BLOWN TO BITS

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 251, 26 November 1914, Page 7

BLOWN TO BITS

GERMAN DEPOT BOMBARDED - - ■' . < BRITISH SQUADRON INFLICTS ENORMOUS LOSSES THE INVINCIBLE RUSSIANS AUSTRIANS THREATEN RUMANIAN NEUTRALITY ENEMY'S REGIMENTS IN FLANDERS BADLY CUT UP The latest cables indicate that much weather prevails in "West Flanders andl Northern France. The Allies' artillery has been showing superiority of late, and stories are told of the gallantry of the Indian troops; also of the treacherous abuse of the white flag by the Germans at Dixmude. The enemy is said to have lost severely through the inundating of the country; several regiments have been cut off, and have either surrendered or been annihilated. By land and sea the Allies have attacked Nieuport, the, naval squadrons silencing the shore batteries. - j A British squadron has violently bombarded Zeebrugge, doing im~ , mense damage to German submarine parts, shipyards, and general munitions of war. From the eastern theatre comes news of further defeats bf the ». onemy. . ; Thfe Russians,' mainly owing to a series of splendid marches, are said to have always held the upper hand in the Vistula-'Warta' ,r* . lighting. ■ '• '' Austrian advance in Servia has caused an interesting situation in the Balkans, indicating the possibility of Rumania, being drawn into the conflict. , - Bulgaria continues in her attitude of neutrality. v By establishing a secret naval base at Juan Fernandez Island, Germany has violated Chilian neutrality. Portugal hai3 expressed her readiness to co-operate in the interna- . tional conflict it becomes necessary for her to do so. In Asia Minor the Russians have again achieved substantial victories over the Turks. * By Call*. —Frets Association.—Copyright.

BOMBARDMENT OF ZEEBRUGGE TREMENDOUS DAMAGE. v BRITISH SQUADRON IN DESTRUCTIVE MOOD. AMSTERDAM,, November 25. The British squadron,. which bombarded Zeebrugge (north of Ostend), destroyed sections of six submarines, and alsb the Shipyard, military trains, land pp iinmqns&^janti^ ; , During the 'bombardment . German submarines attacked the Which safely withdrew, favoured by jnist and darkness. *. DEATH-DEALING WARSHIPS. CORPSES LIE UNBURIED. EASTERN TRAIN 'S GRUESOME . BURDEN. (Received November 26, 8.45 a.m.) tONDON, November 25. A traveller who has just returned to England states?--that 'the British warships have killed so many on the Belgian coast that corpses have been lying ; for a month unbiyied. The other day - a train of 30 carriages passed Ghent the blinds down, and a sentinel showed him tli£ interior, which was filled to the rpof with bodies,: being sent eastward. ~ ■ : - ALLIES ATTACK NIEUPORT. BOMBARDMENT FROM THE SEA. ' infantry, AND WARSHIPS v. " COMBINE. ,y- ,—. • - :: • - - r - ' AMSTERDAM, November 25. : 1 ' " At (lawn on Monday British airmen reconnoitred. German positions on the coast. The enemy's artillery was -cleverly, .concealed*; being, partly buried in • the sldpes of the 1 tlunes, 'with muzzles pointing seawards. The Allies opened their attack on the at Nieuport, in conjunction with a Franco-British squadron of three, small cruisers and a number of destroyers and torpedo boats. The Germans maintained an unin-

tcrrupted fire on the attacking infantry. , antl the warships. The latter silenced tw6 batteries at Westende, and finally withdrew, after a destroyer had been seriously damaged. GERMANS ABUSE WHITE FLAG. FRENCH COMMANDER CRUELLY STABBED. INDIANS SHOW GREAT DASII. (Received November 26, 9.20 a.m.) PARIS, November 25. Of 7000 French marines who are doggedfy holding Dixmude, one half have been killed or. wounded. Several German companies surrendered, and subsequently a German officer advanced under a white flag? and Jcannoit, commander of the marines, advanced to speak with him, but lie was cruelly stabbed and his interpreter was shot. LONDON, November 25. The Press Bureau says: "The Indian troops have gallantly retaken some of the trenches lost yesterday, and have captured three Germau officers, one hundred i?ien, a mortar, and three machineguns. "

THE INUNDATED AREA. GERMAN REGIMENTS SHATTERED GUNS AND BOATS DESTROYED AT OSTEND. (Received November 26, 9.20 a.m.) LONDON, November 25.^ The inundated area continues to increase. Two German regiments, cut off by the inundations at the Yser on Friday,, were, endeavouring to summon assistance* by means of smoke signals, but the' Allies, too, used the signals to direct their artillery iire, which killed or wounded 1650. v On Monday the bombardment of Belgium included Blankenberg, where the Germans tried to use their twelve-inch guns. At Ostend German-armed motoi* boats were destroyed, and the guns along the promenade were demolished.

REINFORCEMENTS FOR FLANDERS.

" GREAT GERMAN MOVEMENTS.

CAVALRY, INFANTRY, AND

ARTILLERY

(Received November 26, 0.20 a.m.) AMSTERDAM, November 25. Six trains full of soldiers and sailors, with planks, sacks, and small boats, have left Louvain for Brussels, apparently on their way to West Flanders. Nine military and six ambulance trains," with another containing heavy guns, have passed Lauden, proceeding westwards. ■

Another accpimt states that 120,000 men, including many cavalry, and ,250 guns, are reinforcing the troops in Flanders. «

BITTERNESS OF WINTER.

HOW THE COLD AFFECTED OPERATIONS.

GERMANY'S GUN,

Writing from Flanders, an eye-wit-ness of the operations, in a letter dated on Monday last., states: —The cold is affecting both sides more than the operations. The men are no longer suffering the misery of mud and slush, but by night in the trenches many are stiff with cold, and have to be carried out, while others have been taken to hospitals suffering from frostbite, and aviators, after a reconnaissance, have to be lifted out of their machines. The artillery bombardment continues day and night. The enemy is using forty-two centimetre, howitzers, also a new gun whose discharge is silent, but which has caused no damage hitherto.

"VANQUISH OR VANISH." PROBLEM FOR GERMANY. KAISER STILL PROMISES VICTORY. "Times" and "Slidncu Sun" Services. (Received November 26, 8 a.m.) LONDON, November 25. The "Lokal Auzeiger" announces that the German and Austrian armies have established winter headquarters in France, Flanders, Galicia, Poland, and Prussia.

The Kaiser has issued an exhortation,

/ still promising the troops ultimate victory. Count Hertling, President .of the Bavarian Ministry, interviewed at Naples, said that the true enemy of Germany \yas England, and her hand was guiding the present terrible tragedy. Germany had either to vanquish or vanish. ANOTHER CAREER. GERMAN DIPLOMATIC AGENTS. NOTIFICATION FROM THE KAISER. (Received November 26, 10 a.m.) THE HAGUE, November 25. The Kaiser has notified all German diplomatic agents in enemy countries to consider themselves free to choose another career.

THE BALKAN STATES.

WILL RUMANIA BE DRAWN IN?

GERMANY AND BULGARIA

(Received November 26, C.20 a.m.)

SOFIA, November 25

The Austriaii advance in Servia threatens to cut off Rumania from Western Europe, and prevent the arrival of American goods. This fact is likely to cause Rumania to intervene.

Servia recently asked Rumania whether she objected to her making territorial concessions to Bulgaria, and Rumania replied that she would be happy to see the quarrels of neighbours adjusted. * Meanwhile Germany is making des-

MORE SICK THAN WOUNDED.

GERMAN DESERTIONS NUMEROUS

SEDITIOUS EFFORTS IN IRELAND,

"Times" and "Sydney Sun" Services. (Received November 26, 8 a.m.)

LONDON, November 25,

A correspondent in North France says: —More sick than, wounded are reaching the and the cases are mostly of frostbite, dysentery, and rheumatism, with a few eases of pneumonia. The hardiness of the Allied troops, however, is remarkable. .In consequence of the prevalence of desertion, the Germans at Ghent are required to report to headquarters twice daily, while sentries on the Dutch border have been instructed to shoot any persons of doubtful identity crossing.

• A statement is made that no Irishman will doubt that money is being freely spent in an attempt to spread pro-Ger-man disaffection ,in Ireland. A Dublin report says that Nationalists and, Unionists alike would welcome a clean sweep of the „enemy's work,' in the form of seditious newspapers;

GERMAN METHODS.

"THE BEST SPECIMEN."

REFUGEE-LADEN SHIP TORPEDOED

(Received November 26, 8.45 a.m.) LONDON, November 25. The Admiralty report states that the deliberate torpedoing of the defenceless passenger' ship Ainiral Ganteaume, in

perate efforts to conciliate Bulgaria, and has offered her Salonika, explaining that Bulgaria would be less niggardly in regard to trade concessions than Austria.

BULGARIAN NEUTRALITY.

A POPULAR SENTIMENT.

(Received November 26, 10 a.m.) LONDON, November 25. , Renter's Sofia' 5 correspondent states that M. Radoslavoff, the Prime Minister in the Sobranje, strongly upheld the policy of neutrality. A majority of the Assembly warmly applauded.

CHILIAN NEUTRALITY.

BROKEN BY .GERMANY.

NAYAL BASE AT JUAN FERNANDEZ.

WASHINGTON, November 24

The State Department has informed the Chilian, authorities that it has definitely ; established that the Germans broke Chili's, neutrality by establishing a naval base at Juan Fernandez Islands.

VALPARAISO, November 25,

The Chilian Government lias sent a to Juan Fernandez to investigate whether' the Germans have established ;a. base there. The Government is prepared to adopt energetic measures, to., preserve neutrality. [Juan Fernandez is. a rocky island in the Pacific Ocean, situated about 400 miles off the coast of Chile, of which it is a dependency. It is IS miles long and six miles broad, and rises to a, height of .3225 feet above the ocean. It has very steep shores, and is of a very desolate appear-

broad daylight, is the best specimen of German methods yet recorded.

[ The Amiral. Ganteaume, a • French steamer of 4.190 tons, was proceeding to England fully laden Avith Belgian refugees when she exploded and sank. Panic occurred amongst the refugees, many of whom were drowned, although rescue steamers were quickly at the side of the doomed vessel. It was at first considered that the Amiral Ganteaume hail struck a floating mine, but subsequent investigations proved that she had been the victim of a German submarine.)

Every year it grows more and more popular; the value of a medicine is reckoned by the result it gives, not by the quantity you can get for your money. Baxter's Lung. Preserver is the most effective cough or cold mixture you can obtain in New Zealand, and 1/10 buys a large bottle, of this pleasant-tasting remedy. It attacks the ailment by toning up the system generally, and Mature furnishes the cure.—,6l.

ance. It has a few Chilian inhabitants, and is the seat of a small German colony. One of the things for which J nan Fernandez is notable is that the solitary residience upon it, for four years, of a Scotchman named Alexander Selkirk; is supposed to have inspired Defoe to write " Robinson Crusoe."]

IN ENGLAND.

WAB OFFICE AND IRON COMBINE,

ALLEGATION IN THE COMMONS.

"Times" and "Sydney Sun" Sen-ices. (Received November 20, 8 a.m.)

LONDON, November 25,

Civilian aliens who have been interned in) Britain have not been compelled to work, but'"those' Who desire to; work are' paid the usual wages. In the House of Commons Mr J.

Ward called attention to an article in the "Daily Chronicle' 1 alleging that the iron trade combine is charging the War Office higher prices than other purchasers, and-that one of the chief participators was concerned in the Soxith African War scandals. Mr H. T. Baker retorted that the rumours were merely confused versions of something which had not, happened. The Contracts Branch of the War Office was well organised, and had expert civilian assists ance. Mr A. Henderson stated that a firm which had been mulcted in heavy damages during the Boer War was still supplying goods, and lie undertook to give the name if necessary. The Salvation Army has contributed five ambulance ears. The war loan has closed. It is un-

derstood it was largely over-subscribed. Mr Lloyd George ? s concessions to brewers represent between three and four millions.; sterling. They will enable the trade to adjust business to decreased consumption. The trade in some districts has fallen 50 per cent.

PORTUGAL WILL FIGHT.

READY WHEN REQUIRED,

GOVERNMENT'S UNANIMOUS

DECISION.

LISBON, November 25

Congress unanimously approYed of the Government's"proposal that Portugal should co-operate in the international conflict in accordance with the British alliance when ,it was found necessary to do so. • The British Minister was present, and received an ovation. ALWAYS HELD THE UPPER HAND. RUSSIANS' WONDERFUL MARCHES. GERMANS' RETREAT IN DISORDER. (Received Ndtiehibier 26', 9.20 a.m.) PETROGrRAD, November 25. The Germans' skilful use of strategic railways gave them decided advantages in the early days of the Yistula-Warta fighting, but the Russians by wonderful marches of 30, and' even 40, miles daily

always had the position well in hand, and they even delayed throwing troops forward in order to tempt the Germans further east.

The fighting at Lawicz was very heavy, but the German attacks were thrown into disorder by the Russians driving in another column. The Germans were thrown into confusion, and their two forces were mixed up and retired in disorder. The Germans are now attempting a diversion to assist the retreaters by sending up reinforcements from Pielun to attack the Russian left.

A Zeppelin dropping bombs in Plock was brought down and captured.

AMSTERDAM, November 25,

German advices state that General Paul Alexandrochi's son Dimitri was severely wounded in the battle of the Warta River.

THE BATTLE OF LODZ.

RUSSIANS INFLICT SEVERE LOSS.

AUSTRIANS IN GALICIA WEAKER.

PETROGRAD, November 25,

The following official statement is issued:—" The battle of Lodz continues. Russian cavalry at one. point attacked: retreating Germans, inflicting great loss and capturing heavy guns; "The battle on the Czenstochowa-Cra-cow front is developing successfully for the Russians. We ,took 6000 prisoners on Sunday, and repulsed counter-attacks."

ROME, November 24,

The Press says that the attack of the Austrian Army in Galicia has weakened, and the army is depressed and discouraged, and unable to resist the Russians without the assistance of Germany.

VIENNA, November 24.

Many wounded -fi'om Galicia are arriving at Trent. Fearful stories'are told of losses through sickness.

German doctors, who have superseded Austrian doctors, send the invalids back to the front before they are half cured. New Landsturm recruits are compelled to provide their own outfit and get only scanty rations. They exist largely on turiiips and beetroot.

A RUSSIAN TRAP.

THREE REGIMENTS ANNIHILATED

SURROUNDED AND SLAUGHTERED.

PETROGRAD, -November 25,

The Russians trapped' three .regiments on the bank of the Bzoura River (in Poland); which is easily'ford able. The, Germans crossed and, found themselves cut off by Cossacks, •. who. had crossed higher up , the stream. Meanwhile • Rus.t sian infantry crept up in the rear under cover of the Artillery, and the Germans were surrounded. Only half, a regiment escaped. . .. AMSTERDAM, November 25.

The Duke of Saxe-Coburg narrowly escaped death in, Pqland., A .grenade exploded in" the midst of his staff, killing three.

IN ASIA MINOR.

RUSSIANS ROTJT THE TURKS,

WHOLE FRONT OVERTHROWN,

" It'is" officially"'stated"that- advanced parties defeated a column of the enemy in the direction of Erzeroum, capturing the caissons of an ammunition , train. Russians also defeated the. in the region of Khanessur, and on the heights of Azerbaijan, likewise on the hills , near Dilman. They capture.) a park of artillery.

f;.November: 25,

The following official, announcement is made: —We' Overthrew the Turks' 1 whole front .in the Erzeroum district. The Turks flecf precipitately,viand are being pursued vigorously." .

OCCUPATION OF BASRA.® ALL EUROPEANS SAFE. HOLY WAR PROCLAMATION FALLS ; \ ' FLAT. ' ; ' .... IyONDON, November 24. .The Press Bureau says that the remnants of the Turkish force at Basra haye. evaporated, leaving guns- and rifles behind thenr. The. Europeans in Basra were found 'safe. ' :f '. The Arab, soldiery recently mobilised by the Turks were )eft,behind. "Many had discarded theiij | arifts and,«nifpms. and resumed civil (.iress. They are dissatisfied with the maimer in which they Were treated by the Turks. , . The Sultan's proclamation of a Holy War has fallen flat . iu. Central Asia; Minor. " Turkish • reservists at Aleppo declined to go north'to fight, the Rus : . sians.

WAR NEWS DELAYED. r. •. .

A TERRIFIC STORM,

iNTERRUB TIQN AT; '.SIDNEY,

SYDNEY, November 25

A terrific storm swept over the city and di<J considerable damage to the suburbs. . . (

It • interrupted telegraphic communication, which accounts for the delay in the war news.

IN THE COMMONWEALTH.

THE WHEAT SEIZURE

ALIENS AND' CHANGED NAMES:

SYDNEY, November 25.

Mr Holman lias returned from the Melbourne conference. He savs he. is hopeful thatvthe States will act in unison in dealing with the wheat shortage question. The Bill will come before the Assembly to-morrow. ; Mr Hughes, Federal Attorney-Gen-eral, proposes to legislate to prevent Germans and changing their uames. . AUSTRALIA'S FORCES. ' "WET" CANTEEN MOVEMENT FAILS. (Received November 26, 10.20 a.m.) MELBOURNE, November 26. The Hon. G. F. Pearce, Minister of Defence, states that Australia's naval and military forces available for the war total 164,631, and the units completed and accepted by the British Go-

vernment totalled 28,258. All the men coming, forward are still being enrolled. The Senate, by nine votes to, eight, rejected Senator Turley's j>roposal to re-establish "wet" canteens.

PACIFIC CABLE RESTORED.

NO WOOL FOR JAPAN.

(Received November 26, 10.20 a.m.)

BRISBANE, November 26.

Mr Milward, manager of the Pacific Cable Company, has returned from Fanning Island. He states the damage' to the cable and property-by the Germans amounted to several thousands of pounds, but everything has been restored.

SYDNEY, November 26.

At the recent wool sales a considerable quantity was purchased for Japan, and it is how officially notified- that the export of wool for" Japan is prohibited. -

As a result of : the dppji strike some transports' have been' sent to Brisbane to fit-out. ' ;

SITUATION GENERALLY CALM.

BETTER LEATHER PREVAILS.

BRITISH ARTILLERY SUPERIOR.

PARIS, November 25.

The situation is generally calm, except for. intermittent cannonades, and German attacks in the Argoiine, wliick

were repulsed.

LONDON,,.November 25. ; The frost has. broken,'and , the wea- - ther is sunny, apd. mild.,. = Both sides' have 'beenr- utilising the period of comparative inactivity to re- Vi; organise - their forces. -The Gefmans,. heavily reinforced, are attacking between Ypres and La Bassee, but the artillery are/ thwarting every effort. ■ ' "j' "

It is noteworthy that the Allies' 1 artillery is now proving i superior.. A feature of recent fighting was the number of German -batteries particularly in\tHe battle of Zonnebeke. There French artillery drove the. Germans from the woods; aid French engineers hurriedly eut .down' trees and filing them in the to prevent it cavalry . charge. >, . . , - ? * ■_

(Received November ,2<3j, 9.15 a.m.)

LONDON, November 25.

Later details show; that'the French at. Zonnebeke. cut down, trees and barricaded. roads to prevent cavalry charges* The Germans did not detect the move,, and during the night massed cavalry* made a desperate attempt to break the French lines, and 1 were caught in an in-., extricaMe pile of logs- .and branches. The French infantry poured in rifle fire, adding to the panic,;,)'and few of the 4 Germans escaped. . SIX -WEEKS'. OPERATIONS. * FRENCH BEAR CHIEF BURDEN. APPRECIATION OF BRITISH HELP. PARIS, November 25. An' official review of six battle in Flanders has been distributed iimoug t-lie troops. It states that the battle has resulted, in the; failure of the German attempt to-outflank and break through the Allies^'line. • The.. . Germans massed fifteen army corps under the Crown .Prince of . Bavaria, Generals von Fa.beck and von Deimling, (and, the Duke of Wurtemberg. The. Aliied ; forces were noi . as . numeVous as the Germans, but were considered sufficient. The Kaiser came to , the fronts and arranged to proclaim t the annexation of Belgium at Ypres. The review shows a generous appre-ciation-of the'help of the British con- ; tingent, but the chief burden fell on French, troops, commanded by General Focii, under General Joffre's orders,, with General Castlenau commanding the V army: at Arras, General Maudliuy the. troops ; between and Lille, and General Durbal commanding the r Bel- / gians. tTfie forces also included French.. tcayalry,,.. Territorials, .marines, and: fusiliers; - • '

•WTH THE AIRMEN,

GERMANS DROPPING BOMBS.

BRITISH BRING DOWN MACHINES.

> ; CALAIS, November 25. German aviators have been active lately. They dropped, bombs on Hazebrouelt, Cassell, Amiens, and Arm«»tjeres, killing several citizens. English aerial guns at Armentieres' brouglit down. two machines, killingfour aviators. . ' When two Taube machines .threw tymnbs. on Hazebrouek o,n Friday, British'artillery brought down one, aud a. British biplane arrived aud manoeuvred oyer the other and dropped a bomb.. The Taube crumpled un aiid fell.

V'Tiie townsfolk of Armeutieres liavelddg.ed a complaint against the bombardment. There are no military in.

the town, yot a hundred civilians have already been killed and injured by shell-fire.

A GERMAN RUSE. FRUSTRATED BY ZOUAVE PRISONER. KAISER'S SON'S CONDITION GRAVE. PARIS, November 24. It is officially stated,that a German .column attacking a bridge defended by Zouaves, drove before them Zouave prisoners, and shouted, '' Cease fire; we are French.'' The Zouaves instantly stopped firing. A Zouave prisoner in the German ranks cried: ' 1 Fire now, in the name of God!'' A general volley rang out, dispersing the attack, and killing the Zouave who frustrated the German ruse. LONDON, November 24. For strategical and political reasons JP ,'lin considers it impossible to evacuate Belgium and the North of France. A revolution might follow. The condition of Prince August Wilhelm, son of the Kaiser, is grave. He shattered a shinbone and his jawbone' by driving at full-speed into masked German trenches,

Herr Maximilian Harden, speaking at Berlin, said that the least little tradesman in the most modest village in Germany would despise the pitiable practices by which England was trying to undermine Germany.

*N THE HOTTEST PART. KING OF THE BELGIANS. GERMAN SEVERITY IN OSTEND. LONDON, November 24. King Albert still remains in the hottest part of the battle, and is as hardy as his " Soldiers when he returns to headquarters. Two thousand Belgians remaining in Qstend are threatened with famine. .The . Germans are comnjandeering all food, and have forbidden citizens to leave their bouses, except on specific business, or appear in the streets after 7 in the evening. Not more than three are permitted to converse togetfier in the streets, under penalty of death. '^^ r fayoliiit©':.pastime' : of the (jrermans is to make Belgian boys drunk on champagne, by compulsion, and laugh at their antics.

Horses and cow>j are paid for with receipts which, translated, mean f < two kisses or two girls in Berlin.''

INDIAN CUNNING.

Remarkable presence of mind

GERMANS COMPLETELY OUTWITTED.

LONDON, November 24. The Press Bureau states than an observer with the Indians in France says that a striking instance of their resource and presence of mind was exhibited on a redent flight. . A private, since promoted, with a companion, crept out of the

trenches to make observations of the Ger- \ man line 200 yards distant. When they were midway a German searchlight discovered them. The former immediately rose, and advanced, salaaming. He was allowed to enter the trenches. On the Germans mentioning the British, the Indian drew his hand across his throat, with a gesture of disgust. He was given rations and a blanket, and spent the night in the trench. In the morning, by using his fingers, he indicated that 25 other

Mussulmans in his trench could be

brought in. The Germans were deceived, and released him, and he rejoined his friends.

IF ENGLAND IS RAIDED.

< ADVICE TO CIVILIANS. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES TAKEN. LONDON, November 25. Mr Wedgwood, in the House of. ComUnons, invited the Government to advise civilians what to do in the event of a ; German raid on Britain. The chances of such a raid were very small indeed, but the country "ought to be prepared. Many people, women as well as men, would uso every weapon in their possession to defend their country. An Opposition friend had armed his tenantry with shotguns. Mr Tennant, replying for the Go-

vernment, said the first duty of the

Navy and the Army was -to prevent in- >■ vasions. In the event of it ocpurring their duty was to drive the invaders into the sea, as far as possible. Emergency committees had been" formed in counties where there was danger of invasion.

IN EAST AFRICA. ANGLO-FRENCH SUCCESSES. GERMAN RAIDS FAIL. LONDON, November 25. It is officially announced that AngloFrench forces occupied Yoetoria, Mujuka, and Buea, in tho Cameroons. There were no casualties. Several German raids were made on tho Nigerian frontier, but all failed. A STARTLING RUMOUR. PLOT AGAINST CANADIAN MINISTER. / THREE TURKS ARRESTED. LONDON, November 24. The Ontario police arrested three Turks who had platted to kill Colonel

Hughes, Minister of Militia, whose arrival there was expected. Letters found on the prisoners indicated that an attempt had been planned against the lives of Canada's leading military men. OTTAWA, November 24.

The Government announces that considerable doubt exists as to whether the Turkish plot concerns Colonel Huglies. It is inclined to discredit it as exaggerated.

IN CANADA.

AUSTRALIA AND BRITISH COLUMBIA. SUGGESTIONS OF RECIPROCITY. OTTAWA, November 25. Sir Richard Mcßridc, Premier of British Columbia, announced that reciprocity with Australia was under the Cabinet's consideration. He hoped to arrange reciprocity in lumber shipments, as British Columbia was only doing 4 per cent, of the total lumber trade with Australia, and was doing ten times as much with South Africa, where lumber reciprocity prevailed. Now the Empire was at war there was an opportunity for building up trade within the Empire by refusing to assist in the building up of trade by foreign countries. This ought to be a cardinal policy of every British Dominion. New Zealand's trade relations could also be largely developed on similar lines.

The Manufacturers' Association and the Grain Growers' Association, two bodies which have hitherto been bitter political enemies, sent a united deputation to Sir Robert Borden asking for the appointment of a Commission on the increase of the agricultural output of Canada in order to help the Mother Country during the war. Sir Robert Borden promised the -Government's assistance.

THE REINFORCEMENTS.

BATCH FROM DUNEDIN.

Press Association.

DUNEDIN, November 26

A further batch of reinforcements left for Trentham this morning. These included several 'Varsity men, who were enthusiastically fare welled by a strong force of fellow-students.

FOOD FOR BRITAIN AND BELGIUM FUND.

The following is the list of contributors to the Darfield Committee of the Fund for the Relief of the Poor of -Great Britain, Ireland, and Belgium:— Mr H. A. Knight £SO, Saleyards Company £25, W. F. Clinton £2O, P. J. McSweney £1 1/-, John Dunne £1 1/-, J. W. Breen 5/-, Geo. Cridge, jun., £1 1/-, H. Knapp 5/-, J. and G. Donald £l, H. and A. McClelland 10/-, J. Kavanagh 5/-, D. Hannant 5/-, Dr J. Simpson £5, G. W_, Broughton £5, H. McLeman £l, H. Thompson £l, J. Narbey £l, G. Butler.s/-, C. Read 2/6, W. Sanson £l, D. Mcllraith 10/-, Jas. Manson £l, Donar 5/-, W. E. Willsteed £2, T. Clinton 5/-, R. Pascoe 10/-, J. Salvidge 10/-, Rl Ryan 5/-, A. Pascoe 10/-, Widow 5/-, T. Bull 2/6, A. G. Holland 5/-, Cooper 10/-, A.W.W. £1 1/, W. Barrel £l, F. Boland 5/-, W. J. Gibbs 10/-, Jordan 10/-, Kini 5/-, H. Reed £2 2/-, D. Anderson £l, R. Grant 10/-, J. Painter 4/-, G. E. Thompson 10/-, Lancashire Lad £l, W. West £l, Anon 10/-, Sliepperd 10/-, R.W. 10/-, W. Broomfield 5/-, Miss Broomfield 10/.-, Miss Newsome 10/-, Miss Bennie 5/-, W.W.B. 2/6, D.G.B. 2/6, D. Mulholland £lO, D. Gillanders £lO, Bruere v £l, Mrs Ellis £l, Margaret Reid 2/6, James Hector Reid 2/6, Robert Reid, jun., 2/6, T. Henry £l, P. Hannant 10/-, Joshua Hannant 5/-, P. Morrison (potatoes) £1 10/-, Rev. Keen (honey) 13/6, Mrs Gamell 2/6, Mr Gamell 5/-, Rev. Fanning £5, W. Lattimore £3, Reid Bros, (wheat) £4 8/-, D. Hawke (oats) £1 5/-, Tennis Club £2 2/-, C. Jarman (dance) £9, Roman Catholic Church (special collection) £8 3/6, proceeds of concert £23 10/4. Sale of flags.—To A. A. Knight £lO, W. F. Clinton £lO, J. O. Red?ern £7, Darfield Football Club £6 6/-,.A. Holms £5 10/-, J. Narbey £5 10/-, P. Morrison 10/-, total £BO 6/4. BLANKET FUND.

Mrs Knight £lf Miss Knight 10/-, Mrs Valentine £l, Mrs McLeman £l, Mrs Gillanders £2, Miss Berg 4/6, Mrs Simpson £2 2/-, Mrs Eedfern £2 2/-, Miss Mulholland £2, Mrs Willsteed 10/-, Miss F. Smith 10/-, Mrs Ellis 10/-, Mrs Calder 10/-, Mrs Holmes £2, Mrs B. Reid £l, Mrs J. Reid £l, Mrs Keen £l, Miss O. Boland 7/6, Mrs Holland 5/-, Miss Miller 5/-, Mrs T. McCausland 5/-, ,Mr A. McCausland 5/-, Mr P. Hannan 5/-, Mrs Jarman £3, Horneby £2 10/-, "Nesslea" (2 sheep) £1 15/-, S. E. Gough 10/-, I). Higgins £1 1/-, J. Hutton £1 1/-, R. Tickell 5/-, Samuel Poynty 10/-, Harold Winwood 10/-, Thomas Cunningham 10/-; total £3lO 1/4. THE AST UNION. It will not be long now before the drawing takes place for the British and Belgian Art Union. It is the intention of the committee to call in the money, blocks, and unsold books at the end of this month. Then they intend to make a special effort to sell any tickets remaining over, in order to draw the art union before Christmas Day. Further gifts of valuable prizes have been generously donated, and are all on view at Mr Charles Clark's rooms in Hereford Street. The valuable gold chiming stop-watch,' one of the gems of the collection, and the sapphire and diamond scarf-pin, are to be seen at Petersen's, High Street.

TOBACCO FOR 4 SOLDIERS AND SAILORS. To tho Editor of THE SUN. Sir, —Enclosed'' with tho last issue of tho "Overseas Daily Mail," to hand last week-, was a collecting list for the "Tobacco Fund for British Soldiers and Sailors at the Front." This fund will, I am sure, appeal to many others as strongly as it does to myself, as being well worthy of support. Every 1/- contributed provides a 2/9 gift parcel for one of our men at the front, and tho parcel contains £lb of smoking mixture, 50 cigarettes, and a box of matches. Further, every parcel is a personal gift, because the name and address of each subscriber are written on it. This fund is being administered by the well-known London "Daily