THE AUSTRALIAN PADRE.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XLIX, Issue 13907, 7 November 1919, Page 6

THE AUSTRALIAN PADRE.

PRELIMINARY INQUIRY

[Bx Electhic telkgrape—Coptbioht.]

(Per Press Association.)

(A. and N.Z. Cable Assn.)

Received November (J. at o.") p.m. LONDON, November 4. The Australian military authorities have commenced a preliminary inquiry, into the O'Donnell case, in order to decide, whether there is a case for courtmartial. The latter will be held forthwith if the authorities consider the evidence justifies the proceedings, otherwise O'Donnell will be immediately released. The authorities would not. countenance Father O'Doiinell's repatriation before the matter is hilly investigated. The serious charge must be substantia a ted or dismissed. The Australian Press Association understands that the case for the prosecutions is chiefly based on the testimony of three witnesse's. one of whom offers apparently strong evidence . The, principal"witness has already arrived, and others are travelling from Ireland. Father O'Donnell to-day is under-o-oing examination by his legal adviser, whose report will be submitted to the authorities. It is likely that Father O'Donnell will decline to speak at the preliminary inquiry, but will reserve his delence for the court-martial. 1 - Received November 7. at 0.20 a.m. LONDON, November 4. The O'Donnell inquiry was devoted to the examination of the principal witness. Second-Lieutenant Chambers, of the King's Liverpool Regiment, attached to the depot at Cork. Father O'Donnell cross-examined witness for three hours in lively manner. Chambers literally repeated the conversation previously reported, which hesaid lie took down' in shorthand during dinner, while Father O'Donnell was talking. Father O'Donnell accused witness of Iving. '. The statements of two further witnesses from Cork are expected to-mor-row, when the preliminary investigation ends.