Australia.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVII, Issue 11, 13 May 1915, Page 4

Australia.

NEW GUINEA LOOTING CHARGES HONORABLY ACQUITTED. TTnittsd Pbekb Absootation. Sydney. May 12. A court-martial to try several officers and men of tbe New Guinea Expedition Force on charges of alleged looting has opened. Colonel Patton was charged on six counts with stealing ,aJid receiving goods,from the captured German vessel Komet consisting of a quantity of plated ware and other table furnishings. Three charges were withdrawn. Colonel Patton pleaded not guilty to all the charges. Counsel assisting the prosecution admitted that Colonel Patton had been perfectly frank, and .had given every assistance in investigating the matter. The value of the articles involved, which had been handed over to the Commonwealth Government, was 10s. Colonel Holmes, commander of the Expeditionary Force, gave evidence that he issued instructions to officers that great care should be taken to safeguard private property. Describing Colonel Patton, he said a finer soldier and a more honorable' man never existed. Colonel Patton, giving evidence, said he was in charge of the expedition which captured the Komet. After returning to Rahaul the paymaster asked him if he would like a memento of the expedition. He said he would be delighted. Later the articles forming the basis of the charges were sent to his room. He made no secret of having them, and he understood that it was the invariable practice of soldiers to take away some little souvenir. The Court'found Colonel Patton not guilty, and he was honorably acquitted. In the case against Sergeant Anderson tbe prosecutor said he had no evidence to offer in support of the charges. Anderson was honorably acquitted. : GARRISON ARTILLERY UNIT. (Received 9.30 a.m) Melbourne, May 13. The Imperial Government has accepted the offer of a unit of garrison artillery for service abroad. PROTECTION FOR CERMANS. (Received 9.35 a.m.) Sydney, May 13. A guard of twenty-five police has been formed to protect the German Club and the homes of leading Teutonic citizens. C.T.'S HANDSOME DONATION. (Received 9 a.m.) Melbourne, -May 12. The Commercial Travellers' Associations of Australia donated £35,000 to the war ambulance fund. fM i i f 'l'Mmiffii——a—Mi