MAJOR CHARGED

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 78, 2 January 1943, Page 4

MAJOR CHARGED

SYDNEY COURT-MARTIAL HOUSE PAINTED BY SOLDIERS Sydney, Dec. 23. Allegations that a major in charge of an Army workshop and park company had ordered one of his men, a painter by trade, to paint the major’s house were made in evidence at a court-martial in Sydney. The courtmartial was held in camera on 27th October, as according to a medical certificate, defendant’s mother was seriously ill, and a shock would probably cause her death.

The papers were later released for publication. The charges were that Major W. H. Paterson had made a false statement, had improperly used the services of a sapper for his own purposes, and that he had used a Government paint spray for improper purposes. The Court found Major Paterson not guilty of the third charge. Verdict on the other two charges was not disclosed.

Sapper Clyde Stevens said in evidence that he was asked by the major to paint the inside and cutside of the major’s house. Except for Saturdays and Sundays, he worked on the house from 2nd September until 23rd October. During that time he did no work for his unit, but lived at home in Manly. He received an order from Major Paterson to draw his pay from the District Finance Office. Major Paterson told him that while working on the job it would be advisable to wear civilian clothes Three times the major had given him 10s for fares, and at the end of the job paid him £3.

Lieutenant-Colonel R. J. Stewart said that in a report. Major Paterson had stated: "Sapper Stevens commenced painting my house on 25th August and finished early on 30th August, returning to duty on Ist September. The work was done to my satisfaction and Stevens was paid as previously arranged.” Lieutenant-Colonel Stewart said he was satisfied that Major Paterson had bought the materials used.