ENDEAVOUR INQUIRY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 June 1939, Page 10

ENDEAVOUR INQUIRY

HEARING OF COMPLAINTS IN AUCKLAND. EVIDENCE TO BE FORWARDED TO ADMIRALTY. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, June 2. An inquiry into allegations of disaffection in the survey ship Endeavour, as ordered by the Admiralty after questions had been asked in the House of Commons, was opened at the Devonport Naval Base today before Commodore Rivett-Carnac. The commander of the Endeavour, Captain Wyatt, was present. A start was made with the inquiry at 9 a.m., and, with the exception of an adjournment for luncheon, it continued till late in the afternoon. It is stated that the task is not yet completed. During the day the Court concerned itself for the most part with sending for Endeavour ratings who had been punished by warrant. These men were asked questions about the actions lor which they were punished. All the men on the ship who considered they had cause for complaint had previously'been invited to place their complaints before the inquiry. However, so far as could be learned, since the inquiry is of a strictly’ confidential nature,' little time was found after sending for the men who had been punished, 'to deal with any complaints that might be volunteered by the men.

It is not expected, on the lower deck, that many men will level complaints unless they are sent for by the Court. Large numbers of men seen on shore said they could see no advantage in pursuing the matter, because they would be paying off and leaving the ship for England when she was recommissioned in August. The inquiry is not expected to last more than two days. The evidence will be forwarded direct to the Admiralty.