CRAMPTON COURT-MARTIAL.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 11761, 22 February 1919, Page 2

CRAMPTON COURT-MARTIAL.

Per Press Association. jJWanganui Feb. 21. The Orampton court-martial was resumed this morning when the hearing of the eighth charge was continued. . Orampton, in bis evidence stated that when Beaton came to the^ barracks his attitude was one of defiance and insolence. He considered it “cheek” to ask his religion and next-of-kin and when witness again asked for these Beaton laughed in his face. When in the yard he refused to receive a rifle, so it was tied to his shoulder and lashed-ronnd his body with rope, and also handcuffed to his wrist. *He refused to march and continued to mass insolent remarks all through the forced drill. Beaton proved most “obstinate and put up a tig fight against the force used, though he did not attempt to strike the staff. During a struggle, Beaton’s nose began to bleed and he made a piteous appeal to witness, who repliedA little drop of blood will do you no harm. The stones of Uallipoli are steeped “with blood and men are bleeding in France for you.” After a time Beaton consented to carry “on. He was ssratched on the left side :of the face which was due to careless handling of |the rifle. There was no further trouble with Beaton. He gave no orders for Beatton to be seized by the hair and did not use the expression Ijthat “The sight of blood did his eyes good.” It was not estrsdordinary that Beaton’s nose hied as he swung himself into the corner of the wall whenever he could. There was no blood on the wall. There were drops of red paint, which were there still, and in the same place as stated by witness as being where blood was.

Cross-examined: Orampton stated that if Beaton’s head bumped against the wall it would be due to his own actions. He had no conversation with the men at mess table as deposed by Beaton. Beaton’s hair waa cut shortly alfer his admission and there were no bald patches on it. It was quite possible for Beaton to avoid going into the corner. Edward Byrne, in his evidence stated that Beaton put up a violent resistance. He denied that be ’struck Beaton and the statement that Smith dragged him by the hair was false.