THE MOTUIHI AFFAIR.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIII, Issue 1080, 5 February 1918, Page 6

THE MOTUIHI AFFAIR.

COURT OF INQUIRY OPENED.

(Per Pbebs Association.) AUCKLAND, Fell. 4

The Court of Inquiry to determine the rosopnsibility of Colonel Patterson and Major' Osborne Lilly in respect of the escaping German prisoners from Motuihi opened to-day. Dr. Bam ford represented Colonel Patterson and Air Meredith Major Lilly. Colonel Mac Donald, Director of Infantry, gave evidence that he was a general staff officer in Auckland when the Motnihi detachment was first established. It was them under the charge of the O.C. District, but, owing to pressure of work, the control was handed over to the Coast Defence Commander. It was understood the O.C. District could intervene if any matter connected with the camp didn’t meet with his approval. Ho did so intervene on occasions. Headquarters, Wellington, sent letters and orders direct to the Camp Commandant. When the first prisoners arrived a telegram was received by District Headquarters that a guard was to be established by the district, the number of the guard to be confirmed by Headquarters, 'Wellington. The original letter of instructions to Turner was prepared by Colonel Pilkington, then Adjutant-General, and contained a paragraph which was struck out at Headquarters, to the effect that all administrative correspondence was to be addressed through District Headquarters. According to Turner’s instructions, witness considered that the O.C. District was not responsible for the safe guard of prisoners.

Dr. Bam ford produced a- letter by Colonel Patterson, to General Robin en November 11G last, in which he recommended that the strength of the guard bo increased, and that two naval officers rcenctly interned bo removed to some place by themselves, ns they were enterprising individuals; further, that /aliens be prohibited from visiting the prisoners.

Colonel Turner gave evidence supplomentary to that in the first Court of Inquiry. He was responsible for Patterson’s letter asking for an increased guard. He had made a verbal request to Sir Robert Walker when Pilkington gave him the letter of instructions and before cancelling the paragraph regarding the correspondence. Pilkington consulted General Robin. An officer in the room at the time stated that the commandant oi internment camps in England communicated direct with the War Office. Witness never considered lie was under District Headquarters. He invariably wrote to the Adjutant-Gene-ral, Wellington, on all matters of administration, though be always sent a copy to District Headquarters for their information. He never expected orders from the District reagrding price; crs. He considered all matters regarding the safeguard of prisoners r o be arrai ged between himself and liead.( .lavrcrs, Wellington.