The Drayton Grange Commission,

Southland Times, Issue 19002, 23 March 1903, Page 2

The Drayton Grange Commission,

Per United Pres9 Association. (By Electric Telegraph — Copyright. J

HI.LATED CI.NSfT.I-f

MKLUOUItNK, March 121. The replies of Lieut.-Col. Xyster and Captain-Surgeon "Shields, " anil the recommendations of Major-General liutton on the Prayton (; ran/re report, have boon published. Major-Gcueral Hutton says, that in face of the Gliding of the Iloynl Com mission, it (jji'ins inconsistent to )uy the blame on Lyster, and recommends that the latter's explanation that ho did the utmost in his power, be accepted. In regard to Surgeon-Captain Shields, he recommends that, owing 1 to his inexperience, he be leniently dealt with by an expression of disapproval. There could, however, be no excuse for his attitude towards his superior officer, Lyster,- in the improper rouniuunication he made to the press. The Minister for Defence, in a minute, generally nsrees with Major-General Ifutton's recommendations, and adds that the Government, while generally agreeing that Lyster desired to do his best, regrets that more strenuous efforts were not made to deul with the difficulties presented. In reference, to Shields, ho says the Government regrets it felt compelled to concur with Major-General HAitton that the officer was leniently dealt with by an expression of disapproval.