THE MOTUIHI AFFAIR.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 January 1918, Page 4

THE MOTUIHI AFFAIR.

cornr-'jiAKTiAL on t col. tuiotr. Hy Telegraph—Press Association. Auckland, Jan. 30. ' At the court-martial to hear thai churges against Col. Turner, Major L. Lille; gave evidence that Col. Turner, in his report on the escape of the prisoner?, stated that he usually personally looked to see if the launch wis made* fast to its mooring, but on (his occasion had not done so. H had been his practice to tell the prisoners to bring the spark-plugs to liim; on this occasion he omitted to do so. Cross-examined, w'tness stated that lie was in charge of prisoners, he thought it was his duty to deal with them. As !<. the prisoner Krdmnn, witness said he knew the Minister had forbidden his transfer to Motuihi, yet he sent him there. The instructions for the transfer emanated from Col. Hall-Thompson. Auckland, Last Night. Colonel Patcrson, O.C. Auckland District, said (hat when the scare was raised in November last he told Colonel Turner about (he matter, but did not tell him in a general way of what steps were taken to checkmate any escape. Before leaving for Wellington on December 11 he told Turner he was concerned about the launch Pearl. He said Turner should be careful to put the engine of the launch out of action. Turner said that was always done when the launch was left at its moorings. At Turner's request, a letter was sent from witness's ollice to headquarters, Wellington, asking about increasing the guard, during the time of the scare, but up to the time of the escape no reply was received. On November 2(i, li) 17, witness wrote to headquarters, recommencing that the strength of the guard be increased to thirty rank and file; that Luekner and Kerscheiss be removed to some place by themselves, as they were enterprising individuals, who would be better separated from the other prisoners; and also expressing the opinion that it would be expedient to prohibit any aliens, male or female, from visiting the prisoners on the island. Witness knew of no instance in which Turner dealt directly with district headquarters. Witness had never given Turner a direct order, Witness was satisfied with the conduct of affairs at Motuihi up to the time of the arrival of the See Adler's officers find men. During the scare period Turner had never said to witness (hat he was unable to carry on unless he was reinforced. The inquiry was adjourned till tomorrow.