NEED OF DISCIPLINE

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 61, 9 September 1914, Page 2

NEED OF DISCIPLINE

! AN INCIDENT AT DUNEDIN FIRM ACTION BY AUTHORITIES. In his addresses to the members of the Expeditionary Force, Major-General Godley has specially emphasised the need of discipline. He has reminded the men that no amount of bravery can compensate for lack of discipline — that laxity which weakens an army. The value of this advice is widely appreciated, but there are some ardentj spirits, accustom»ed to years of free-and-easy conditions, that do not take kindly to orders which they resent. " During the currency of the Tahitna, Park camp considerable latitude in the matter of general leave\ was extended to the men," states the Dunedin Star of 7th September. " This was granted by those in authority to get over huge ] batches of applications for special leave on the part of men who were desirous of attending to necessary private business prior to departure. This privilege was extended for several evenings in succession, and was terminated on' Wednesday,' when those in authority decided to discontinue it. There wa-s naturally some disappointment at the abolition of the privilege, and it was rumoured in some quarters that if general leave was not granted on Saturday evening the men would ignore authority and take 'French leave.' Early in the evening, when it became known that no general leave would be given, a number of men, probably 50, attempted to walk out of the main gate. The guard was reinforced, but a good number succeeded in getting outside. Practically all the men in camp then rushed to the main entrance, and in five minutes from the commencement of the trouble there must have been almost 1000 men in the vicinity of the gate. A number climbed the trees adjacent to the gate and jumped over the fence. A strong picket was despatchedito the city to apprehend those who had created a serious breach of military discipline, and some 40 men were arrested, marched back to camp, and placed in the guard room- They were dealt with by the officers commanding at orderly this morning, and in cases where the offence was proved the offenders were summarily dismissed the forces, and in some instances fines amounting to £2 infficted in addition. Colonels Bauchop and M'Donald, when seen by a Star reporter to-day, expressed their determination to suppress with rigorous punishment any attempts to defy authority, and in this attitude they are being supported by a great majority of the men."