AUSTRALIA'S MILITARY CAMP

Southland Times, Issue 17482, 24 July 1915, Page 7

AUSTRALIA'S MILITARY CAMP

■ COMMISSION OF ENQUIRY. SOME REMARKABLE EVIDENCE. By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright. SYDNEY, July 23. Received July 23, 10 p.m. At the Liverpool camp enquiry the sanitary officer gave evidence that lie made a point of questioning all the patients in hospital, and in ovetv instance he got an emphatic assurance that the patient was satisfied and content with his treatment. Other evidence disclosed the fact that some reinl’oreemcns were sent av.a> before they could receive necessary musketry instruction. A musketry instructor declared in reply to a question that tiie majority of trainees had received none. More than half the recruits did not know how to load or unload a rifle. Staff-Sergeant Chalker gave evidence that there wore not enough rifles for tho recruits. He said that he was prepared to answer any questions, but if ho answered too many or too freely later on he might be made to suffer. Air Justice Rich suggested that the Commission might take the witness privately. Sergeant Chalker said that would not help him, as any evidence detrimental to the heads of Departments would leak out. Counsel said that he had been definitely instructed by tho Department to give an assurance that there would be no victimisation. Anyway witness’ subsequent evidence was confined tu a few harmless questions. AN INTERIM REPORT. All- Justice Rich lias presented an interim report. He suggests improvements in the latrines and increases in the Aledical and Commandant’s staffs, a better supply of hot water, and better arrangements for cooking, including the medical examination of amateur cooks ami an insistence upon their cleanliness.