MOTUIHI INQUIRY.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 16050, 7 February 1918, Page 2

MOTUIHI INQUIRY.

MAJOR LILLY EXAMINED. FSB PEES 3 ASSOCIATION. AUCKLAND, Feb. 6. At the Motuihi inquiry to-day Major Osborne-Lilly, Director, of Personal Services, said he received weekly reports from the commandants of the internment camps. The Chief of GeneralStaff generally decided where the prisoners of war should be located in New Zealand. Up to the time of the firstinquiry, witness considered district headquarters were responsible for supplying the guard to Motulhi. His visit; to Motuihi on December 1 was made as a result of inquiries by the Minister of Defenoe. Witness was much worried about the guard not being armed. , He was quite definite he told Colonel Turner that the responsibility of safely: awarding the men was Colonel Turner’s “pigeon.” He emphasised the necessity of visual signalling apparatus on the island in case the telephone wires were out. He told Colonel Turner that the guard should he armed. That'was merely a suggestion—not an order. Witness considered that, in spite of all that had been said, it' was the duty of district headquarters to find the extra ten men if they had been demanded by the commandant. Witness did not make a report ed bis visit to Motuihi, because General Robin had already been on the island and reported to the Minister. Witness, knew that Colonel Turner was detailed for court-martial duty in Auckland, and did not question it,' because he considered Colonel Turner was under the control of district headquarters. y • In reply to the president of. the court Major Lilly stated that he did not kno?r who was responsible for transferring Luckner to Motuihi. Any transfers should have gone through witness. He did not receive a complaint regarding Erdmann’s transfer on November 18. A verbal application was made by Captain Hall-Thompson for Erdmann to be sent to Motuihi as orderly to Luckner. Witness referred the matter to Colonel Gibbon, who approved. ' The 7 court then adjourned.