THE CRAMPTON COURTMARTIAL.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 February 1919, Page 5

THE CRAMPTON COURTMARTIAL.

■ 1«» THE BEATON CASE. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wanganui, Feb. 21. At the Crampton court-martial this morning the hearing of the eighth charge was continued. Crampton gave evidence that when Eeaton came 'to the barracks his attitude was one of defiance and insolence. He considered it "cheek" to be asked hi** religion and next-of-kin, and when witness again asked for these Beaton laughed in his face. In the yard he refused to receive his rifle, so it was tied to his shoulder and lashed round his body with rope, and also handcuffed to his wrist. He refused to march, and continued to make insolent remarks all through the forced drill. Beaton was most obstinate and put up a big fight against the force used, though he did not attempt to strike the staff. During the struggle Beaton's nose began to bleed and lie made a piteous appeal to witness, who replied: "A little drop of blood will do you no harm. The stones of Gallipoll are steeped with blood, and men are bleeding in France for you." After a time Beaton consented to carry on. There was a scratch on the left side of his face, which was due to careless handling of the rifle. He had no further trouble with Beaton. He gave no orders for Beaton to be seized by the hair, and did not use the ' expression that "The sight of blood did the eyes good." It was not extraordinary that Beaton's nose bled, as he swung himself into a corner of the wall whenever he could. There Was no blood on the wall. There were drops of red paint, which were there still, and in the same place as stated by witnesses as being where the blood was. Cross-examined: If Beaton's head bumped against the wall it would bo due to his own actions. He had no con' versation with the men at the messtable as deposed by Beaton. Beaton's hair was cut shortly after his admission and there were no bare patches on it. .It was quite possible for Beaton to have avoided going into the corner. Edward Byrne gave evidence that Beaton put up a violent resistance. Ho denied that he struck Beaton, and tho statement that Smith dragged him by the hair was false.