THE MOTUIHI AFFAIR.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 March 1918, Page 4

THE MOTUIHI AFFAIR.

HIGHER OFFICIALS WHITEWASHED. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The Defence Minister mode a statement to-night regarding the finding of the second court of inquiry which investigated the questions regarding th» responsibility of Colonel Patterson and Major Lilly in connection with the Motuihi affair. The court reported that in its opinion it was not the duty of Colonel Patterson to ensure proper precautions being taken to guard the prisoncrs at Motuihi Island. Regarding Major Lilly the court found, inter alia, that he failed in his duty a* staff .officer in not bringing the fact of the launch , being at the island to the knowledge of the higher authority. He did, however, take such steps as were, in his opinion, necessary to see that the launch wa» in safe condition while at the island. Hiß failure was due to a misconception of the duty cast upon him. Step* had been taken to point out to Major €jl!y the court's opinion as to his misconception of duty. The 'Minister proceeded: "I have examined the reports of the board of inquiry, . with the evidence, and from my own knowledge of the circumstances I have come to the following conclusions: Major-General Sir A. Robin did not realise that the officer commanding the Auckland district considered Alotuihi to be under general headquaiters, and not under the officer commanding the district He committed an error of judgment in (1) that he was too much impressed by the outside, scare and did not give due weight to the warning about the coaditions existing at Motuihi; (2) that he did not visit Motuihi in person to satisfy himself that adequate precautions were being taken to safeguard the prisoners on the island. These conclusions have been submitted to Major-General Sir A. Robin, and I do not consider further action necesw*,"