“ROUND THE RUGGED ROCKS.”

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 8, Issue 86, 10 April 1916, Page 6

“ROUND THE RUGGED ROCKS.”

LIEUTENANT CHARGED WITH INSOBRIETY. Lord Edward Seymour a second lieutenant : in the Royal 'Warwickshire Regiment, was found “not guilty” at a general court-marital at Grantham, when he was charged with insobriety, accused was orderly officer on December 31st, and interfered with the.issue of rations. In the opinion of a lieutenant and a captain who saw him in the ration store, he was drunk nad incapable of performing the duties of an orderly officer. He was placed under arrest, and forty-five minutes later was seen by Surgeon-Captain Rowe, who stated that the accused had been taking alcohol in s uch quantities as to render him unable to perform all his military duties.

In cross-examination, Captain Rowe admitted that Lord Edward was able to repeat correctly: “Round the rugged rock a ragged rascal ran,” and “Royal Artillery.” He was also able to walk straight, but did not turn the corners quickly. For the defence, two second lieutenants spoke to being with Lord Edward shortly before the alleged offence. He was then pefectly sober. Lieutenant Wilson, who was with the accused while under arrest, also stated that he was perfectly sober. Lord Edward Seymour said that on the outbreak of the South African War he joined Strathcona’s Horse, and was badly wounded. Desiring to assist in the present war, he mortgaged his farm in Canada and came to- England, where 'he obtained his present commissionv There was no truth in the suggestion that he was not sober on the evening of December 31st.