MOTUIHI INQUIRY

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 90, 9 January 1918, Page 6

MOTUIHI INQUIRY

LIEUT.-COLONEL TURNER TO BE COURT-MARTIALLED

RESPONSIBILITIES OF OTHER OFFICERS

The following official statement on the subject of tho escape of German prisoners from Alotuihi island and tho subsequent inquiry was made yesterday by the Minister of Defonco (Sir James Allen):— The report of the Court of Inquiry has been considered by Cabinet. The Court was set up under "King's -Regulations" for the purposo of collecting evidence to ascertain what further steps were necessary. It was not an inquiry into the truth of any charge or complaint against any member of the Defence l''orce, as no charge had been made or could iw made without evidenco justifying tho same. It is provided by the King's ltcgulations and the rules of procedure that x ''when the inquiry affects the military reputation of an officer or soldier, full opportunity must be afforded to the officer or soldier of being present throughout tho inquiry." Lieutenant-Colonel Turner's actions were considered to be in question, and in consequence he was present throughout the proceedings, and had an opportunity of presenting his case to tho 'Court. „ T . The report of the Court/of Inquiry has been carefully considered, and it has been decided to set tip a Courtmartial for the trial of LieutenantColonel Turner. \s Colonel Patterson and Major Osburtie Lilly wero not present throughout the inquiry, it becomes necessary to hold a further inquiry, m order that these two officers may be present and nlace their case before the Court, hubsequent action will 'depend on tho report of the Court. lOrom the report of the Court, MajorGeneral Sir Alfred Bobra, K.C.M.G:. C B , Commandant of the *ew Zealand Forces, is the only other officer concorned! The extent of Ins responsibility is under consideration.