BRITAIN'S FIRST BLOW
GERMAN LINER DESTROYED MINE-LAYING VESSEL TORPEDOED BATTLE RAGING IN BELGIUM. FIERCE FIGHTING ON FRENCH FRONTIER RUSSIAN AND GERMAN CRUISERS GO DOWN » It is reported in the cables to-day that the British cruiser Amphion torpedoed and sank the German liner. Konigin Luise while the latter vessel was engaged in laying mines off the mouth of the Thames. Pierce fighting is announced from Belgium, where the invading Germans have been repulsed with heavy loss. On the frontier the Russian and German forces have come in contact, while cavalry skirmishes are reported along the French frontier; a sharp engagement being reported from Nancy. English, French, and Russian warships have captured many German merchantmen, while the-Belgians .also seized a large liner. A state of war has been proclaimed in part' of Holland, where Mobilisation is complete. in'.-England, there is still much activity. Lord Kitchener has accepted the position of Secretary of War, and General Sir lan Hamilton* , lias been placed in command of the Home Forces. Canada is still preparing to assist Britain by the despatch of an Army Corps, and in. New Zealand steps are being taken for the raising of an expeditionary force for service, if required. Heavy firing is reported off the American coast, and. German warships are said to be shelling a wireless station in Nova Scotia. The United States Army and Navy are being mobilised, and President Wilson has offered his services as mediator between the warring nations. Interesting communications between King George and the Tsar of Bussia are published, as also is an inspiring message from his Majesty to the Fleet. The German Chancellor holds that the invasion of Belgium and Xnxemburg was in self-defence, and indicates reparation in the future. From Wei-hai-wei comes a report that a German cruiser engaged a, Uussian cruiser, and that each was sunk. • Details of heavy fighting on the French frontier are also recorded, a large force of (Germans being prevented in an attempt to slip past the frontier defences
GERMAN LINER SUNK. 'IAYING MINES AT THAMES. €IOE6 DOWN WITH ALL HANDS. By Cable. —Press Association. —Copyright. LONDON, August 5. It is officially stated that the light rcrniser Amphion sank the Norddeutscher Xiloyd liner Konigin Luise, which was "being utilised as a mine layer. The Aniphion caught the Konigin Xiuise at half-past three in the morning approaching the .nrouth of the Thames. Uhe torpedoed her and the vessel sank •with all hands". [The Konigin Louise was a twinscrew passenger steamer of 10,785 tons gross, and was owned by the NordCompany. She was «quite an up-to-date liner, fitted with all modern improvements, including wireless telegraphy and submarine signalling apparatus, and was until comparatively recently engaged in the transatlantic mail service.]
[H.M.S. Amphion, which sent the German liner to the bottom of the Channel, is a third-class cruiser of 3440. tons displacement, her indicated horsepower being 18,000. She was built at Pembroke in 1911, and carries 10 4in-. guns, in addition to two torpedo tubes. Her speed is .25 knots.}
TWO CRUISERS SUNK. ENGAGEMENT OFF CHINA. GERMAN AND RUSSIAN LOSS. (Received August 7, 11.20 a.m.) X LONDON, August 6. The "Daily Mail's" Tientsin correspondent reports that the German cruiser 33iiiden : 'engaged the Russian cruiser Askold at Wei-lxai-wei.-Bbtli'were sunk. [The Emden was a third-class cruiser of 3544 tons displacement, built at Danzig, and launched in 1908. She. was armed with 10 4.1.in, 4 2.lin, 4 machine guns, and two submarine torpedo tubes. Her speed was 25.0 knots, and her complement M7O men. .Her dimensions were:—; Length 061 ft, beam 44;ift, and draught 'lsfft. Her indicated horse power was 15,000. [l'lie Askold was a second-class cruis-1 «'r o! 5905 tons displacement, built ,at J Kiel and launched in 1900. She was armed with 3 2 Gin, 12 .'Jin, 6 I.Bin, 8 smaller quick-firing and machine guns and H torpedo tubes. Her speed was 23.8 knots and her complement 500 men. Her, principal dimensions were: — Length 42tUft, beam 49} ft, draught .2 Of ft. Her indicated horse power was 24,000. [Wei-liai-wei is a bay on the north--east coast of Shan tung province, China, opening into the Bay of Korea, an arm of the Yellow Sea. A Chinese fleet was destroyed there by the Japanese in 1895.' The territory of the same, name in the Shan tung province extends ten miles in width along the coast line and also includes the outlying Liu-kmig Island and a number of minor islet?. Area about 285 square miles, and population estimated at 150,000,, including 215 Europeans. The territory contains the native walled city of Wei-hai-wei, population about 2000,* and /was leased to Britain by a convention 'with China of July, 1898. It is administered by a Commission. ' ...
SHIPPING SUSPENDED. GERMAN VESSELS HAUL DOWN THEIR FLAGS. TWO STEAMERS SEIZED. (Received August .7, 9.45 a.m.) SYDNEY, August 7. The Union Company announce that ;the sailings for the Islands of the fßteamei'S Tofua and Apia have been suspended. Burns, Pliilp, and Co. have also suspended the departure of the Mindini ior the Islands. The Gerinan vessels in port are being to Kerosene Bay. They have -Tiauled down their flags to preyent a repetition of unpleasant incidents. The Postal authorities notify that the jailing of the Otranto from Loudon on alty having taken the vessel over, i The Belgian Consul has notified Belgians to join the colours. The Broken Hill Proprietary Company's steel works at Waratah have been closed, nine hundred men having been rendered idle. The Orient Company has advised that the Orama has resumed her journey to Australia from Colombo. FREMANTLE, August 7. The German steamer Griefswald arrived, and was immediately placed under naval arrest. The captain was not aware that war had broken out, and was dumbfounded at the seizure. ADELAIDE, August * 7. ; The German steamer Scharfels has | been seized. The captain and officers i assisted in removing her to dock.
NO POLITICAL PARTIES. , POSITION IN AUSTRALIA. GENERAL WAVE OF ENTHUSIASM . (Received August 7, 9.50 a.m.) - . SYDNEY, August 7. Mr A. Fisher, in a speech, declared that there were no political parties during the crisis. Australia would pull
FIGHTING IN FRANCE, GERMAN DASH FAILS. ' ; FRENCH BATTERIES DO GOOD WORK. (Received August 7, 12.55 p.m.) LONDON, August , 6-. The "Daily Telegraph's" correspondent at Rheims states that Monday'a fight at Longewy was more important tha,n 'has been revealed by official dispajtclies. It is believed that from five to ten regiments of German cavalry made a dash through Luxemburg; and tried, to slip past, and hold the positions between Yerdun and Mezieres old fort. Longewy gallantly withstood the attack, thanks to the fire of its batteries, which worked havoc with its machine guns.. The fury of the German onslaught was broken after a stubborn fight in which from 10,000 to 15,000 were engaged. The German cavalry retreated,:fleaving a considerable number o£ dead and some wounded. „■>» There were few French casualties owing to the protected positions occupied by the troops. : *
[Mezieres, Ardennes, is a fortified .town with-a population of 7884. It is of much historic interest. In 1521 the town was heroically and successfully defended'by the Chevalier Bayard against the forces of the Emperor Charles V. It was taken by the Germans in 1815 and in 1870. Verdun, i the Department of the Meuse, is also strongly fortified, the town being encircled by ll forts.] "' '•'
AFTER FORTY YEARS. .FRANCE'S SOLEMN CLAIM. !, DESIRE FOR LAWFUL RE- , PARATION. (Received August 7, 10.10 a.m.) PARIS, August 5. M. Poincare's message added: — For forty years the French have fought against the desire.for lawful reparation, and have given the example of a great nation using its renewed and rejuvenated strength solely in the interests of progress and peace. France can solemnly claim to have made up to the last moment a supreme effort to avoid war, the crushing responsibility of which Germany will bear before the tribunal of history. France will be heroically defended, faithfully seconded by Russia, and supported by Britannia's loyal friendship. SUPREME CONTROL. . KITCHENER AND THE ARMY. PATHFINDER REPORT INCORRECT LONDON, August 5. ' Lord Kitchener is to have supreme control of the Army Administration. The position is analagous to that of the old Commander-in-Chief. Mr Asquith remains as War Minister,
anil Lord Haldane is in charge of the Territorials. The Foreign Office announces that the "report of the chasing by German warships of the British cruiser Pathfinder is incorrect.
through all right. He advised depositors to leave their money in the banks. Bishop Long, at Bathurst, referring to the Irish Nationalists' readiness to fight said such an example, coming from people who had more reason than anyone at such a time to nurse a grievance, shows what an enormous wave of enthusiasm had burst over the whole Empire. Mr Cook states that enquiries have revealed that Australia is uncommonly well situated as regards food supplies, which will carry her a long way beyond the period for which the war between the Great Powers could possibly last. The master bakers have notified that an increase in the price of bread is not contemplated at present. BRISBANE, August 7. The Premier promises' to co-operate with the other States in steadying the prices of the necessaries of life and preventing them being rushed -lip. MELBOURNE, August 7. Large meetings of Australian-born German communities have proclaimed their loyalty to England and their willingness to light, singing the National Anthem.
WAR RISK RATES. INSURANCE OF HULLS. ' IMPERIAL GOVERNMENT'S SCHEME. (Received August 8, 12.30 p.m.) LONDON, August 6. In the House of Commons Mr Lloyd George said arrangements for insuring hulls liad been wade with existing associations, of which the three principal represent £100,000,000. The Government is reinsuring 80 per cent, of hulls, the Government to have the right to vary the premiums from time to time. There are no associations dealing specially with cargo risks, so the Government proposed a State Insurance Office to do the work, aud one had already been opened in London. Mr Austen Chamberlain approved the
KAISER'S SPEECH. / THE GERMAN VIEW. THE INTERVENTION OF FRANCE. (Received August .7, 9.45 a.m.) BERLIN, August 5. The Kaiser's Speech from the Throne recalls the murder of the Archduke Ferdinand, aud states that Russia's yielding to the pressure of insatiable nationalism, championed a State which, by favouring criminal designs, brought about the war. France's intervention was due to the ill-will of many years against the power and prosperity of the German Empire.
The Kaiser concludes:—"After the example of our Father, be firm and loyal, serious and chivalrous, humble before. God, and rejoicing in the fight. We trust that the will strengthen our defence and bring it to a good end."
SOME MISUNDERSTANDING. THE KING AND THE TSAR. INTERCHANGE .OF MESSAGES. (Received August 7, 9.5 a.m.) •LONDON, August 6. Messages were exchanged between King George and the Tsar on Saturday. The King said he could not help thinking that some misunderstanding had produced the deadlock. He was anxious to avoid the terrible calamity which threatened the whole world, and he personally appealed to the Tsar to remove any misapprehension. The Tsar replied that he would gladly accept the King's proposal had not the German Ambassador notified him of the declaration of war, which was quite unexpected, and the suddenness of which justified Russia in mobilising.
scheme, -which, lie said, would go far to allay the panic. The Government is appointing an expert committee, consisting of the general managers of the leading lines to control the railways. Though the military and naval requirements will be the first consideration, every effort will be made to reduce the inconvenience to public. The bank rate is 6 per cent.
EMPIRE'S SURE SHIELD. KING GEORGE AND THE NAVY. MESSAGE TO THE ADMIRAL. LONDON, August 6. The King sent a message to VieeAdmiral Jellicoe as follows: "At this grave moment of national history I" send through von, to your officers and men, my assurance of my confidence that they will revive and renew old glories, and that the navy will prove again that it is a sure shield to Britain and the Empire in the hour of trial."
"IN SELF DEFENCE." GERMANY'S INVASIONS. \ __ THE CHANCELLOR EXPLAINS. BERLIN, August 5. The Chancellor, Herr von Bethinann Hollweg, in the Reichstag, admitted that Germany had entered Luxemburg and Belgium in . self-defence. He added: — We knew that France was ready * to invade Belgium. France was able to wait, but Germany was not, as French aggression on our flank on the lower Rhine would have been disastrous. We shall repair the wrong to Belgium and Luxemburg so soon as military settlement is reached. Her von Bethinann Hollweg repeated the assurances previously given to England, and added that if England remain neutral Germany was willing not to undertake hostile operations against French mercantile shipping.
"TO THE DAY." GERMANY'S ASPIRATIONS. VICTORIAN GOVERNOR'S SPEECH. (Received August 7, 9.30 a.m.) MELBOURNE, August 7. The Governor, Sir Arthur Lyulph Stanley, recalls the Germans naval military toast, '' To the Day, ; ' which means the day when Germany feels strong enough to attack others. He added:— They think that day has now . come, but we trust the day has not come when military despotism can crush the free nations of Europe. ' Whatever ■ may be the British Empire's, and the French failings, both races base their existence on liberty. We are not under the heel of military oligarchy, as is the German Empire, and we believe that freedom, backed by right, will triumph over any attempt on the part of Germany to seize an opportunity which has hot yet come. The sword has been forced into our hands by the rash act of the Germane, and we shall use it with humble devotion, and with the certainty of right on our side.
GERMANY'S REAL AIM. IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES PRICE OF BRITAIN'S NEUTRALITY "Times" and "Sydney Sun" Servicet. (Received August 7, 8 a.m.) LONDON, August 6. It is expected that Sir Edward Grey will probably make iinportant disclosures regarding diplomatic history in the House of Commons showing that the main object of Germany is the acquisition of the French colonies, pledging herself, as the price of British neutrality, not to annex an£ part of France after defeating France.
HOLLAND DISTRUSTFUL. MOBILISATION COMPLETED. GERMANY'S PROMISE IGNORED. AMSTERDAM, August 6. ; Holland distrusts the German promise to respect her neutrality. The artillery factory is working at the highest pressure, and mobilisation has been completed,-"' ' W : A state of war has been proclaimed in a portion of Holland. THE BRITISH ARMY. LORD KITCHENER'S APPOINTMENT. V SIR lAN. HAMILTON COMMANDS HOME FORCES. Lord Kitchener has accepted the position of Secretary of State for War. His Egyptian post will be left open for him. General Sir lan Hamilton commands the Home Army. GERMAN LOSSES ENORMOUS. REPULSED BY THE BELGIANS. COMPLETE DEFEAT OF INVADERS. BRUSSELS, August 5. It is officially stated, that fierce fighting took place -in the-environs of tiiege early this morning. The German attacks were repulsed. No German who passed the forts survived. One,*soldier flung himself into the German ranks and killed four inen and returned to his comrades. The general situation in Belgium is excellent. It is reported that the forts at, Liers routed two regiments of cavalry which crossed the Meuse, and prevented infantry crossing. The "Brussels Gazette" says the seventh and tenth German Army Corps have reached Herve, Pepinster,. and Remouchauips. They fired at certain forts on the Meuse. The War Office says the German losses were enormous, and the heroism of the Belgians superb. Eight hundred wounded Germans are being brought to Brussels. The Germans built a bridge at Vise but the forts destroyed it. Later cavalry crossed a ford above Vise. Reuter's Brussels correspondent says the Germans were completely repulsed at Freron. SKIRMISHES ON FRONTIERS. GERMANS FALLING BACK. SHARP ENGAGEMENT NEAR NANCY. LONDON, August 5. The Russian troops have established contact witli the enemy along the greater portion of the Russo-German frontier. The Germans, according to a St.
Petersburg message, are falling back, burning villages over an enormous stretch of country. Another message states that a German fleet of nineteen vessels has been sighted near the coast of Memel and Libau.
Eussian warships in the Black Sea captured many German merchantmen. A detachment of German cavalry crossed the French border near Nancy. In a sharp engagement the French killed fifty and took seventy-five prisoners.
BELGIANS SEIZE LINER. SCORES OF MERCHANTMEN CAPTUBED. GERMAN SHIPS DETAINED. This evening the Belgians seized the Norddeutscher Lloyd steamer Gneise- .. . v "nau at Antwerp, and turned off the passengers, including many Australians with return tickets. After great hardships some reached London almost penniless. The Agents-General are arranging to charter an English passenger vessel. ~ Many German vessels .have been seized in British ports, including the Elfrida at Bristol, the steamer Franz Horn and the barque Perkis at Dover, and the steamer Albert Clement on the Tyne, the Dryad at Warrington, and the Belgia at Newport, Wales, also several colliers. The Belgia had German Reservists, also food worth £250,000 aboard. A French gunboat captured the.collie'r Porto in the Channel, and towed her to Guernsey. Detectives raided houses occupied "by Germans in London and arrested several persons. ' They found a number of bombs and rifles in the pork butchers' shops at Earlsfield. GIBRALTAR, August 6. Scores of merchantmen are taking refuge here. The German vessels Emir (ia steamer of 5514 tons) and Adolf have arrived here in charge of British warships. / _
DANGEROUS ALIENS. SPIES IN BRITAIN. CONTROL IN WAE TIME. Mr McKenna's Bill was passed in the House of Commons securing control of dangerous aliens during the war. Mr McKenna stated that twenty-one suspects had been arrested during the last twenty-four hours, some being known .^spies. Four Germans were remanded at Bow Street in connection with the Earlsfield affair. A quantity t>f memoranda was seized on one prisoner, who, it was declared, had been a commander in the German navy.
BRITISH CABINET CHANGES. GERMAN AMBASSADOR' DEPARTS. WAR OFFICE ACTIVE.; LONDON, August 5. ;S Prince Lichnowsky, the German Ambassador, and his staff have received their passports and leave, via Harwich on Thursday aboard a British cruiser. It is officially announced that Mr 0. P. Trevelvan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education, has resigned. Loi\d Beauchamp, First Commissioner, of Works, succeeds Lord Morley, and Mr Euneiman, President of the Board of Agriculture, succeeds Mr Burns., Mr Masterman's resignation is denied. - The Home and Foreign . Produce Exchange is fixing prices every two days, All butter is 136/- to 140/-, except 1 Danish, which is .144/-". All Continental supplies are expected to cease at" the end of the week. Mr Run ei man assured farmers that there was no reason for the slaughter of young stock. There is an improved feeling in the city in 'view of the prospective issue of small notes. . The War Office has commandeered; many horses and vehicles and motor J cars in London. Most of the members responded to the Automobile Club-'s appeal to place their cars at the War Office's disposal.
Newspapers are experiencing difficulty owing to the shortage of paper, and are publishing small editions.
ISSUE OF SMALL NOTES. THE CHANCELLOR EXPLAINS. PURELY TEMPORARY. Mr Lloyd George, speaking in the House of Commons, said the issue of small notes was purely temporary. There had been no failure of credit, but it was desirable *to economise in the gold supply. - All notes would be convertible into gold at the Bank of England. There would be a general moratorium for a month in order to leave ample margin to enable trade to adapt itself to present conditions. Bankers considered themselves in a position to resume normal business, and were arranging to furnish money for salaries, wages,' and necessaries. The Government was coining additional silver, and it was hoped to reduce, the bank rate to 6 per cent.
SHIPS FROM NEW ZEALAND. ; THE PRESS CENSORSHIP. NATIONALISTS AND UNIONISTS ... COMBINE.. The Hon. T. Mackenzie is Asking the : British Government to include in wat , risks "vessels already on their way to. -5 the United Kingdom. Many ships with New Zealand meat " - on board are sheltering at various ports. ■ . r The measure only applies to vessels sailing after the outbreak of war. Professor Marsliall-Hall, of, Melr bourne, was amongst the . last passengers who got through -from Zurich. :> Sir Ernest Shackleton has offered his o services to the King,, who desired, how- ■:) ever, that he should proceed with his expedition. The King lias presented Sir Ernest with a silken Union Jack. : - > 1 Private Americans ; purchased the, steamship Viking to take 400 American. ■ -4 | passengers from Liverpool to r New York. -r ; Complete arrangements have been ~ made at Grimsby to receive men wounded ~y. in neval engagements. Schools are to - be utilised as hospitals. The Admiralty is converting ~ the) Orient* Company 's liner Ophir into a - hospital ship. - - ; It is estimated that a quarter of a - million port workers are already idle. *,s The censorship, is eliminating all re-, ri ferences to the movements of troops and > -i warships. ' T ; Mr A. C. Carmiphael, the New South . r Wales Minister visiting. London, inter: viewed Mr Harcourt and . protested - 1 against the undue ...censorship of - Press .~i cablegrams to Australia. , Mr Harcourt is investigating the matter. - - . - Mr Carmichael has. cancelled all his ~v engagements, and -is - preparing to re- ' -> T turn to . Australia at the earliest oppor- - tunity. £ The Nationalist Volunteers' Committee expresses its complete readiness ts co-operate with the Ulster Volunteers-i* r ~jo f.lie defence of Ireland. , y ', r r^§jj Mr McKenna 's Alien Restriction Bill jp > has received the Royal Assent. ?-§ -M NO IMMEDIATE NECESSITY*
FOR OVERSEA TROOPS. _***£ f>. •.','<| BRITISH GOVERNMENT GRATEFUL* ';1 1 .-^?^ Lord Emiriott, Under-Secretary for the fi Colonies, replying in the House of Lords -' to Lord Denman, said there was no im- 3 mediate necessity to accept the offer of troops, but the Government r would not hesitate to accept it if neces---'JJ sary. The Government had gratefully -j| accepted Australia's offer of her Navy. J Lord Lansdowne said the offer's had • : % proved the Empire was a g?eat reality. '~ 5 * ■ ■ -4 - -. __-^
TO STRIKE QUICKLY. j/i GEBMANY'S OJTLY HOPE. FRENCH CONFIDENT OF ADVANCE. : - The. French Eress ward Grey 'a speech as a' faithfulness to. ness to -engagements. . * . -; ,t|| The French are confident of check* ing the German advance. They eagerly awaiting the: arrival pf British force.* " - Admiral Mahan, in an interview af York, said:—"Germany's hope is to strike immediately. Stag- r*£ nation of her sea trade would threaten her life." lie expects a North Sea" l engagement immediately, and a British '>jj victory. • It is believed that Italy must join in the war as the ally of France. She' will be compelled to do" so in order to ' hold the Austrians' in eheck for the salvation of the Balkans, which will become the" prey of the Turks - unless. the Austrian navy can be kept fro» JyS the shores of Greece. ■ - German preparations have been eU skilfully conducted, that not one German in a hundred thousand knows true history of the cause of the .war tJ!M p^-~j
AMERICA OFFER OF MEDlATl<|k^^^H^ LINER'S DASH FOR FRANG^^^ WASHINGTON, The liners Olympie and helm 11. 'have arrived at New The Lorraine is making a France with a thousand President Wilson "has offered; as mediator between all the President Wilson has .signed an,o?dsfe||i mobilising the land and sea forces w||S|t the United States, with tlie is understood, of enforcing neutrality and protecting the Canal. All the warships in Mexican waters have been ordered to return. The death of Mrs Woodrow Wilson is .... momentarily expected. While sitting--y at her bedside the President drafted his appeal to all the nations, offering his good offices as mediator. _* EVENTS "IN WHOLESALE ARREST GERMANS SHOOT 9 *~PARIS, The streets are peacpfpt.'
are flocking to the American Consulate trying to get home. The authorities are sending them to towns in the west of France, where they will remain till , the - war is over. ? Forty-two men have been arrested as ;. epies since Saturday. k Germans" shot seventeen Alsatians, who were endeavouring to cross the frontier at Mulhausen. HEAVY FIRING HEARD. i OFF AMERICAN COAST. > SHELLING A WIRELESS STATION. ii*-; •. 1 1 1 OTTAWA, August 6. It is reported that German warships |?, "are shelling the wireless station at > Glace Bay, Novia Scotia. & A crowd tore down the ..insignia outside the German Consulate at Vansty* e" ■ * • |~; couver and trampled on it. If Anti-German demonstrations are If taking place throughout the Dominion. • - The Admiralty informs ports that * A two German cruisers are operating in ithe North Pacific, and are making for the coasts of America. British cruisers report capturing the German steamer Wilhad, off the New-, foundland coast. Heavy firing was heard off the Maine coast. It is believed a naval engagement is proceeding, but details are unknown; The Canadian Government has pursli—chased two submarines built at Seattle for the Chilian Government. isy ... * . ' . ■ I; OFFER OF CRUISERS. §».- ■ , [I 1 the unity or Canada. g * " , —r J ■ VANCOUVER SHUT UP. I"'/ ;!The Canadian Government has ofJ?- fared the cruisers Rainbow and -Niobe <r td the British Government to use anywhere in the Empire. J The Duke of Connaught has telegraphed to-the King that. Canada is |s' jmited from the Atlantic to the Pacific §j,'jn the defence of the Empire. Theportof Vancouver has been dev: 5 jjSared closed. slt is reported that Canadian-Aus-tralian maij Bailings have been cancelled.. . | ARRANGEMENTS FOR DEFENCE. P,.', ——•.... ... B CANADA'S ARMY FOR EUROPE. ... ■ li' ! 'nIAGABA to-make a < dash. . - ' ____ , - . The- Government has ordered the £■} Militia .to guard the grain elevators the Great Lakes, lest an attempt be %•'. made to blow them up. £\ Orders have been formally issued for the mobilisation of a Canadian Army Division of 21,000 men immediately at &.' Quebec. All arrangements are complete for the dispatch of a Canadian Army i-jCoips.to Europe. intiAerstood that a request has been received for troops. pi'i i, Conferences are proceeding with the "C,_ Beads of the great transportation sysi? "tems for carrying the troops over the f- f The~Minister of Defence has issued % itn appeal to all Canadian newspapers refrain from .publishing hews confer Canadian troops,. on the lines British papers^ " Ths ' Government has. granted the j&iagara her-clearance papers, and she fejjs expected to sail from Vancouver if v'Tvithin twelve hours, with passengers aboard. , ... 1 It ds definitely disclosed that the &><6etman cruiser Leipsic is off the Calip£i£jnuan coast. It is not thought that |f;ihe Niagara is in any danger on acf yjount of her superior speed. jjlc' '
TV IN THE COMMONWEALTH. | I ' PROPOSED ELECTION POST- * PONEMENT. ANS TO FIGHT FOR BRITAIN. £' - , SYDNEY, August 6. rt,' , ;M!r Cook ia not in sympathy with r:' Ihe proposals to postpone the Federal £' -elections, or that all opposition of the ? -.sitting members be withdrawn. The miners in the Maitland mines s'-X.'who- struck against the afternoon 'shift, !\,.'j3bta-V6 declined the Labour Department's --suggestion that, in view of the war, should resume, although they are H prepared to resume on a one-shift basis. £."■* A meeting- of Germans in the Walla"_"«uiia district adopted a resolution exj '-pressing unswerving loyalty to the .British flag, and stating that as Aus-iralian-born, they were prepared to L «tand shoulder to shoulder with Aus>tralians and give their blood and money the defence of the country and the flag, no matter who the inyaders be. ADELAIDE, August 6. r The Assembly adopted the Address- ;■ in-Reply, and cheered the Governor's reply thereto, which expressed the hope ? "that peace would soon be restored, and ■: "that the British, nation would emerge v from the war stronger, wiser, and more •confident than ever, v? " • The House adjourned till Tuesday. \ COASTERS HELD UP. ] .\ ■ , SHOTS ACROSS THEIR BOWS. v. ' ... EMPLOYERS AND LABOUR, . ■ - ■; /■ SYDNEY, August 6. ' ' The wheat market is stagnant, buyers v holding off, anticipating a further despline. . ri f Two coasterSji the Zyogbe ajid the jfe.Pxjira, unaware of the war conditions, examining conp"; "
trol. Shots were fired across their bows, and both submitted to the regulations.
The Federal Cycling Council of Australasia telegraphed to the Prime Minister, stating that the League of Cyclists place their services unreservedly at the disposal of the Commonwealth. Five thousand men are available.
At a meeting of the Council of the Employers' Federation it was decided to offer the Government every assistance to meet the industrial necessities of the present war conditions. Realising that the war would be followed by acute suffering, the meeting urged employers to keep as many men at work as possible.
A SEETHING CAULDRON. EUROPE'S FRATRICIDAL WAR. SPEECH BY MB C. G. WADE. Cabinet, with Mr Wade, the Leader of the Opposition present,"sat for several hours discussing matters arising out of the war conditions, particularly in regard to the industrial position. The Premier announced that he -was willing to submit to the decision of Parliament. are eagerly besieging the military headquarters to enrol for service. All classes are represented—chaplains, linguists, wireless operators, motor-cyclists, telegraphists, civil engineers, surveyors, and architects. It is understood that Mr J. Cook's sons are among the batch. Mr Wade, speaking at the Milton Club luncheon, said the whole Continent of Europe was a seething cauldron engaged in a fratricidal war. All questions were overshadowed by Britain's peril. She was engaged in the most titanic struggle in the history of the world. ' 1 Not only is her own national welfare involved, but also the more far-" reaching question, whether Europe shall-be dictated to by an irresponsible leader of men whose nation is consumed with the lust of power, is not prepared to honour sacred treaties, but aims only at aggrandising himself. Britain, in defending a just cause, has taken the only course possible. While buoyed up by the strongest hope of victory, we must not close our eyes to the fact that we are brought face to face with the most perfect machine as regards organisation. If the war were postponed four years longer German strength would be greater still. To-day Germany has not a friend in Europe, except Austria. We have the sympathy of every decent country on the • face of the earth. The fight must be a go to the death in our own interests, and in the interests of permanent peace in the future. Germany's enormous ,territory must be curtailed. " - The Tofua reports that the German Pacific Fleet of six ships was expected at Momi Bay, in Fiji, on July 31.
Private cable advices report that there has been great rejoicing in New Caledonia as "a result of the mobilisation. . ■ •
FEELING IN JAPAN. OBLIGATIONS TO BRITAIN. OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT OF HELP. TOKIO, August 5. The Japanese Foreign Offiee* has issued a statement reiterating that Japan will take the necessary measures to discharge her obligations to Britain. TURKEY'S ATTITUDE. TO PRESERVE NEUTRALITY. CONSTANTINOPLE, August 5. Turkey has closed the Bosphorus and Dardanelles to preserve her neutrality.
IN NEW ZEALAND. NEED V FOR ECONOMY, tJBGED IN PARLIAMENT. STRENUOUS TIME AHEAD. [From our own Parliamentary Reporter.] WELLINGTON, August 6. In the House of Bepresentatives this evening, Mr W. H. D. Bell (Wellington Suburbs) asked the Prime Minister whether he did not think it possible that something could be done by way of a proclamation to be published and exhibited at, say, the various post offices and police stations in the Dominion, impressing on the people of this country the necessity of Jiusbanding their resources more or tess. Mr Bell said it seemed that, since the declaration of war, the people's expenditure seemed to have gone up. to a certain extent, and he did not. think the people realised what might happen after two months from the present time. Supposing a '"moratorium became necessary, the immediate effect of that would be the cessation of credit, and that would mean an enormous amount of poverty. If the Government could impress on the people the necessity of spending only one-half, what they were spending at present they might get over a crisis which did not mean so much to the wealthier classes, but might mean life and death to the poorer.
In reply, the Prime Minister said that while he doubted whether anything could be done in the way of a proclamation to meet the difficulty, he hoped that the people of New Zealand would bear in mind that there was a very strenuous and anxious time ahead, and that they should husband their resources. The question of a moratorium' had already been under the consideration of the Government, and he thought something of the sort would be necessary. He did riot think extreme steps should be taken unwarrantedly, but Mr Bell's suggestion would be taken earnestly into consideration.
EXTREME MEASURES. GOLD EXPORT STOPPED. ANOTHER URGENT ACT PASSED. [From our own Parliamentary Reporter.] WELLINGTON, August 6. Today Parliament put another Banking Amendment Bill througK all its stages, as a matter of urgency. The Hon. J. Allen, Minister of Finance, explained that under the Amending Bill passed the previous day no penalty had been included for the export of gold. In* this Bill, which consisted of one clause, it was. provided that gold which was about to be exported without the authority of the Minister of Finance, could be forfeited under the terms of the Customs Amendment Act. The following was the text of the main clause: Gold exported, or attempted to be exported, in a breach of the provisions of the* Banking Amendment Act, 1914, shall be forfeited to his Majesty. The provisions of the Customs Act,. 1913, relating to forfeited goods, shall apply to such gold, in the same manner as in the case of goods forfeited under that Act. The Bill was put through all its stages and passed. APPEAL TO THE WOMEN.
LADY LIVERPOOL'S FUND. Press Association.. WELLINGTON, August 6. The following memorandum was issued from Government House this evening:— TO THE WOMEN OF NEW ZEALAND. Government House, Wellington, New Zealand, August 6, 1914. At this moment of our Empire's needs to appeal to the women of New Zealand to assist me in trying to provide any necessaries which may be required for those portions of the citizen army which is now mobilising for any service which may be required of them. My! suggestion would be to start a fund in every centre under a small committee of ladies. In the larger towns it might be possible that the Mayoress would be abie to see her way to get such a committee together and in the smaller localities I feel convinced it will be easy to find many who would willingly assist in such an undertaking. These committees should be prepared to receive contributions whether in money (however small - the s.ums) or in.'kind. If the latter, it appears to me that we could not do better than follow some of the suggestions made by the Commandant of the" New Zealand Forces in to-day's papers, in which he mentions underclothing, flannel shirts, socks, holdalls (containing knife, fork, and spoon), 'housewives' (containing buttons, needles, and so on), or contributions of materials to make these articles, such as flannel, knitting wool, and knitting needles, American r cloth, binding thread and buttons. ' After further consultation I will endeavour to find out in what manner a distribution would be most useful and practicable and will, through inediUM of. the Press, convey the conclusion which may be arrived at on the subject. I have taken this early opportunity of appealing to the women of New Zealand on this matter and to obtain the most beneficial results it is essential that we should all be guided by any suggestions which tile Defence Department may think desirable. (Signed) ANNETTE LIVERPOOL. MEETING OF LADIES TO-MORROW A meeting of ladies convened by the Mayoress (Mrs H. Holland) will be held to-morrow in the Council Chambers at 11 a.m. to take the necessary steps to inaugurate the fund suggested by Lady Liverpool. The following donations have already been received:— A. Selwyn Bruce .. .. . . £3 3 0 Mrs Golonna .. .... 5 15 0 WOOLSTON. The Mayor of Woolston ha£ called a meeting for 3 o'clock to-morrow, Saturday, at the Woolston Borough Chambers, to deal with the request by Lady Liverpool for assistance for the troop^. TRADING WITH THE ENEMY. A KOYAL PROCLAMATION". Press Association. WELLINGTON, August 7. An extraordinary "Gazette" con-, tains a Royal Proclamation by the Governor, at the command of the King, setting forth the law and policy with regard to trading with the enemy. It sets out that as a state of war exists with Germany, all persons are warned not to carry on trade with it, or for it. Ships are not to leave for any German ports, or communicate with them. No contracts or policies may be entered into for the benefit of Germans, nor may payments be made for their benefit, under existing policies or contracts, in respect of losses due to belligerent action of his Majesty's forces. Any contravention of the law will expose the offender to the penalties provided. Transactions which are not treasonable and not, for the time being,, expressly prohibited, and which, but for war would be lawful, are permitted. CONTROL OF FOODSTUFFS. IMPORTANT LEGISLATION PROPOSED. PENALTIES FOR EXPLOITATION. [From our own Parliamentary Reporter.] WELLINGTON, August 7. The Government lias - prepared legislative proposals affecting the control and conservation of the food of the Dominion. A Bill will be introduced, probably to-day, empowering the Government to take any steps necessary to prevent exploitation in the sale of articles of food, and the exportation of certain essential commodities. The measure will make if a penal offence to unduly raise prices or otherwise exploit the community, and the penalty for such an offence will be substantial. A Board of Control will probably be constituted.
ARTILLERY HORSES WANTED.
APPEAL TO FABMEES. WELLINGTON, August 0. The Government wants artillery horses for the expeditionary force, and it is suggested that he farmers might assist in satisfying requirement. Mr A. J. Bell, of the Farmers' Union, received the following telegram from Mr J. G. Wilson, president of the Farmers' Conference, this morning :-r Government likely to require half to three-quarter draught artillery horses for the expeditionary force. Suggest farmers donate horses. The appeal is not confined to members of the Farmers' Union, but to farmers generally. GRACE FOR ENEMY'S SHIPS. ON CONDITIONS ONLY. Press Association. WELLINGTON, August 6.. A Gazette Extraordinary, issued ■. tonight, contains an Order-in-Council for granting days of grace tq the enemy's merchant ships under The Hague Convention of 1907. It states that in the event of satisfactory evidence being received by midnight on Friday that British ships in foreign ports are well treated, the enemy's ships will be allowed till midnight on August 14 to load or unload cargoes and depart. ' The privilege does not.apply to vessels whose tonnage exceeds 5000 tons, or to cable ships or ships whose speed exceeds 14 knots, these being liable to adjudication in a Prize Court. Enemy merchant ships allowed to de-' part will be provided with a pass indicating the port to which they are to proceed and the route they are to follow. A merchant ship which, after receipt of sueh pass, does not follow the course indicated will then be liable to capture. If no information reaches one of His Majesty's principal Secretaries of State by the time aforementioned, to the effect that- the treatment accorded to British merchant ships and their cargoes, which were in the ports of the enemy at the date of the outbreak of hostilities, or which subsequently entered them, is in his opinion not less favourable than that accorded to enemy merchant ships by the articles of this order every enemy merchant ship which on the outbreak of hostilities was in any port to which that order applies, also every enemy merchant ship which entered from the last port befere the declaration of war, but which with no knowledge of war enters a port to which the order applies, shall, together with her cargo, be liable to capture, and shall be brought before the Court forthwith for adjudication.
ASSISTANCE FROM AUCKLAND. SCANDINAVIANS EAGER. AUCKLAND, August 6. i There has been some talk of the establishment of a patriotic war,fund, and at a gathering of prominent citizens last night a well-known sportsman, who prefers to figure as an anonymous donor, offered to head the citizens' list with a donation of £SOO. Apart from Territorials, so keen has been the rush of volunteers to enrol in the force for home defence (or for service abroad if required) that up till mid-day to-day more than one thousand applications had been received, quite apart from those that will come through recognised channels from members of Territorial forces. < The secretary of the Auckland Scandinavian Association, has dispatched the,. following telegram to the Prime Minister: "At a meeting of the Auckland Scandinavian Association held,,last evening the following resolution was unanimously passed, members standing —'That this Association of Auckland Scandinavians expresses heartfelt sympathy and best wishes for the British Empire in the present crisis and offers any support within its power to its adopted country.' " An enthusiastic body of men were the members of the Auckland Stock Exchange this morning/when they assembled for the first call. The chairman, Mr G. A. Buttle, after . referring to developments in JEurope, said, "Notwithstanding the position I am still of opinion that there is no need for us to close our exchange. We have a duty to perform to our clients, and I beg you gentlemen to use your beat efforts to calm th 6 fears of timid holders of shares and, as far aa possible, to maintain a fairly normal condition of values of stocks. Gentlemen, let us act carefully, calmly, and courageously. Speaking for ourselves, we in New Zealand are a long way from the storm centre. In a very short time the enemy's cruisers in the Pacific will "be accountedfor either by being driven into neutral ports or captured by our own warships. The waterways will once more be open, and our ships (although possibly in restricted numbers) will be able to carry produce from New v Zealand to Great Britain. We must remember that New Zealand is a producing country. We produce large quantities of foodstuffs which will be required in Great Britain, and I am sure that in two or three weeks' time our vessels "will be carrying these products to Great Britain. We shall be getting good prices and the Dominion will still continue to prosper. (Applause.) Let me conclude by asking you to sing the National Anthem." This was done lustily, and was followed by three hearty cheers.
THE PRICE OF FLOUR. \ STATEMENT BY MILLERS. The following statement in regard to tlie price of flour has been supplied to the newspapers by Mr 11. Wood, chairman of directors of the New Zealand Flour and Produce Agency Company (successors to the New Zealand Flourmillers' Association), and the general manager, Mr D. Hoare: — With reference to recently published statements on the question of the supposed increased prices of flour, and to statements made in the House of Representatives, and by other persons who have not troubled to inform themselves correctly as to the position, we wish, on behalf of our company, to make the following statements: — 1. This company recently purchased the assets of the New Zealand Flourmillers' Co-operative Association Ltd., from the liquidator, and is carrying on the agency business connected, therewith. It represents for the purposes of selling flour 19 mills, whose total output capacity is 150 sacks per hour. In' addition to this, there are in New Zealand a number of mills whose total output capacity is about 170 sacks per hour, selling individually and through various agents. 2. The price of flo;ur quoted by this company, on behalf of the millers it
represents has not, as stated by a member of the House of [Representatives, been recently raised £2 per ton, although the price quoted and 'charged by other millers not employing this agency may have been, and in some cases has been so raised.
3. The price of all brands quoted by this company was advanced with good reason on July 31 by £1 per ton, making the wholesale price £ll per ton on the basis of 2001b sacks, with proportionate differences in various districts (these do not, however, affect this particular question), and no flour has been sold f.o.b. on any higher basis by this company's agents in any part of New Zea--land.
4. A very large portion of this company's business is in the North Island, whereas all the flour it sells is manufactured in the South Island, and owing to an unprecedented rush for flour in Otago, the mills with whom we are connected in that district find it almost impossible to assist in supplies for the North Island; and. this business is thrown back upon the Oamaru, Timaruy! and Christchurch mills. In Christchurch, as in other large centres) .there has .been an unprecedented and unwarranted rush for flour . by an excited public, which has almost forced manufacturers to increase the price. -In the face of this, our millers have steadily refused to advance the; price, because to them such,action does j not appear to be warranted, and we consider it our duty to assist in calm- j ing the public regarding the supply of foodstuffs, rather than to increase the i excitement.
The flour that is being sent. out by millers at the rate of several tons per hour cannot possibly be going into immediate ..consumption. Owing to the causes which have led to this position, it is only fair that everyone should have a proportion, and we are working to that end by refusing in some cases to supply, at any price, those who are evidently speculating to the detriment of those who cannot afford to do so.
Government Departments, apparently, are not assisting the position, as the only one we supply is at the moment asking us, under contract conditions, to supply, immediately, more flour than they use in three months. If State institutions and the public will act reasonably, and be content with ordinary requirements, our millers anticipate being able to supply from existing stocks our" average monthly output for the remainder of the year at least.
Holders of wheat are in some cases asking 5/- and 6/6 a bushel, which, if given by millers, would necessitate a rise of £3 or £4 a ton in the price of flour. Consumers can prevent this increase by refraining from panic methods.
We think it advisable to make these statements of fact in view of the attitude adopted by buyers. —For the New Zealand, Flour and Produce Agency Company, Ltd., Henry Wood, chairman of directors; Denys Hoare, general manager. PATRIOTIC MEETING. LOCAL COMMITTEE FORMED. ADDRESS BY THE MAYOR. Yesterday afternoon in the City Council Chambers about 60 citizens accepted the Mayor's invitation to meet him and discuss the present situation as it concerns the city. Six or 10 ladies were among those present. "I have invited you here," said the Mayor in opening proceedings, "to discuss matters of paramount importance to us as a portion of the British Empire. You all know the purpose for which we are gathered. Our country has been? plunged into war, and there are many things that we can do to assist the authorities in a crisis like the present. I do not wish to say a word to cause alarm or panic, but X want -to assure this community of our great patriotism. I think there can be no two opinions about the issue of this deplorable war which has been forced upon the Mother Country. She accepted the challenge most reluctantly; so reluctantly that her allies were beginning to wonder if she were a friend indeed. I am proud to think that she has shown her allies that she is a friend indeed. We have come, to a time when more than the singing of the . National Anthem and patriotic songs is required. We have come to a time which means sacrifice. The Government is asking for an expeditionary force. At the time of the South; African war kits were provided, and I think that something in that direction could be done now. I hope that every one of•• us here*will be prepared to make sacrifice for our great and glorious Empire which has done so much for us. If the Union Jack is to be kept flying—if 'it's only a bit of bunting, only a tattered rag' —still it means a great deal to all of us, and we are going to see that that flag is kept at the masthead". We must show by deeds rather than by words, and when our own flesh and blood are called away to uphold the glorious traditions of our Empire it behoves tls to do our duty. We must stand shoulder to shoulder. Only to-day a gentleman called upon me. He said not only would the men who go away be called upon to suffer, but also those left behind. ' Here is £25 for those at home.' Another man, 65 years old, came and said, 'I am too old to go myself, but if you know of a young fellcftv who wants to go and his boss won't let him, I'll take his place and keep it warm for him until he comes back.' I notice that one of the insurance companies has promised leave to any of its employees who volunteer on full pay and keep their positions open for them. That is the kind of patriotism that appeals to us, and which I want to bring out. (Applause.) Party polities have all been laid aside, and members of Parliament are all standing shoulder to shoulder. The situation of affairs in Ireland, too, is .a matter for gratitude. I thought it my duty to ask you to meet me and suggest that we should do something in the way of forming ourselves into a committee to assist those wlio may be called upon to do their duty.'' Mr H. B. Sorensen, Deputy-Mayor, moved that the meeting should form itself into a committee, with power to add to its number, to subscribe funds to assist in every possible way to provide such necessaries and luxuries as may be required for any contingent that may be raised in the. district. Mr A. Kaye seconded the motion, expressing the opinion that the committee 's operations should not be restricted. Dr Levinge stated 'that at the time of the Boer war voluntary assistance had been given by Canterbury and a considerable fund raised. He thought that money raised on this occasion should be held bv a committee.
The Rev. E. E. Chambers said a committee should be formed before any details were arranged. * Mr G. T. Weston thought that the motion should be much more comprehensive. Mr A. H. Turnbull said it was the duty of those present to assure the Mayor, as Chief Magistrate of the city, of the unquestionable support of the
citizens of Christchurch, who would do their utmost to supply any demands made upon them. Mr A. Kaye advised the addition of the following to the motion:-—"And take any steps that may be necessary to assist the Government of New Zealand in the present time.of stress and need." The motion as amended was then passed.
Mr Hiram Hunter moved that an executive of 12 should be appointed. He said that, as a worker in the Labour movement, he had some little time ago adopted the principle of "My class, right or wrong." At this time he felt he had broader interests, and he could say, "My country, right or wrong." (Applause.) was the bounden duty of all to pull together in the interests of the Empire, and he would be pleased to do all he could to further that object. (Applause.) The names of the Mayors of outlying boroughs and the chairmen of counties, Mr T. J. Butterfield (president of the Canterbury Trades and Labour Council), and Mr D\G. Sullivan (president of the Federation of Labour) were added to the committee.
The Executive Committee appointed consisted of the Mayor and Messrs A. H. Turnbull, Cyrus Williams, F. W. Hobbs, J. A. Frostiek, W. Reece, J. F. Grierson, and C. J. Treleaven. The meeting closed with the singing of the National Anthem.
THE REFORM LEAGUE. THE WAK DISCUSSED. At a meeting of the women's branch of the Political Reform League last evening, interesting addresses were given by Mr O. T. J. Alpera and Col. Andrew on the state of India, and on, the present European crisis. Colonel Andrew said he was glad to notice that a 'greater interest was now : being taken in Indian matters by colonials, but even yet there was a colossal ignorance on the subject. From his personal conversations with the natives he- was con\dnced that the great majority of the millions of inhabitants of Hindustan were loyal to the British crown. India had been won by the sword, but it was not now held by the sword,' but by good and sane rule. British Government had brought peace and prosperity in its train, and its humane and equitable administration was undoubtedly appreciated by the natives. The unrest of a certain small section of the natives was caused by the better education now available, and, naturally enough, the natives' outlook had widened, and their tions were greater. The allegations made by the Nationalist Party that Britain had not fulfilled the obligation of "the Victorian Proclamation in giving the natives a fair share of the administrative positions in the country, was, he declared, incorrect. . In speaking on the present European situation, Mr Alpers gave his _ views of the. causes of the war, and of Britain's entry into hostilities. He dealt &t some length with the evolution of international law,, and explained the.effects of the various decisions and de- | clarations that had built up the rules of warfare "among the civilised People might be glad, he said, that the German Emperor had made the mistake of doubting that Britain would go to war, and that the fears of the people were removed by the declaration of war by Britain. If Britain had given way-—and the resignations of Messrs Burns, Morley, and Masterman had shown that the Liberal Cabinet in Britain was divided against itself in face of a disinclination -to go to war, the Dominions over the seas would have veiled their faces in shame; but as it was they had to mark the wordssof the King and " stand united, calm, resolute, trusting in God.'' . .Mr H. D. Acland referred briefly, to the effeel of the naval supremacy on the balance of power in Europe, , and > said, that, While the British Fleet -. held the seas, New Zealand's trade should be increased.
POLICE WATCH FOREIGNERS. MUST NOT LEAVE DOMINION. The police have received instructions that all Austrian and German reservists must be prevented from leaving the country. These men must notify to the nearest jjolice station their name, description,' and occupation, and must not travel more than 20 miles from home without the permission of the police. It is understood that the instruction further enjoins the police to keep all Austrians and Germans under surveillance and see they report to the nearest police station*; daily. , ,
the mayor energetic. The (Mayor will be in his room at 2.15 p.m. every day to see citizens who wish to discuss with him steps that Should be taken in Christchureh in connection- with the war. A KAIAPOI MEETING. At the Kaiapoi Football Club's concert last nighf the Mayor (Mr J. W. Barnard) announced that in response to a telegram received from Lady Liverpool the Mayoress of Kaiapoi requested the ladies of Kaiapoi to meet her at the Council Chambers next Monday afternoon in order to form a committee to collect funds and prepare suitable garments for the Dominion expeditionary forces.
CANTERBURY'S SHARE. DETACHMENT OF 1500 MEN. j ' APPLICATIONS POURING IN. One -thousand infantry of all ranks, and .500 mounted men, are needed in Canterbury. This will be the contingent to be' raised by this province. From stations and farms," from offices in town, from the workshops and factories, applications are pouring into the Defence Department. Many of the men volunteering have seen some previous service either before the days "of the Territorials or- in later years. A -roster has been lodged Defence Office, and columns are provided for .age", Occupation, and remarks. The latter column contains such notes as '' Single and fit," "Single and keen," "Perfectly fit and willing," 1 'No encumbrances," "Single and a motor expert. '' Colonel Chaffey explained that this list was not. an official one, but one that had been prepared by enthusiasts and brought into the Defence Department. There is no list at the Defence Department. The first choice will fall on Territorials over 20 years of age, and applications will "be received only through company commanders. When 'these sources of enlistment are; ex-
hausted, ex-troopers and otiiwrs wuu. considered, but these men will first have to enrol in the Territorial Force.
Every man presenting himself wiH have to submit to a searching examination as to his previous record, and will have to be able-to give some earnest of a good character. It is • thought that in seven days the contingent should be at full strength. The Canterbury contingent will aK most certainly go into camp on the Addington show ground. The mounted men will have to" find their own horses, but these will be purchased by the Government under the military regulations at prices up to £2O. Infantrymen must apply to Major Murphy, and the mounted infantry will be enrolled by Major Deans. It is useless to apply at the Defence Department in the Government buildings. All applications must be made at the King Edward Barracks or at the Defence Offices in the country districts. With the idea of easy handling, men will be allotted to" different regiments immediately they come into camp.
Colonel Chaffey stated last night that he ■ was deeply gratified at the enthusiasm shown by all classes, and ha., was completely confident that a splendid contingent would be got together. It is expected that the Addington camp will be pitched early next week, * and that some of the men will go under Canvas on Monday or Tuesday. The Canterbury Automobile Association has communicated with O.CIX, and has stated that its member* will supply cars to help forward the imweamta mobilisation of troops in Canterbury. CIVIL SERVANTS. A great many Civil Servant*, needless to say, are anxious to enrol, aad the question of their eligibility has-been raised. Before the Territorial system came into force all Civil Servants joining as. cadets were compelled to put in three years in the Volunteers, so thatat present almost every Civil Servant has had some sort of military training. According to the old regulations these men had to serve in the forces, but if war broke out they were compelled to stay at their posts in order that the civil administration might go smoothly on. This is especially important in connection with the railway, telegraphic, ,- and postal services, for the?. reason that proper transport and communication is absolutely essential. When the expeditionary force offer was first made known, the majority x>f the younger officers who were eligible were restrained from at once offering their services by a fear that for the reasons . mentioned they would be debarred. However, many of them made up their minds that if; the expeditionary force was to be dispatched to the aetata! scene of hostilities, they would, if necessary, tender their resignations from the Civil' Service and enlist. The fact that the expeditionary force might be put to purely garrison work, far from the battle field, for a time debarred the officers from taking action. Yesterday, however, it was learned/ that some Department had granted leave. The Public Works employees were notified that they would N be allowed to enlist. Immediately on receipt of this information a rush was made to send in names, and by 'this morning at 11 o'clock about 40 names were given in. The Public Service Commissioners were communicated with, and though n« reply has come to _ hand, as yet, it is anticipated that a reply will be received in Christchurch this morning informing Civil Servants as to the conditions under which thfey may enrol:/ NORTH CANTERBURY CORPS. ■... A special Regimental Order, issued; by Lieut.-Colonel Richardson, the offieer commanding the 13th North Canterbury and West Coast Regiment, states that ; all Territorials who wish to volunteer for service with the N.Z. Field Force : must parade at 2 p.m. to-morrow. The ••B Company will muster -at the Drill [Sh6dj Kaiapoi, and D Company at ?Rangiora. Names will .then be taken . •and the -conditions .explained.
Ist MOUNTED RIFLES (C.Y.C.). Volunteers willing to join the Field Force from D Squadron of the Ist Mounted Rifles (C.Y.C.J will parade at the undermentioned centres in the North Canterbury District on Monday, the 10th inst.:— Cheviot, 10.30 a.m. •' : - Tipapa, 11.45 a.m. Omihi, 12.30 p.m. Culverden, 9.30 a.m. Hawarden, 10.30 a.m. Waikari, 11.15 a.m. - Amberley,! 12.30 p.m. Bangiora, 2 p.m. Ex-volunteers and ex-contingenters, between the ages.,, of 20 and 35, wke wish to volunteer, may attend and hand, in their names at these places also. TROTTING CLUB'S ACTION. HUNDRED GUINEAS DONATED. A telegram was dispatched to Mr G. W. Russell, M.P., this morning, by Messrs E. A. Archer (president) and F. Pan ti fill (treasurer), of the NewBrighton Trotting Club, stating that that club donates 100 guineas to the New Zealand expeditionary force, and the free use of its racecourse and appointments for a camp or any other purpose. ~ HOMING PIGEONS.' . The Minister of Defence was to-day advised that the members of the Christchurch Homing Pigeon Society . and United Pigeon Fanciers' Club were placing at his services some 800 trained homing pigeons.
local trade steadier. While affirming that there is 110 cause for alarm as to the shortage .of wheat, local grain merchants state that tli© supplies now in the hands of growers are infinitesimal. Millers had considerable stocks which they have fought steadily since the last .harvest, when prices were on the slack side, caused by the competition of Australian flour. The holders of grain now name extra high figures as the price at which they will sell. As much as 4/6 and 4/9 is being asked for ordinary milling lines. It would seem that the war will encourage the farmers of Canterbury to rush in grain while there is yet time. That they are doing so is exemplified by the*fact that seed lines of wheat are much in request. Generally the trade in all lines of produce is quiet, and merchants aro operating with extreme care, not wishing to speculate. It is Recognised that the Government will probably step ia. later and operate against any undue inflation of the price of foodstuffs, and naturally this has u steadying .effect* The announcement the flourmillers made has had a reassuring effect, and the panic demand for groceries has fallen off to some extent, though it will ba a day or two before the rush of orders piled up is overtaken.
GERMANS' ONWARD MARCH. MASSING IN BELGIUM. THE SINEWS OF WAR. By Cable.—Press Association.—Gopyright. (Received August 7, 1.30 p.m.) BRUSSELS, August 5. As*five in the morning the Chamber passed a war credit of 200,000,000 francs. * ! Thie Germans, at four o'clock in the afternoon, were continuing their 011- ,• ward march near Fort Pleron, Liege, : where -an engagement is reported. The Germans, who were out of range of the forts' guns, are evidently desirous of following the line of the : Meuse. It is reported that the Sixth German Army Corps, which was encamped in ttfe Moresnet district, is continuing its ■ advance, and massing between Moresnet and Eupen- , All Germans have been expelled from Liege and Namur. ;" , Artillery fire has been heard at Aywaille. - A strong Dutch contingent defends. Dutch Limburg. : BelgjTum has announced that the crossing of her frontier by French or British soldiers is not now considered , to be hostile. 1 , [Moresnet is a town with a territory -• s of about li square miles on the borders of Belgium and Prussia. It is an auto-V-iiomous. little republic under the protection of the two states between which *: it is wedged in. _ " Eupen is a town of Rhenish Prussia, i 1 10 miles S.S.W. from Aix-la-Chapelle. - Aywaille is a town of Belgium, in tlie province of-Liege, with about 4000 inhabitants. Namur is a strongly, fortified town at f- the confluence of the rivers Sambre and S.E. of Brussels.] DESTRUCTION IN BELGIUM. I GERMANS. AROUND LUXEMBURG. i TRIBUTE TO FRENCH ARMY. |~ s ' ; (Received August 7, 2.20 p.m.) LONDON, August 5. gpb The "Daily Telegraph" corresponilpent, Mr, William Maxwell, telegraphing Ip&om- Arlon, Belgium, states that the Drench, under General Mascart, destroyrailway bridges at Levaux and to delay the Germans, of "30,000 were already encamped Luxemburg without entering the There was an, impenetrable screen at itetirn 'ground Luxemburg. |||||pL few who escaped to Belgium deSjiiare that the Germans are arriving in numbers. ; Germans until Monday had violatiSecf the frontier around Malmedy. §|ft"? Civilians are taking refuge in the y|>P?|iQwns f and the roads are blocked and ploughs. B at the advance guard of 1 Army is covering, il?!; The morale of the army is isuperb; he
firJTT :;■ .. ■-. ... —; r P" iiever saw the French soldiers so calm, and confident. i \ THREE COLUMNS CROSS I FRONTIER. ¥f> A SHARP ENGAGEMENT. fc * '. §£ GERMANS DEMAND SURRENDER T-' OF LIEGE. s&S .' * •".. ■ ' ■ !£'-. n (Received July 7, 2.45 p.m.) jjeJ*V BRUSSELS, August 5. Germans entered Belgium early %-on. Tuesday morning, advancing three |J columns- of infantry, preceded by TJflfatts and Lancers. They crossed the *?~ frontier, at Gemmenieh, Henri Chapelle *"> One column reached Uise and halted p" on the right bank of the Meuse. pL., The Belgians, on the left bank, preli^.vented the Germans from throwing a Iffebridge across. |j|> . engagement ejasued between •NTine" Belgian and German cavalry, in which the. Belgians had an advantage. \lyr- TheG'ermans on Tuesday demanded of Liege, to which the Belgians replied that they would only yield to force. 'S The forts are now supporting the Bel- * gian trooj)S. The Germans have been compelled to *7 await provision trains. JL The Belgians also stopped the adof the Germans from Henri :md Dolhain, and the first enoccurred on Tuesday afterBr noon. ■ &' While the unloading of shafting from s.s. Moeraki was proceeding at Lyttelton to-ddv a man named Harris was "somewhat severely injured. A sling slipped, with the result that Harris was heavily throwu against a truck, sustain'jy-&* several cuts about the head. After t, xeeeiving medical attention, the injured £'* man was conveyed to his home.
GERMANY THREATENS ITALY. ULTIMATUM FORWARDED. A REPORT FROM PARIS. PARIS, August 6. An unconfirmed telegram states that Germany lias sent an ultimatum to Italy that unless she supports her allies war will be declared against her. BELGIANS CLAIM BIG WIN. TREMENDOUS GERMAN LOSSES. NAVAL MOVEMENTS IN FAR EAST. (Received August 7, i>.ls p.m.) LONDON, August 6. Two thousand five hundred Belgians successfully counteracted the SeveatJi Germany Army Corps between Berdun and the Meuse on Wednesday. x The Brussels '' Gazette claims that the Germans lost 8000 men and seven guns. The Belgians suffered slight losses. PEKING, August 6. Reports state that the German squadron has left Tsing Tau, bound northwards. The Russian squadron has left Vladivostock. "FOR KING, COUNTRY, AND EMPIRE." NEW ZEALAND'S WATCHWORD. Press Association. WELLINGTON, August 7. . The "Daily Chronicle," London, has requested Mr Massey to forward a message regarding the feeling in New Zealand over the present crisis. .Mr Massey cabled the following reply:— New Zealand to-day, in common with other Dominions and dependencies, stands true to the best traditions of the Empire,. and will loyally shoulder in this hour of national crisis her share of Imperial responsibility. The Dominion to a man has ono • motto: "For King, Country, and Empire." ' Replying to a similar request from, the "Moiitreal Star," Mr Massey said:: The interest of the Dominions of the Empire are one and inseparable. We have put our hand to the plough and there will be no looking back. In this hour of national crisis New Zealand stands hand in hand with her sister Canada, and the other Dominions and Dependencies of the Empire. MORE WHEAT. Press Association. CARTERTON, August 7. A meeting of Darfield farmers last night declared that it would be, a help [to the Dominion and the Empire if, in the present crisis, m6re wheat was 'grown. It was decided to plant as 'large an area as possible this LOYALTY. ['"■ AUCKLAND, August 7. There was an enthusiastic scene at the City Council meeting last night, culminating in enthusiastic cheers for the King and the singing of the National Anthem and "Rule Britannia." A resolution was passed to convey to the
Governor and Government the earnest loyalty to the Crown and the Empire of the citizens of Auckland, who resolved the Government in every possible manner in the great world crisis. MAORIS WANT TO FIGHT. GISBORNE, August 7. The Te Rau Maori Theological College students, numbering 40, have volunteered in a body for military service. PATRIOTIC FOND. SUBSCRIPTIONS RECEIVED. The following subscriptions to the new Patriotic Fund have been received by the Mayor : £ s. d. R. C. Zimmerman 110 H. B. Sorensen 5 0 0 Henry P. Berry .. ...... 25 0 0 It was notable that the first two subscriptions received to-day were from gentlemen who were not British born, but who have made New Zealand the land of their adoption. Ilerr Zimmerman is an Austrian, and Mr H. B. Sorensen is a native of Denmark. They have set the example for the New Zealander and Briton in this Dominion. OFFER FROM CHRISTCHURCH. MEN AND MOTORS. The Pioneer Motor Cyclists' Club of this city has received the following telegram from General Godley in reply to its telegram to the Minister of Defence offering the services of men and motors. P. R. Harman, Secretary, Pioneer Motor Cyclists' Club. ' The Minister of Defence has handed me your telegram' and wishes me to thank your club for patriotic offer. There is no present necessity to form corps, but use might be made of the services of members of the club for motor cycle work in connection with existing unit of the Coast Defence or for the expeditionary force if the
need arises. Please communicate with the District Officer Defence, Christchurch, and show them telegram. A. J. GODLEY, General Officer Commanding. In connection with the above, Mr Angus Donaldson, who has the matter iu hand, has interviewed Colonel Cooper, who was delighted with fflie suggestion, and expressed his willingness to avail himself of the servit-cs of Motor Cyclists for dispatch work, etc. In the event of their being required, Colonel Cooper was of opinion that much use could be made of them. A meeting of the motor committee is called for next Monday, when further action may be taken. In the meantime all motor cyclists willing to act are requested to at once leave their name, address, and.h.p. of cycle at the rooms of the Pioneer Club. PRICE OF COAL. NO ALTERATION CONTEMPLATED Press Association. WELLINGTON, August 7. , Two important resolutions were unani-' mously adopted by the New Zealand Coal Mine Owners' Association at the annual general meeting held to-day. One, moved by Mr W. A. Flavell (Westport Coal Co., Ltd.) and seconded by Mr T. j Shailer Weston (Paparoa Coal Co., Ltd.), was: — j That individual mine owners have | reported to the association that they j do not intend to increase the price of coal during the present crisis unless I the mining cost is increased, and this association heartily endorses this action. The other resolution, moved by Mr W. A. Flavell (Westport Coal Co., Ltd.) and seconded by Mr E. W. Alison (Tau- i piri Coal Co., Auckland), was: — j That the Coal Mine Owners VAssociation assure the Government of New Zealand of their sincere desire to assist in every way in, - their power to strengthen the hands' of the Government in dealing with the present crisis in the affairs of the Empire, and to accept the requisitions of the Govern : ment for all supplies of coal available for Imperial and.Dominion services. GERMAN NAVAL GUNNERY. • " . —" o ADEPTS AT MARKSMANSHIP. \ ■ It is only withi nthe last two years that the British Admiralty has ceased from publishing the results of the nery tests carried out by the various; fleets. The information obtainable now is meagre and does riot give any idea of the gunnery qualifications of our navy. The Germans have always treated their naval firing tests as secret, and no published results are ever allowed to get outside official "circles. A well-known naval officer, now an attache, in conversation with a SUN representative recently, gave him some interesting facts. He had been ajfojige friend of a German commandei>arhd consequently had perhapsheajedymore than he should have offi^i&ffy/ ' < Their naval swannery,'' he said, '' has been kept vej/f quiet, but there is not the doubt that it is really excelled The Germans are adepts at jpsarksmanship both at sea and on land. One thing is certain, and that is that the German gunners are given every opportunity of carrying out their class-firing under all sorts of conditions. There is a hard northerly gale in the North Sea, and the fleet immediately sallies out of Wilhelmshaven or Kiel and tries out the gunners in a heavy sea." For this reason, he said, the German naval marksmen would probably be very dangerous opponents in any weather.
THE BELGIANS. A FIGHTING RACE. OUR ANCIENT ALLIES. The Belgians as a people are allied in language and customs and in many racial qualities to the French. They speak the French language, and ' their coinage, though different ita name, is virtually en the same system as that of France. 1 entered Belgium, cycling down from Denmark at Turnhout, which : is in a portioii of Belgium hot often visited by the ordinary tourist. I saw "the Belgian as he is in his ordinary every-day life, not as the week-end visitors to Brussels ox Ghent "or Bruges see him, and, to he candid, I was not impressed. He appeared to me naturally an unkempt, selfcontained bargain-driving individual. But one could not but be impressed with the individuality, the strong personality, of these people. The Belgian fights daily for an existence in a eojntiy over-populated—for Belgium is the most deiise'v-nacked country in the world. His enterprise has been exemplified in international exhibitions, and his business and commercial enterprise are displayed in the woollen manufactures which draw so largely upon our New Zealand finer wools. His railway system is a pattern for the world. The Belgian, in short, is no European nonentity, and though -his country be small, he possesses a -strong desire "for distinct existence, and his past history is convincing proof to anyone who has followed it that he is equal tc anything his own weight—and that ifprobably all that Germany will be able to send against him with her engage ments elsewhere. Belgium is so formed physically that Germany, of all neighbours, will iind difficulty in entering, for though the Dutch and French borders, and the frontal portion, are low-lying and level, the portion facing Germany is, if not mountainous as Ave know the term, at least extremely hilly. Germany prob ably would prefer to come down througli Hoiland, but could not afford to rouse the ire of that vituperative little country, too, with its power to sting severe tyj remembering also that the Dutcl
possessions in the Southern Pacific may provide a safe neutral port for her Pacific warships and commercial vessels. Even yet, should things go well with her, Germany may make efforts to invade Holland, and thus endeavour to secure a hold over the port through which lier barges and enormous quantities of the manufactures of the Rhine Valley find outlet, to the world. But at present Germany must. face the careful frontier preparations of the Belgians, and my experiences on the northern front'er suggest to me that the Germans will find facing them defences that will give them at least a decent smell of powder. Their reported descent upon Arlon, eu route to Liege, is evidently a move to secure a railway terminus, and thus distribute troops round about. But in that portion of Belgium very little dynamite will render the lines of little use. Germany will have no easy task in Belgium. Next to the French the Belgian turns to the British. Englishmen are his best customers, his most frequent tourists; his close neighbour, Britain, stood -to him at Ramilles and Oudenarde with Marlborough, and at Waterloo with Wellington. British arms have experienced reverses in the Netherlands, but our most magnificent victories have been fought on his soil. The Belgian remembers this when he stretches his hand towards Britain for help. Under the direction of the Duke of Wellington he fortified Antwerp; following British advice from time to time, as late as 1908, he has altered and modernised that defence till Antwerp is almost impregnable. Germany knows this, and may make a dash to secure the citadel, to use it against British invasion. But the Belgians are .no cowards, and no laggards, and they have long since realised how dearly does Germany long for the great maritime centre which even her own ocean liners make their chief port of embarkation. Sta-ange to. say,-most of her * past struggles have been against Austria. It was ' only With the dawn of the eighteenth century, that, with the aid of France, she threw off the Austrian yoke. From Dover and Harwich, and the Thames, can Britain send across her troops to Ostend and Antwerp. With the shipping available 100,000 men and guns and munitions could be landed in very little time. Four or five hours will complete the run across the Channel.—• By "8.D." in the "Evening Post." GERMANS' GIBRALTAR. IMPREGNABLE HELIGOLAND. A WONDERFUL FORTRESS. Twenty-four years ago England ceded the island of "HeligolandFor six years great naval been in progress at and this year they are completed, if they are not j sßo i m'pleted already. Germany haS/^ggn verted the island #nto a fortjSSS, which is described as another "Gibraltar. The work of fortifying; the island, writes the German correspondent of *the Navy League's official journal, '' The Navy," began with the erection of massive concrete breakwaters , parallel to those parts of-the shore which were suffering from the ravages of the sea. In this way the safety of the island, which had been seriously threatened by the inroads made upon the soft cliffs by the angry waters of the North Sea, was assured. The next-step was the building *bf two hugernoles at the southern extremity of the island. The first strikes out into the sea for a distance of nearly 300 yards, then curves abruptly, to the east and turns north again. This mole has a total length of 656 yards, and is known as the " Westmole." The second ("Ostmole")
branches out towards the south-east, finally turning south to meet the Westmole, and has a total length .of 438 yards. The artificial harbour enclosed by*■ these two breakwaters is furnished with quays and moorings for a large number of vessels, and is intended to be used principally by torpedo craft n anel submarines. Several flotillas can il lie in this harbour with perfect safety, e no matter how bad'the weather may be. » Most probably there are docks anel ren pair facilities, but the intense secrecy X which has characterised the naval (le- ,. velopment of Heligoland is still mainri tained, and the public knows very little e about the way in which the one and a'g half millions sterling that represent the ,{. coat of the work have been spent. It , r is, however, common knowledge that the e plateau of the island has been most j. strongly fortified, as the papers often .•_ refer to the big gun 3 in armoured turrets and the thick concrete bastions, ■j against which the shells of a bombard- „ ing fleet would be as effective as peas. ''" Heligoland has, indeed, been described as "impregnable" by the semi-official •( papers. It is popularly known as the !t ' ' Gibraltar of the North Sea,' ; and the f Germans are immensely proud of their "," island fortress. They look upon it as a certain thorn in the flesh of the e "mightiest naval Power," whose 0 schemes for a close blockade of the r German coast have been frustrated by 11 the fortification of the very island lS which the aforesaid Power voluntarily |S gave up just twenty-four years ago. As S a result of the construction of the two ;t great moles referred to, it has been pose sible to reclaim a large area of land, 0 on which the necessary workshops and • w depots have been built. Practically the e> whole of the island has now passed ■- under the control of the naval authorities. Although it could serve, at an •A; emergency, as a harbour of refuge for d big ships, the new port has been develie oped primarily as a base for destroyers c and submarines, more especially for the 1 latter. Had it not been for the sub,t marine Heligoland would probably have L t never attained its present commanding ). position among the naval strongholds of h the Fatherland, e i... ■ u^=
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Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 156, 7 August 1914, Page 7
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13,510BRITAIN'S FIRST BLOW Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 156, 7 August 1914, Page 7
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