The Secretary to the Department of the Navy has forwarded, for advice, the following memorandum:

I am commanded by the Naval Board to forward herewith, for your information, copy of a communication received by the Naval Board from Mr A.B.C, ex-Chief Engine Room Artificer, who was discharged from the Royal Australian Navy on 31 October 1916.

2. This Chief E.R.A. has been in communication with the Board for some time past, complaining that he has not been granted all leave earned by him during his service in the Royal Australian Navy, and that his transfer from the Naval Depot, Williamstown, to Garden Island, Sydney, on 7 August 1915, was irregular. In regard to the latter complaint, he claimed compensation for illegal removal.
3. The Board caused the fullest inquiries to be made with regard to the complaints of Mr C, and it was ascertained that all leave earned by him during his service was granted, and that his transfer from the Naval Depot, Williamstown, to Garden Island,

Sydney, was in order, he being a Royal Navy Pensioner, and liable for service in any part of the world during a state of war.

4. As will be seen from the attached communication Mr C. is forwarding a circular letter throughout the Fleet asking men to place their grievances in his hands with a view to same being ventilated other than by the proper Service channels.

The Board would be glad to receive advice as to whether any action can be taken against Mr C. in this respect. The following is a copy of the circular letter referred to: To the Members of the Lower Deck:

Having had 30 years' experience in the Royal Navy and Royal Australian Navy, I know how difficult it is for the lower deck ratings to get their grievances redressed. If the Captain refuses to move on their behalf they are blocked, his decision being final.

I am prepared to take up any man's case, provided his grievance is a legitimate one, and he has adopted the usual routine of seeing his Captain, without obtaining satisfaction.

I propose for a fee of f 1 to place any man's case before the Secretary of the Naval Board, and if I get no satisfaction from him, to then apply to the Minister for the Navy, and finally, for an additional fee, state the matter before the Federal Parliament. Yours faithfully, A.B.C.

Ex R.N. and R.A.N.

Wanted all ex R.N. ratings who have left the R.A.N, and are residing in Australia to communicate with me enclosing a stamped addressed envelope for reply.

In my opinion there is no power under any existing law of the Commonwealth to take any action against Mr C. in respect of this matter. An amendment of the Naval Defence Act 1910-1918 will, I think, be necessary to enable any such action to be taken.

[Vol. 18, p. 148]