the interests of the political party, and such a system, if continued, must inevitably produce a state of corruption in this colony such as the unrestrained operation of the same causes, under Tammany, produced in New York, and which has made the New York police force the reproach of the civilised world. Pages of evidence on this point could be quoted, all of which might be summarised in the candid admission of ex-Inspector W. G. Fox, of Invercargill, who said: "I believe, on my oath, the men, from the inspectors down to the lowest rank, were afraid to do their duty."

With a force recruited without enquiry being made into their character, intelligence, or education of its members; with policemen who receive no training before being placed on the public streets; with a Commissioner who is tinder the control of the political powers of the hour, and whose helplessness is measured by his declaration, "It was not for me to think at all, I did as I was told "; with the "spirit of disobedience and insubordination in the ranks," what description of administration has been recorded?

I quote several cases briefly:—