THE MOTUIRI ENQUIRY.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 March 1918, Page 4

THE MOTUIRI ENQUIRY.

COLONEL PATTERSON EXONERATED. MAJOR OSBORNE LILY FAILED IN HIS DUTY., GENERAL ROBIN CONDEMNED [PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.—COPYRIGHT.] Wellington, March 8 The Defence Minister madea statement to-night regarding the finding of the Second Court of Enquiry investigating the questions regarding the responsibility of Colonel Patterson and Major 1 Lilly' in connection with tlie Motuihi affair.

The Court repoits that in its opinion it was not the duty of Patterson to ensure that proper precautions taken to guard the prisoners at Motuihi Island.

Regarding Major Lilly', the Court found, inter alia, that hev. failed in his duty- as Staff Officer in not bringing tlie fact of the launch being at, the Island to the knowledge of a higher authority. He had, however, taken snch steps as were in his opinion necessary to see that the launch was in a state condition while at the island. His failure was due to miscouception of the duty cast upon him. Steps have been taken to. point out, to Major Lilly the Court’s opinion as to his misconception of duty. The Minister proceeded:—“ 1 examined the reports of the Boards of Enquiry', with the. evidence, and from my own knowledge of the circumstances,' 1 have come to the following conclusion : “ Major-General Sir A. Robin did not realise that the officer commanding the Auckland District considered Motuihi to be under General Headquarters and not under O.C. District. He committed an error of judgment in (1) That he was too much impressed by the outside scare, and did not give due weight to the warning about the conditions existing at Motuihi. (2) That he did not visit Motuihi in person to satisfy himself that adequate precautions were taken' to safeguard the prisoners on the Island. These conclusions have been submitted to Major General Sir A. Robin, arid I do not consider farther action necessary.