NEW VICE-CONSUL.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LXIII, Issue 9894, 26 January 1911, Page 3

NEW VICE-CONSUL.

SEQUEL TO ARMY SCANDAL

Tli9 announcement recently made that Mr H. Charles Woods bad been appointed British vice-consul at Adam» in Asia Minor, recalls one of the most remarkable Army scandals or' mortem times.

Mi Woods was formerly a lieutenant in the 2nd Batt. Grenadier Guards. Owing to certain incidents which occurred lie demanded a public inquiry, alleging that he had been "boycotted by his superior officres and prevented from properly studying His profession." Underlying all was the suggestion that his studious habits failed to commend him to sport-lov-ing officers, and it was alleged tha the system of confidential reports was used to his disadvantage. He complained that a''dead set" had been made against him.

A court of inquiry was granted, and much evidence was taken. As a result the court found that Lieutenant Woods was inefficient as a regimental officer, aud that his retention in the service was not in the interests of the Army.

The Army Council called upon Lieutenant Woods to resigu, and he finally did so under strong protest. He afterwards brought an action against the Army Council, claiming £75,000 general and £2500 special damages for having been, as he alleged, wrongfully deprived of his position in the Army.

Mr Justice Channel dismissed the action, and Lieutenant Wood 9 carried the case to the Court of Appeal. The Court, however, declined to allow Lieutenant Woods to proceed with the action on the ground- that the Army Council had a right to dismiss him without any excuse being assigned.

In connection with Lieutenant Wood's present appointment it is interesting to note that he has travelled extensively in Turkey, and has been employed by the.War Office in special intelligence work. He was specially thanked by the Intelligence Department of the War Office for his keenness and enterprise.