OTAGO'S TROOPS.

Evening Star, Issue 15600, 17 September 1914, Page 3

OTAGO'S TROOPS.

CIVIC SEND-OFF. An immense concourse of people assembler] at Tahuna Park yesterday afternoon on the occasion of the civic send-off tendered to the Otago section of the Ex- | peditiouary Force. All extra tramcars available "were rim as a special service in conjunction with the ordinary service, and even thia proved inadequate to cope with the traffic from the City outwards. The special cars were run via St. Kilda, and returned to the Pest Office via, Anderson Bay. The footpaths on both these routes leading to the park were used by many who had failed to be accommodated by the cars, and by others who preferred to walk. The scene at Tahuna Park was an animated one. The Expeditionary Force was drawn up in the grand stand enclosure, and those in possession of invitation cards occupied the grand stand, the seating accommodation of which was fully occupied. The general public were free to roam at will over every part of the ground, the majority crowding up as close as possible to the enclosure. The speeches were of a patriotic nature, were attentively listened to, and were punctuated with occasional displays of patriotic fervor. The troops were massed "very promptly, ' and complimentary remarks were freely expressed regarding the eoldierly appearance of those who a few short weeks aigo were entirely ignorant of military drill and discipline. The officers and instructors are to be congratulated- on the very excellent progress the men have made. The smart manner in which the men came to attention, minus any order, when the band struck np the National Anthem was worthy of "Tommy Atkins." In addition to the addresses reported in last night's issue of the ' Star,' Mr C. .Darling was also called upon by His Worship the Mayor to deliver a short address. Mr Darling said he took it that the meaning of that great -gathering marked a unique epoch in'the history of this common Empire to which we belonged. We is an Empire had passed through great :-rises in the past with unvarying success, nut the present one had been described as being as unparalleled in the history of the world as perhaps that in which our forefathers, some hundred years ago, had engaged in "putting down the despotism and aim of that great military genius Napoleon, who aimed at acquiring supremacy in Europe. That attempt at dictatorship and over-lordship had been put dovn by Nelson on the sea and by Wellington on the land. It was through the efforts and self-sacrifice of the Mother Land, from which we had sprung, that Britain had been enabled to devote herself for the succeeding- hundred years in huilrlinjc up the Empire, and that New Zealand had been built up and brought forward to its present position. But today there had ariseu even greater dangers than those of the past. He referred td the dictatorship and over-lordship of William 11. of Germany, which had not been attempted or surpassed even by the great Napoleon. The Kaiser had for years past called upon the German nation to devote j ail its inventive faculties and its material wealth to perfecting a, machine with which to butcher fellow-creatures, in order that the sword of empire and William 11. might arise supreme, lord over all. We >s an Empire protested against this act jf the German Emperor, even unto the shedding of blood, and there were those imongst us who said that the British empire must rise and resist with the iword. Mr Zangwiil, the famous writer, lad said that there -vas no other reason kw Great Britain holding one-fourth of be globe but the sword. He (the ipeaker) ventured to assert that if it ivas the sword upon which the British Empire rested, it would not last many years. The Empire's methods of government and the treatment of her subjects were the admiration of other nations. So long as Britain stands for liberty, justice, fair play, and righteousness, so long will she last, irrespective of the sword. (Applause.) But the Empire has shed her blood, and shed it willingly, in defence of these principles. The troops from the Dominion were going forth to share in tSis crreat work of Empire-building—it was their privilege and honor to do so. It was indeed a,privilege for one to be able to place his services at the disposal of his King and country. (Cheers.) Captain Fleming called for three cheers for the Mayor and Patriotic Committee, and was heartily responded to by the troops. The men were also heartily cheered.

PATRIOTIC ASSOCIATION. COMFORTS AND MONEY FOR THE MEN. The following communication, which has been forwarded by the Mayor (Mr J. B. Shacklock) to the responsible officers at Tahuna Park encampment, explains itself : Lieutenant-colonel Bauchop. Lieutenant- ! colonel M'Donald, Officers and Men of the Otago and Southland Battalion of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, —I am requested by the executive of the Otago Patriotic and General Welfare Association to inform you that, in common with other kindred associations, we have attempted in a small degree to do what lay within our power to mark our intense gratification and appreciation of what you are about to undertake on behalf'of our Empire and those whom we represent. Wo have placed on board your transports many cases of comforts, freely given by your many friends and well-wishers. These gifts will he distributed by your commanding officers, who hold a complete inventory of same. Sums of money have been donated for use on behalf of the N.C.O.s and men of the battalionss while on active service Other sums have been placed in the hands of the New Zealand Contingent Association, London (of which our late Governor, Lord Plunket, is chairman), to bo used on your behalf for temporary and urgent, necessity should such arise. You should understand this now in order that you may know to whom to apply should you be in need of assistance. Further sums" have been remitted to London for the purchase of certain military 1 necessities (Mchghsses, compasses, and clasp knives) not provided by the Defence authorities, and nnprocurahle in New Zealand. These, we hope, will be ready upon your arrival to the order of your officers commanding, and will be the property of the battalions. We have set up committees to look after any of your dependents who may require friendship or_ assistance, and to convey to. or from, or "of you any information which may be entrusted to us, or in anv way to assist you or yours. The ladies of Otago have shown us all how to work for our Empire's needs by the magnificent manner in which they have provided your kits with very many essentials. As in olden days the women buckled on the swords and armor of their men folk, so to-dav heave our women sent you forth equipped, not onlv with creature comforts, but- with a full knowledge that you have their heartfelt pond wishes for honorable success and return. We commend you to the exorcise of your duties. Be soldiers, men, and at all times irentlemen. We wish vou Gnd-sneed.—J. B. Shacklock. Provident of the Otago Patriotic and General Welfare Association. SWIMMING CARNIVAL. A swimming carnival organised by the members of the St. Clair Life-saving Club was held in the Municipal Baths last evening under the leadership of Captain J. M. O'Dwyer. Mr W. Downie Stewart briefly explained the objects of the carnival, and stated that the proceeds were to be handed over to the patriotic fund. The programme comprised a number of novelty events. The Citizens' Band were in attendance, and supplied some very enjoyable music. A life-saving exhibition was given by two teams under the direction of Messrs Roberts and O'Hara, who demonstrated how easily a rescue could be effected by a trained swimmer. A display followed, in which the rescuers showed the most approved methods to be adopted to restore the apparently drowned. High diving, greasy pole walking, Roman rings display, and other items were included in the programme, and the varions events were competed for with commendable promptitude, thanks to the executive, whose members carried out their duties in a very commendable manner. Following is the list of successful competitors: Cork scramble—Turner 1, D. Strnnach 2; high diving—James 1, C. R. Roberts 2; cizar and umbrella race—C. F. Roberts 1, Herbert 2; threading the needle race—T. Dawson 1. C. S. Roberts 2; girls' raceMiss _T. .Miller 1, Miss Rose Gardham 2; handicap swim—R. Wheeley 1, R. Jones 2.

ENTERTAINMENT AT ALL SAINTS' There was a big attendance at All Saints' Schoolroom last evening, when a dramatic ami musical entertainment was given in aid of the patriotic fund. Tho programme was an excellent one, and every item that was given was thoroughly enjoyed. All the performers acquitted themselves creditably, and as a consequence there was keen and insistent demand for encores. Songs were contributed by Miss James. Miss Nellie Taylor, Miss Sophie Vivian, Mr Lawson, Mr Strang, and Mr F. Hall. Master Ralph Vivian gave a humorous monologue, and Miss T. Mnzengarb a recitation. Masters Leslie and Jack West plaved a flute duet, giving as an encore 'The Red, White, and Blue' and 'Rule Britannia.' The characters of a comedietta entitled 'A Happy Pair' were impersonated by Miss Divers and Mr Lawson. The dramatis persona? of the other comedietta, ' The Crystal Gazer,' were Madame La Sorciene, Miss Bessy Blank, and Fi-Fi. Miss Queenie Foster was accompanist. At the conclusion of the entertainment the Dean called for a vote of thanks for the performers, which was carried by acclamation. A verse of the National Anthem was then sung. FAREWELL TO PAINTERS. On Monday evening, at the Trades Hall, Moray place, the officers and members of the. Dunedin Painters' Industrial Union of Workers entertained the members who were leaving to serve in the Expeditionary Forces—namely, Lieutenant C. T. Woodfield, Troopers N. Caddie, D. S. Farquharson (band). G. Gray, W. Jones, R. G. Leeden, G. M'lntosh, F. J. Parkin, J. Power, H. Thomson, and A. E. Wood. President D. S. Farquharson, sen., proposed the toast "Our King." "Our Guests —the Members of the Expeditionary Force" was proposed by Mr R. Breen, and " The Army, Navy, and Territorial Forces" by Mr \V. Boenicke. Songs were rendered by R. M'Pherson, T. Johns, W. G. Stanley, N. Caddie, W. Boenicke, J. Parkinson, R. G. Leeden, W. Ranger; recitation by Mr A. Mason; cornet solo by Mr Wil'ers; duet, cornet and fltigel horn, by Messrs Willers and D. S. Farquharson, jun. Refreshments were served round during the evening, all apparently enjoying themselves. All wished the members of the force God-speed and a. safe return home. AN AMERICAN VIEW. IX FAVOR OF BRITAIN. In an interview with a representative of the New York ' Evening Post' on 3rd August (the day before war broke out between Britain and Germany), Admiral Mahan, who was in command of the American fleet which visited Auckland a few years ago, declared that England must at once throw her preponderating fleet against Germany for the one chief purpose of maintaining her own position as a world Power. For England, he said, it was a question, if she remained out of the war, of sacrificing her in the next generation to the interest of this generation. " Great Britain, as the third member of the Entente," he said, "finds herself in the position of Prussia in 1805, when she permitted Napoleon to strike down Austria unaided, and was herself struck down the following year at Jena. Or of that of France in 1866, when she stood by while Prussia crushed Austria and was herself overwhelmed in 1870. Germany's procedure is td overwhelm at once by concentrated preparation and impetuous momentum. If she fail in this she is less able to sustain prolonged aggression, as was indicated in the Franco-Prussian War during and after siege'of Paris." Admiral Mahan regards the present war as one of calculated: aggressiveness bv Germany, and an inexcusable act. He ventured the opinion that the absence of the German Emperor from Berlin at the time of the Austrian ultimatum to Servia was an act cleverly designed to deceive. The Admiral also, gave several important opinions upon the probable naval strategy of the naval Powers of the nation.