UNDER THE BAN.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 10733, 13 August 1900, Page 2

UNDER THE BAN.

TROOPER AND PREMIER.

A REPLY TO MR SEDDOX.

In reference to the Premier's reply to the criticisms of the Press regarding his treatment of Trooper Hutchison, it may bs mentioned that a representative of "The Press" was hi Dunedin when the Fourth Contingent went away, and was on board tke Moroowai -when Trooper Hutchison "was stopped at the gangway. Hβ also had a subsequent interview with Trooper Hutchison himself, and learned from him his version of what had taken place. The facts thus ascertained vary in some important particulars from those stated by Mr Seddon. Trooper Hutchison was sworn, in a day or two before the Contingent left- by direction of the Hon. J. G. Ward. Although an early applicant, and eminently fitted in every way to ibe a trooper, he had for some nonapparent reason previously been unable to get his name enrolled. However, that difficulty was overcame, and those wfco had interested themselves in Trooper Hutchison, and 3te himself, eaid they had to thank Mr Ward for it. His belongings were put on board, including iiis accoutrements and his horse, and lie considered himself a trooper in eyery sense of the word, although it was his intention to do as several other troopers had j J ready done, and send letters to certain newspapers. Major Francis, at that time of like impending displeasure of the Premier, Jiad givtn him the privilege of acting as his orderly. When Trooper Hutchison came to the ship's side he was stopped. Our representative bein? on the vessel, informed Major Francis of the fact. Ma-jor Francis thanked him, and Avent to the gangway, and in consequence of this Hutchison was allowed on the ship. A connection of the Premier had also been an observer of what had occurred and remarked, within the hearing of a number of people, that Hutchison had no right on the ship. Mr Seddon was sent for, had Hutchisoncalled up, and a conversation ensued. Presently the Hon. J. G. Ward, Colonel Penton, and Major Francis were called into consultation, and as a result Hutchison was told that he was not a trooper, and had no right on board.

In a subsequent conversation with our representative, Hutchison e:spressed his disgust at the way lie had been treated, and remarked, "I cannot but think my unfortunate name has a great deal to-do with it." He also spoke strongly on tho fact that Mr Ward had not backed him up, after getting him enrolled. It will be noticed that, altliougli Hutchison was, by the Premier's own admission, oa the footing of a correspondent, and therefore entitled to a khaki uniform similar to those supplied to all correspondents, his uniform was taken from him by Major Francis, who presumably knew Mr Seddon's wishes in the matter. The Premier makes a point of the fact that he was allowed to mess with the officers. As a pas-s-eager and a correspondent, Hutchison surely cannot be expected to regard this aa an unreasonably generous concession. When our correspondent returned to Dunedin, and informed Trooper Hutchison's friends s of what had taken place they were amazed. Dunedin Pressmen assured him that. Hutchison had been in camp for a cons;durable time, and had been sworn in as a troop?r. They were quite unable to understand the Premier's attitude.

(SrECIAL Tt) "THE PRESS.") DUNEDIN. August 11. Trooper Hutchison was duly sworn in at Forbury Camp on the morning of March 23rd. It was understood before he left that hs was engaged to a*t as orderly to Major Francis. It was an open secret that such an arrangement was made between -him and Aiajor Francis before the latter left Christchurch to take over the command. How Hutchison came to be accepted as a trooper is net within the cognisance of this deponent, but doubtless Mr Seddon's enqu.ries, /if directed ia tbe proper channel, could ascertain the fact. There is no truth in the statement that the newspapers who employed Trooper Hutchison refused..to pay his.passage. Mr Saunders, of the Times," effected an arrangement- witii him which was perfectly satisfactory to the others forming tho syndicate, but the, Dunedin

"Star , objected to paying-his passage if Trooper Hutchison -was employed as orderly, weil knowing that in ,sucb a capacity .he could not render any -service as a correspondent. But tiia moment .it was known Trooper Hutchison had sailed as a correspondent flic "Star's" liability was liquidated. As a matter of fact, the "Star" was opposed to Ts-ooper Hutchison accepting service in the Hutchison's ktters i.from' Al-

banv and South Africa go to prove that cables were sent from the colony to prevent hi? *- : ng attached to the Contingent in any vrav whatever, &nd every obstacle was put in bis ■way, according to him.