DR. THACKER'S CHARGES.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 January 1918, Page 5

DR. THACKER'S CHARGES.

FURTHER EVIDENCE AT THE ENQUIRY. "PLAYING TO THE GALLERY." By Telegraph.—Press Association. Christchurch, Last Night. ; The Court of Enquiry to investigate the charges made by Dr. Thacker and others, regarding the conduct of military medical boards of Canterbury, was resumed to-day, Major Loach presiding. The ease of Bugler William Horace Burrows was heard. Burrows alleged that he had been hurl by Lieut.-Colonel McGibbon, Assistant Director of Medical Services, in being told not to go near Dr. Thacker, and insulted by being arrested and treated as a criminal while on parole. Iu cross-examination he admitted having come to Christchurch when sick without permission. He meant by parole tliat he was under treatment by the doctor when arrested-.for desertion. He took it when told not to go near Dr. Thacker as a threat of solitary confinement. Evidence was given in rebuttal that Burrows had never been insulted by McGibbon, and was released from detention on his orders. In the course of cross-examination of a witness as to the former use of a detention cell, Dr. Thacker was warned by the board that if lie continued to refer to the cell the court would close the enquiry. "You are doing nothing here," said the president, "but acting a piece of buffoonery and playing to the gallery." Lieutenant-Colonel McGibbon, in his evidence, said he had never insulted Barrows or threatened kim with solitary confinement. He may have—though he .cauld'sjiot swear to it—told him not to go jrasar Dr. Thaoker, which he was perfectly JtzsKfe&an -doing. \ s*"~w«'*aajoMraed till to-morrow.