THE MOTUIHI INQUIRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 February 1918, Page 4

THE MOTUIHI INQUIRY.

MAJOR LTLLEY'S EVIDENCE. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, Last Night. At the Motuttti enquiry to-day, Major Osborne Lilley, Director of Personal Services, said he received weekly reportsfrom the commandants of the internment camps. The Chief of General Staff generally decided where the prisoners of war should be located in New Zealand. Up to the time of the first enquiry, wit-1 ness considered district headquarters were responsible for supplying the guard at Motuihi. His visit to Motuihi on December 1 was made as a result of enquiries by the Minister of Defence. Witness was much worried about Motuihi matters, especially about the guard not being armed. He was quite definite he told Colonel Turner that the responsibility of safely guarding the men wasColonel Turner's "pigeon." He emphasised the necessity of visual signalling apparatus on the island in case the telephone wires were cut. He told ! Mim-1 Turner that the guard slieuld be < <l. That was merely a suggestion- ~ > order. Witness considered that, in spite of all that had been said, it was the duty of district headquarters to iind the extra ten men if they had been demanded by the commandant. Witness did not ratike a report on his visit to Motuihi, because General Robin had already been on the island, and reported to the Minister. Witness knew that Colonel Turner was detailed for court-martial duty in Auckland, and did not question it, because heconsidered Colonel Turner was under the control of district headquarters. Jn reply to the president of the court,. Major Liliey stated that he did not-know who was responsible for transferring, Luckner to Motuihi. Any transfer? shorild have gone through witness. He did not receive a complaint regarding: EFdmann's transfer on November 18. M verbal application was made by Captain Hall-Thompson for Erdmann to-be seat, .to Motuihi as orderly to Luckner. Witness referred the matter to Colonel ©ibbon, who approved. The court then adjourned.