March 19, 1902 (9th Parliament, 2nd Session)

So far, I have no information beyond what has appeared in the newspapers. I wish to point out that the transport ships were Imperial ships and were under the control of the Imperial naval and military authorities from beginning to end ; the Department of Militia had nothing to do with the ships, and consequently was not responsible. Of course we are very anxious to know the actual condition of things, and I shall endeavour to get all the information possible, and shall make it known at the earliest moment.