THE SICK AT TRENTHAM

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2507, 7 July 1915, Page 8

THE SICK AT TRENTHAM

ROYAL COMMISSION TO INVESTIGATE AND REPORT QUESTIONS IN THE HOUSE The intention of the Government to appoint a Royal Commission to inquire into matters connected with the Trentham camp was announced by the Primo Minister m the House of Representatives: yesterday. Mr. Massoy referred to the fact that last week-, .he had stated his intention of moving that day that a Parliamentary Committee be appointed for the purpose of inquiring into the complaints regarding the camp.. He had, prior to mailing this announcement, expressed 'us willingness to appoint a Hoyal Commission. But on consulting the Leader of the Opposition that morning as to the representation of the Opposition on the proposed committee, he had been informed that the members of the Opposition had expressed a desire that a Koyal Commission - should be appointed; Ho (Mr. Masse}') was quite willing to agree to .-the appointment of a Royal Commission, which lie had suggested at tho outset. The Government was anxious that matters in connection with the camp should .be fully-and thoroughly inquired into. • The Government proi II P the Royal Commission without any delay. ; Sir Joseph Ward said that the announcement that a Royal Commission was to be appointed was very ■ satisfactory. The opinion formed by himself and those associated with him was that vltoya Commission lyastho best course. It would be a perfectly impartial way of . ascertaining tho facets. Nothing in the nature of partisanship should be connected with the inquiry, and it would be lmjwssible to- get away from party it the inquiry wero conducted by means ot a Parliamentary Committee: Ho suggested that a Judge of the Supreme til s i !0Illd he' the principal member ot tho AJommission. The order of reference should be ; made as wide as possible, and thus make it, impossible for any one to say that the inquiry had not been the fullest one in every possible way. Ihe soldiers who were now at the camp, or who had been there should have the. opportunity of giving their evidence freely r before the commission: xle also hopea that the inquiry would be open to the Press. •