SERIOUS ALLEGATIONS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 20190, 5 July 1928, Page 7

SERIOUS ALLEGATIONS

AFFAIRS AT ROTOROA QUESTIONS RAISED IN PARLIAMENT. [ Per Press Association ] WELLINGTON, July 4. In the House of Representatives today Mr J. A. Lee (Auckland East) asked the Minister of Justice whether it was true, as reported, that a Salvation Army officer had been removed from the charge of th’e Rotoroa Island home for inebriates at the ultimatum of Mr F. K. Hunt, S.M., because of suggestions of perversion. If it were true, would the Minister state what steps were being taken by the Justice Department to inquire into the matter, with a view to future organisation on the island and with a view to preventing the Salvation Army officer concerned from being employed in any boys’ home. Mr Leo said it was stated that the officer wns proceeding to the boys’ training farm at Putaruru. The Hon. F. J. Rolleston replied that the inebriates’ home at Rotoioa was owned and managed by the Salvation Army, although the Government had the right to appoint a visiting officer. The Salvation Army officer referred to by Mr Lee, Major Home, was subject to the control of the Array and not to that of the Justice Department. The Minister said he had not read the statement referred to by Mr Loe and he was unable to say whether the allegations were true or not. He did not know that the Salvation Array had reported to the Justice Department that it had held an inquiry into affairs on the island affecting Ms.jor Home, and decided to remove him. The Department had no control over any future appointment of Major Home to any institution belonging to the Salvation Army. Neither did it have any control over Putaruru, nor did ho know of any Government institution to which Major Home eould be appointed.