THE KNYVETT CASE

Southland Times, Issue 14322, 15 January 1910, Page 5

THE KNYVETT CASE

A MEETING OF PROTEST EOYAL COMMISSION CALLED FOR. (Per United Press Association). AUCKLAND, Jan. 14. The Federal Hall contained upwards of 1000 people (besides which there were several hundred outside who were unable to obtain admission) to-night, when an indignation meeting was held in connection with the dismissal from the Volunteer service of Captain Knyvett. Mr C. J. Parr presided. The proceedings were of an enthusiastic nature and the various speeches were freely punctuated with applause.

The chairman, in his remarks, said that a gross injustice had been done to a most efficient officer, and it would appear that all was not well at headquarters in Wellington.—(Loud applause.)—On his mention of the name of Colonel Robin, there was a chorus of "boohs” and cries of. "Put him out.” It was wrong to suppose, said Mr Parr, that an officer could not make complaints of his superior officers. The regulation permitted of it provided that such complaint went through the proper channel. Captain Knyvett’s complaint was in proper form, went through the proper channel and was, in his (Mr Parr’s) opinion, in order. The charge made against Colonel Robin remained today unanswered either by the chief of staff or the Government. The public had a right to know who had inspired the whole business. (A Voice; “Joey Ward.”) He did not think so. He thought they must look to the officer mentioned. Colonel Robin. After having read the shorthand notes of the proceedings at the Court of Inquiry he was of opinion that Captain Knyvett had substantiated his charges against Colonel Robin. There was a grave public question which put a serious aspect on the matter. Was our National defence, our new born compulsory training scheme, to be imperilled by official interference and incompetence? (Vigorous cries of “No”). Mr Parr then moved—“ That this meeting of citizens of Auckland expresses its indignation at the unjust sentence passed upon Captain F. B. Knyvett in spite of the fact that a Court of Inquiry, after fully investigating the charges made against him, expressed themselves as satisfied and practically acquitted him, and this meeting is further of the opinion that the whole matter should be re-opened and a Royal Commission bo held concerning the conduct of the head of the Defence Council and the general administration of this Department, and that pending such inquiry the notice dismissing Captain Knyvett be withdrawn, Air G. L. Peacock, who seconded the motion (which was received with prolonged applause) said that the people of yew Zealand could tolerate blunders due to honest stupidity, but not what lie might call vindictive blunders. The sense of justice and fair play had been absent in this matter. The chairman read telegrams sympathising with the movement from Messrs A. J. Greenslade and T. Wilford, M.Ps., A. J. Fmtrican and a number of citizens. Mr Wilford offered to introduce a deputation to the Minister of Defence in the effort to prove that someone had blundered.

Mr C. H. Poole, M.P., in supporting the motion, said he was not present to watch proceedings: he was there in defence of Knyvett.—(Loud applause.)— They were not going to allow Knyvett to be “executed” without entering a protest. He was in full sympathy with the resolution and hoped it would result in the reinstatement of a man who had been done a grave injustice. Mr A. E. Glover, M.P., said that Knyvett might have committed a little military delinquency, but a fine would have met the ends of justice.— (A Voice: Not necessary.)—lf an inquiry was not held before next session he was not afraid of a Prime Minister or anyone else and would see justice done if perseverance would do it.

Mr W. F. Massey, M.P., was the next speaker, Pie was greeted on rising with prolonged applause and three cheers. He said that he was not present as Leader of the Opposition nor as member for Franklin, but as a citizen of the Dominion to protest against an injustice that had been done and to assist in having it remedied. Air Massey remarked upon the fact that on the platform and in the hall all shades of political opinion were represented. The speakers who had preceded him were nominally Government supporters, and those who were to follow were supporters of the Government, In fact, said Air Massey, I am sandwiched between Government supporters, and you will remember tlrat the bs«t of a sandwich is always in the middle.— (Laughter and applause.)—He asserted that he was not there to make party capital out of the affair. — (Applause.)— When they found the Opposition lion lying down with the Government lambs, or rather standing up together with them, they might be sure that they had a case which called for public support and assistance. Judging by the enormous attendance present.— (A Voice; “And outside.”) —that support and assistance would bo forthcoming.— (Renewed applause,) Captain Knyvett was one of our most valued Volunteer officers. He knew his record and it was one that any man might be proud of.— (Applause.)—He did net. refer to what he had done in this country, but to what lie had done in South Africa. —(Loud applause.) Captain Knyvett had lifted his company from what appeared to be its last legs io one of the strongest and most efficient companies in the country. - What was his reward, —(A A r oice: “Chucked out.”)—He had been disgraced as far as he could be by the Department. Wasn’t it a fact that Captain Knyvett’s letter of complaint was sent through the proper channel? — (Yes, yes.)— What followed? A Court of Inquiry was .set up.— (A Voice: A fake,) - —Yes; not a court tliat would appeal to the public or to him; not a court martial that would appeal to military men. He did not know what to call it; but in any case that body was in favour of Captain Knyvett. Who then passed sentence —(A Voice; “Joe Ward. ’) —He did not profess to know; but the people wanted to know who dismissed Cnntain Knyvett. The remedy for what had taken place was set forth in the regulation to appoint a Royal Commis-don. —(A Voice: “Straight away.”)— This commission should consist of capable and experienced men in whom the country

would have confidence. If they could not have judges of the Supreme Court they should have stipendiary magistrates, and there was one man of ail others bo would like to see on the commission and that was Mr Xorlhcroft. S.M. — (Loud applause. Captain Knyvett and his friend-: were, he understood, rendv to abide by the. decision of a Royal Commission!— (A Voice; "Fire Robin nut.”) —Continuing Mr Massey said: ”1 regret exceedingly what has taken place, because last session Parliament passed a Defence” Act providing for universal military training.—(A Voice; You won’t pet it now.) —the proper encouragement of volunteering and the placing of the dominion In a position to defend itself. Rut if that system is to he effective we shall have to have very different administration to the present.—(Loud applause.)—ln or out of the House, as a private citizen or as an M.P.,” continued Mr Massey, “I always stand for justice, and in this connection I stand for a Royal Commission. — (Prolonged applause and cheers.)

The resolution was then unanimously carried by acclamation. Air W r . E. Hacke.tt moved—’’That this meeting is of opinion that it is desirable that a deputation of four citizens be appointed to proceed to Wellington to lay the whole matter before the Defence Minister and request him to place the facts before Cabinet with a view of carrying the resolution passed at this meeting. and that the following gentlemen represent this meeting; .Mr J. S. Dickson, Mr O. Nicholson, Air Gerald Peacock, and Air W. ID Leyland.

Air F. Lawry, M.P., seconded the motion. and speakers in support of the name wore the Rev. Canon Mac Murray (who spoke on the national aspect of the case) and Or Stopr'ord (who boldly attacked the. administration of Colonel Robin). This motion was also enthusiastically carried and the meeting dispersed after passing tt vote of thanks to the committee "and cheering Captain Knyvctt and his men.