Owing to changed circumstances in the Motu and Matawai districts, the police constable in charge of that area will in future be stationed at Matawai. Formerly Motu was the principal township of the district, and the police station and lock-up were established there, but in view of the fact that Motu is not now on the main route to the north and that the hotel is in process of being removed from there to Matawai, Inspector L. E. O’Halloran, who is in charge of the Gisborne police district, recommended to the commissioner that the station also should he removed to Matawai. The commissioner approved that course, and as soon as convenient a police station will he opened at Matawai. Constable G. A. Baskin, who had charge of the Motu station, was transferred from the district recently, and no appointment has yet been made to fill the vacancy; the appointment, no doubt, will be made when suitable quarters have been acquired at Matawai.

Source: Poverty Bay Herald, 25 May 1934

The newly-established police station at Matawai has been placed under the charge of Constable J. McClinchy, formerly stationed at Waihi. A residence has been provided for the constable near the railway crossing, and the lock-up formerly attached to tho Motu station will be removed to the new site at Matawai. Constable McClinchy, with his wife and daughter, arrived at Matawai last Thursday.

Source: Poverty Bay Herald, 21 August 1934

Constable J. McClinchy, Matawai, has received notice of his transfer to Kerepehi, Hauraki Plains. Constable McClinchy went to Matawai in August, 1934, after having been stationed at Waihi. He will leave to take up his new duties at the end of the month. He will be replaced at Matawai by Constable C. Matches, at present stationed at Wairoa.

Source: Poverty Bay Herald, 17 September 1937

Constable and Mrs. Matches, and their two little boys, of Wairoa, arrived in Matawai on Friday night, taking up residence at the local police station on Saturday. Prior to his departure, Mr. J. McClinchy was the subject of a presentation by Mr. W. Thomas, on behalf of his Matawai friends.

Source: Poverty Bay Herald, 5 October 1937