NEW ZEALAND NEWS.

Taihape Daily Times, 17 December 1918, Page 4

NEW ZEALAND NEWS.

THE WANGANUI BARRACKS EPISODE. isTHE MINISTER EXPLAINS WELLINGTON, this day The Minister of Defence has issued a statement regarding the inquiry into the conduct of Lieut. Crampton and staff at the Detention Barracks in Wanganui. The Minister revieAvs the proceedings against Crampton at Samoa, and says those proceedings were considered when Crampton Avas selected to take charge at Wanganui, but Headquarters Averc satisfied they Avere no bar to his appointment, as they considered the verdict of the courtmartial was against the Aveight of evidence and Crampton. ought to have been acquitted. Mr Hervitt, S.M. made no reference to the court-martial in his report, evidently considering it of little importance. When Mr Hewitt made his report he recommended a change in the personnel of the staff, but those had already been done, except the case of Crampton. Consideration Avas being given to entirely new arrangements for the custody and detention of prisoners, and Avould have been effected before this but for the influenza epidemic. The intention was to discontinue the Wanganui prison for detention purposes, and accommodate priosners at Trentham. This AA r as now being carried out. Of the original staff, fifteen had been discharged. Two, not directly concerned in the charges, were still in the employ of the Defence Department. Crampton was still at Wanganui for the purpose of handing over to his successors Mr. HeiA’itt’f report and findings were not communicated to Crampton and the staff. The first intimation they had of them was in the press after the report was laid on the table of the House. Immediately he saw the nature of the report Crampton demanded a court-martial for himself and staff. This court-martial would bo assembled without delay, and Crampton was being relieved of his duty pending the result of the trial. LENGTH OF NEW CABLE LAID. WELINGTON, This day. The Pacific Gable steamer Iris laid nine miles of neA\ r cable between Lyall Bay and White’s Bay during the past Aveek. The work would have been accomplished some Avecks ago hut for the

outbreak of influenza among the crew. NEW PUBLIC SERVICE OFFICIAL. ' WELLINGTON, this day. Colonel J. J. Esson, C.M.G., has been appointed Acting Public Service Commissioner, and will take up his duties On January Ist. ~ 1 •at