MAJOR CHARGED

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 86, Issue 308, 31 December 1942, Page 6

MAJOR CHARGED

SYDNEY COURT-MARTIAL. HOUSE PAINTED BY SOLDIERS. Sydney. Dec. 23. Allegations that a major in charge of an Army workshop and nark com pany had ordered one of his men. a painter by trade, to paint the major’s • • —'?■> 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 own • purposes, and that he had used a Government naint spray for improper purposes. The Court found Major Paterson rot guilty of the third charge Verdict on the other two charges was not disclosed. Sapper Clyde Stevens said in evidence that he was asked by 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 no work for his unit, but lived at home in Manly. He received an order from Major Paterson tn draw h's nay from the District Finance Office. Major Paterson told him that while working on the job it would be advisable to wear civilian clothes. Three i limes the major had given him 10s 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 mv house on August 25. and finished early on August 30 returning to duty on September 1. The work was done to mv satisfaction and Stevens was paid as previously arranged.’’ Lieutenant-Colonel Stewart said he was satisfied that Ma ior Paterson had bought the materials used.