PUZZLED ARTILLERYMEN.

Wanganui Chronicle, Issue 12856, 24 October 1912, Page 5

PUZZLED ARTILLERYMEN.

A STRIKE AND ITS SEQUEL

(Per P-wss 4 denotation > AUCKLAND. October 23. Members of tho Auckland Garrison Artillery aro at the present time much interested in the probable fate of their most prominent officers. Some little while hack, it will be remembered, feeling ran very high in No. 7 company because of the removal of one of the officers (Lieut. Parker), who had been in charge during the absence in Australia of Oa.pt. J. p. Pullen. This action was resented to such an extent that the whole company went "on strike" when called out for the King's birthday parade. A military court of inquiry followed, at which Lieut. Parker was practically on his trial, and the proceeding a" th? timo Avero fulI >' reported. Although no censuro was publicly passed by the Court or authorities on Lieut 1-arkev, that officer did not return to temporary command of No. 7 Company. Fresh developments followed. ~wh«n Ontrt. Pullen returned to Auckland in July last. Tt is understood Cant. Pullen notified hi>. intention of n'arad-ng with tho division, but was ordered not to parade until notified to do «o. and tho rtimax now comes in an intimation to Cant. Pullen thnt the general officer commanding h willing to accent nis resignation, and, failing this, that b s services will bo dispensed with. Members of tho Garrison Artillery are naturally at a loss to understand tin's ultimatum. ,n« Cant. P.illen is regarded .is mi exceedingly efficient officer and is ono of tbo most -nopular men in the Service. Ho in senior eantain of the N«w Zealand Garrison Artillery, having had nvpv If? r Pfl ,v,' service. Tt is stated that, confidential reports have been submitted ta headquarters, in which it is understood that he is indicted on charges of inefficient discipline and poor administration. No definite- charge has been preferred against him. however, nor havo any enecified rases been quoted in substantiation of tho charges, nor has Tint. Pullen been given any data cm which to make answer. Apparently without court-martial or military court of inquiry, Capt. Pullen is to be forced out of tho service. Tt will be remembered that Cant. Pullen was prominent in securing an investigation "into the. circumstances surrounding the summary dismissal of Cnnt. Knvvett.