NAVAL INQUIRY AT AUCKLAND

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22727, 3 June 1939, Page 3

NAVAL INQUIRY AT AUCKLAND

ADiMIRALTY SURVEY SHIP RATINGS QUESTIONED BY COURT AUCKLAND. June 2. The inquiry into the allegation of disaffection in the Admiralty 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 to-day. The commander of the Endeavour, Captain Wyatt, was present. The inquiry began at R a.m., and with the exception of an adjournment for lunch, it continued until late in the afternoon. It is stated that the task is not vet completed. During the day the Court concerned itself for the most part with sending for ratings of the Endeavour who had been punished by warrant. These men were asked questions about the actions for 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 strictly confidential) 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 make 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,