MYSTERIOUS AFFAIR. TROOPSHIP SCANDAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 504, 18 August 1902, Page 2

MYSTERIOUS AFFAIR.

TROOPSHIP SCANDAL.

HOW LIFE WAS SACRIFICED ON THE DRAYTON GRANGE.

ADMIRALTY ARRANGEMENTS'

DISREGARD OF DOCTOR’S ADVICE.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Sydney, Aug. 16.

The Royal Commission appointed by

the Federal Government has opened its enquiry concerning the Drayton Grange. The naval transport officer testified that arrangements had been carried out in accordance with Admiralty arrangements. There was not an excess in ihc number of troops carried, but the auip was in a very dirty condition. Dr Shields gave evidence that not more than 75 per cent, of those carried should have been shipped. The ventilation was bad. The sickness to a large extent could be traced to the want o( exercise and good sleeping accommodation. The hospital accommodation was by no means sufficient. Many men who should have been in the hospital could not be received. The medical officers were insufficient, and no nurses were admitted. The ship was dirty, and the habits of some of the men most objectionable. This, and to a certain extent the want of discipline, helped to contribute to the sickness. He advised that the sick be landed at Albany in order to save life, but his advice was disregarded.

SHOCKING EVIDENCE. By Telegraph. Pross Association. Copyright (By. Telephone from Napier.) Sydney, August 17.

Tho transport officer stated that tho ’twoon and lower docks woro filthy. They wero somotimos blocked with filth. Ho knew of no dofect in the ship horsolf that would contribute to sickness. Tho Modical Officer, Dr. Shields, said that men used a scupper instead of a latrino at night, and croatod a vory dangerous condition of things. At ono timo 000 bods could huvo boon filled with pationts. Tho modicincs woro mostly usoloss, being tonics aud such like, and they ran short boforo tho vossol was threo-fourths of tho way to Albany. With tho active spirit of insubordination, much ot tho filthy stato of tho ship oould not bo prevented. Bocauso of tho lack of discipline intoxicants woro obtainod too freoly. Thoro was illicit soiling aboard. Tho offioors tried to put it down, but it flourished throughout tho voyago.