THE DRAYTON GRANGE SCANDAL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12618, 23 March 1903, Page 5

THE DRAYTON GRANGE SCANDAL.

REPORT OF THE COMMISSION OF

INQUIRY,

Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright, MELBOURNE. March 21.

(Received March 21, «U0.41 a.m.) The replies of Lieutenant-colonel Lyster and Captain Shields, and the recommendations of Major-general Hutton on the Drayton Grange Commission's report, have been published. General Hutton says that in the face of tho finding of the Boyal Commission it seems inconsistent to lay the blame on Colonel Lyster, and he recommends that the hitter's explanation, that he* did the utmost in his power, be accepted. In regard to Captain Shields, lie recommended that, owing to his inexperience, he be leniently dealt with by an expression of disapproval. There could, however, he no excuse- for las attitude towards his senior officer, Colonel Lyster, in the course of ail improper communication madfl to the press.

The Minister of Defence, in a minute, generally agree.? with General Hutton's recommendations, and adds that the Government, wl'iile generally agreeing that Colonel Lystor desired to do his best, regrets that more strenuous efforts were not made to deal with the difficulties presented. In reference to Captain Shields, he says that the Government regrets that it felt compelled to concur with General Hutton that that officer be leniently dealt with by an expression of disapproval.