LOOTING AT RABAUL.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 23 April 1915, Page 3

LOOTING AT RABAUL.

Melbourne, This Day

In the Federal House Mr Anstey moved that it be instruction to the Government to order the release of five privates undergoing sentences of three to five years penal servitude imposed by eoii'i't-martial at Rabaul. He alleged that a distinction was drawn between officers and men. There had been cases of minor looting by the men. but shiploads of officers' loot left Rabaul. I'he Hon. Mr Jensen explained that all the men sentenced were guilty of robbery, except one guilty of receiving. 111 one case the robbery was under arms from a German Catholic missionary. On the advice of the Attorney-General the sentences had been commuted to hard labour. The Minister decided to add six months to the sentences so that they could be reviewed with a view to remission of a part or the whole of the unexpired sentence. Since they were sentenced the prisoners made allegations that others, including officers, were concerned in the looting, and tliefr sworn .statements will be placed before a Court sitting in Sydney, which will obtain evidence, whereon the trial of several persons will take place shortly. The Rt. Hon. A. Fisher declared that the end of tho military forces would come when Parliament directed that the men should be released from imprisonment bv court-martial. Tlie motion was withdrawn 011 the Minister's assurance that everything was being done to clear up the whole matter.