EMPIRE OUTPOSTS.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume IV, Issue 210, 20 August 1914, Page 5

EMPIRE OUTPOSTS.

CANADA., LOYAL TO THE CORE. WAR VOTE £10,000,900. (Received 20, 9.0 a.m.) Ottawa, Aug. 19. The Duke of Connaught, in opening an extraordinary session of Parliament, said a remarkable outburst of loyalty to the Crown and Empire had been shown throughout the Dominion since war broke out. Every city, every province, vied with each other to do its utmost in response to the call to duty. Such united action to repel common foes, could not fail to bind His 'Majesty’s Dominions closer in the enjoyment of the blessings of British liberty. The Borden Government has asked the House of Commons to sanction a war vote of £10,000,000, raisable by loan. The House is certain to unanimously agree. SOUTH AFRICA. BRITISHER IMPRISONED. (Received 20, 11.25 a.in.) London, Aug. 19. Reuter’s Capetown correspondent states that the Germans are alleged to have imprisoned Mr. Scotland, manager of the South African Territories, for endeavourjng to instigate the Berseba Hottentots to rise against the Germans.

AUSTRALIA. NOTES FROM THE STATES. Sydney, Aug. 19. The New Zealand and Australian Land Company has donated 200 horses to the Expeditionary Forces. The Australian Jockey Club re solved to donate £lO.OOO for patriotic purposes in any part of the Empire. (Received 20, 10.40 a.m.) Tattersall’s Chib has donated £l5OO to the patriotic fund. (Received 20, 9.55 a.m.) Sydney, Aug. 20. The Assembly has passed Bills providing’ for the amalgamation of the various patriotic funds. A Jlill giving the Government power to pro claim a moratorium, also a measure to deal with withdrawals from the savings banks, if the need arose, was carried. The Bill providing against the inflation of prices of necessary commodities was passed through Committee. *

Regarding the moratorium and the savings banks. Mr. W. A. Holman explained that he hoped legislation would not be required, but it was better to be prepared for possible contingencies. Arrangements are being made to keep the Broken Hill mines going on shortened time in order to relieve distress. Melbourne. Aug. 19. Mt. Millen states that no more married men will bo taken with the Expeditionary Forces. Applications from single men only are required. (Received 20. 10.15 a.m.) Great and enthusiastic crowds watched the march of Victoria’s contingent to the Expeditionary Force through the streets. (Received 20, 10.40 a.m.) The Tramway Company has donated £3OOO. The Lore! Mayor’s fund has now reached £56.000. Perth, Aug. 19. The. Legislative Assembly passed a Bill regulating the prices of food stuffs. Brisbane, Aug. 19. The New Caledonia cable is inter rupted. (Receieved 20, 9.55 a.m.) Adelaide. Aug. 20. The Assembly adopted Bills proclaiming a limited mortorium, cover ing mortgages, and purchases of land and providing collection of informa tion on foodstuffs supplied.

WAR FINANCE. WHAT THE CONFLICT COSTS. OVER 4.} MILLIONS A DAY. (Received 20, 9.0 a-m.) London, Aug. 19. Military writers agree that 8,500,000 men are under arms in Europe and 340,000 seamen. Durtug the Balkan war the mobilisation cost 10'- per man daily, which means £1,400,000 daily, but this is short of the mark, because it does imt take into account I he-cost of maiiiten ance of arms and fleets.

COMMERCECARRIERS. HAMBURG-AMERIKA LOSSES. THROUGH THE KAISER S MADNESS. London, Aug. 18. It is calculated that owing to the war the Hamburg-Amerika line will lose 260 steamers valued at twentytwo millions sterling. AMERICA’S GAIN. NEW LEVEL 6f"PROSPERITY. (Received 20, 8.30 a.m.) New York, Aug. 18. Shipping interests are endeavouring to purchase the German and Austrian ships now compelled to take shelter in New York and Boston. The United States has asked the Allies whether they will refund such purchase as it means tire neutralising of German ships. No reply has been received. Mr. Jas. W. Hill, the railroad king, thinks as the result of the war that America will reach a new level of prosperity. FRENCH SERVICES RESUMED. (Received 20, 10.10 a.m.) Sydney, Aug. 20. It is notified that French mail steamers are resuming their running. GERMAN "CARGOES IN AUSTRALIA. (Received 20. 10.15 a.m.) Melbourne. Aug. 20. The Federal Government is adopting a modification as regards general telegrams but there is no relaxing of those conveying information of ihe movements of shipping or military and naval news. Arrangements arc being made for discharging the cargoes of detained German vessels. GERMAN WIRELESS INTERCEPTED. Auckland, Aug. 20. The Talune arrived from Ruratonga this morning. Two days ago she says she intercepted wireless calls in a code from a lung distance, believed to be German, but this appears to be pure conjecture.

FOODSTUFFS AND MERCHANDISE. .DEMAND FOR COAL. Owing Io the unusugl demands being made now for steam coal lor Empire defence purposes supplies for a few weeks will be short. There are sufficient supplies of firewood for household purposes, and it is expected that the coal supply will overtake the demand very soon ' after the troopships leave. It is stated that the West port miners refused to arced to a request to work on “pay Saturday” in order to meet the special demand. FINANCE AND TRADE. SILVER SHIPMENTS TO LONDON. (Received 20. 9.0 a.m.) New York, Aug. 19. Large silver shipments have been made from the United States co London recently. The ship Philadelphia carried 1,000.000 ounces. FROZEN MEAT 1-0 R THE ARMY. HOLDERS’ PATRIOTIC SACRIFICE. (Received 20, 9.20 a.m.) ' London. Aug. 19. The “Financial Times” declares holders of large stocks of frozen ' meat rejected specula tors’ offers and allowed Government the first pick at a reasonable figure. The result was that Government is able to provide on satisfactory terms for the maintenance of a huge Territorial Army for a considerable time, with the prospect of securing additional consignments as they arrive. THE PRODUCE MARKET. (Received 20, 1.35 p.m.) London, Aug. 19. Dairy produce is easier all round ' and plentiful supplies arc airiving from Denmark. 54.000 casks of butter arrived during the last ven days anti another 20.000 are due next week. Danish butter is quoted at 125 - to 135 -: colonial nominally at 120 -to 130 -; Canadian cheese is at. 70 -, and New Zealand at 72 -. Danish bacon is offering at 75;-. MORTGAGE EXTENSION ACT. [BY TELEGRAPH —SPECIAL.] Wellington, Aug. 19. Complaints are being made that people arc new unwilling to lend money on mortgage, because, under the new Mortgage Extension Act, mortgagees arc not given enough security, it is explained that chi. bill was not framed to facilitate borrowing but to protect from disaster those who have already borrowed and who have mortgages falling due. The important point in the Act is that extending mortgages, and it is safe to say that as the Act will remain in lore-.' only while the wai lasts it will not extend ihe currency of mortgages given now. EXPEDITIONARY FORCE. HOME DEFENCE. STATEMENT BY MR. ALLEN. ( PEJI PRESS ASSOCIATION.] ' Wellington. Aug. 19.

In a statement made to a reporter, the Hon. James Allen. Minister tqV Defence, said lie did not think it. would be necessary 'lO call out any more Territorials, and hoped to lc> som<‘ of those already mobilised g<> back to their homes and to work.. It all depends on cireuinstance',. ’I In' ordinary work of the defence scheme will be carried on as usual. A sui ficient staff of officers will remain; here to carry on. the system ns it has been carried on generally. At any. j rate this is what, we hope. The stalf: lias been so ananged that m>hirieiil 1 officers will be left, to carry nil sat.it- 1 i’actorily. Officers commanding dis | tricts will be appointed to replace 1 those going away. "All the country wants to b<' I t rained now. but I can’t afford to do j it. They want .a national roseric and 1 all sorts of things. It is icry jmlri ! (.tic for so many to offer their sen ices, and I value it very logthly. In | deed, I am delighted with requests 1 from both pakehas and Maoris. The, rifle club men have acted exactly as I I expected thev would act. 1 knew ( that when we want cl them they , would come forward. They are pari | of our defence scheme, and we al-1 ways expected them to answer the! call when a call was made. They have nobly respondent. Any re:ier\-l

ists belonging to the army at Home are going to England with the t:iu r ports, and some Royal Naval R< serve men, anxious to get Hume, are going as members of the crews of the troopships. 1 don’t know that there will be any training nt Home for our Expeditionary Force. I have not any official communicat ion on the subject. As far as we know they are going to the front.” THE PALMERSTON CAMP. GENERAL HEALTH EXCELLENT Palmerston N., Aug. 20. Various sections of the concentration camp march through Palmerston daily to Hokowhitu rifle range for musketry training. They present an inspiring spectacle. This morning nearly 1000 infantry accompanied by the * mounted battery passed through the square. The camp is rapidly swelling. A big contingent arrived yesterday, and another arrives to-day. The 18-pounder guns comprising the artillery section have not yet arrived. Meantime horse teams are regularly exercised. Thia is one of the most importlint sections of the local camp. Major Potter, the officer in command, says the general health so far is excellent. Recreation is well catered for hv the Y.M.C.A., the C.E.M.S.. and the Presbyterians. DRAFTS FROM VARRA S CENTRES. The F’ateenn arrived at Lyttelton yesterday with 250 troops from Nelson district, of which 100 were infantry and the remainder mounted infantry. There were also IJ4 horses. The troops left for Addington eamp during the day. Taranaki's quota for the Expeditionary Force is now complete. The last batch left by to-day’s express for Palmerston. Last night's parade at Add<igton, Christchurch, showed that 90J m-f-.ntry. 323 dk unteds and 56 ambulance men were under canvas, a total of 1283. , Between 200 and 3VO men from Foxton have gone into camp. Some of them have provided their own horses and equipment.

HASTINGS. Despite the fact that the clemonta were not too kindly disposed this morning, the patriotism of the people was not in any way damped, as a very large crowd gathered at the station to bid "Au icvoir” to the second Hawke’s Bay draft of the Expeditionary party (I ho names of whom weri' published yesterday) to go into training al Palmerston North. As the express left the station there weir' hud and enthusiastic outbursts of cheering. The men wore in fine spirits, ami looked fit and determined to do justice to the cause they are enlisted in. Yesterday, after publishing time, the staff of the “Hawke’s Bay Tribune” forgathered lor the purpose of bidding good bye to their popular reporter, Mr. F. 1.. Vickers, who left this morning to enter the earrip at Palmerston North, preparatory to proceeding to the front. Tin* editor, who spoke in high terms of praise of Mr. Vickers Stirling character and his earnest devotion to duty, presented to him, on behalf of the staff, a purse of sovereigns, as a mark uf tire esteem in which they held him. The ‘‘Tribune” Company’s contribution to Mr. Vickers takes the form of a weekly payment, extending over six months if he is absent on service for that period. The local ‘‘Press” and a number of other friends met, last night at the Grand Hotel to bid farewell t.o Mr. F. L. Vickers, reporter of tire “Tri-* bune,” on his departure for the front. Mr. Whitlock occupied the chair anil dealt at some length oh the sterling merits of the departing soldier, and was loud in his praise of the good work done by Mr. Vickers in literary matters. Mr. Ryan, of the Napier "Telegraph.” Mr. Galbraith, of tin' ‘‘Herald ” Napier, and Messrs. H. Stratton, Le Quesne, L. W. Fowler, D. McCorkindale, and others spoke in laudatory terms of Mr. Vickers in his journalistic, capacity and socially. Mr. Vickers very feelingly responded, and said a full heart prevented his lips from saying words he would )<kc to say. F" thanked the gathering to the i fullest extent for the many kind ex pressions of goodwill, and the generosity of the "Tribune” Company for their valuable assistance, also to the staff, who had helped him considerably, which had made it passible for him to get away. The proceedings terminated with the singing of "For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow” and "Auld Lang Syne.” Among the names of those contributing to the war fund which was published in yesterday’s issue were seveinl Assyrians. The Assyrians of Hastings collected £23 10 among themselves. Major Holderneus, officer commanding B Company (Hastings), accompanied ihe troops leaving Has* ; tings Ihis morning and will remain in "charge of the Hastings infantry section of the Expeditionary Force until it is despatched to the front. Prior to having the Drill Hall this morning the men of the .Hastings contingent were addressed by the Mayor. Mrs. Hurt. [(resident of tiiti Liverpool fund. Miss Luckie secretary, and several other ladies ■were present to see that the men reeeivnl their equipments. When leaving the hall, the Inn s gave three cheers for the Mnvor ami also the ladies for providing the necessary articles. A ’specimen parcel of the equipment which is bs ing issued Io the Expeditionary Furee. will lie an view at Messrs. Land and Highwnv’s 10moire,,,- morning. ’lhe parrel is a very compact mi", and does infinite credit to the 1,-’die. who are responsible.

NAPIER. The secomi'draft of the Napier Contingent left. by the mail train this morning lor Palmeiston North amid ‘■iimlnr scenes to those which mvttrrcd when tins first tit-clioti left on Monday last. When the men left the Garrison Hall it railed, ntul Ihe ski was (.verenst w'lh (Luk clouds, leit ( irry man among lhetn luniehed < ul briskly as the band struck up a pilimtic air, th"!’’ smiling fro", and buoyant uir (lo)Hiiing 1 lie i’Jooiii. \ qmnter of an hour before the trim left the sky cb-ared, and the mill shone down brighte . Three or font thousand people .assembled to hid them CU revoir. There wen l the usual partings. Then the Regiment al Band ph" ed "God barf tiie King” ; eheora rent ih" air; and Napier's ueeond contimren+ passed out of sight. Wairoa’s eont ingent.. who w<*ri» tn have gone through bi this morning’s express, failed to net thloiinh fl oin M airo i owing Io bad roads. They wt'rti to hove come overland in motor cars.

Mr. X. Sutton, of Clive, who left with the volunteers this morning, was met by the residents of that district last evening and presented v a pair of binoculars. About 40 horses will arrive from Gisborne on Saturday morning from the rej’iount depot. These will probably "be railed to Palmerston North the same day. The men .from Wairoa who were detained by the bad weather, stayed at Mohaka last night. Motor cars were sent out to-day to meet them. The draft which left this morning for Palmerston North practically completed the Napier contingent. About 60 more men—approximately 40 from Gisborne, 10 from Wairoa and a few from Napier—will complete the contingent. Mr. N. A. Ching, managing clerk for Messrs. Kennedy, Lusk and Morling, left with the Napier contingent this morning. He has been granted two years’ leave by his employers, who also presented him with a cheque. The members of the staff £ resented Mr. Ching with a pocket o°k. When presenting the kits to the second draft of the Napier Contm-s-nt last evening. Lieutenant-Colonel Hislon. on behalf of his brother officers, presented Mrs. Kitto (who has had control of the ladies who prepared the kits) with a handsome silver rose-bowl as a mask of their aporeciation of her work. Mr. Kitto, suitably returned thanks, stating that his wife found the work a labour of love. NAPIER CONTINGENT. DEPARTURE OF SECOND DRAFT.

Some two or three hundred people assembled at the Garrison Hall last evening when the men of the second draft of the Napier contingent were presented with the kits provided by the ladies. After the first verse of “God save the King” had been sung, and three hearty cheers given for the King, the Mayor (Mr. J. Vigor Brown, M.P.) addressed the men. They were going, he said, to take part in the biggest war that ha.l ever taken place in the world. In a few weeks time America would, he believed, be the only country out of it. They were going homo to Europe, going to be in the fighting line with millions ot soldiers —probably between 20 and 30 millions —so they had no small order in front of them. They had to maintain the dignity and valour of the Empire, also of New Zealand. He was sure that everyone of them would carry out their duties as their comrades had done in the past. One could not but regret that such fine specimens of manhood were leaving i the country, but it showed that when; England wanted men New Zealanders were prepared to come forward. I All I can say is “Keep up your ; peckers” and come back here as jjood or better men. Cheers were the given for the ladies (who had forked so arduously to prepare the kits) ,the volunteers and the Mavor.

Lieutenant-Colonel Hislop said the men were going forward to fight to uphold the honour of our flag. He then read a letter from Captain Widerstrom. who presented the regiment with their camp colours, in which he wrote. —“The coat of arms chosen are very honourable ones, the majestic 9-pointed stag, who in its freedom is a king of the forest. Surrounding the head you have our New Zealand wreath of fern leaves. New Zealanders on the field of sports have honoured “the leaves.” On the field of battle no doubt they will do the same. The crown above is an emblem of loyalty to the King. And on the scroll below the motto “Kia Toa —be brave.’ I hope none will need to be reminded of it, but that bravery will come naturally. The. white ground is an emblem chosen by the Masons centuries ago as an emblem of purity and honour : whilst the St. George Cross has for centuries been carried honourably in battle both on land and sea. I hope the members of your regiment will uphold the honour and dignity of the uniforms of their country, and do bonou’’ to the flag. As _ men they should feel proud of the distinctioti of being physically fit and chosen to uphold the dignity of the land of their birth. Wishing the regiment an honourable and distinguished career.” Continuing, Lieutenant - Colonel Hislop said the letter (which was written in May last) might well have been written to them on this occasion. He had no doubt the men would do their duty. Right throughout their movements would be followed with interest. They would be known henceforth as B Company of the Wellington Regimbnt of the Ex peditionary Force. He then wished them God sneed and a safe return.

NEW ZEALAND DEFENCE FUNDS. HASTINGS. Mr. G. P. Donnelly has presented to the Hastings Defence Committee four artillery horses, ten horses for mounted rifles and the thoroughbred “Gold Bond,” which Mr. Donnelly specially selected as a charger for Mr. C. A. Hawkins, Napier. The following goods were railed to Wellington on Saturday from Hastings for the equipment of the Expeditionary Force: —161 wool shirts, 200 towels, 300 pairs socks, 150 housewives, 64 housewives from Woodford House, 130 flannels, 75 flannels from Woodford House, 3 flannels (Mrs. Ellison) 333 blankets r.nd rugs (sundry donations), 21 shirts (Heretaunga School), 29 shirts. 163 pairs socks, 14 scarfs, 8 knitted caps. 7 cholera belts (Havelock North), 6 dozen shirts (lona Co'lege). Mr. J. Brown has kindly offered to carry all goods free of charge, and Mr. W. Purvis has also generously offered a man, horse and dray at half an hour’s notice.

The following further donations have been received I:y Misses Hart and Luckie :—Collection boxes £l 13/7, Mrs. Pickering (balance soap donations) £1 12/6. Mothers’ Union (balance in hand) 2,6. Mrs. T. Styles £l, Dr. Leahy £5. Mr. J. T. Blake £2 1' , making the total to date £715 0/2. The Hastings Empire Defence Committee acknowledges further donations as follows: —Mr. Geo. Morris Mason £3, G. I. Roach £lO, Roach Bros. £lO, G. H. Roach. £lO, Mormon College and Native friends £10; previousiv acknowledged £1520 17 9; total £1565 17. 9. ■ In connection with the Central District Rugby Union matches at Napier next Saturday, the proceeds are to go to the Lady Liverpool relief Fupds, and not to the Hastings patriotic fund. HASTINGS DEMONSTRATIONARRANGEMENTS FOR I SATURDAY. Cant. B r auseh e! a nut inc cf th; U?‘r:- *: D'm'n

stratum Committee held in the Oddfellows’ Hall last night. The Central District Rugby Umon offered the use of Ridge Park in the event of weather conditions preventing the use of the Nelson Cricket Ground. The offer was received with thanks. Tim secretary (Mr. Pegler) reported that a large native gatchring, under Taranaki le I a would take part m the demonstration ,also the Agricultural Students with their band. The order of the procession will be as follows Town Band, Hastings Borough Council, Citizens’ Committee Senior Cadets, steam fire engine. Boy Scouts, hose reel, Legion of Frontiersmen, manual engine, Okawa Rifle Club, school children (Convent School, Mahora South School, Jlahora North School, District High School), Native contingent under Taranaki Te Ua, Y.M.C.A., Friendly Societies (Karamu Ledge, Loyal Hastings Lodge cf Oddfellows. Foresters, Rechabites, Protestant Alliance, Orangemen, Druids, Hibernians), Native Agricultural College and band. The procession will start from the Council Chambers at 2 p.m. and proceed via Heretaunga street. King street. Queen street. Nelson street, Eastbourne street. King street, Heretaunga street and Karamu road to the Nelson Cricket Ground. A strong committee was appointed to supervise the tug-of-war. Youths from 14 to 18 will be admitted for 6d. The teachers will conduct the children’s sports. The offer of Capt. Kennedy, the tattoed man, to give exhibitions on the ground, was accented with thanks, the money to go to'the war fund. Mr. Pratt kondly offered half the proceeds of the sale of “souvenirs of Hastings,” to be given to the war fund, the booklets to be sold on the ground. The procession will fall in at 2 o’clock. NAPIER. Another patriotic concert will be given in the Napier Municipal Theatie on Wednesday next in aid of the war fund.

A very successful dance was given at Pon.' Ahuriri last evening in aid of the Patriotic fund. Miss Colbert’s I band supplied the music for the dancing, which was carried out under the direction of Messrs. J. Sheehan, E. Wiig and G. Johnston. ! The H.B. Automobile Association lias received the following letter from Lieutenant-Colonel Arthur Myers, Motor Reserves, Wellington : “1 beg to acknowledge receipt of yours of the 14th instant enclosing list of the generous donors who subscribed the sum of £425 5/- to the Imperial Defence Fund for the purchase of motor cars for the Dominion. Expeditionary Force. I have perused same with interest, and also observe that the above sum of £425 5, - has been forwarded to the L mon Bank of Australia. Wellington, and I have already commuincated with the manager regarding same. On behalf of the Defence Authorities, would you be good enough to convey to the contributors our appreciative thanks for their generous and patriotic donation. P.S.--Your telephone message has also been reported to me. that there is a further sum of £25 in addition available, for which 1 also return my best thanks. The Napier patriotic fund now amounts to £7767 Id 9, the latest suoscriptions being : Bull Brothers £25, Te Apiti station employees £l3 7 -, Glenross station employees £lO, H.B. Soap and Tannery Co. £lO, Mr. and Mrs* W. McKinnon £lO, Mrs. J. Alexander £5, C. Stuart £3 3-, Walter McCarthy £3 3;-, J. A. Burtenshaw £2 2-. , . . The County Council’s subscription list stands at £661 4-. The latest subscribei s arc : Hon. J. D. Ormond £390. J. Barker (Poraugahau) £25, ■ Sympathiser” 10,'-. In addition to the above Mr. Ormond has provided ten troop horses, which are estimated to be worth £250. The sum of £391 11 1 has been subscribed to the Napier ladies’ fund, which includes the following additional amounts Mrs. F. Hutchinson iun. £2 2'-, Mrs. H. O. Macfarlane £1 1 -, Mrs. C. Stewart £1 1 -- The delightful variety entertainment “Japanese Wedding,” which was produced with such signal success bv the Westshore schoolchildren last week, is to be given in the Coronation Hall, Port Ahuriri, on Monday evening next. The whole of the proceeds will be devoted to the war fund, so doubtless the residents of the Port will show their patriotism by attending in full force.

MR. E. J. M ATT’S CONTRIBUTION. The Napier Town Clerk has received £5OO from Mr. E. J. Watt as a New Zealand contribution. TARADALE. The Taradale Committee of the patriotic fund has received the following contributions : —Mr. A. M. Rendail £5O, Miss Davenport £lO, Mr. T. Alexander £5, Mr. J. Martin £5, Mr. W. Waterhouse £5, Mr. J. Willan £5, Mr. C. H. Williams £3 3/-, Mr. P. Neagle £3 3/-, Dr. Swansegar £3, Mr. A. B. Davis £2 2/-, Mr. Deives £2 2/-, Mr. W. Ratcliffe £22/-, Mr. IV. W.. Brocks £2 2/-, Mr. T. Eustege £2 2/-, Mr. Kurepo Tareha £2 2/-, Mr. R. Currie £2 2/-, Mr. T. Thompson £2, Mr. T. Lawton £2, Mrs. Blackwell £1 1/-, Mr. W. Burton £1 1/-, Mrs. P. Neagle £1 1/-, Rev. Fl Tucker £l, Mr. H. J. Boyce £l. Mr. Geo. Harpham £l, Mr. Steimmetz £l, Mr. J. Mcllwee 10/6, Mrs. B’-oad 10/-, Mr. J. Wright 3/-. MARAEKAKAHO. About fifty men, representative of the Maraekakaho and surrounding districts, met in the Maraekakaho Hall on Tuesday evening. Rev. W. R. Hutchison, convenor of the meeting, was elected chairman. It was resolved to open three subscription lists, viz.: (1) To assist in the despatch of the Expeditionary Forces; (2) to assist in alleviating distress in New Zealand ; (3) to assist in alleviating distress in Great Britain. The following committee was appointed to cany out the wishes of the meeting and to receive subscriptions : Messrs. R. B. Humphries, J. Graham. L. Mac Lean. K. Houston, and A. Atwood, with H. M. Overton as secretary and treasurer. The chairman reported that a number of local residents had already donated money, horses and produce to the central funds of the movement, whilst the ladies of the district had already responded to the appeal of Lady Liverpool in respect to the Equipment of the members of the Expeditionary Forces. The sum of £7l 17/- was collected ut tiie meeting. A motion was brought forward to take steps to form a local Mounted Rifle Corps for service, should the occasion ans*:, any whom in New Zealand. The meeting was informed that Sergeant M. Chambers, ot Havelock North, bad offered to give a rudimentary course of instruction m mounted drill to the proposed corps at Maraekakaho c-q Saturday after’!'?'’’.’;- Mr L Mac Lean, Glen-

siring to enrol. The only equipment necessary is a rifle of any pattern. Seven name, were at once handed in. ELSEWHERE. The Taranaki patriotic fund now stands at about £2OOO. The Minister of Justice announces that the members of the police force have contributed £630 towards the cost of the Force. A committee has been set up at Foxton to relieve cases of local distress should they arise in the event of the flaxmillers being compelled to close their mills at the end of the month. The Lady Liverpool fund at Carterton has now reached £747 17/6. In addition to money a very large quantity of clothing has been sent in. The ladies are working enthusiastically, and the fund increases daily. The expeditionary force fund has reached £684 16/6. A quantity of fodder has been given besides horses.

Woodville has already contributed £4OO to the patriotic fund, besides ten horses, sheep, chaff and other produce. Yesterday the i ladies sent to Masterton a large quantity of underclothing, etc., for I the troops. Over 700 men who have seen service as ex-contingenters, volunteers, and rifle clubsmen have enrolled, and wish to become a branch cf the National Defence Reserve, and are offering their services to the Defence Minister in any capacity. They are drilled weekly. Last night over 60 were on parade. The patriotic fund at Hawera has. reached £lOO2. 1 RIFLE CLUBS. COMPANY ORGANISATION. The organisation of the Hawke’s Bay Rifle Clubs into a (double) company, consisting of four platoons, has been completed, and the following officers have been appointed : — Commanding officer, Major Orawshaw. Second in command, Captain J. B. Andrews. i Attached, Mr. J. D. Rivers. | The platoons are as follows :■ — ■ No. 1. —Okawa Rifle Club: Platoon \ Commander, Lieutenant H. M. J Bishop; platoon sergeant, D. S. McLeod. I No. 2. —Napier Rifle Club: Platoon Commander, Lieutenant Scoon; platoon sergeant, Sergeant James. No. 3.—Taradale Rifle Club: Platoon Commander, Lieutenant Richardson ; platoon sergeant, ColourSergeant Yeates. No. 4. —Maraekakaho and Petane Rifle Clubs: Platoon Commander, Lieutenant E. C. Pirie ; platoon sergeant, Colour-Sergeant Nicholson.