QUEER DOINGS IN THE ARMY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2126, 18 November 1890, Page 3

QUEER DOINGS IN THE ARMY.

, A Home paper reports that an extraordinary outrage has been perpetrated at Cork on Lieutenant Jervois. The principal cause of the latter’s unpopularity with his brother officers is alleged to be his familiarity with the non-commissioned officers and men. After being pulled out of bed and tarred he was photographed while in that condition. A few days afterwards, when in the drill field, having made some mistake in bringing up his companv, he was ordered to take it back again and bring it up in proper form, whereupon, it is alleged, he made a reply savoring of insubordination, and was promptly placed under arrest. A day. or two afterwards he broke his arrest, dressed himself in mufti, absented himself from his regiment, and proceeded to his relatives in England, leaving a note to the adjutant saying his mother was unwell. A captain was despatched after him, who arrested him in England, and brought him back in custody. He was detained in his quarters and in hospital for six weeks, when a courtmartial was held. Lieutenant Jervois was assisted before this tribunal by a legal friend, who urged in extenuation of his offence the treatment to which he was subjected, with the result that Lieutenant Jervois was restored to his position and practically exonerated from blame. This decision having been forwarded to the War Office the whole circumstances were inquired into. A Cork telegram states that the report published concerning an attack on an army officer by his brother officers is confirmed, with the exception of some details. It appears that when he was dragged out of bed it was paint, not tar, which was used on him previous to his being photographed, It is stated that three officers have been deprived of their commissions, and three others reduced and transferred to different regiments, with the option of resigning.