H.—33

24

The most important work, however, is the school, which has been established under the supervision of a German prisoner of war of superior education. There languages are taught—English, French, Italian, Spanish, &c. —and also bookkeeping and ordinary school subjects, and lectures are given on many subjects likely to be of value to the men. The prisoner of war who has the direction of this school told me that he, found his fellow-prisoners very eager to learn ; they were, attending in large numbers. 20. MATTERS INCIDENTALLY DISPOSED OF. Dentistry. Having heard evidence on this subject, and particularly that of a witness who had had to have his teeth removed owing to causes unconnected with his detention, I saw Lieut.-Colonel Hunter, Director of Medical Services, who informed me that arrangements were well on the way to give prisoners of war regular dental attention. The matter had not been overlooked in the past, but, it had become necessary to systematize it. Before leaving the island I was informed that the needs of prisoners of war were being regularly attended to, and that this had given great satisfaction. In particular, the man who came before me had been fitted with a suitable plate. Visiting by Families. At, the request of prisoners I wrote to the Hon. the Defence Minister as to the subject of visits of members of families to their relatives at the island. This subject had caused the authorities some anxiety, and facilities had been reduced, owing, I understand, to abuse of this privilege at Motuihi, which had probably aided the escape of the " Seeadler " men. I found that the Minister already had the matter under consideration. He has since informed me of the arrangement he has made, and prisoners of war have expressed their satisfaction with the extended facilities. Lost Property. A. considerable number of men complained that they had been brought away from a place of employment and that their baggage or some other property had failed to arrive. In one case or more it was said that the ship had left and the police had failed to bring ashore the property of the prisoner, who was a sailor. Witnesses were called on this subject, but it was obviously impossible to investigate the individual cases. It was evident that the men felt these losses to be a grievance, and much irritation had arisen out of the fact that some of the men complaining did not, appear to know whether their claim had been investigated. In some cases there had been an investigation, but it could not, be seen whether it, had been complete. In these circumstances I wrote to the Minister pointing out the desirability of having some competent, person appointed to investigate all these cases. The Minister has assured me that, he will have them investigated. I have sent, him a list, of those making claims now on Somes Island. 21. CAMP COMMANDER AND CAMP CONDITIONS. This is essentially a camp in which somewhat rigid discipline must be enforced. It is probable that if it were relaxed the men would rapidly get out of hand and their health and well-being would suffer. For this purpose some form of regular exercise must be ensured. For those men who regularly engage in fishing or gardening nothing more may be needed, but, whatever is to be done it must be understood that the Commanding Officer insists on obedience to his orders. There are many rough and undesirable elements in the camp : these have to be kept, in order, and must be made to understand who it is who keeps order. Apart from these, a large proportion of the prisoners of war consists of interned sailors and firemen, anel of men who in the past have served at sea. These men, accustomed to discipline at sea, are very much given to throwing it off when on land. Being strong and vigorous men, they are apt to prove troublesome and even dangerous. Such men may be brought under discipline and kept under discipline, but only