"THE SHAMELESS COWARDS" AGAIN.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 January 1919, Page 2

"THE SHAMELESS COWARDS" AGAIN.

Sir, —Th« letter in Saturday's News trying to work up a weep or even a sniffle (owing to the epidemic, handkerchiefs aro too scarce) is too silly to merit a reply, but as Mr. Hunt's four years' war work may be expressed by a f his remarks about my "cheap loyalty" are peculiar. However, Heaven help poor New Zealand if Hunt, Holland and their ilk got on top. Public opinion has, through four causes, made a right wheel movement over this W.D.T. scandal, the only scandal being the throwing of mud at Lieut. Orampton. First and principal, Guard Williams' denials, knocking the legs from under the Commissioners' report. He says:—l wish to challenge the report contained in your issue of December 6 that Guard Williams, late of Wanganui Detention Staff, kicked prisoner Carians whilst on duty or off, at any time, and also state that this man was not ill-treated by me or anyone else to my knowledge. He was given every consideration, and I therefore challenge his statement, and can truthfully say that I iievrr ill-treated this or any other man under my charge." Second: The Egmont Recruiting Board's telegram to the Minister of Defence, congratulating him on putting Lieut. Orampton over these shameless cowards, and which is proving a depth charge. Third: The Wanganui Ministers' Association, the men on the spot, who know what was done, protesting against the Bolshevik shriek for Crampton'a scalp. Fourth, and important (which kindly publish) report of "Diggers'" meeting I may say I met an independent gentleman who had occasion to visit the barracks, and he alleges that Lieut. Crampton is really a splendid fellow, who has had to handle particularly difficult material. For myself I only want to keep Bolsheviks jumping on a Britisher. iYours (with finality on this subject). we. Wright! Rahotu.