TROOPSHIP SCANDAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 498, 11 August 1902, Page 3

TROOPSHIP SCANDAL.

ATTEMPT TO BELITTLE TROOPERS’ STORIES.

By Telegraph—l’re3S Association—Copyrigh Melbourne, Aug 9. Tho Federal Minister of Defence ha=

obtained reports regarding tho troopship Drayton Grange from Colonel Lyster, officer commanding. Ho reports that provision was made for the accommodation of 2200 troops, and there were 1909 aboard. Tho food supply wus excellent and sufficient. Sanitary accommodation was provided. No complaints were made by the commanding officer in reference to the accommodation. His opinion was that if trained soldiers occupied tho same space greater efforts would have been made by the men to make the most of it. He admits that tho hospital accommodation was inadequate. If his request to land the sick atJAlbany had been complied with four livesjwould have been saved. Colonel Williams, Director-General Jof tho Medical Army Corps, reported that the hospital accommodation was insufficient. No provision was made for the

isolation of infectious diseases. Ho was convinced that every effort had been made by those in authority aboard to deal with the state of affairs, otherwise the consequences would have been much more s .ious. Probably lives would have been saved if tho sick had been landed at Albany. General Hutton, in covering tho report says that tho number of troops allotted to tho ship was not exceeded. Unquestionably tho upper deck accommodation was not adequate. The number of hospital beds was inadequate according to Admiralty regulations. The rough weather holped to spread tho sickness, the men being unable to como on deck. It appeared to him that tho accommodation provided under ordinary circumstances I would havo proved adequate but for tho bad weather and the rolling of tho steamer in consequence of it being of light draught. Tho outbreak of measles would not havo been sufficient to cause tho discomfort and suffering of the troops. Sir William Lyne, after consideration of the reports, will deeido if further action is necessary in regard to tho Drayton Grange. Since removal to tho hospital, another trooper has succumbed to pneumonia. Durban, Aug. 7. The principal medical oflicor at Durban states that tho Drayton Grange carried sixty below tho accommodation provided. She was fitted for forty officers, and two thousand men, and had full quantities of medical necessaries, and sufficient drugs and instruments for six times the number on board.

MENTIONED IN THE HOUSE

OF LORDS,

By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright.

London, Aug. 8. In the Houso of Lords Lord I-lardwicke, replying to Lord Carrington, said that Mr Brodrick was prepared to institute a full enquiry concerning the Drayton Grange. Lord Tweedmouth expressed satisfaction at tho announcement, adding that the war had strengthened tho ties with tho Colonies, and it would indeed bo foolish to allow false economy to spoil the good work.