MOTUIHI INQUIRY

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 78, 26 December 1917, Page 6

MOTUIHI INQUIRY

COLONEL PATTERSON EXAMINED ' , MORE ABOUT THE ESCAPEES' ORGANISATION EGGS AND BOMBS IB.T Telegrauh-Soecial Correspondent.) Auckland, December 24. • The Military Court ai inquiry on the escape of the German prisoners from the Motuihi Camp was resumed to-day. The president of the Court made the following statement: — It has been brought to the notice of the Court that the letter in the order of reference dated November U7 was stated in some newspapers to have been written . by the Minister of Defence, whereas it was in fact written by the . Director of Personal Services, Major Osborne Lilly, and' the Court understands that this mistake has caused some misunderstanding. ■ : Major Price was recalled by the Court. He stated that when Major Sir Robert Walker left Auckland the motor patrol had been discontinued, but those engaged in the patrol were warned that they might at onoe be required again. Major Walker left no instructions that the patrol be resumed, but if cause had atisen the patrol would at once have been reinstituted.

Colonel Patterson Examined, Colouel Patterson, commanding the Auckland Military District, was examined by the Court. He produced copies of instructions regarding guards and sentries, which were issued by the Officer Commanding the District to the Commandant of we island when ue was (Joast Defence Commander. These instructions were dated April 24, 1915. These instructions provided for the posting of one sentry by day and one by night. The orders to sentries were to tire on any prisoner of war making a determined eftort to escape and refusing to halt when challenged. In firing upon prisoners sentries were advised to nre low, preferably at the lege. Another instruction' was to allow no prisoners of war to be present on the wharf when a boat was at the wharf.

The president: These instructions would naturally be taken over by a new commandant?—" Yes, undoubtly." When Colonel Turner took oter did ho consult you as Coast Defence Commander P —"No, sir." Can you explain why?—" The reason would be probably on account of the advice ill the letter (produced), in vibich the comniandant was instructed by the Officer Commanding the -Plßtrict that Colonel Turner was to deal farect with the Coast Defence Commander in regard to supplies, with the District Officer in regard to the guard tnd requisitions other than supplies, and with General Headquarters at Wellington rejjaiding prisoners of war. Colonel Patterson said that * hen he took over the district command m May, 1016, he considered that he was responible for supplying the personnel of trie guard, but not responsible for the precautions taken by Colonel Turner tor safeguarding the''prisoners. As Coast Defence Commander he had seen the change in. procedure when O-lonel Turner took over. On November 10 th > Minister visited tbe_ island,' and the Minister spoke to witness. The president: What did lie &ayP— "He seemed very concerned about the condition of things down thero, particularly about the guard being unarmed.' The letter written iiy Major Lilly, dated November 27, ;917, and fciniing part of the order of roferenoe, embraces the points he brought cut.'

Precautionary Measures. Ou November 20, after the interview between Sir Alfred Robin and Colonel, Turner, did the General give jcu any instructions?—"He interviewed Colonel Turner in my presence, but he did not give me any instructions. He, too, 'seemed very concerned, and lie discussed the dispositions on the island j witu me, but the same day as General Robin's visit, as far.as I can icmemb'ur I told Colonel Turner that there was a possibility of the prisoners trying to escape, and that I would give him further particulars. Liiter, I told him that some launches would patrol round the island, but that they would not call there. I did Jot think it was necessary to tell him all 1 inew, as this was very secret information, and I considered that the less • I.' told the bettor, in order that the secrecy ot the proposed patrol might le preset ved. For the same reason 1 did not give him any information over the tuo telephone. The arrangements for the continuance of the patrol were v matlft"frpm day to day. the lumber of launches being gradually reduced until wo arrived at the state of affairs that nu actual launches were patrolling, anti two' were standing by in immediate readiness. This was the state of affairs when I left for Wellington on December 11. Sir Robert Walker had left the district on leave on December 6. He went to Australia on account of his health to consult a specialist. It was sick leave. Major "Price tdok over Sir Robert Walker's Mies." Next Colonel Patterson referred to his letter- -already before the Court— m which he asked for a stronger guard for the island, and the internment of the two Sec Adler officers away from Motuihi. T> that letter he received no reply. Ho mentioned the matter to the Ad-jutant-General when ho arrived at General Headquarters in Wellington on December 13. Colonel Tato seemed to be very busy. Colonel Patterson continued: "I told Colonel Tate that I was very concerned about the two See Adler, officers being on Motuihi. I toH him they were resourceful, adventurous men, and I wanted them, re-, moved. Colonel Tate told me they wen? naval officers and first-class prisoners, and he had nowhere else to put themThe president: Was there pnytliinp: further?—" Well, sir, I thought I had dine my duty then." After that did you see anyone else at Headquarters?—"l afterwards saw th-3 General, but 1 don't remember that I brought up the point about the See Adler's officers, because I knew that this matter was under the AdjulantGfinernl (Colonel Tate). I «nild not have mentioned the matter unless Colonel Tate had been present." Is there any other point vou wish to bring outP—"Well, there is the visit of Major Lilly. When Major Lilly visited Auckland on December ], 1017, I brought up the question of the removal of the See Adler officers, and his lppl.V was that he would take the matter up whan he got to Wellington."

A Letter to Wellington. Witness said that, at the -equest of Ccloncl Turner he would produce the official Icter he (witness) , wrote tii the Adjutant-General, Colonel Tate. Following is tlio text of the letter, vhich is dated June 27, 1917:— The Hon. Defence Minister has frequently visited Motuihi Camp, and usually has closely inspected the quarters. Ho hae also questioned the prisoners as to their treatment, etc. Ho -was tburo during the present month )< rhon most of the prisoners told him they

had no complaints to make, 'uxnept a few' of the first-class prisoners, whose fequests were all wunviortant. The quarter's and furnishing a j supplied by tlie Government are of the plainest description, and not more Irian are necessary. In h any cases prisoners have embellished at their own expense their rooms with curtains, carpets, and comfortable chairs. The late Governor of Samoa, with three o<her prisoners, is quartered in a new six-roomed cottage, the total furnishings of which only cost tlio Government £55. The victualling of the prisoners is plain, but well prepared. Tho cose of a daily ration averages monthly betwoili Is. 6d and Is. 7d. No compiainta about victualling have been made by the prisoners for some considerable time. There never has been, any cause for complaint; but earlier in tho war some of the Samoau officers were apt to make- unnecessary complaints;

At present only the late Governoi of Samoa and those other prisoners who had actually held commissions in the German forces are permitted to consume liquor, and tl,c> am limited to an expenditure of is. per day. Any liquor ordered medically by the visiting surgeon is issued from the dispensary diiily, or as otherwise ordered, in single closes.

The conduct of all the prisoners has been good. No punishments have yet been found necessary.

Sixteen prisoners are at present being employed by the Agricultural Department digging drains on the farni, being paid 2s. 6d. per chain, which just enables them to earn the specified pay for prisoners of war, 3s. per day. Three other prisoners have been for some time permanently omployed by the same Department as general farm hands. There are now 81 prisoners entered at Motuihi. Tim second-class men are most amenable to the discipline required, and never seem to give any trouble. The first-class prisoners, who belong to commercial or agricultural pursuits, are also no trouble, but the same cannot, be reported about the Civil Servants 'from Samoa, some of whom are inclined at times to make complaints about trifles. Dr. Schultz, the late Governor of Samoa, although much given to complaining in the past, has of late been very quiet. On the laet visit of the Minister this prisoner stated that he had no requests to lay personally before the authorities. The practice of permitting prisoner to visit dentists in Auckland ceased many months ago, and no prisoners are now allowed to proceed to the city except under the most urgent ressons, and then after the receipt oi special per-' mission from Headquarters at Wellington. When dental treatment is authorised by the visiting surgeon, prisoners are sent in small squads under escort to the Dental Hospital at Narrow Neck Camp, being landed at the torpedo yard, Devonport, and marched by back streets to the camp. The pay and allowances of the military detachment cover more than half the total cost of the upkeep of the camp. The strength of the detachment is kept at the lowest possible number to provide the necessary details, and , it is probable that no increase in the strength would be required if the number of prisoners was even doubled. Since the inception of this camp I have taken considerable interest in it, and have made frequont visits of inspection. The commandnnt keeps in constant touch with me, and keeps me well advised ns to the state of affairs. Should any trouble arise you can always lerer to me for replies to questions. Prior to Colonel Turner's appointment as commandant I had considerable trouble, but I am pleased to say ITiat since Colonel Tumor took over the command there has ''.een no trouble or worry. There (ire numerous rumours current in the ccuntry about Motuihi, hut those of us who know the place know that these rumours are quite vm- ' founded.

Economy v. Efficiency, Colonel Patterson said he lad impressed on Colonel Turner during the last few months the importance nf economy, but not at the expense of efficiency. He was only passing on to Colonel Turner what was represented to him from Headquarters. He had never instructed Colonel Turner to alter his dispositions. He considered Cclcnel Turner to be the officer direetly responsible, to WeUincfton on that subject. Ho hnd. howevor, visited the island often, and discussed the dispositions with him. He liad never . suggested to Colonel Turner that the unarmed patrols should he armed. As a matter of fact, he was not aware that they were unarmed. Colonel Turner hero protested that he had informed Colonel Patterson lhat the patrols were unarmed, nnt the pi csident of thn Court thought, that this matter need not be pursued. • Witness, continuing, said that he remcn.bered advising Colonel Turner on one occasion after the scare "ot to relax his vigilance. He (Colonel Patterson) had felt justified in (topping tite patrols and relying . on the two launches in readiness, because ho was, satisfied that the danger of r-scue from the outside had passed.

Colonel Turner's Launch. Did it ever occur to you ',bnt the men would get away in Colonel Tiir-r.f-r's bunch?—"l was very concerned about Colonel Turner's _ launch. I ti-ink the last, thiiiß I /said to him before I left for Wellington was to bo. sure and keep the engines nut of ac-jtio-.i iv%ii tho launch was not in use." Colonel Patterson said thai: lie had no power to increase the strength of the guard without reference'' to AVellington. When I the Motuihi detachment was reduced in numbers he did 'not report T.he matter to Wellington because he considered that this was Coionel Turner's business. When the scare'was on he instructed Colonel Turner to ring him up four times during the night, and this continued after thti patrols were taken off. All the patrolling was done after darlc.' An escape in T)roarl daylight was not expected

A Sergeant-Major's Evidence. Serjeant-Major Keogh, of the Motuihi detachment, gave evidence. Ho said that at 7.2fi p.m. on Dopnwbor 1.1 Private Hone Johnstone reported to him that ono of fcho Germans hnd reported to him that the dinghy had boon seen floating down the ehannnl, and that th« Iniinoh had gone after her. He immedintely made further inquiries from the sentry, and then he rang up Colonol ''■>irnpy "I wnt out to the northwest cliff, whore the tlinsrhv was to bn seen, whero I met two Germans. _ Ona nf the , ' Mointod out h-Wc the dinghy was. She was swamped." Witness- at onco went down to the wharf nn'd met Colonel Turner there. Colonel Tnrnoi expressed dissatisfaction ' with the story, because he■ thought the.trolley on the wharf had been moved. On instructions from Colonel Turner Sergeant Leslie took somp men to tho north-west cliff to look for the launch Colonel Turner then loft, sayiny that he moant to rinj; up Auckland for tbn Defence launch. So far as ho could remember no prisoners other than thoso making up the crow of Colonel Turner's launch went to Auckland between the tim'o of the senro and the escane. According to the official diarv (produced), B. Hansen (Hi years old, son of tho prisoner Paul Hansen) oame

to visit his father on Novoinber 21. Hansen was not one of the prisoners who escaped. The Escapees' Commissariat. Witness said that be had heard by inquiries among the prisoners that tho escapees had takeu away 40 fowls and two turkeys, prepared in concentrated form. They took the yolks of at least 400 eggs, prepared in tho following manner:—'iliey had distilled spirit from jam, and had broken the yolks of eggs into the spirit. This stuff was sealed in tins, 'i'liey- took four Boalccl kerosene tins of- boiled water. His informant thought the escapees had ta"ken flour and sugar, but oi this he was not certain. The fowls were'the property of tho prisoners. Witness had also been informed that th,ere were four or hve pounds ot blasting powder in one of the outbuildings at tho farm, and this wag missing. It was doubtful whether it had been used on the farm or whether the prisoners took it away. Witness was informed that the escapees certainly had taken with them a supply of bombs which they had made on the island. Witness expressed doubt as to whether all this information which he had gathered was true. The farm manager said that he had never brought blasting powder to the island since ho took it over. He said.he had dißcovered some powder in the premises, but he had used it all. Of the existence of this particular quantity ot A or 51b. the farm manager said ho was unaware. Witness had seen Von kuckner about the camp on the day of the escape, but noticed nothing unusual about his movements. Private Hope Johnstone gave evidence that he was one of the police patrol on duty at the Jime of the escapo. He had last seen the launch at about 6.15 p.m., and it was then at its moorings. Alfred Honry Warner, employed hv the Agricultural Deportment as epoh at the farm Mohiihi. said that he could speak Germnn a little, pud hhad got to know some of tho prisnnrv, wpll. He know nothing of the escapo before it occurred, and he believed that none of the prisoners except the escapees knew anything of the plan. Mellert had not eve:i told his roommate about it.

Colonel Turner Recalled. Lieutenant-Colonel Turner was recalled. He produced instructions handed to him. when he took'over the command at Motuihi. The letter directed him to deal with the coast defence supply depot for supplies, to deal direct with District Headquarters for the guard and requisitions, and deal with New Zoalnnfl Headquarters direct regarding prisoners of war. These instructions Tie showed to Colonel Hume, in Auckland. Hβ pointed out to Colonel Hume, th/ra commanding the Auckland district, that there were no orders to send to District Headquarters, ocpies of correspondence sent irom the commander at Motuihi to Headquarters at Wellington. Colonel Bume eaid "Well, you are in my district an J I should like to know v/tat is going on in the island." \Vitness raised no objection to forwarding copies of the correspondence to Colonel Hume for his information. He had at "arious times received letters direct from the Cuief of the General Staff, the Adjut-ant-General, the Director of i'ersonal Services, the Director of Transport and Ebi-plies, and the Director "1 Equipment and Ordnance Stores. At other times he had received letters from afl these General Staff officers .through t!i9 District Office. In such cases he nculd not retfeive the original letter, but another letter from the District Office based upon'the letter received, from General Headquarters. The Director of Financial Servioes and the officer in charge of war expenses had always communicated with him in this latter manner. This conflicting way of sending letters' to him Irnd been mentioned by witness to Major Lilly, and Major Lilly replied, that f>ll lettufs should come through him as representing prisoners or war. Major Lilly made a note of it, and said he Vfiulcl make a note of the matter. After the motor patrols had Seen going out for several nights he reported to Major Walker that he must have more men if these precautionary measures wei.3 to be continued, because his men were worn out. Major Walker t cplied tliat the patrols were not going out that evening, and that he (Major Walker) worud keep liTm advised when the.» vroro going. ■ The Court then adjourned. Probaoly no more evidence will be taken in open Court.