THE CRAMPTON CASE

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 124, 19 February 1919, Page 7

THE CRAMPTON CASE

FURTHER EVIDENCE TAKEN. By Telesjraph-Press Association. Wanganui, February 18. At the Crampton court-martial this morning, Major Osborne Lilly, Director of Permanent Services, gave evidenco that in consequence of the letter in "Truth" he came to Wanganui with instructions to investigate. He did not tell Crampton the purpose of his visit, but said he was only having a look. Crampton and the staff were not present when he was with tho men. He'interviewed every man, particularly.'the signatories of the'. " letter. ■ He invited , their

confidence, but did not disclose the pur- ' ! pose of his visit. Tho only complaint he got was that the bread jation was not bi? enough. \ John M. Jenkins gayo evidence tliat he saw no marks on Donovan ' except a swollen hand, which he had when he came into the barracks. Donovan did not appear to be exhausted. ■ '■ Staff Sergeant-Major Bell described the , methods adopted at the Adessia' dete'ntion barracks in 'Egypt, where some ■ v 200 men were under control. The men , under detention/were:'examined, and 'told what was expected of them. ■ Jf--a"iuan refused'*to carry out orders, rorce was applied. He. saw.this happen frequent ly. A man refusing to 'don the , uniform Tvas forcibly dressed. If he struggled, more force was applied. , . Sometimes he would be knocked about.'. ■ The same thing ■ happened when a man iefused to inarch; ■ he was kept on the move by relayeof the staff. Another.-method was to place: . a man with either two or three others. in fours when :the parade wasin columnsof fours, and give the order "Quick. March." He had either to march or - be. marched qver. f . This was generally •. effective.' Sometimes a rope,'was placed; Touhd the man 'and he w.as "pulled round 'till he gave in. There" were safeguards • against the abuse of foiae and more severe. , treatment at other'".'detention . barracks. The" staff .handling men'were judges of the force -necessary ■ to make the men ■ 6bey. Except in exceptional oases, which were? referred' to tho .superintendent, the, general principle was'that euflicient force was used to overcome the 'resistance' . offered. :-.. .-y. ~. ... ■ ';' The afternoon - was devoted to-addresses. N by, counsel, who, covered the same ground "'• .as'on"the"';previous"days'.' 'Two" ctar^es . .were'not proceeded-with cwlng tea'■'.wittess. being •overseas; : " ; '" -.""