TRENTHAM CAMP.

Otago Witness, Issue 3200, 14 July 1915, Page 5

TRENTHAM CAMP.

INQUIRY INTO COMPLAINTS. WELLINGTON, July 6. The intention of the Government to an"*aint a Royal Commission to inquire into matters connected with the Trontham camp was announced by the Prime Minister in the House of Representatives this afternoon. Mr Massey referred to the fact that last week he stated his intention of moving that a parliamentary committee bo appointed for the purpose of inquiring into the complaints regarding the camp. Prior to making the announcement he had expressed his willingness to appoint a Commission. On consulting the Leader ot the Opposition as to the representation ot the Opposition on the proposed committee he had been informed that the members of the Opposition had expressed a desire that a Royal Commission should be appointed. He (Mr Massey) was quite willing to agree to the appointment of a Royal Commission, which he had suggested at the outset. The Government was anxious that matters in connection with the canip should be fully and thoroughly inquired into. The Government proposed to sot up the Royal Commission without any delay. Sir Joseph Ward said that the announcement of a Royal Commission was very satisfactory. The opinion formed by himself and those associated with him was that a Royal , Commission was the best course. It would bo a perfectly impartial way of ascertaining the position. It would bo very desirable that there should he nothing in the nature of partisanship connected with the inquiry, and it would be impossible to get away from party if the inquiry wore conducted by means of a parliamentary committee. Ho suggested that a judge of the Supremo Court should bo the principal member of the commission. The order of reference should be made “as wide as possible, and thus make it impossible for any One to say that the inquiry had not been the fullest one in every possible way. The soldiers who were now at the camp or who had been there should have the opportunity of giving their evidence freely before the commission. He also hoped that the inquiry would be open to the press.