THE CRAMPTON CASE

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 122, 17 February 1919, Page 6

THE CRAMPTON CASE

EVIDENCE AT THE COURT-MARTIAL A BUCKET OP WATER By Telegraph—Press Association. VVanganui, February 15. ; Arthur George Faulkner, in the course of evidence for the defence, said that after three years' active service he joined the Military Police and was attached b the .Wanganni Military Detention Barracks. Witness was present most of the time when Donovan was undergoing pack drill. After Donovan had given in Lieutenant Crampton gave him instruction as how to carry his rifle. Lieutenant Crampton put his right hand under Donovan's chin and showed him the correct way to hold his head. He also illustrated with Donovan's right arm the proper way to swing that limb. Lieutena'it Crampton did not strike Donovan at all, nor did he even touch him with the cane. Witness noticed that when Donovan first came in, the day before the pack drill, lu had a swollen right hand. The Court retired to consider its decision.

The Fourth Charge. The fourth charge preferred against Lieutenant Crampton was that of illtreating; a. soldier in that on or about May 17 ho permitted unnecessary force to be used to compel Private Donovan to do pack drill. Accused pleaded not guilty. The evidence given by Donovan was exactly the same as that given in tho third charge. To Mr. Loughnan: He had made up his mind to refuse to carry out orders of a military nature. < On what principle did you object?— 1 had personal and conscientious objections ta-anv form of military service." On what principle?—"l didn't see why 1 should be called to go." You think it is an interference with the liberty of the Subject ?-"Tes. In pursuance of this principle I decided to resist." Donovan denied resisting violently and deliberately throwing himself upon the ground. He might liavo been ordered to get up before water was thrown on him. When they tried to.lift him up he subsided in a heap. He was not able to stand because he was done. ■Ho was hit harder on the head than on the chin. Tho hand was swollen lor about a fortnight, but he made no com- [ plaint to anyone in authority. To the-Court: A. rope was not used for fastening his rifle to his shoulder. He did not get up because he did not - feel like it. The linndciiff was not taken off his wrist and the rifle when he consented to carry on. Ho made no complaint to anyone about a'sore wrist. To the Judge-Advocate: He-got up on occasions voluntarily, but he could not say how many times. He could not say how long he had been drilling before the first bucket of water was thrown in his face., There was an interval of about ten minutes between the first and second buckets, and probably the same time between the second and third. The injury to his hand was the worst treatment he received while in tho yard. He reckoned he received the worst treatment- after he had given in.' ■ Private Moynahan gave evidence on similar.lilies to that given by him yesterday. , To Mr. Loughnan: Donovan had red marks round his neck. Witness added that he saw. marks that night and for weeks later on. ■ ' Mr. Loughnan: Would it be possible for a doctor examining a man to miss'such marks?—"l don't think it would have been possible." In answer to a further question put by Mr. Loughnan, witness said that he was gardening near a corner by the yard. While there he saw Donovan with a ropo round his neck and Parmenter pulling it. He also heard scuffling. He could not remember who was guarding him. Mr. Loughnan: If Guard Williams says that you and others were employed cutting wood fully 300 yards away and never | went near the yard till after pack drill was over,-what would you have to say to , tr.at?-"He is making a mistake." To the Court: Witness was at that-time in detention for.disobeying an order The Court at tins stage adjourned till 2 p.m. on Monday. i