GERMANS ON SOMES ISLAND.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 14567, 1 April 1918, Page 8

GERMANS ON SOMES ISLAND.

WHAT IS THE PRESENT OFFICIAL INQUIRY ABOUT? The New Zealand Times of -Thursday states : — To Wellington people Somes Island, with its little community of Germans, appears to live a peaceful life. The little island might be situated away down m the Antarctic circle for all the people of Wellington know of what goes on on its grassy slopes. It is so near, and yet s<i far. Yet, although it looks from the mainland so calm and peaceful, there has been "something doing" on Somes Island if any credence is to be given to some stories that have been afloat of late. Recently, for instance, a wHTsper went about that there had been a mutiny on the island. However, beyond some startling stories of this alleged mutiny, nothing else was heard about it. Again, there was an astonishing story about a German on the island be-ng sent to Wellington hospital aud ordered special treatment by a military officer. The nurses at the hospital objected, and, finally, when a report, backed up by some authority, reached the Defence people m charge of the island that this sick German was to be quietly sent on to America, he was immed'ately hustled, under armed sjuard, to Motuihi Island to save further trouble. This story has been so persistent that it appears to have some truth at the back o? it. The latest rumor about Somes Island is the most .interest!])!; of all- It concei'ns an inquiry being held on ' the island I\v Jud?e Chapman. It is a fact that Mr. Justice Chapman is holding an inquiry on the island at the present time, Tmt as to what this inquiry is about there are more rumors than facts ascertainable. -, A correspondent, writing to the Times on this matter, states : "I think the public .of the Pominion should certainly know that His Honor Mr. Justice Chapman is at present holding a commission fo inquire into the complaints of the interned Germans on Somes Island. I wonder if the Germans would grant a judpe of the High Court of Germany to inquire into complaints by British prisoners m Germany?" Whether this correspondent is right or wrong m his statement is not quite clear. The statement comes from a good source that the inquiry concerns articles of clothing being made on the island by Germans, who, before their internment, ravr'od • on the tailoring business. Tt is stated that some Wellington ladies have had their costumes made on the island by these ex-tailors. This is coupled with" the suggestion that etc., have been secreted m the cloth sent or the clothing made. . Mr. Justice Chapman was interrogated nn the matter of the inquiry by a Times reporter, but ?<e would not say anything. However, he admitted the truth of the statement that he was holding an inquiry on Somes Island. .