ARMY CANTEENS.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 13281, 17 January 1914, Page 6

ARMY CANTEENS.

ALLEGED BRIBERY AND CORRUPTION. LONDON, January 9. Although the names are not known of the sixteen persons against whom summonses have been privately issued m connection with the army canteen scandals, it is reported that eight of the defendants are Officers and that the remainder are civilians, including the manager of a firm of world-wide repute. The remarkable statement is now made that nine of the quartermasters originally mentioned m the charges are implicated. Tlie court proceedings will commence on the 15th inst., and as no fewer 'than 2CO officers are to give evidence the hearing will last a considerable time. The prosecution is expected to prove a most sensational one, and to reveal a widespread system of graft. 'The 'Times of, November 29 reported that as a result of the special investigation which had been conducted with a view to testing the accuracy of allegations made m various quarters as to the existence of a system of bribery and corruption m Regard to the conduct of canteens m the army, information has been laid before the Army Council, m consequence of which tlie Council had given orders, m the first jnstance, for the convening of a. general. court-martial, before which charges -would be preferred against the following: — Hon. Major and Quartermaster F. Walker, Guards' Depot; Hon. Captain and Quartermaster J. Fowles, Ist Battalion Irish Guards; Hon. Lieutenant and Quartermaster T. Potter. 3rd Battalion Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders; Hon. Lieutenant and Quartermaster W. J. Armstrong, Ist Battalion Norfolk Regiment. All these officers passed through the ranks, and three of them have war services attaching to their names.