DISCIPLINE OF TERRITORIALS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXVI, Issue 11656, 11 June 1912, Page 4

DISCIPLINE OF TERRITORIALS.

(Pee Pkess Association.)

t -in-* „ Auckland, .June n. A JJilitarr Gourfc inquired into the matter of the discipline of, No. 7 Company. Auckland Garrison Artillery, and inquired into the reason for only two officers and one man of 114 members n the company attending the Kind's Birthday parade. _ Major Braithwaite presided, and with bun.wore associated Major Stevenson and Captain Melville. Lieut. Parker, late officer in charge or the company was present, and the 1 resident cf the Court explained that the inquiry was not into Parker's honor or character, but as to his command of i-he company. Colonel Hazard: officer commanding the division stated that the discipline was bad H e accordingly transferred Lieut. J a.rker to another company; thereupon an article appeared in the Auckland Star stating that No 7 Company was going on strike and would not attend the king's Birthday parade \t the parade in question only two officers and one Runner attended*. Members of the Company were called to tn ve evidence, and stated that up till the time ot .Lieut. I arker's transfer discipline was excellent, and it was onlv when when Parker, with four years'""experience, was removed and : replaced bv a junior of only 12 months' service that the men decided to show their resentment by refusing to parade. Lieut. Parker, in evidence, stated that when saying good-bye to his company he read the district order for the King's Birthday parade and told the men to play the game. He did not think the men meant to mutiny, but desired to show their disapproval of what; had happened. Lieut. Parker added that he felt the transfer so keeuly that he intended to resign his commission .

The Court has submitted the evidence to headquarters.