Ireland

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 25, 28 August 1916, Page 5

Ireland

11 * r ... THE SKEFFINCTCN INQUIRY, t MR HEALY’S ADDRESS. Press Association—Copyright, Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. London' August 25. Mr Tim Healy, in his address on behalf of Skcflington’s relatives, com plained that all the officers concerned had not been compelled to attend tlio commission. The affair was one that if done in Brussels, or to British pn boners, would bring to its present- - Lieutenant Dobbin and his colleagues in assassination, it being absolutely essential that the officers of the guar..', must bo more guilty than Colthurst, who was a lunatic.

Mrs Skeffington’s sister detailed Vf forts to obtain information from Colthurst, who said lie knew nothing about Skeffington. He. also told MrSkeffingto'n that no information was available, and added: “The sooner you leave the barracks the better.” The chairman remarked that it appeared certain the men were shot simultaneously. Mr Healy disagreed, and said there was evidence that they wore, shot separately. Roland, an ex-soldier, in, his evi deuce said he heard three volleys. After the second he heard someone say: “The man is not dead.” Then he heard another volley. Byrne, a witness, denied that Coad ■> used any epithet to Colthurst. The latter was annoyed by the smoking, and said; “Stop smoking that damn ed cigarette!” Colthurst said a. soldier would bash them, and Coade was then struck on the jaw with a rilC butt. Witness.and Coade then began to run. Then came the Hash, and Coade fell.

SENSATIONAL EVIDENCE. Press Association—Copyright, Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received 11.10 a.m.) London, August 27. Sensation was caused at the Skeifington enquiry. Lieutenant Alexander Wilson, who was on main guard duty at Rortohello Barracks, testified that Dobbin informed him that Colthurst wanted to shoot three men. Dobbin told witness to ask the Adjutant if the order should he carried out. Witness cycled across the barrack yard and received the .Adjutant’s message and returned, and had just finished delivering the message when shots iang out. Sergeant Aldridge testified that the three men were shot together, there ! dig only one volley.