THE DRAYTON GRANGE INQUIRY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIV, Issue 69, 21 March 1903, Page 5

THE DRAYTON GRANGE INQUIRY.

GENERAL HUTTON'S RECOMMENDATIONS

(Received 10.41 a.m.)

MELBOURNE, this day.

Replies of Lieut.-Colonel Lyster and Captain Shields to, and the recommendations of, Major-General Hutton, on the Drayton Grange Commission Report, have been published. General Hutton says, in effect, that the finding of the Royal Commission seems inconsistent in that it blames Colonel Lyster and yet recommends the latter's explanation, that he did the utmost in his power to be accepted. With regard to Captain Shields, he recommends that owing to his brief experience he be leniently dealt with by the expression of disapproval. There could, however, be no excuse for his attitude towards his senior officer. Colonel Lyster, in an improper communication made to the press. The Minister for Defence, in a minute, generally agrees with General Button's recommendation, but adds that the Government, while generally agreeing that Colonel Lyster desired to do his best, regrets that more strenuous eiforts were not made to deal with the difficulties presented. ,With reference to Captain Shields, the Government feels compelled to concur with General lluttou, that the oflicer should be leniently dealt with by the expression of disapproval.