• [c. yeates.

H.—l9b.

129. How many of the men were there handling drugs?—l have seen as many as five or six different men. 130. Any man who might waul, a drug would go and help himself? —It appeared to be so. 131. Was there any one in charge of the drugs?— That I could not swear to. When Edwards went off duty another man was put in charge, but whether he was qualified or not I cannot say. 132. And was the dispensing done day and night or only in certain hours?—At night-time the dispensary was only occupied by the orderly sleeping there. 133. So that there was practically no control over the drugs?—lt did not appear to me that there was much control. 134. Was there similar control to that which, you have seen in connection with such work?— No; anything of that nature I have had I would not have allowed; I would have had control over it. 135. And that, I presume, is the duty of the Medical Officer in charge —to see that the dispensing is under a competent man. to supervise it? —I should say so. If I were Medical Officer in charge I would consider it my duty.. 136. Mr. Salmond.] You were originally attached to the Samoan Expeditionary Force?— 1 volunteered for the Expeditionary Force and I was sent to Samoa first. 137. How long were you there?— From the 27th September to the 30th October. 138. Then you returned with some sick men? —Yes, sir. 139. And you did not go back to Samoa : was it at your request that you did not go back to Samoa? —I think, sir, that, y 7 ou had better let me read this letter, which will explain it. 140. Did you ask not to be sent back to Samoa?—l said I would prefer to go to the front. 141. You were sent, to Trentham ?--Yes. 142. With any 7 official position? —This is a letter which I received on the subject: "Instructions just received by telegram from Wellington that you are not to proceed, to Samoa. Your claim to accompany the Expeditionary Force Reinforcements will have first consideration." That, is dated the 14th December, and signed by Lieut.-Colonel Hume, Commanding the Auckland District. The next day T got, the following letter, dated, the 26th December, also from headquarters, Auckland Military District: "In accordance with instructions by telegram received December 25th from Colonel Purdy, Director of Medical Services, you will please report at Trentham Camp on Monday, December 28th, 1914." That is signed " AY. H. Parkes, Lieut.Colonel, G.M.0., Auckland Military District." 143. Have you ever been given an appointment: you were on probation?—No; I went as an expeditionary officer. 144. Did you get any appointment with the Expeditionary Force?—ln what way? 145. Were y 7 ou ever gazetted or in any 7 way recognized as a member of the Expeditionary Force? —Yes. This [soldier's pay-book] shows: "Squadron, battery, or company—Field Ambulance; rank—Captain; name —E. Yeates." That shows that I was an officer on active service. 146. Were y 7 ou ever gazetted to the Expeditionary Force?—l know nothing officially. 147. Do not you know that you were never a member of the Expeditionary Force?—l do not, sir. If you will allow me to read this it will answer that question : " This is to certify that Captain Yeates was a member of the Samoan Expeditionary Force (N.Z.M.C.) from September 27th, 1914, to October 30th, 1914. He was sent to Samoa by Lieut-Colonel Parkes after Captain McKillop returned to New Zealand. —Matthew Holmes, Major, N.Z.M.C.—l3th February, 1915." 148. When you were at Trentham were your relations with the Medical Officers harmonious? —Which Medical Officers? 149. The ones who were there? —I was perfectly friendly with them. 150. With Dr. Fyffe?—l cannot say I was, one way or the other; T saw very little of him. But while T was in camp we were perfectly 7 friendly. 151. With Major Holmes?—l never had a cross word with him. 152. Were y r ou on friendly terms with the authorities?—l did not consider the officers above the men ; T considered the men first. It might just as well be said that T was prejudiced when I pointed out the workings of the camp being wrong. Whilst T was there T was not Unfriendly with Major Holmes for the simple reason that I left on the 13th February before he left, the camp. With regard to Dr. Fvffe I cannot be said to be unfriendly with him, though T did not, admire him. 153. And Colonel Purdy?—l have told you, sir, that I have only 7 met him twice. 154. Have you threatened him with a libel action?—My attorney has asked him to withdraw certain things he had said which were absolutely untrue. 155. Have you threatened him with a libel action?— Yes. 156. Have y 7 ou made grave charges against him in another place?—Do you suggest that I have? 157. Yes?— When? 158." The Chairman.] Have you made any charges against him? —T have said things' about Colonel Purdy which I have heard and believe. 159. Mr. Salmond.] And made charges against him of dishonourable conduct?—To whom, si r ? 160. I am asking the question?— Dishonourable conduct, in what way? 161. The Chairman.] Have you made charges against him of conduct of which he should not, have been guilty?— Yes. 162. Mr. Salmond.] Did you consider that, you should not have been in a position of subordination to the Medical Officers that were with you at Trentham?—l certainly considered that I, being a senior officer, should not have been subordinate to junior officers' who were there on probation.

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