THE CRAMPTON COURTMARTIAL.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 February 1919, Page 5

THE CRAMPTON COURTMARTIAL.

METHODS IN OTHER DETENTION BARRACKS. By Telegraph.—Press Assaeiation. Wanganui, Feb. 18, At the Crampton Court-Martial tin* morning, Major Osborne Lilly, Director of Personal Services in evidence 'aid tiiat in consequence of a letter in "Truth," he came to Wanganui with instructions to investigate. He did not tell Crampton the purport of his visit, hut said he was only having a look. He requested to have control pf the men in detention. Crampton and his staff wore not present when he was with the men. He interviewed every man, particularly the signatories of the lt-tter, and invited their confidence, but did not disclose the purpose of his visit The only complaint he got was that tlip bread ration wa.i not big enough John M. .Tonkins in his evidence said he snw no marks on Donovan, except swollen (?), which he had when he came into the barracks. Donovan did not appear to be exhausted. StafT-Sorgt.-Major Tiell described the methods adopted at the Adessia Detention Barracks, Egypt, where some 200 men were under his control. The dctentionists were examined, told what was expected of them, and if any man refused to carry out orders, force was applied. He saw this happen frequently A man refusing to don the uniform was forcibly dressed: if he struggled, more force was applied: sometimes he would be knocked about. The snme thing happened when a man refused to march. He was kept on (he move by relays of the siaff. Another method was to place a msn, either two or three, in four, when narn.de- was in columns of fours, mid give the order '"Quick March!" He had either to march or be walked over. This was generally effective. Sometimes a rope was placed round a man and he was pulled round until he gave In. There were safeguards against the abuse of for'e Moro severe treatment vas jriven at other detention barracks. The stuff handling the men were iudges of the force necessary to make the men ohev. except in exceptional case*, which were referred to the Superintendent. As a general principle, sufficient force was used to overcome the resistance offered. ADDRESSES BY COUNSEL. Wanganui, Last Night. The Court Martial this afternoon v?as devoted to addresses by counsel, who covered the same ground as in the previous days. Two charges were not proceeded with owing to a witness being overseas.