ON RIPA ISLAND.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1120, 10 July 1913, Page 3

ON RIPA ISLAND.

THE INQUIRY

Christchurch, July S

In accordance with the promise 0 { the Minister of Defence that he would send a responsible officer to inquire into the allegations made by the deputation of the Unity Conference in regard to the treatment and condition of the youths on Ripa Island, AdjutantGeneral Colonel R. H. Collins came down to Christchurch and visited the fort on Monday with Colonel Smythe, the officer commanding the district, to ascertain from personal observation whether there was any basis to justify the Minister in ordering a public inquiry. Colonel Collins took the statements made to the Premier seriatim. These were replied to in full by Lieutenant MacDonald, the officer in command of the tort. Sergeant-Major Conley, in charge at the fort, said with regard to the statements as to food, and that the tea, etc., were the same as he and the Artillerymen got. It was perfectly good food, and the tea was out of Jhe same pot. He corroborated Lieutenant MacDonald’s statements that he had said to the men in his presence that when the non-military work ran out he must require them to drill and clean the guns. Up to the time they refused to assist the Artillerymen to carry in coals, they got just the same food as the Artillerymen, and as much of it as they cared to have. When they refused to help with the coal he reported the matter of insubordination. Up to that time they had all slept in the barrackroom like soldiers. They were then confined in pairs in separate bedrooms. It had been made quite clear to the youths in the first place when they refused to drill that they would be required to drill and clean guns. Some of them had at first to clean up their rooms. He was with the officer when he went round to each man in the first placej ?and spoke to them separately on the matter of work and drill.

Bombardier Moore gave evidence to the same effect.

Colonel Collins said that he would hear any spokesman, or two or three spokesmen, for the prisoners, or he would hear any or all of them who chose to make any statement or complaint one by one. At the same time it was arranged, so that they might speak freely, that Ueutenan t MacDonald would not be present. This was at the Lieutenant’s own suggestion. A reply was received from the prisoners that they would only appear if they were all permitted to be present in the room at once. It would have been impossible to put more than three or lour of the men into the room in any event, but Colonel Collins returned a message that he would only hear them singly. Thereupon, James K. Worrall came in and said that he was spokesman for the rest. Apparently reading Irom a piece of paper, he said that he appeared on behalf of the whole of the thirteen prisoners, some of whom were incapable of arguing or discussing questions with such men as those present. They would, therefore, insist on all being beard together, They had grievances, but they wanted a public inquiry. This was the first they had beard of an inquiry. “We didn’t know who you people were walking about the place. It is only fair that we should be all together, and that there should be an inquiry into our grievances,” concluded Worrall.

Colonel Collins said that he would only hear them one at a time. What were their grievances ? Worrall said that he would not give him any answer unless they were all admitted together. They had grievances, and if they could not get them put out now they would in time to come.

Colonel Collins said that if they had grievances let him state them now.

Worrall again refused, and Colonel Collins said that he would see them one by one or not at all. Worrall then shouted; Well, you won’t see us one by one, and I give you warning that if you put in the papers that we have no grievances, we will make it as hot for you as we have ever done for anybody else—hotter. That is a warning lor you, and you know now.”

Concluding at the top of his voice, Worrall left the room and joined his companions. A short lime after, Colonel Collins, Colonel Smythe, and Lieutenant MacDonald, on their

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way out, passed the room in which the youths are confined, and where they were standing with their heads out of the windows.

As the party came under the windows the prisoners burst into derisive laughter. Then the leader gave the call : “Are we downhearted ?” “No,” was shouted in chorus. “Will we drill?” And again a chorus of “No,” and finally, “Go back to the dogs that sent you,” as Colonel Collins was descending to the exit.

It transpired during the visit of the officers to the island that the first “solitary confinement” was in consequence of a request from Nuttall that he might be allowed to sleep in a room by himself, as his companions annoyed him at night.

This was granted, and then a mate of Nuttall’s asked to be permitted to sleep in the same room as him. This was also granted, and since then “two in a room” became a regulation in consequence of the refusal to drill or work.

Nuttall has written protesting against it as “solitary confinement.”

The thirteenth man was the only one who had a bedroom to himself without a companion.

Colonel Collins directed that he should be put in with one or other of the couples. At any time the men can speak to each other through the partitions and through the windows, out of which they thrust their heads. They also sing in chorus. When Lieutenant Macdonald first had the men out he held divine service on Sunday, and himself bought a Bible for them. Only three attended. He has discontinued the services, as he did not wish to give more occasion than he could help for impertinence from the prisoners. Regular services have been held by ministers.