NAVAL INQUIRY

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 129, 3 June 1939, Page 14

NAVAL INQUIRY

SURVEY SHIP ENDEAVOUR

EXAMINATION OF RATINGS

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, June 2

An inquiry into allegations of disaffection in the 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 today before Commodore Rivett-Carnac. The commander of the Endeavour. Captain Wyatt, was present. A start was made with the inquiry ]at 9 a.m., and, with the exception of an adjournment for luncheon, it continued till late in the afternoon. It is stated that the task is not yet completed. During the day the Court concerned itself for the most part with sending for Endeavour ratings who had been punished by warrant: These men were* asked questions about the actions for/! which they were punished. 7 All the men on the ship who con* sidered they had cause for complairri; had previously been invited to platan their complaints before the inquiry. ,! However, so far as could be learned, since the inquiry is of a strictly cc(nfidential nature, little time was four ltd, after sending for the men who hfcid been punished, to deal with any cctmplaints that might be volunteered by the men. I It is not expected, on the lower d-sck, that many men will level complaints unless they are sent for by the Co/art. Large numbers of men seen on stiore 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. < The inquiry is not expected tfj last more than two days. The evidenae will be forwarded direct to the Adnryiralty.