LACK OF NEWS.

Press, Volume LI, Issue 15269, 4 May 1915, Page 7

LACK OF NEWS.

STATEMENT BY PRIME MINISTER. ARRANGEMENTS FOR NOTIFYING CASUALTIES. (sr_ciA_ TO "the press.") WELLINGTON. May 3. Speaking to a reporter this afternoon, tho Prime Minister said: 'You can assure tho public that no news has come through with which they havo not been made acquainted, and I deprecate, tho mischievous rumours which havo been put in circulation. Wo have asked for full information, and tho moment it comes it will be made public. In any case, wo have to remember tho difficulties in the way of getting reliable information at a long distance from the base, and also th-j fact that there is a big difference in timo between New Zealand and the Dardanelles.'' As considerable anxiety exists regarding the casualties that jaay have occurred in tho New Zealand Expeditionary Force at the Dardanelles, the Defence authorities have taken spe-

cial steps to have them announced whenever advices aro received. Under the system adopted all official casualty messages will come direct to the Defence Headquarters, Wellington, ■••hon tho nest of kin will bo immediately turned up on the Department-; li>ts and telegraphic advice sent on to them forthwith. After the lapse of half an hour from the time of tho despatch of tho messages to tho next of kin tho casualty lists will be'forwarded to tho Press and the public advised oi tL*<*:r contents. Tho Press Association in tn-n will send out tho lists all over New Zealand. This system will be strictly adhered to, and tho public are warr-ecl not to believo reports from any other •sources.