M. BADGER.]

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H.—l9b.

21. The Chairman.] Did you see condensation on the walls at Trentham ?—No; but in several places in New Zealand—in shearers' huts, and so on. 22. Dr. Martin.] You say that most of the cases which came into the kiosk were colds? — Yes, 85 per cent, of them. 23. Admitted as simple colds and influenza?— Yes. 24. And you put those cases amongst the measles cases?— Yes. 25. By the doctor's authority?— Yes. 26. You are definite about that?— Yes. 27. A man would come in with his trouble diagnosed as a simple cold or influenza and he would be put amongst the measles patients?—l do not know what you mean by "amongst"; he would be put in the kiosk. 28. You say that the convalescents were put into the grandstand?— Yes. 29. Only the convalescents were put into the grandstand?— Yes, I have seen as many as sixty-seven in one day. 30. They were all convalescents, therefore you would not expect any man to die in the grandstand ?—I have seen men sent who were not convalescent. 31. Then not only convalescents were sent?—l said that. 32. Is that correct?—lt is correct. 33. From the 28th June for several days only convalescents were sent to the grandstand?— It was found necessary to actually employ the grandstand as a general hospital. 34. You say you found it impossible to look after the fatigue-men at the kiosk?—l found a difficulty in getting the men. to do a fair day's work. 35. You could not get the men to do the duties?— Yes. 36. You also say that the sister followed the doctor about with atomizers on a tray ?—I said that the sister or nurse would take round medicine on a tray after the doctor had gone. 37. You said " atomizers "?—No, only one atomizer. 38. There was only one atomizer in the ward: how many atomizers did you see in the ward?— About a dozen. 39. Would you be surprised if you were told there was only one?—l saw a good many more than one during my period.

Dr. de Lautour further examined. (No. 29.) Witness: There is one explanation I would like to make regarding certain of my answers, such as that with regard to the responsibility for marking the sites of the trench-lines resting upon the Commandant of the camp. It might be construed as a reflection upon the Camp Commandant. I replied generally—in general terms. 1. The Chairman.] But somebody must be responsible: who is?— The authorities lay itdown that the military authorities are responsible. 2. But that is the Commandant? —Yes; but at the time when the teaching of compulsory sanitation was commenced there was no teaching of sanitation to combatant officers in New Zealand. Therefore he would have to reply upon the advice of his Medical Officers. 1 would like also to take this opportunity of expressing my pleasure at seeing the extremely clean state of the camp upon the several occasions when I was at Trentham : it reflects great credit upon the Commandant. 3. Captain McCristell was the executive officer who was in charge of the sanitation of the camp ?—Yes, sir. 4. And, of course, he would be answerable to the Commandant?— Yes. I wish to say that it was extremely clean, and I always saw sanitary fatigue squads going about. 5. Mr. Gray.] You have spoken about your connection with the New Zealand Defence Forces : you resigned from the Defence Forces two or three years ago?— Yes, in 1911. 6. Partly in consequence of the refusal of the authorities to appoint you to Colonel Purdy's position? —Because I was superseded by Colonel Purdy, who was twenty-one years my junior. 7. You have applied several times for his post? —I was next in seniority to the officer who held the position before Colonel Purdy, and I possessed the certificate of proficiency of the War Office, which entitles the bearer to promotion over any officers who do not possess that certificate. 8. May we put it this way: that you considered, by virtue of your seniority and your qualifications, you were entitled to the appointment? —Certainly. 9. And }'ou have claimed that position both by correspondence with the authorities and afterwards with the Press, and in publications? —Yes. 10. You have, I think, published and circulated two pamphlets bearing upon your claim to the appointment? —Three altogether. 11. And you criticized two camps at Karori and Johnsonville, at. which Colonel Purdy was Medical Officer in charge?— Yes. 12. In connection with which he had some responsibility? —Yes. 13. You also petitioned Parliament, I think, for compensation for not being appointed?— Yes. .14. And you have addressed many communications to the Press upon the same subject?— No. 15. Several communications? —One only, I think. 16. Now, you consider that your qualifications are superior to Colonel Purdy's?—Certainly. 17. I think, Dr. de Lautour, the regulations provide for the retirement of lieutenant-colonels at the age of fifty-five ?—Not when I was in the service. 18. No : then when?— After the appointment of Colonel Purdy was made that was introduced.