MOTUIHI ESCAPE.

Taihape Daily Times, 9 January 1918, Page 4

MOTUIHI ESCAPE.

REPORT OF INQUIRY. I COURT MARTIAL SET UP. TO TRY COLONEL TURNER. ANOTHER INQUIRY TO BE HELD* WELLINGTON, January 8. The following statement on the subject of the Court of Inquiry into the escape of prisoners from Motuihi, as made by Sir Jas. Allen: “The Court set up under the King’s regulations for the purpose of collecting, evidence to ascertain what further steps wore necessary was not an inquiry into the truth of any claims or'V complaints against any member of the Defence Force and no charge has been made or could be made without evidence justifying the same. It is provided by the King’s regulations and the rules of procedure that when an in* * quiry affects the military reputation of an officer or a soldier full opportunity must be afforded to the officer or soldier of being present throughout the inquiry. Lieutenant-Colonel Turner’s actions were considered to be in question, and in consequence he was present throughout the proceedings, and had the opportunity of presenting his case to the Court.

“The report of the Court of Inquiry has been carefully considered, and it? has been decided to set up a courtmartial for the trial of Lieut.-Colonel Turner. • >1

“As Colonel Patterson and Major Osborne Lilly were not present throughout the Court of Inquiry, it becomes necessary to hold a further preliminary inquiry in order that these two officers may be present and place their case before the Court. Subsequent action will depend on the re* port of their Court, “From the report of the M BK-, Major-General Robin is the officer concerned. The extent of his responsibility is now under consideration. ” '