THE COURT-MARTIAL.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14840, 18 February 1919, Page 3

THE COURT-MARTIAL.

(Per Press Association.) WANGANUI, last night. At the court-martial to-day. Lieut. Crampton was further charged with permitting unnecessary force to be used to compel Private Donovan to carry out an order. Private Beatson, who is undergoing twenty-eight days' detention, said he saw Donovan on the ground m a limp condition. Next morning he noticed red marks on Donovan's neck and red gravel scratches on the side of his face. Donald Kerr Porter refused to give evidence,; saying ..his word was apparently not 'believed. „ "* " „ "'. ; After 'a warning' by; the- Court, 1 he 'said that be- saw /Donovan on the* grouad, and saw him being .bumped against, the wall. Accused was telling Donor an to "get up," and Jenkins was dragging him along with a rope. Dr. Anderson said that he examined Donovan m the gaslight, but could not. have missed seeing any marks on the neck and face if any had existed. Crampton, m evidence, said he had been warned by the civil police that Donovan was a dangerous character. Donovan was sentenced to two hours' pack drill. A rifle was handcuffed to his wrist so that the man would be unable to use it on the staff. Donovan offered a violent resistance and told Crampton to "do his damnedest." A rope was put round Donovan, passing aver the rifle on one shoulder and beneath the other shoulder. When Donovan got down; witness threatened to put a bucket of water over him if he did not get up. . Finally this was done, and Donovan carried on. becoming one of the most humble men m the barracks.

To Captain Hudson : He would use only sufficient force to overcome resistance. If he had allowed a man to beat him it would bave meant the end of his career at tbe barracks.

The Court then adjourned,