CO129-307 - Governor Sir Blake - 1901 [10-12] — Page 49

NYE.

Petty Officer to seal a letter.

47

On duty, I had remained in my room, either sleeping or endeavouring to sleep, or sitting up reading in my sleeping clothes, only going to the mess room for my dinner. Mr. Passmore was in the same room with me.

At the time I was off duty, I was ordered to parade for duty at 8.30 the next morning and went on duty at that hour.

With regard to the second and third of the said three charges, I went on duty at 5.30 A.M. on the 29th June; had I been under the influence of liquor, the Principal Warder in charge of the parade would not have allowed me to go on duty. I paraded again at 8.30 A.M. and again went on duty; at about 9.50, the hospital was visited by Mr. Craig and Mr. Pierpoint, and still, no suggestion of my being intoxicated was made. At 10 A.M., Dr. Lamort visited the Hospital, and I was in close attendance on him until after 11 A.M.

Dr. Lamort will testify that I was not intoxicated and carried out my duties then and always to his entire satisfaction. The enquiry by Mr. Craig took place at 11.15 and was adjourned to the following Monday, and I was ordered to go on night duty at 9.30 as usual. On the following Monday, I again appeared before the Asst. Superintendent and was informed by him that I was dismissed from the service and was not permitted to make any remarks.

The Honourable

J. H. Stewart Lockhart, C.M.G.,

Colonial Secretary.

I have etc.,

(sgd.) J. Peak.