RIPA ISLAND.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16152, 5 March 1918, Page 5

RIPA ISLAND.

I'o THE EDITOR OF "THE PRESS." Sir, — My letter of tlie :27th of February in regard to the MotuiJii enquiry seems to have been misunderstood. A gentleman who docs not sign Jiis name, but writes under the nom-de-plume of "Britisher," accuses mo of loi'erring to the present control of llipa Island. 1 asked if this las control was going on in Lyttelton. Since my letter was written, evidence has been given before the Commission of Enquiry held in Christchurch. to the effect that the control of llipa Island and its prisoners was with, the Officer in Command of this Military District. Previous to this < there was nothing to indicate that the Defence Dopartment had come to any decision as to any definite plans of control, or had changed its style of mismanagement, as in Auckland. In this morning's paper, Colonel Chaffey goes i, for me under apparently the same idea that I was referring to Rip a Island. I think if either gentleman nad read my letter more carefully they could not havo put the construction on it tjiat they did. I fail to see anywhere where I referred to the treatment of prisoners except whilst on Motuihi. Nowhere in my letter did I refer to any telephone on Ripa Island. I said there ware rumours about in regard _ to Ivipa Island; what they were I did not say. I have not the slightest objection to telling Colonel Chaffey, if he cares to know. I cannot see how my letter casts any reflections on Major Leeming, and I am sorry if. it has been construed in this way.—Yours, etc., AIITHUII MORTEN.