MAJOR CHARGED

Timaru Herald, Volume CLIII, Issue 22475, 9 January 1943, Page 2

MAJOR CHARGED

House Painted By Soldiers

Allegations that a major in charge of an Army workshop and park company had ordered one of his men, a Sainter by trade, to paint the major’s ouse were made in evidence at a court-martial in Sydney. The court-martial was held in camera on October 27, as, according to a medical certificate, defendant’s mother was seriously ill and a shock would probably cause her death. The papers were later released for publication. The charges were that Major W. H. Paterson had made a false statement, had improperly used the services of a sapper for his .O.wn purposes, and that he had used a Government paint spray for improper purposes. The court found Major Paterson not guilty of the third charge. Verdict on the other two charges was not disclosed. . ....-‘7

Sapper Clyde Stevens said in evidence that he was asked bf the major to paint the inside and outside of the major’s house. Except for Saturdays and Sundays, he worked on the house from September 2 until October 23. During that time he did not work for his unit, but lived at home in Manly. He received an order from Major Paterson to draw his pay from the District Finance Office. Major Paterson told him that while working on the job it would be advisable to wear civilian clothes. Three times the major had given him 10/- for fares and at the end of the job paid him £3. Lieutenant-Colonel R. J. Stewart said that in a report Major Paterson had stated: “Sapper Stevens commenced painting my house on August 25 and finished early on August 30, returning to duty on September 1. The work was done to my satisfaction and Stevens was paid as previously arranged.” Lieutenant-Colonel Stewart said he was satisfied that Major Paterson had bought the materials used.