”OUR CONTEMPTIBLE LITTLE ARMY.”

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXIX, Issue 3741, 3 October 1914, Page 5

”OUR CONTEMPTIBLE LITTLE ARMY.”

KAISER WANTS IT EXTERMINATED. AN ORDER TO HIS TROOPS. “CONCENTR ATE YOUR ENERGIES ON THE SINGLE PURPOSE.” LONDON, Oct, 1. The following order has been issued by the Kaiser to his army:— “Aix-la-Chapelle, August 19.—My “Royal Imperial command to you is ‘ ‘to concentrate your energies for “the present on one single purpose. ‘ ‘Address all skill and valor to exterminate the treacherous English. “Walk over General French’s contemptible little army.” SAVED FROM AN AMBUSH FRENCH REINFORCEMENTS’ ESCAPE. HEROIC BRITISH CYCLISTS. PARIS, Oct. 1. ' French wounded narrate that during the battle of the Aisne it became necessary to warn French reinforcements of an ambush. Two Frenchmen who were signallmg them were killed. A British cyclist dashed forward, and was shot.' Another following was shot. , . A third, who went at full speed across the inferno, reached the trench untouched. „ .. The commander took from his own tunic a medal won for bravery, and pinning it on the cyclist’s breast, said, “It was given me for saving one life; you have saved hundreds. 5 A German commandant’s letter has been found in which it is stated: Me are marching gloriously and irresistibly to Paris. We would have preferred resistance on entering 1 ans as conquerors, instead of a mere parade, but- French valor has otherwise. In, a- week’s time we shall be drinking boor on the boulevards. ’ A French bullet brought the commandant’s march to an abrupt ending. _ The Germans on Sundav mommg gained ground, then _ the I 1 rench brought up many quick-firers and checked the advance. . The enemy kept up their, effort gamely, but had clearly failed on Tuesday afternoon. At this time no French battery was within a mile of Albert, but- to the astonishment of the French gunners the Germans began systematically shelling Albert, an open, undefended town of 8000 inhabitants. The town collapsed like a house of cards, and was soon a burning ruin. Meantime the roads were crowded with women and babies, some of the women, aged and too feeble to walk, being trundled in barrows. The German revenge for the reverse was complete. The fight proceeding on the region of the Allies’ left resembles a Paardeberg. There are 3500 Germans in the same plight as General Cronje: not in a river bed like the latter, but in. quarries. The French trooos have completely surrounded, and are shelling them in order to compel their surrender.

THE WAR DOCS.

A FRENCH TEAM IN ACTION

WOUNDED FRENCHMAN’S WELCOME EXPERIENCE.

LONDON, Oct, 1. A wounded Frenchman lying on the Marne battlefield was surprised at receiving a wet caress' on his face. It prove<T to be the regimental pet dog, trained t-o carry kepis (military caps) of the wounded back to iheadquarters. He wrote a note and put it in the kepi and the dog returned, guiding the ambulance. The dog goes to the firing line when the fighting is hot, digs a ho’e and buries himself. BRITISH CHEERFULNESS BADEN-POWELL ON THE TOMMY “WE MUST BE READY.’’ LONDON, Ocb. 1. General Baden-Powell, in a speech at the Lord Mayoral function, said the opposing armies were fighting with courage, common-sense, and cunning. The British Tommies had a fourth qualification, cheerfulness.

“The Germans,” said General BadenPowell, “find a long way to Tipperary,- and probab’y will make, a desper-ate-effort toinvadeßritain. ; - ■ We must be ready.” V- .: ; -.-.". y ' ■ •;

LONGEST BATTLE IN HISTORY. PROSPECT OF ALLIES’ SUCCESS. GERMANS’ EXTREME FATIGUE. (Received Octooer 2, 5.20 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 1. Alsace remains quiet, the people realising that any attempt to sympathise openly with, the French will be ruthlessly crushed. “The Times’ ” correspondent in Paris says there’s a continuance of hope of the approaching success of the Allies in the* longest-battle in the history of the world. Captured Germans show signs ol extreme fatigue and privation. They are bootless and their clothes are torn to pieces. Though German reinforcements have arrived, their qualities are doubtful. 011 the contrary the French are fighting with - renewed spirits and temper, and are more warlike and more effective than a fortnight age. The decisive hour cannot be long delayed. A feature of the fighting on the Aisne is that the Germans content themselves with an artillery duel in daylight, but with astounding regularity make night attacks.

When dusk falls the British’ fire ceases and the Germans, having .marked down the trenches, send battalion. after battalion straight at them. The nights being clear, the Germans crossing the crest of the hill in close formation show against the skyline. The British allow them to approach well within range and then mow them down, with machine gun and rifles. The advance thus quickly collapses and the British get a night’s rest.. ACTIVITY AT ALDERSHOT LORD KITCHENER’S NEW ARMY. A STIRRING SCENE.

LONDON, Oct. 1. A proclamation has been issued stating that it is desirable and in the best interest of the realm at tihe present juncture that all persons who can discharge their liabilities should do so without delay. The proclamation announces the extension of the partial moratorium regarding bills, giving fourteen days’ or a month’s grace. A decree lias been gazetted proliibiting the importation of sugar from Germany or Austria, Aldershot is the centre of a vast series of camps. Over 120,000 troops are in the vicinity drilling for miles in open spaces along the roads. The canvas town stretches far out into tike fields.

The whole valley is a Government workshop, turning out new regiments while you wait. The willingness to learn and enthusiasm of all classes are magnificent. The townsfolk are bewildered at the business boom. The thoroughfares at nightfall suggest Klondyke or Kalgoorlie in gold-rush times. Lord Kitchener’s new army is taking shape with equal celerity in other parts of the United Kingdom. One effect of the war is that the Lord Mayor’s show has been abandoned. DUTCH NEUTRALITY. SAFEGUARDED IN JAVA. SYDNEY, Oct, 1. By the steamer Tasman it is learned that the Dutch in Java have made preparations to maintain neutrality. Troops have been mobilised and several warships placed in readiness. Ten big German steamers are sheltering at Batavia. GERMAN WIRELESS SYSTEM. CAROLINE ISLANDS STATION DESTROYED. SYDNEY, Oct. 1. Reports have been received that British cruisers destroyed the German Government wire’ess station at Yap, in the Caroline Islands. After- warning the operators, the cruisers bombarded the station, completely demolishing it. The station was an important link in the German chain of communication in the Far East. RESUMPTION OF CODE CABLES. MILITARY AUTHORITIES TO BE CONSULTED (Received October 3. 12.40 a.m.) LONDON. October 1. Mr McKenna. Home Secretary, promised a commercial deputation that lie would consult the military authorities regarding the re-introduction of code cables. THE MAORI CONTINGENT.

FINAL SELECTION MADE YESTERDAY.

A SPLENDID BODY OF MEN.

The Garrison Hall was a scene of activity yesterday, when the final selection was made of the Gisborne section (16 men) of the Maori Contingent to proceed to the front. There was no lack .of volunteers, magnificent stamps of men, in some cases standing as high as 6ft 6in. and weighing as much as 16 stone, without an ounce of fat upon their bodies pressing forward eager to be selected to go anywhere and fight anybody for King and Empire. It was quite pathetic to see the look of disappointment which came over the faces of these young giants when told that the weight limit was 12 stone, and that no one over that weight could be selected. Dr. Chas. F. Scott, the medical examiner, who"had a busy time throughout the day, looking the candidates over, declared that, it was a positive sin to have to reject some of the magnificent stamps of manhood offering for the simple reason that they were over the weight limit set. The original selection was made by Lady Carroll andi Messrs Rawiri Karaka, W. E. Goffe and E. E. D. HarSer arid the final selection by Dr. cott. THE TEAM SELECTED. Dr. Scott eventually ricked up the following seventeen, all of whom are fine stamps of men, with ages ranging from 25 to 29. f Piana Pere (Waihihere), Wiremu Haeata Rangi (Tolago Bay), Autene Kaipara (Gisborne), Rimu Kara (Muriwai), Hone Morete (Te Karaka), Herbert Bartlett. (Muriwai), Tiara Paputene (Otoko), Arona McGregor (Te Rau College), Hoera Ranginui (Puha>, Whare Mills (Gisborne), William Halbert (Rakauroa), Rua Pereto (Whatatutu), Heldera Tautuhi (Gisborne), John Morgan (Muriwai), Rawiri Grant Waerena-a-riika), ParepeiWharangi (Wainui), Ra Wairau (Muriwi). It was originally intended that the East Coast section of the Maori contingent would proceed to Napier by to-inorrow night’s steamer, but word has now been received that the moil will not leave until October 21. To • show the keoness of the Maori race to fight the enemies of the King, it need' only be said that among the volunteers who applied yesterday were a number of wanines. A number of these actually wanted to go m the firing line, and were highly indignant when they 'were .refused simply because they wore petticoats. Another wanted to go as cook. Sir James Carroll and the Hon. Mr, A. T. Ngata are expected to arrive, from the South to-morrow morning, arid will inspect the Gisborne section. It is intended to give the men a fitvting: Aerid-off -before they leave, and one of- the principal L -hall s in .town will b<> engaged for the, occasion;-: ;