DARTMOOR MUTINY

Hokitika Guardian, 1 April 1932, Page 5

DARTMOOR MUTINY

OFFICERS’ VERSION

EVIDENCE AT INQUIRY.

(United Press Association—By Electr Telegraph Copyright.)

LONDON, April 1

At the resumption of the Dartmoor Prison inuti-.y inquiry, en officer, Winter, said that on the day of tlm mutiny (50 convicts armed with pickhandles and sticks, under the leadership of one Conning, demanded tin* release of thirteen occupants of separate cells. The accused James quieted tho rioters, and advised witness (Winter) to release the prisoners, which, being in fear, lie did, though some remained in the cells throughout. Subsequently, when the police arrived Conning offered an unconditional surrender, but Stoddart demanded better food and no victimisation. Witness noted this clown, and lie promised to place the matter before Colonel Turner. Then another mob rushed out shouting, “No Surrender !’’

Chief Officer Smate, wliotn the rioters stoned, deposed that he was locked ip a hall with prisoners and other officers; blit he clime out when the police arrived. , , Stnalo’s statement that ho saw no officers on the parade ground after the rioting began evoked laughter from the dock.

Witness said be had ordered his subordinates, in view of the unrest, to act with scrupulous fairness. The convicts who started the riot were let out of the “B” hall on the orders of Colonel Turner, and Governor Roberts, though witness did not' agree with this course.

Am officer named Friend described how intending escapees dropped inside the wall on seeing his revolver. Another officer, Moss( said that he was one of several officers who weie firing carbines s t the convicts on the x-oof. Apparently the convict Mitchell was trying to escape when he was shot, though witness and others had fired over his head. The accused Delmar was committed for trial,, and others were again remanded.