EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume IV, Issue 203, 12 August 1914, Page 5

EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

AFLOAT IN WELLINGTON BARBOIR. FIND INCREASING £>(»,9<M) A DAY. [BV TELEGRAPH-- SPECIAL.) Wellington. Aug. 12. The Prime Minister, in speaking at a patriotic meeting last night, said that contributions to New Zealand's Empire Fund were coming in at the rate of £lO.OOO a day, and that he believed .1 total of £ 1 (Xi.tMM) would he raised. He said that it was (he ambition of the Government that N<w Zealand should he the first of the overseas dominions to get a L.rcr away. “We have between 12,(.h»0 ( ,'120(>) and 13,000 ( (1300) men alioat in Wellington harbour tonight.” he said. “1 cannot say when they are going, but 1 hope we will be the first Dominion to get. troops away. VOLF WEEKS ~NDF.R AGE.. PARENTS GREATLY CONCERNED. The fact that a number of youths under twenty years of age have been accepted for service in the. Expeditionary Foret* was brought under the notice of the Minister for Defence yesterday by Mr. Buick, who said that the matter was occasioning a gnat deal of concern tn the parents of the youths concerned. Mr. Russell naked whether birth <■< ri im-.-o-*, v. ere being asked for. Mr. Allen said that he did not think certificates had been procured in repaid to the advance guard, hut in regard to further sections of the force certificates would be asked for.

In a question put yesterday afternoon, Mr. Buddo asked if the Prime Minister had heard a report to the effect that one cf the banks had refused leave of absence to members of its staff who were taking up military duties > Several members : V» Inch bank ? Name. Name. Mr. Buddo : I will not give the name just now. The Minister for Defence said the Government had heard the nimoar and was now inquiring into it. As tiie report might.not be correct, it would be unfair ‘o give the name of the bank. Mr. Massey : I can only repeat that inquiries are being made into the matter, bm it is only fair to say that the bank in question is not the Bank of New Zealand. ■ DATE OF SAILING NOT FIXED.

Wellington Aug. 11. Although the date or time of departure of the first section of New Zealand’s “advance guard’’ of the expeditionary force is not known, the work of preparation goes on in a hurried, but orderly manner, and the Buckle street Drill Hall is one of J.he busiest spots within the city. The hall is constantly full of waiting contingenters and friends saying goodbve, while many men continue co push forward for enlistment in succeeding troops. Quite apart from the present Territorials, over a thousand ex-cont ingen tecs and others who have seen service have volunteered here for the front, and there is no end yet in sigh; cf the stream of men offering. MARCH THROUGH WELLINGTON. [BT TElvCßinn SPFCT»T. 1 "Wellington, Aug. 12. The members of the advance guard of the Expeditionary Force marched through the streets of the city to-day. Despite a heavy fall of rain a large number of people turned out to witness the display. The men marched in fours, with two haritls playing and made an impressive show. [PER PRFSS ASSOCIATION.] Wellington, Aug. 12. An inspiring sight was viewed in the city streets just before midday when the advance detachment of the Expeditionary Force marched with full equipment, accompanied by three bands, nurses and field ambulance corps. The object of the march or when the troops are leaving or their possible destination is still un-j publishable by request. AUCKLAND CONTINGENTS. Auckland, Aug. 11. About 1500 of the men selected for < the Expeditionary Force have gone into camp at Alexandra Paik. and the selection of the remainder is pro-! ceeding rapidly. i Wellington, Aug. 11. i The special troop train from’ Auckland arrived at Wellington at! half-past eleven to day. As the train! steamed in there w;as considerable singing and “hurrahing” by the men aboard. CANTERBURY MEN. Christchurch, Aug. 11. Both the Canterbury infantry and.! mounted men are now up to strength ■ The full number was not taken from the Territorials, and a call was made upon outside volunteers. There was I practically no difficulty in getting sufficient numbers, and the officers volunteering were far in excess of requirements. 4COO OFFER THEIR SERVICES. Palmerston N., Aug. 12. Nearly 4000 officers and men of the Wellington military district had offered by this morning. HAWERA CONTINGENT. Hawera; Aug. 12. A second contingent for the Expeditionary Force left Hawera last night and the men were’ given a hearty send-off.