Police News March 05.indd - New Zealand Police Association

March 2005Vanishing hat case finally solvedSherlock Holmes would have been soproud.The case of the missing floral hat,which had stumped some of the finestpolice minds in the country, was finallyresolved at the reunion of the 9th Policecadet intake, the Gordon Howes Wing,held in Blenheim from the 28th to the30th of January.The distinctive headgear, whichbelonged to Paul Smith, the organiser ofthe 2000 reunion, had vanished at theend of that event and was subsequentlyphotographed in various spots aroundthe world, including London, Paris,Hollywood, New York and East Timor.Poirot to the rescueThe legendary Detective InspectorHercule Poirot solved the mysteryfollowing a welcome from MayorAlistair Sowman.Inspector Poirot deduced the hat“accidentally” fell from a balcony intoformer hut commander Rod Larkin’sbag. Years of bungled attempts to returnthe hat to its owner followed, duringwhich it circled the globe.The hat was finally returned to MrSmith in fine condition, with the onlysign of its travels being a New SouthWales Police badge, which had beensewn onto it.The reunion was a great success,according to organiser Steve Taylor,with more than half of the surviving42 cadets and their spouses attendingthe reunion. Some travelled from as faraway as the United States and Australia.Three former instructors also attended.EntertainmentActivities included a trip to FurneauxLodge, with Detective Richard Roltonfrom Op Tam team, and a vineyardtour and barbecue, with music over theweekend restricted to songs from 1965and 1966.“A highlight was a formal dinnerat Woodbourne with former cadetsmarching to dinner in fine style, even ifFarewell for Glen RonaldAll current and former police and theirpartners are invited to attend a functionto farewell Sergeant Glen Ronald atTemuka Golf Club, Domain Avenue,Temuka on Friday, 1 April 2005 at7.00 pm.The charge is $15 per person to coverthe cost of supper and the venue hire.Should you wish to make a contributiontowards a gift for Glen, please addwe did look a little bit like Dad’s Army,”Mr Taylor said.The cadets were inspected by theirformer instructor, Dennis Scott andlater photographed as a group. Thenext reunion is scheduled to be held inSydney in 2010.• Paul Smith wearing “The Hat”the appropriate amount to your ticketpayment.RSVP is required by Friday, 25 March2005.Please send payment (with numbersattending) to Annette Hewitson,Watchhouse Officer, Temuka Police,P.O. Box 7, Temuka. Annette can becontacted by phoning: (03) 615-0060(ext. 35260) or by Email on LotusNotes.Police News The Voice of PolicePlanningfor yourlife afterwork.Are you a member ofthe GSF or the PSSand nearing retirement?If so, it is important youunderstand yourchoices and the impactthese could have onyour financial future.Getting advice on howmaximising your PoliceSuperannuationentitlement can benefityou, and your family,both now and in thefuture, is critical.To arrange a free noobligation consultationwith a Police FinancialPlanner call0800 ON BEAT or0800 662 328.40