ESCAPE OF PRISONERS OF WAR.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1767, 20 December 1917, Page 3

ESCAPE OF PRISONERS OF WAR.

ENQUIRY OPENED. Auckland, Dec. 18. The Court of Enquiry into the escape of eleven men from Motuihi on Thursday evenihg was formally opL cned before Colonel C. R. Macdonaid (president), Lieutenant-Colonel ■ Neave, and Lieutenant-Colonel ' Gumming. Commissoner O’Donovan and Superintendent Kiely, of the police, were also present. The president read a memorandum as follows: — 27th November. From the Minister of Defence to the Commandant at Motuihi (Lieu-tenant-Colonel C, Harcourt Turner) : l. The Minister of Defence has directed attention to the fact that * certain circumstances in connection with the guard at Motuihi Island have caused him some concern. The Minister further stated that at the time of his visit, the guard was unarmed, and that, in his opinion, the arms were not kept in a safe place, and that the ammunition, though under lock and key, was not guarded. The Minister has directed attention to the fact that he was not satisfied that there is supervision in other . -matters. It is desired that you jH' furnish replies to the following questions;— (1) Why was the guard unarmed at the time of the visit of the Minister? (2) At what time and for what reason are members of the guard permitted to leave oh’ their arms? (3) (a) What sentries arc posted for duty during the day? (h) What sentries are posted for duly at night? (c) What arms do such sentries carry at night ami during the night? (4) What precaution is taken for the safe custody of ammunition? (5) What guard is placed over the ammunition? (6) (a) What supervision is exorcised over incoming goods and parcels for prisoners of war? (1>) In what manner are such goods examined'? (e) What precaution is taken to guard against prisoners of war receiving dangerous material which may he concealed in such parcels? (7) What supervision is exercised over goods and parcels .received by the farming staff at Motuihi? In what manner is the telephone line between Motuihi Island and Auckland guarded at Motuihi Island? Evidence was given at length by Co], Harcourt Turner. He stated that when the Secadler’s officer;? arrived at Motuihi, he received instructions that greater precautions were necessary in respect to these two prisoners. When the Minister of Defence expressed concern about the guard, witness slated that in consequence of a conversation with *■ Mnj.-Gen. Robin in July in alteration was made from a standing guard to military police, in order to reduce (be cost of maintenance. Witness subsequently interviewed Gen. Robin, under instructions. He was questioned about the launch Pearl, and, so far as be remembered, ho explained that he was using two German prisoners as engineers, and a deck hand, as none of the witness’ detachment was capable of working the launch. Witness bad informed Gen. Robin that one visitor to the prisoners was the Avife of one of them, who had obtained a pass from a higher authority. He did not consider there was any danger from visits by the wives of prisoners. After he returned to the island he received a secret letteifrom Major Price, wai’ning him that an attempt would be made to assist the prisoners to escape, GUARD NOT STRONG ENOUGH. Witness informed Major Price that bis detachment avus not strong enough to resist a landing, and to guard the prisoners as avcll. Major Price stated that launches Avould patrol the island and guard the prisoners. Witness look special precautions for the guarding of the prisoners and ammunition. He informed headquarters that he required reinforcements to continue this. He could not remember Avhat reply he - had received, but be put on extra armed men from 11 p.m. (ill daylight. It Avas usual for the engineer in the launch to bring ashore the spark plugs when lie landed in the dinghy. The engineer Avas a German. On the occasion of the escape two Germans took the launch to (he moorings, as ihe dinghy Avould hold only two mm. It was reported that the eseaped prisoners had captured the scoav Moa, off Mercury Bay, Coromandel Peninsula. In some quarters it is thought that it was not the escapees Avho held up the scoaa', but one of the patrol boats sent out to search. It is also deemed to be not unlikely that, considering the bad weather at the time of the escape, the seized launch may have capsized and those on board been drowned. The escapees have ijoav enjoyed six and a-ha I Mays of liberty.