SKEFFINGTON'S DEATH

Waikato Times, Volume 87, Issue 13270, 28 August 1916, Page 5

SKEFFINGTON'S DEATH

INQUIRY CONTINUED

(Australian and X.X. Cable Assn.)

LONDON, August 2f>

T!ie inquiry into the deaths of Sheehy Skefiington, Macintyre and Dickson, who, it is alleged, were shot without trial at the time of the Dublin revolt, was continued yesterday. Mrs Skefilngton's sister detailed efforts that had been made to obtain information. Lieut. Golthurst said that iie knew nothing about SkefTington. He also told Mrs Skefiington that no information was available. He added: "The sooner you leave the barrackSs the belter."

The chairman remarked that it apieared to be certain that the men were diot simultaneously.

Mr Tim llealy, who appeared for Skefilngton's relatives, disagreed. There was evidence, lie said, that the men were shot separately. Roland, an ex-soldier, who gave evidence, stated that he heard three volleys tired. After the second volley lie heard someone sa> : "That man is not dead." lie then heard another volley. Ryrne, another witness, denied that the boy Coade, who is said to have been shot after making an insulting remark, used the epithet towards Colthirst. The latter was annoyed at the boy smoking, and said: "Stop smoking that cigarelte." Colthursl said to a >o|dier: "liasii them!" and Coade was struck on the jaw with a fitie butt. Witness and Coade began lo run. Then came a Hash and Coade tell. Mr llealy, in his address on behalf of the relatives of Skefiington, complained ||>a! all the officers concerned were not compelled to attend the silling-- of the commission. The affair, !]e said, was one which if it happened in ISrussels or lo liiilisli prisoners would have created a great outcry. The officers of the guard, he asserted, were mi.re guilty than l.ieuC (.oilhursl, win. was a lunatic.