TROOPSHIP SCANDALS.

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 508, 22 August 1902, Page 2

TROOPSHIP SCANDALS.

THE DRAYTON GRANGE. FILTH AND OVERCROWDING. GREAT NUMBER OF STOWAWAYS by Telegraph-Press Association—Copyright Sydney, Aug. 21. At the Drayton Grange inquiry several non commissioned officers were examined. They complained about and attributed much sickness to the overcrowding. They declared that in addition to tliero being over 2000 troops there were a large number of stowaways, one placing the number as high as 120. There were no facilities for stowing and airing blankets, swinging hammocks, or exercising. They denied

the statement in reference to the filthy condition of the decks and insubordination. They had made every effort to keep the decks clean. The latrines were small and insufficient for the number of tnen, while those guilty of certain objectionable practices could not under the circumstnncos be blamed. The discipline, they declared, was good ; the officers were attentive to thoir duties, and tho men obeyed orders iu all essential matters. As a set-off to the charges of drunkenness, all complained of tho bad quality of tho regulation boor supplied to the troops. It was so bad that much of it had to bo thrown overboard. They admitted that there was much spitting about tho decks, but no spittoons were provided, and so many were suffering from severe colds and were so crowded that they wero compelled to do it. Tho men had to sloop anywhere they could.

They further alleged that when the blankets were given out they wore dirty and overrun with vermin. Washing and bathing accommodation was insufficient. Another cause of complaint was the evil smell arising from a ton of bad cabbage in the hold where the meat was kept. Eventually, after complaints, tho cabbage was thrown overboard. One witness declared that whatever drunkenness tliero was was due to liquor outside tho regulations. Tho whole medical attendance was bad, and they could not get medicine when they wanted it. One man, it was declared, was not seen for hours before lie died. When tho doctors did visit him he was cold and stiff. EVIDENCE OF TROOPERS. MEN GO STRAIGHT ABO ARD AFTER LONG MARCHES.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyrighi Sydney, Aug. 21.

Several troopers wero examined. They all agreed that tho Drayton Grange was badly overcrowded, and tho accommodation generally insufficient. Imperial soldiers' oxporienccd in trooping considered that a thousand was sufficient to carry. The statements varied regarding the officors. On tho one hand it was stated that they did their duty thoroughly, and on tho other tliut the inspections were anything but thorough. Tho ventilation was condemned. It was alleged that tho crow wero iu the habit of closing, tho port holes. Somo wero screwed down with a wronch.

Somo troops cauio straight aboard aftor days of marching. They had no change, of clothing or anything else. Many of tho chief causes of illness included tho coldness of tho iron docks and sick parades. During the latter they had to wait long periods in the cold. This was tho reason why hundreds did not report themselves sick when they actually needod medicine.