The Northern Daily Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1857-01-08 00:00:00

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BEAD CONSTABLE.

The new police and boroughs bills requiring the head con-
stables of police forces and boroughs to furnish an annual report
with certain specified returns, the year to be taken as ending
on the 30th September in each year the report of Majlr Greig
for the nine months ending the 30th September, 1856, was
included in the proceedings and read. After referring to the
nature of the required returns, the report. went on to say that
great care had been taken to give the classification of the
offences, for which purpose the final decision of the court had
determined the character of the aline. In the aggregate there
was a very slight increase in the number of apprehensions as
compared with the year 1855, but there was a very considerable
difference in a certain class of-crimes, especially in those of
offences against the person, there being for the nine months
'lB5 cases of using the knife;whereas in -the preceding year the
number was 64; whilst the number of assaults had increased

about 25 per cent. The police could do little in the way of pre-
venting such crimes as the above; which were for the most
• part•committed by persons in the lowest class of society under
the influence of liquor or the sudden impulse of passion, • In
'offer-ides against property, with violence, a class'of crime over
which the•police necessarily had a control, there had been for
thenine months only 129 apprehensions, a decrease of not lesa
than 25 per cent as simpered with the preceding.year. In
larceny from the person by pickpockets there was a decrease of
about twenty per Cent, but there was a slight increase in larce-
tries from the person committed by prostitutes. In all larcenies
there was a marked decrease, amounting to about 50 per cent:
In the amount of property stolen there had been a proportion-
. ate increase eat:rept £2,000 over last year ; embezzlement
'and larcenies by prostituteS having contributed largely to this
inc: rase, one case of embezzlement alone amounting to £4,000.
In the amount of property recovered there had been £5,151 83
7d, being an increase as compared with last year. Since the
reformatories had been in operation, a marked diminution in
juvenile crime had taken place in this borough, for it was
known to the police that some parents who formerly sent out
their children for the purpose of committing felonies, upon the
proceeds of which they subsisted, were now aware that should
their children be detected in crime they would be taken
from them, sent to a reformatorY and they them-
selves charged a weekly sum, varying according
to their circumstances, for their maintainance,
and therefore greater care was taken by such parents of their
children, as it was now their interest to prevent what was
formerly encouraged by them. It might, however, be proper
to remark that it required the constant vigilance Of .the police
to carry out the provisions of the act. The number of juvenile
offenders taken into custody in 1855 were—Boys (under the'
age of 10 years) 86, girls 17 ; froM 10 to 12 years, boys 161,
girls 90 ; from 12 to 15 jeers, boys 608, girls 843, ; total
boys 855, girls 455. From January to September, '856., Oiel7e
were taken into eustodir— (If the first class, 36 boys, 11
girls ; second class, 95 boys, 41 girls ; third class,
495 boys, 188 girls ; total 626 boys, and 240 girls,
being a marked decrease as compared with the past
year. Every year's experience proved that drunkenness,
and ignorance were the fruitful sources of all crime, and that
drunkenness gavo the police half their duty. The amount
of property destroyed he fire, during the nine months of the
present year, was £5,693, a very trifling loss as compared with
fernier years. After referring, to the general efficiency of the
fire brigade, Major Greig concluded by stating that the whole
police force of the borough had been inspected. on the 7th of
Noveinber Lieutenant Colonel Woodford, Government
Inspector, and that that officer had expressed .himself in. the.
bighest terms of commendation in regard. to their discipline'
and efficiency.
The report was ordered to be printed and circulated.
. Mr. Brancker, in moving the confirmation of the proceed-
ings, explained the nature of the changes made in the
Cornwallis street offices, which; however, as involving increase
of salary, most stand Over to the next council for confirmation
Mr. Brancker then moved the confirmation of the recommen-•
dation to appoint twenty additional constables, and explained
that this addition-aro:e in consequence of,several officers being
permanently employed,in special duties which rendered them
unable to perform general services. Ile stated, however, that a
very general impression prevailed that a much greater increase
was required, and intimated that it was probable the committee,
upon receiving a report from the head constable, would come
before the connci} again to recommend a further increase.
Mr. Johnsen seconded the Motion.
Mr. Alderman Holme said a meeting of the magistrates took
place a few days since, and'although the magistrates did not
come to any resolu'ion, there was a conviction generally
tbroughont the whole body that an increaso of irmeh more thou
twenty officers was required. (Hear, hear.) Looking at the
extension of the town in all directions, and the
was
way
in which
a large proportion of the outskirts lighted, and
the nuMber of.• garotte robberies which had taken place,
and• were continually taking .place to a .much.greater extent
even than was igenerally known, he was Arimself entirely
of opinion • that- an increase of • • twenty, 7ptilice'
officers was not at all commensurate to the desnands of the
town for protection (hear, hear). He expressed a hope that a
report would speedily be made to the watch committee, and
that the committee would be prepared to come to the council
to ask for and recommend an increase of more than twice
twenty police, which, in the opinion of the magistrates and
many others, would be required for the protection of the town
(cheers.)

Mr. Alderman J. H. Turner asked if the committee had

NORTHERN TIMES.-LIVEIPOOL, THURSDAY.

Me. Hodson said it was Mr. Godfrey. The question
was, to his mind; one of very great importance. If
they. . had respectable • Imen in. the.'forees, were they. to
submit to the degradation of boinglvhiPp,ed in the streets?
Would the strongest part;z in of Major Greig say that a
man should submit to be horse.Witipped.or struck with a
switch lh the Streets ? The he'autY of a- head con Stable
ought to be calmness, coolness, dispassionateness, so that
- if he found' an officer doing wrong, he *Mild not limit or
degrade -.him by Striking him, but suspend him at once
fee not doing his duty. Could any one say that Major
Greig's act was not an assault ? The press of Liverpool
said that it was an assault. ,
The .Mayor : I must remind you,that we are not trying
, the assault.
• , • •
Mr, Hodson said the conduct of Major Greig.. with
reference to that' min, was such as to bring the Pence
force into disrespect. It was a Well known fact that the
police force of Liverpool was not well Managed. He could
refer to a time when Major Greig was not among the
force, being unwell, and -the force 'did not appear worse,
but was rather improved. There was more activity
among the superintendents. He maintained that the
policemen of ,Liverpool ought, to be soothed, not to bo
irritated and excited. He pontended that the council
ought riot to allow M'ij ur Greig to act such tomfoolery
as made him the laughing, stock'of society; Mr: Hudson
Condlnded by moving that-the proceedings be not con-
firmed. -
After a pause, during which no' one rose to second the
aniendmetit, . • • -
Mr. Fernihough said he.should,,second the amendment
foe form's Salie, because he thought statements had been
made by the proposer which ought net to be allowed to go
before the public without' some answer. (Hear, hear.)
Mr. Cint said the decision of tile stipendiary magistrate,
and the remarks with which he accompanied it, formed a
most satisfactory and coeclustve-ansa er to the allegations
•of Mr.. Hodson. (Hear, hear.) It was not the first time
that he (Mr. Clint) had occasion to complain of the whole-
sale attacks Mr. Hodson made upon the watcp committee.
On a former occasion he requested Mr. Hodson, h he had
any specific charges whatever to make, to bring them
distinctly, forward, and not to let • wholesale ,statements
go into the.newipapers, damaging the Committee and the
, police in the estimation of the town, as such reports;
coming from the council room, were calculated to do. Mr.
Hodson hid been 'Silent for a very long time ; and there
appeared some hope that he had thought better of his
courses and had subdued the animus which one could not
help thinking he entertained with regard to that committee
and the head constable. and that he would not attempt to
revive the attacks. 'Unfortunately for himself he now
commenced them again, and" brought forward a matter
Which, instead of reflecting upon the head constable,
rather redounded to his credit. He (sir. Clint) thought
Mr. Hodson would live to regret making use or such
remarks as he had made. The members 'of the watch
committee were actuated only by one feeling desire -to
manage in the best manner the force committed .to,lheir
care, and to exercise their functions in the most advan.
tageous manner for the town. (Hear,,ltear.) To that
object they applied there elves, and he disclaimed, on his
own part, and on, that of the committee, every feeling of
partizanship, 'every feeling but a desire to do' the best
they could for the town. (Hear, hear.) • Such language
as Mr. Hodson had made use of would tend, he thought.
to the subversion of that discipline which it was essential
to establish in the police force. (Hear, hear.) All ranks
of people in the ,town 'get hold 'of. the reports of that
council's proceedings'; and illiterate men- would learn,
from the license adopted there, to disregard and not to pay
that attention to the police force which it was essential
should exist. ,Such language, tended very much to disturb
the town and lessen the efficiency of the police force. Mr.
Hudson hadstated that one member left the watch (tom-
hnittee in disgust. It was only on the lOth of November
. last that Mr. Godfrey stated' himself that he was leaving
the committee in consequence of some -remarks made by
Lord Ebrington in the House' of • Lords. (Hear, hear:)
As regarded the general allusiongof Mr. Hodson to the
force not being well managed, he could appeal to every
member of the council, and every magistrate of the town,
to say, whether; it was. correct. (Hear, hear.) He
contended that the force was marrged remarkably well,
And that the head constable did his duty remarkably well.
The head constable was not entirely without fault—ai no
,man waS—but he was an honourable and indefatigable
Officer;and the police force was welt managed and efficient.
(Hear, hear.)
Mr. Godfrey said Mr. Hodson was not correct in saying,
that he left the watch committee in disgust. • He said
twelve months ago that he was disgusted-with Major Greig,
but not with the committee. :He -sat
.in . the committee
, several times when Major Greig was. there, and he was
disgusted with the manner he turned men about,.made-
them stand at ease, and pulled their collars up as it they
were dogs. (Laughter.) He did not leave the committee"
in disgust, for he had always met with very great courtesy.
He only left as he stated at the time, in consequence, of the
remarks of Lord Ebrington. Ho was sorry Mr. Hodson had
brought the 'matter of John Stewart forward in the
manner he did, but he was of opinion that the watch corn-
Mittee ought to have placed the matter before the council.
The rule againstinterfering with a matter which had been
decided by the magistrates, only apped generally to
police officers, but where a charge had been ntade•against
the head con-lable, who had -the control of -the whole
force, he thought it should haVe been mentioned to the
council. It was not the first time Major Greig had made
use of a'similar remark to that quoted. About twelve
months* since Mr. Haydock had occasion to come 'before
the watch committee, and. sin addressing "Major Greig he
said—" Captain :Major Greif,* said, " I beg your
pardon, sir—Major Greig." (Laughter.) Now he '(Mr.
GodfreY) 'questioned whether he was a major, As lid had
sold his commission long since. (Laughter.) . With
regard to the charge of assault, Mr. Gladstone said if he
had been on the bench he would have fined him .6.5 and
costs..

Mr. Ald. Parker denied that the watch committee was
called upon to say a word about the matter. He had sat
in the watch committee with three head constables, and
never during his long experience knew the police so per-
fect, so civil, so attentive and obliging, as they: were at the
present time. (Hear, hear.) A. more energetic man,
or a man whose ability better adapted him to manage
a large force, they could not get than Major Greig.
(Hear, hear, and oh, oh.) He did not speak on the state-
ment of any turned away or dishonest servant, but on-his
own experi-nce of fifteen years, and he believed the
majority of the town would agree with him. (Hear,
hear.) He did net think any harm could be done by Me.
Hodson's speech ;it would go for nothing. (Laughter.)
People would look at it and say—." What is this ? Oh, it
is only the doctor again." (Laughter.)
~
Mr. Anderson said it was so long since such charges
had been made by Mr. Hodson that he had come to the
conclusion that gentlemen must consider the force perfect
and its head constable faultless. This little incident,
however, became the occasion of a renewed attack. The
police force stood an high, and such testimonials had been
given of their- efficiency and zeal, and the energy and
ability of the head constable were so well known, that he
did not think it necessary to go into the general chargei.
(Hear, hear.) He• might, however, be allowed -to say a
few words regarding the decision of the magistrates. He
happened to be,sitting.with Mr. Mansfield at the time the
case came on, and he perfectly agreed with him, in the
decision he had given. No'one 'could
,say that nny assault
had taken place, and no one could suppose for one moment
that.the proceedings had been taken with any other object
than to annoy Major aeeil. He did not intend to go.
into the case:- but if it had been gone into, he
would be prepared to-show the' grounds upon which Mr.
Mansfield came to the conclusion he did. He could not
conolude without bearing testimony to the zeal and energy
with which Major Greig discharged -his very. arduous
duties. and to the kindness and forbearance ho showed
towsrds his men. Those who came hi contact with him
knew, that he had made many changes for the good of the
force, and that he was continually thinking of what he
could do to servo them in every way. (Hear, hear.) Mr.
Anderson expressed his entire concurrence in.the remarks
made by Mr. Holme with regard to the necessity for an
increase in the police forth. He also called the attention
of the council and the public to the statements made in
the report of the head constable with regard to the good
the reformatories were doing. (Hear, hear.) A very
strong argument which had been used against the principle
of reformatories, which was always brought forward,
was, that it would induce parents if try to get rid of
their children. The report' showed, and it was not made
lightly, for Major Greig had stated distinctly the grounds
on which he introduced it into the report—that parents,
from not being able to use their children for criminal pur-
poses, and afraid'of being made to pay for their snpport
In reformatories, had become much more careful in -keep-
ing them'at home, and preventing them from following a
career of crime than they were formerly. (Hear, hear.)
Mr. Tobin said he had never listened to any discussion
with greater pain than upon that occasion. He feared
that he violent and acrimonious feeling displayed by Mr.
Hodson would not tend to elevate them in the eves. of the
public. If such language were general in the council they
should indeed sink very hiw in the estimation of their
fellow-townsmen. (Hear, hear.) He wourd ask all around
him whether it were possib:e to listen 'to the language of
Mr. Hodson; and the tone .in. which his . remarks: were
made, without feeling convineed.that. some deep personal
animosity, must have originated them, for he did not think
it. possible to believe that a sincere desire to promote the
public good, and increase the efficiency of the police force,
could have induced him to make use of that language.
(Hear, hear.) Ile. hoped that he (Mr. Tobin) was careful
not to attrihu o improper motives to any man, but when
he saW•Mr. nelson seizing every occasion and opportunity
to attack Major Greig, he thought himself justified in
coming to the conclusion irresistibly that it was not zeal
for the public service which dictated those remarks.
(Hear, hear.)
Ir. Hodson: You are quite wrong.
Mr. Tobin said the language, the violence; and- the
gestures of Mr, Hodson, brought that conviction irr, sis-
tibly to his mind., The case bad been before Mr. Mansfield,
and the evidence taken on oath. Mr. Mansfield not only
dismissed the charge , but severely censured the man who
the statement made by Major Greig, for he never knew a
preferred the charge. He (Mr. Tobin) believed implicitly
man of more unimpeachable. veracity, and a finer sense of
honour. (Hear, hear.) He felt quite satisfied that the
remarks which had been made would not injure Major Greig
in the estimation of those who knew him, but if it were the
object of any man to wound the feelings of Major Greig,
then indeed that object might be attained, and his useful-