ASTONISHING SCENE.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1580, 25 October 1912, Page 6

ASTONISHING SCENE.

ON PARADE. AFFAIRS OP AN AUCKLAND COB-PS. (Br TaTesva-BB—Proas Association.) Auckland, October '21. The Auckland "Star" contains the following:—As indicated yesterday, affairs in connection with Xo. 7 Company of the Auckland Garrison Artillery Company continue- to bo anything but the happiest. As previously stated two of tho commanding officers—Captain Pullen and Lieutenant Parker—have been removed, and, at the present time. Captain 3'nllen has his choiuo of Iwo alternatives—to resign or to be dismissed.

The next development was at the Drill Hall last evening, when 50 or HO members of No. 7 Company were on parade. After drill, the officer commanding tho company addressed the men. He called attention to an article which appeared in yesterday's "Slur," and said that it contained an inference that the company was disaffected and suffering in efficiency and management. He wanted to know if any member of the company on parade that evening had anv complaint to make or know of any dissatisfaction in regard to tho management of the company. Anyone desiring to say anything on tho subject was invited to do so.

The men obviously hesitated to accept tho invitation.

"I take- it, then," continued the officer, "that I am justified in reporting to the O.C. that there is no dissatisfaction and no complaint, and that the newspaper report in this respect is without foundation."

It was at this stage that one of the sergeants on parade spoke up: "Since you invite a statement," he said, "it might be well to give expression to the feeling of the men." The sergeant then proceeded to state Ihat there was dissatisfaction, that it was felt that there was inefficiency, and that the management of the company was not all that was desirable, i "Do you speak for yourself or on behalf of the company" asked the officer. "I am expresrin«. the sentiment of the company as a whole," was the reply. "And you would be willing to sign n statement to that effect?" "Yes, if you desire it." "Hoiv many men present to-night share the serseant's opinion?" A call for a show of hands resulted in a large majority of those present holding up their hands in support of tho sergeant's statement. "I don't know whether there is any use in my saying anything for I feel that you have always been prejudiced against me," said a young man in private's uniform, "but I " "Silence!" ordered the officer. "Well, sir, yon invited us to speak " commenced the private, but he got no' further, for he was promptly placed under arrest, relieved of his gun and bayonet, taken to the guard-room, and finecT 7s. Gd. A written conviction was recorded "that you did on the parade eround on October 23 commit an act contrary to good military discipline in that you did address men on parade without authority from your commanding officer." The men on parade were then dismissed.