CAPTAIN KNYVETT’S CASE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2739, 18 February 1910, Page 3

CAPTAIN KNYVETT’S CASE.

DEPUTATION TO MINISTER OF JUSTICE.

rPun Press Association. [ , AUCKLAND, Feb. 17

As an outcojjie of the indignation meeting, on Monday evening, a largedeputation waited upon the- Minister of Justice and urged that the Government give Captain Knyvett a. i'resli trial by an impartial tribunal. The Hon. G. Fowlds said that he read tlio letter which was the foundation of the charge. He expressed surprise that anybody could read the letter and contend that there was no evidence of insubordination. The severity of the sentence might he open 'to question, but Dr. Findlay was better able to deal with the legal aspect of the case.

Dr. Findlay said that Mr. Fowlds and himself were impressed by the feeling exhibited in Auckland. The charge against Knyvett wa s that he had been guilty of insubordination in bringing charges against a superior officer. It was true the charge was not in the terms investigated by the court of inquiry, hut anyone who read Knyvett’s own evidence would see that he recognised ihc was charged with insubordination. 'Charges of insubordination were heard, net tried. The court’s duty was to send on the evidence, which was considered by Colonel Tuson, who made the recommendation, which,‘coming from a careful, impartial, experienced officer, was adopted. After the deputation waited on the Premier certain evidence was sent to Colonel Tuson. The question arose as to whether tlie proceedings in law were invalid. The point was considered by himself (Dr. Findlay) and the Solicitor-General, who arrived afc the decision that there was nothing to warrant the proceedings of the court of inquiry being questioned. He intended to impress upon the Cabinet the feeling in Auckland, and explain the reasons for the resolutions passed by the indignation meeting.