Ringarooma Court-Martial.

Feilding Star, Volume XVI, Issue 257, 3 May 1895, Page 2

Ringarooma Court-Martial.

THE DOCTOR DISMISSED FROM THE SERVICE. THE VERDICT DENOUNCED. (Per Press Association). Sydney, May 2. Surgeon Lea made a lengthy statement in defence, and said in placing Captain Johnson on the sick list he acted in accordance with the customs of the service. His attention was directed to the captain's manner while on the fore hridge, where he was pacing up and down, making grimaces and gesticulating in an excited manner. He considered the captain was unlit to command the ship. The surgeon gave instances of eccentricity on the part of the captain at various functions* and said he possessed a strange peculiarity for playing imaginary golf on the vessel's deck. The prisoner wished to call evidence as to the health of Captain Johnson, but the court refused to btar it. Owing to this decision Lea was unable to call some thirty witnesses he had arranged to have examined. The Court found Lea guilty of the charges made against him and ordered him to be dismissed from the service. Dr Lea's council intends to forward the papers in the court-martial case to the Admiralty. This Day. Dr Lea's sentence has been confirmed by the Admiral. Had the doctor remaiued three months longer in the service he would have been entitled to a retiring allowance of £1200. The Daily Telegraph wholly denounces the proceedings and finding of the Court. Never before has there been a case presenting such extraordinary features and demanding such thorough investigation. The result has caused intense indignation throughout the fleet, and an effort will be made through the colonial Governments to send representations to the Imperial authorities.