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[Page 3]
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12. Very little instruction has been given on board, while musketry instruction is conspicuous by its entire absence, not a shot having been fired.
13. The discipline on 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.) W.H. [William Holmes]
Colonel.
I fear that Major Aitken, the Officer in command had rather a difficult row to hoe, as I gathered from him the Ship's Company was averse to leaving the Australian Coast, and instead of helping him placed obstacles in his way. I formed the opinion that the Ship's Stewards were practically running the Ship. He mentioned to me that great difficulty was experienced in getting sufficient salt water for the Troops, while fresh water was quite out of the question as the Ship was not equipped with distilling plant and had to depend solely on her tanks, which were not ample. He also had great difficulty about the lighting of the Ship. Unfortunately Major Aitken was not, in my opinion, sufficiently strong in character and personality to overcome the difficulties which presented themselves.
Early on the morning of Monday, the 7th, our Fleet left Fort Moresby for the rendezvous appointed by the Admiral at Rossel Island. After we had been out an hour or two we noticed the "Kanowna" was falling back; presently she stopped altogether and turned broadside on and hoisted signal "Lost Control". The "Sydney" and a Destroyer returned to investigate, when it was discovered the Fireman had mutinied and refused to stoke the Ship as they objected to proceeding any further with the Expedition.
The "Sydney" then signalled to me "I have sent the "Kanowna" direct to Townsville". At 4-50 p.m. he signalled "Would you like any message transmitted with regard to Troops". In reply I requested him to supply me with further particulars as to the trouble on the "Kanowna" to enable me to answer his question. He signalled "It was only the Firemen who mutinied; there were volunteers from the Troops to do the stoking. I suggest that Trainees be disbanded and if more Troops required seasoned men passed Medical test be employed."
To this I replied:- "I consider "Kanowna" detachment as at present constituted and equipped unfit for immediate service, and in view of to-day's events and your action in ordering Ship back to Townsville, recommend disbandment and reorganisation if Admiral considers further Troops necessary. Request that arrangements be made for Captain