THE MOTUIHI AFFAIR.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIII, Issue 1081, 6 February 1918, Page 5

THE MOTUIHI AFFAIR.

ADJUTANT-GENERAL’S POSITION

(Pkb Pbess Association.) AUCKLAND, Feb. 6.

At the court-martial on the charges against Colonel Patterson, tho latter staled when Colonel Turner took over the charge of Motuihi, Turner did not consult witness in any way. With regard to the instruction that Turner was to deal direct with Auckland for supplies, witness took it that it meant witness was to supply the personnel and guard. Witness produced a letter written from headquarters, Wellington, by Colonel 'fate, the Adjutant--General, dated June 21, 1917: “I am very troubled about the internal establishment at .Motuihi; have never had time to come up and see it for myself. 1 must take the responsibility for the whole show.” The, letter goes on to suggest that Colonel Pattarson should keep a close supervision and advise him {Colonel Tate) beforehand of i snags that may bo expected. Witness said, the phrase in the letter. ‘‘l must take the responsibility for the whole show,” cones-1 ponded with his views exactly. At that time the prisoners from the See Adler had not been placed on the island, and the guard I had not been reduced. Witness did not interfere with the internal work on the i.-land, nor did he consider he had any con-: irol over Colonel Turner’s launch, hut he had advised Turner to keep the engines out of action except when in use.