The Press. FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 1914. New Zealand Patriotism.

Press, Volume L, Issue 15040, 7 August 1914, Page 8

The Press. FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 1914. New Zealand Patriotism.

jvo ono €Ter doubted that New Zea J landers. tcotiM bo only too , eager .to offer their eorrices in defence of the Empire, should tho occasion present itself, but the spontaneous display of patriotic enthusiasm -which has already manifested itself bids fair to eclipse tho whole-hearted' devotion, to tho Motherland shown during the Boer war. Everyono is anxious to do something, and so, in addition, to requests for enrolment in tho Expeditionary Foroo, offers are pouring upon the Government of contributions in- kind, from■ motorcars to cairier pigeons, and from horses to aeroplanes.- So far as iho Erpoditionaxy tlie difficulty W.io' selection from tfae^.feflsr , Tfl»«>t*iers : nrho are 'offerinfi

their eervicos. We are "uito satisfied that the force will be e>uch as will do credit to Xew Zealand in every respect. The material available is unsurpassed in the world; the training and discipline are better thon ever before in our history; and, what is of great importance, both tho organisation'and equipment are now arrarigoJ on the Imperial model, so that the Contingont can at onco tako its place jn the field as an integral part of tho British Army. Wo were proud of our men who went to South Africa- Their gallant deeds trill live in our history as long as it continues to bo Tead cr taught in our schools. The present expedition is being formed at a more supreme crisis of + v ~ Fmpire, and we have every confidence that it will add fresh lustre to the reputat.iou which Xetr Zcalanders havo gained throughout the whole world for their pluck and prowess in the field, from tho days of the Maori wars onwards, and it is not tho least gratifying feature of this great historic occasion that tho Maoris, our fellow-sub-jects, aro as patriotic as we are in their devotion to King and Empire, and ju<c as willing to lay down their lives in tho cause.