INQUIRY AT RIPA.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1797, 9 July 1913, Page 9

INQUIRY AT RIPA.

DEMEANOUR OF THE "MARTYRS." (By. Telegraph—Press Association.) Christchurch,-July 8. In accordance with a promise by the Minister for Defence that he/would send a responsible officer to inquire into the allegations made by a deputation of the Unity Conforeuco in fegard to the treatment and the condition of the youths on Bipa Island, Adjutant-General LieutenantColonel It. J. Collins came down to Christchurch and visited the fort on Monday (with Colonel Smythe, Officer Commanding the District) to ascertain from personal observation whether there "was any basis to justify the Minister in ordering a public inquiry. Colonel Collins took the statements made to the Prime Minister seriatim, and thesr? were replied to in full by Lieutenant Macrtonald, the officer in command of the fort. Sergeant-Major Conley, in charge nt the fort, said that, with regard to the statements as to food, and that the tea- was "dirty water," the food and tea etc were the same as lie and the artillerymen got. It was perfectly good food, and the tea was out of the same pot. He corroborated Lieutenant Macdonald's statement that he had said to the men in his presence, that when non-military work ran out he must require them to drill and clean guns. Up till the present time thev refused to assist tho artillerymen to carry in coals. They got just the samo rations as the artillerymen, and as much nf it as they cared to have, when they refused to help with .tho coal, he reported it as a matter of insubordination. Up till that time they had all slept in the barrack-room like soldiers. They wore then confined in pairs in separate bedrooms. It bad been made quite clear to the vouths, in the first place, when they refused to drill, that they would be required to drill'and clean the guns. Some of them had at first raised to, clean up their rooms. He was with the officer when ho went round to each man, m the first

place and spoke to fhem separately on tho matter of work and drill. Bombardier Moore gave evidence to the samo effect.

Lieutenant-Colonel Collins said that ho would hear tiny spokesman (or two or three spokesmen) for the prisoners, or ho would near any or all of them who choso to make any statement or complaint, one by one. At the same time it was arranged that they might speak freely. Lieutenant Macdonald would not be present. This was at the lieutenant's own suggestion.

A reply was received from the prisoners that they would only appear if they wero all permitted to be present in the room at once. It would have been impossible to put more than three or four men into the room in any event, but LieutenantColonel Collins returned a message that he would only hear them singly. Thereupon James If. Worrall came in and "said that he was the spokesman for tho Test. Apparently reading from a piece of paper, ho said that he appeared on behalf of the whole of the, thirteen prisoners, some of whom were incapable of arguing or discussing questions with Buc'h men as those present. They would therefore insist on all being heard together.' They had grievances,_ but they wanted a public inquiry. This was the first that they had heard of an inquiry. "We didn't know who you people were .walking about the place, he said, "and it is only fair that wo should bo all together, and that there should be an inquiry into our grievances." Colonel Collins said that he would only hear them one at a time. What were their grievances? Worrall said that he would not give him auy answers unless they , were all admitted together. They had grievances, and if they could not get them put out now they would in time to come. Colonel Collins said that if they had grievances, let him state them now. Worrall again Tefused, and Lieut.-Col. Collins again said that he would 6ee them one by one or not at all. Worrall then Shouted: "Well, you won t see us one by one, and I give you warning that if you'put in tho papers that we have no grievances, we will make it as hot for you as we have ever done for anybody else—hotter. That is a warning for j;ou and you know now." Concluding at the top of his voice, Worrall left the room and "joined his companions. A short timo afterwards Lieut.-Col. Collins, Col.. Smyths, and Lieut. Macdonald, on their way out, passed the room in which the youths are confined. They wero standing with their heads out of the windows and as the party came under the windows the prisoners burst, into derisive laughter. Then the leader gave the call, "Atb we downhearted?" "No!" wag shouted in chorus. "Will we drill?" And again a chorus of "No," and finally Go •back to the digs that sent you," as Cel. Collins was descending to the exit. It transpired during the visit or the officers to the island that the first "solitary confinement" was In consequence of a request from Nuttall that he might be allowed to sleep in a room by himself, as his companions annoyed him at night. This was granted. Then a mate of Nuttall s asked to be permitted to sleep in the same room as him, and this was also granted, since "two to a room" beoame a regulation m ccnseo.uenoe of refusal to drill or i work. Nuttall has written protesting against it as "solitary confinement. The thirteenth man was the only one who had a bedroom to himself without a' companion. Colonel Collins directed that he should be put with one of the other couples. At any time the men can speak to eaah other through partitions, and through windows out of which they thrust their heads. They also sing in chorus. When Lieutenant Macdonald first had the men oat, he'held Divme service on Sunday, and himself bought the Bible for them. Only three attended. He has discontinued the services, M he did not wish to give more than he oould help for impertinence from the prisoners. Regular services have been held by ministers.