TRANSPORT SCANDALS.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLII, Issue 7543, 19 August 1902, Page 3

TRANSPORT SCANDALS.

THE NEW ZEALAND COMMISSION OF ENQUIRY.

(PEB PBEBB ASSOCIATION.)

Wellington, August 19.

The Commission of Enquiry into the alleged overcrowding of tbe troopships Britannic and Orient opened to-day. Major-General Babington represented the Imperial authorities.

Sir William Rusßell announced that it was proposed to examine Colonel Davies, Surgeon-Major Pearless, and Captain Lewin, in that order, and, as there might be implication of laxity of duty and want of attention on their part, they would be allowed to remain through the proceedings and crossexamine witnesses.

The Commissioners decided not to admit the press to the proceedings, but will have full shorthand notes taken. A witness would not then know what a previous witness had stated. About a dozen troopers were in waiting to give evidence. Auckland, August 19. Nurse Gould, who returned from Australia by the Montrose, interviewpd at Sydney, said she was at Durban when the Dray ton Grange left. The authorities only put healthy men on the Grange and all siok were put on the Montrose, but there was plenty of room for patients. The food was good, and the hospital accommodation ample. All Australian* and New Zealand nurses (five) were sent home by the Montroae. Sister Steele also came on here by her.