TRIAL OF CRAMPTON

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 127, 22 February 1919, Page 7

TRIAL OF CRAMPTON

NINTH CHARGE CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS' COMPLAINTS By Telegraph—Press Association. Wanganui, I'ebruary 21. ■' The hearing of the eighth charge waa continued. Lieutenant Crampton gave evidence that-when Beaton canio to the barracks his attitude was one of defiance and insolence. Bo considered it "cheek" to be asked his religion and next-of-kiu, and'when witness again asked for these,Beaton laughed in his face. In the yard Beaton refused receivo a l'iflo, so it was tied to hisshoulder and lash- . oil round his body with a rope. It was also handcuffed to his wrist. He refused to march, nnd continued to make insolent remarks all through his forced drill. Beaton proved mast obstinate and put up a big light against the forco used, though ho did not attempt to strike the staff. During tlyj struggle Beaton's nose began to bleed, and he nmde a piteous appeal to witness, who replied, "A little drop of blood will do you .110 harm. The 6tones of Gallipoli' are steeped with blood, and men are bleeding in France for you." After a time Beatdn consented to carry on. Ho was scratched _on the left side of the fact, due to his careless handling of the- rifle. ■ There was 110 further trouble with Beaton. Witness gave no orders for Beaton to bo seized by tha hair. He did not use the expression that "the sight of blood did his eyes good." <, It was not extraordinary that Beaton's 1

nose bled, as he swung himself into a corner of the wall whenever he could. There was no * blood on the wall; thero were drops of red paint, which were there still", and in the same place as stated by witnesses as being where the blood was. Cross-examined: If Beaton'6 head had been bumped against the wall it would be duo to "his own actions. Witness had had no ' conversation with the men at the mess table, as deposed-to by Beaton, Beaton's hair wus cut shortly after admission, and thero Were no bald patches on it.' It lias quite possible for Beaton to avoid going into the corner. Edward Byrne gave evidence that Beaton put .up u violent resistance. _ Witness denied that lie struck Beaton', and the statement that. Smith had dragged Beaton by the hair was false. The court-martial was continued this afternoon, when at the close of the evidence tendered in the eight charges, ad' druses were delivered by counsel for the accused, and by; the, prosecutor. At tlio conclusion of these the ninth charge was commenced, in which it is alleged that Lieutenant Crampton permitted unnecessary force to 'be used to compel Privats Badger to drill. Qivin? evidence Badger alleged that he was lacked by Sergeant Smith and also punched. Witness also alleged that accused used bad language and struck him under the wrist with a cane. During drill a ri'flo was strapped to witness's wrist. ,» To Mr. Loughnan: Witness was a conscientious objector and lie laid his rifle down because of conscientious objections, Ho did not complain of any injuries. ' Accused gave evidence and denied that Badger was kicked or punched.' The court-martial will be continued to-