H.—33

When, therefore, Blinn comes into conflict with witnesses who have been called we have the case of a man who cannot be trusted setting himself up against others : and, even if the issue is doubtful, others ought not to be found blameworthy unless there is tangible support for his story. I was not impressed at the hearing with his truthfulness, and cannot allow his evidence fo influence me. A good deal of his narrative lakes the form of an attempt to get a review of his convictions when found guilty of various breaches of discipline. As to the course of these prosecutions, I see no reason to mistrust the narrative I have received of the course of events. Blinn is a plausible man, but iam satisfied that lie was repeatedly guilty of breaches of discipline as narrated by Major Matheson. On one occasion he was put on Regulation No. 2 diet, which is somewhat similar to but better thin the punishment diet of other countries, including Germany. When this appeared to have a weakening effect the' Medical Officer was called in and a change made. Karl Mumme : "This man has been a, long time in New Zealand. He complains of sentences for breaches of discipline. I have no reason to doubt that he was properly sentenced. No ground is suggested for picking him out for ill treatment. His case is, or ought to be, like that of scores of men who by simply conducting themselves properly kept themselves clear of disciplinary punishment. I cannot retry these charge's. The only way in which I could be asked to review them would be by showing that the proceedings were not bona fide disciplinary proceedings. I only refer to Muiume's ease because it was so often referred to in the course of the inquiry. It is not really different from any other case in which a man has been punished. As to the evidence, all I can say is this : The man is shown to be in close companionship with Blinn. whose character he presumably knew. His narrative of treatment is in many respects obviously exaggerated. Mis breaches of discipline are clearly made out. Though he has been twenty-seven years in New Zealand he is one of those who gave trouble by refusing to address the Commandant as " sir" when told to do so. It is evident in his case that somewhat marked disciplinary punishment became, necessary. To the last he, says, " I got that, term of detention for nothing." It may well be that he was at loggerheads with some of the stall. Some of his evidence with reference to them imputing inconsiderate expressions cannot now be tested. It is only right to say that there is nothing against his personal character beyond persistent breaches of discipline. His mode of giving evidence was suggestive of a prepared narrative, which he held in his hand and which he appeared to read. Solicitors know what care has to be taken to avoid exaggeration in taking down such narratives. In this connection 1 should mention one incident which throws some light on this subject. A witness was called in. but it did not appear exactly what he was called for. I asked him if he had any complaint, and he said that he only came to say something about his medical treatment. I repeatedly asked him if that was all that he had to complain of, and he insisted that that was the case. Presently a, narrative was found which at some period had been obtained from him. It contained various other complaints which he acknowledged he had made, when asked from the paper a series of leading questions. lie had actually forgotten that he had anything to complain of. Men have now been brought before me to tell old stories, some of which it is not easy to meet. lam nol condemning-all these narratives as untrue, nor all these witnesses as untruthful. A 1 present I am discussing grave charges against the Camp Commander. Harald Kriemendahl : This man's name was very often brought up. He was subjected to disciplinary punishment. Some of his offences were such as not saying "sir" when addressing the Commandant, and not saluting. He came here from America, and gave his evidence in English. As he had served in the German Navy the breaches were properly treated as conscious breaches, and visited with light punishment. He gives a narrative 1 , of his treatment whim subjected to physical drill which I am satisfied is grossly exaggerated, and indeed untrue. That colours the whole of his evidence. This is a man of exceptional ability, and lam satisfied that he has been a source of a great deal of mischief in the camp. When the prisoners of war received the indulgence of being allowed to celebrate the Emperor

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