H.—l9b.

100

[c. s. badger.

negligence. To what were you referring—his treatment in the hospital, or the fact that you were not notified of his illness ?—Both. 57. So that you consider that he was treated in the hospital with cruelly criminal negligence? —I do. 58. Did you subsequently write a letter to the New Zealand Times? —l did. 59. In which you said this: "Though unfortunately the facts stated are only too true, T should be glad if you would permit me space to state that these strictures referred largely to the earlier stages of my brother's illness. As to the present nursing and medical staffs, they have done all in their power for him, while every facility has been afforded his relatives during his last days, and no expense spared by the authorities"?- —The reason, of that letter I would like to emphasize. 1 explained that in a letter I wrote to the Christchurch Press, because that was telegraphed to the Press office, and these newspapers sought to turn it to account for political purposes. 60. What newspapers sought to turn it to account for political purposes?—l gave that interview to the Star reporter in the first place. Tt was telegraphed up here only to the New Zealand Times. Then I thought that it might be taken by the nurses to reflect upon them. I would like to say that they were most kind during the three day 7 s my mother was here, and also the medical staff, and the Minister of Public Health gave instructions that no expense was to be spared, so that when those remarks were telegraphed up I thought they would think that we were not, thoroughly appreciative of their kindness. That letter appeared in the Times, and it was telegraphed to the Press, the other political side. They came round and asked me if I had anything further to say. They put in below my letter a statement which made it appear that I had had an interview with the Hon. James Allen and the Hon. Mr. Rhodes, and they turned it round to show that 1 thought the Hon. James Allen a little " tin god." I wrote the editor of the Press a further letter as follows: " Sir, —I had not intended to refer further to this matter, but having been seriously 7 misreported in your issue of this morning, I must ask you to insert this correction in an equally good position. In the first place, the remark you quote, ' I have nothing to withdraw,' referred to the statements made in the original interview in the Star, and not to my letter in the New Zealand Times, for the simple reason that I made no further complaints in that letter. That letter was inserted in appreciation of the kindness extended to members of my family at Trentham by the present medical and nursing staff, the latter especially. The Minister of Public Health also did all in his power after the camp had come under his control. Your statement that I inserted that letter because the Hon. James Allen had been so exceedingly kind is quite incorrect. True, both the Minister of Defence and the Minister of Public Health received me most courteously, and I was assured that the matters complained about were now being rectified, but I wish it to be distinctly understood that my letter was not inserted with a view of white-washing any one in authority. A Royal Commission has been set up to investigate various charges, and I think judgment should be withheld until the finding of this tribunal proves definitely at whose door the faults may lie.—Yours, <fee, Ronald S. Badger, Christchurch, Bth July." 61. The Chairman.] The suggestion was that j 7 ou had gone back on your original charge, whereas your observations were directed to the latter part of the incident and not to the formerpart?—That is so. 62. Mr. Salmond.] So that from the time your mother arrived here there was no reason for complaint as to the treatment?— That is so. 63. Every kindness -was shown by the nurses and attention by the doctors?— Yes, sir. 64. Was your brother's accommodation at this time satisfactory?—No, I do not think it was. Presumably it was as good as- could be provided out there. We thought he should have been moved before. 65. But while your mother was there no complaint was made as to the treatment by the nurses or doctors in charge?— That is so. 66. It was too late then to remove your brother?— Yes, apparently. 67. And they were doing the best, they could?— Yes. 68. AVas Dr. Ferguson still in charge?— Yes, I understand so. 69. Did your mother see him?—Yes'. 70. All that you know about his treatment before then was what Roy Glen told you?— And from other sources; but still, Roy Glen can endorse everything I have said. Part of it has come from other sources. 71. Can you give the names of any other persons who gave you information as to your brother's treatment?—Ye,s; there was Private J. H. Bain. lam not sure as to his initials. 72. Of the same reinforcements?—Trentham specials, now at Rangiotu. 73. You say he can give further information ?—Yes. 74. Did he see your brother in hospital? —I understand so. 75. Where did you see him?—l have not seen him; 1 have only communicated with him. 76. By letter?— Yes. 77. Have you got any letter from him? —No; I thought I had, but I have left it at home. 78. Any one else?— No. Others saw him in hospital, but they were not in that particular hospital themselves. 79. Was the information upon which you based this charge obtained chiefly from Private Glen and partially from Private Bain?— That is so. 80. You say that, when your mother got here your brother was unconscious, and had been unconscious from the Tuesday or Wednesday ?—Yes. . 81. You got the official telegram on the Thursday?— Yes. 82. When did Roy Glen last see your brother? —Tuesday morning. He was very dull then.