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[Page 9]
(3)
I understand that the sudden change of plans on the part of the Fleet in returning here, was due to information that a couple of days ago the German Cruisers "Scharnhorst" and "Gneisenau" had passed Apia and were steaming in a North-westerly direction. No doubt it is the intention of the Fleet to follow up these ships, but this will not be confirmed until I see the Admiral.
I do not know yet what amount of money will be transferred to me by the Governor when the surrender of troops takes place, but so far I have managed to get possession in the town of 45,000 marks, all of which is believed to be German Government money. This, and a great deal more, will be required for carrying on the Government of the place.
You will remember the only money I took with me for pay of the men was £5,000, and as there are good stores here the men are applying for advances on their pay, principally in order to purchase thinner shirts and other clothing, as that issued them by the Government is absolutely unfitted for wear within the tropics, so that the money I have now with me will soon be exhausted. I shall be glad, therefore, if you will see that my request for further funds is attended to without delay.
Another most important matter is the question of supplies, particularly for the population. The Admiral will, no doubt, long ere this have despatched to you the wire I suggested being sent ordering these goods, and I trust that they may now be on the water as there are so many Natives consisting principally of Kanakas, Chinamen and Japanese, whose staple food is rice, of which this town is almost cleared out, and unless food supplies are replenished at once there is certain trouble in store for me at the hands of the Native population.
To fill the vacancy caused by the death of B.C.A.Pockley, killed in action, I applied for and obtained the consent of the Admiral for him to transfer the services of Doctor G.C. Byrne, who has been engaged in the "Encounter" at intelligence duties. I have appointed Dr. Byrne a Captain in the force at the usual rate of pay.
I have had occasion to convene a Field General Court Martial to try No. 1052, Private S. Hawkes, who was charged with threatening with a pistol the life of another member of the Expedition, and of using very offensive language. He was found guilty and the sentence of the Court was six months imprisonment with hard labour, and to be dismissed with ignominy. On perusing the evidence I came to the conclusion, in view of the provocation the man had received, that the sentence of the court was excessive. I therefore commuted the imprisonment and the discharge and ordered him Field Punishment No. 2 for one month.
On the night of the 13th instant some looting took place at Government House by part of a Company on outpost duty on a hill in the vicinity, and the troops there apparently got somewhat out of hand, I am inclined to think on account of want of proper supervision by the Officers concerned. I have, therefore, appointed a Court of enquiry, which is sitting this afternoon, to ascertain the full facts of the case.