THE MOTUIHI ENQUIRY.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 February 1918, Page 3

THE MOTUIHI ENQUIRY.

COLONEL TURNER UNDER, CROSS EXAMINATION. AUCKLAND February 5. The Court of Enquiry to determinethe responsibility of Colonel Patterson and A 1 ajar Osbourne Lilly in respect of ; he escape of German prisoners from Motuihi continued its sitting to-day Dr Bnmford represented Colonel _ Patterson and Mr Meredith appeared for Major Lilly. Lientenant-Colone lHarcourt Turner cross-examined stated that the reduction made in the strength of the guard was a direct outcome of a 'suggestion ',by Gendral Robin. The first applications for an increase of the guard was made to District, Headquarters. During the “scare” he had no authority to increase the guard on'its own accounv, ; the authorisation of pay being the difficulty. When Major Osborne Lilly visited* the island in December, he made | no suggestion about increasing the l guard j

Re-examined by Mr Meredith, Colonel Turner stated that he regarded General Robin’s suggestion in reference to a reduction of the guard as a command. “Did yon over get a direct order from Colonel Patterson?” —“Never in connection with the protection of prison-- ' n / ers.

“You are aware tjmt that is in con;ransdistinction to the opinion held by General Robin?”

Witness replied that the .statement was contrary to orders lie had receiver'. “Did you see Colonel Patterson oftp.li ?” “Yes. I never (Time into town without calling up District Headquarters. and Colonel Patterson frequently visited the island purely in a friendly

“Then lie would not, be officially aware of the internal working of the island?”—“lf lie had he would have inquired more into it.”

“And you never made n report to Colonel Patterson on the island ” “1 wouldn’t say that. Colonel Tate on one occasion wrote to Colonel Patterson

regarding the island and asked certain questions, about which I asked.” “Did yoii not think it strange that Colonel 'Fate should write to District

Headquarters instead of to yen 1 did think ft a little strange.” “Did it not strike you that yon might have made a mistake in regard to the question of to whom you were responsible?”—“No, it did not.”

“Tt never occurred to you that Colonel Paterson’s visits were visits of inspection “No.” “How do v°u account for the statement in the letter from ' Colonel P->t-tersou to Colonel Tate in .lime, 19 1 to the effect that since Colonel Turner had had command of the island there had been no worry, if he had no control ?” —“It doesn’t say that he had no worry. In any ease, formerly Colonel Patterson was in charge of the island.”

“With regard to the system of ringing up Colonel Patterson at night, were those instructions or not” —“No. they wore not instructions. It was' more a matter of a suggestion.” “In regard to the reduction of the guard, the General referred you to District Headquarters in Wellington:-”’ “The general asked mo to discuss the matter with Colonel Patterson.” ! “He did not suggest that you discuss it with Hea'quarters in Wellington?”—“No.”

“Can you suggest why Headquarters in Wellington was loft out?”—“That was a matter for the General.”

“Who issued passes for the island?” —“At first I did, and occasionally the 0.C.D.” ’ /

“You have always objected to these visitors. Wy did you not stop it?”— “Because in the early stages I had not the knowledge which warranted me in refusing passes. As a matter of fact I thought Colonel Patterson might interview some of these people and see if the passes should be granted to them.” “Why did you refer to Colonel Patterson when you refused a pass to Mrs Langguth?”—“l really don’t know. “Now, why did you send her to Col. Patterson if you refused her a pass?”

—“I cannot say.” “Did you 'report to Headquarters bout Mrs Langguth at that time?”— ‘No.”

“Did you take any steps to, let the Minister know you objected to Airs Langguth?”.—No.” “Why did you not, following tlie- permission granted by the Minister for Airs Langguth to visit the island?’ - “I took the letter as an instruction.” “In what direction did you consider there was inadequacy?”—ln all directions.”

“The launch was a source of danger ?”.—“Yes.” “You could have reduced your danger by getting rid of the launch ?” - Te president: “This docs not affect tlie question of whether he is responsible to District Heaquarters or to Headquarters.” Mr Meredith: ,f My object is to bring proof in regard to the question of whether Major Lilly was aware of the suggested inadequacy of the precautions.” The president (after consulting with the court). “Tlie question should ( be confined to who was responsible for authority to keep the launch. I think we .•can l ake it that there were two inadequacies—the question of guard and the

launch question. Then tlie question is who is responsible for seeing those inadequacies were rectified?” Dr Bamford: “Is it not a fact, Colonel Turner, that with regard to a certain alien in Auckland you received instructions from Headquarters in Wel-

lington not to allow him to visit the island?” —“I believe I did.” AUCKLAND, Feb. 7.

I At tlie Court of Enquiry, Afajor Sir Robert Walker, General Staff officer said that the question of increasing the guard was entirely a matter for headquarters at Wellington. The guard was reduced on the suggestion ol 1 General Robin. Witness considered that extra men were required at Motj uilii to prevent prisoners escaping and |to obviate the continual scares. He could not say that he had ever landed ’ on the island officially as the island had nothing to do with the. District ! Headquarters. He found that out when he came to Auckland.

Major Price A. A. S. Auckland, recalled, said that Captain Dyer, the previous A.A.S, told him that when lie made inquiry, that the Disetrict Headquarters was not responsible for the control of Motuibi. Tlie enquiry was adjourned.