CO129-319 - Governor Sir Blake - 1903 [10-11] — Page 625

30

613

due to gentlemen holding the responsible position of a Consul,

and especially where the Consul was a foreigner who apoke English with difficulty at the best, and probably with very great difficulty when excited as M. Reau was. The evidence shows that P. C. Rutledge did arrest M. Reau, which was in my opiniên unjustifiable, instead of separating the disputants and leaving them to their remedy by Summons, and he further treated M. Reau, as described by Madame Reau, with needless indignity by placing his hand behind his neck, and pushing him on the top of the steps and in the presence of a large number of people in the street. His conduct at the station as described by Madame Reau was also insulting to both M. and

Madame Reau.

Both constables are to blame. The I. P. C. for having seized the European by the collar who at the time was palpably overpowered by his opponent and arresting him, instead of separating the combatants equally, and P. C. Rutledge in havig asted as I have shown above. Both men are severely reprimanded, and P. C. Rutledge is to be removed to an out- station in the New Territory.

Write to M. Reau and say that having read the statements taken by you I have to express regret that he should have been subjected to any indignity, and have ordered that the Police constables, who showed a want of discretion in dealing with the disturbance in the shop, in which their interference was demanded by the shopkeeper, and in which unfortunately he was found one of the contending parties, shall be suitably punished. While it would have been more prudent for the Constable after quiet had been restored to have left all parties concerned to their remedy by summons if they so desired, I feel that on reflection he will realise that it is difficult to ensure that under similar eircumstances men in the position of ordinary police constables shall always ast