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[Page 144]
(2)
(8) The Medical Officers on board informed me that some of the men suffered from Varicocele, Varicose Veins, Thrombosis and Hernia, and were unfit for service.
(9) The men are possessed of only one suit of clothing, which they have now been wearing for 3 weeks without a change.
(10) Many of the mean have been issued with ill-fitting and in some cases odd, boots; they have, therefore been obliged to wear private boots of a light pattern, which are nearly worn out. Some a wearing light elastic side boots (Jemimas), while others are wearing an old pattern regimental issue, which are falling to pieces. Many men are now on the uppers and could not march 5 miles without discomfort, or worse.
(11) The unit is not provided with tents, hammocks, or mosquito nets.
(12) Very little instruction has been given on board, while musketry instructions is conspicuous by its entire absence, not a shot having been fired.
(13) The discipline of the ship is unsatisfactory.
(14) I understand the Ship was only provisioned to convey the Troops as far as Thursday Island; the result is that the shore rations, of which 30 days supply only were taken on board, are now being drawn upon.
(15) No provision whatever has been made on the ship in the way of mess tables, and the men after receiving their meals, have to sit on the decks to eat same.
(16) As there are no hammocks or bunks, most of the men sleep on the decks with only waterproof sheets and blankets.
(Sgd.) WILLIAM HOLMES, Colonel
Commanding Naval Military Exped.