DOMINION NEWS.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue LXVIII, 12 August 1914, Page 7

DOMINION NEWS.

THE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

WELLINGTON, Aug. 12

Arrangements for the departure of the advance expeditionary force are practically complete, ami two transports heavily laden to the decks are carrying surplus supplies. Coaling has been completed. The force will net sail today.

The troops paraded this morning, an entire section including nurses and baggage marching through the city to the wharf at midday for preliminary embarkment. Though a large number are young and inexperienced, their general physique and bearing impressed "the thousands who lined the route. Occasional outbursts of enthusiasm greeted the long column of upwards of a thousand khaki-clad New Zealunders, but on the whole the tone of the crowd was sober. Though intense interest was manifested the pervading feeling, indicated the knowledge that the expedition is leaving on a serious piirpose. Despite the heavy rain the wharf approaches and berths were thronged with spectators, many of whom were the men's relatives, under the impression that immediate departure was intended. However, the object was to en--able the men to settle down in their ' ship-board quarters to avoid confusion ! when the actual moment of sailing arrived. The Bank of New Zealand has contributed £1000 towards the Empire defence fund. DANNEVIRKE, Aug. 12. A meeting at Makotuku on Tuesday xiight subscribed over £350 for the Patriotic Fund, of which Mr Solden gave j £250. I The Dannevirke Racing Club has do^ i nated £50. i AVAITARA, Aug. 12. At a meeting of the patriotic league at Waitara it was decided to institute a system of collecting sixpence per week during the currency of the war, ladies being appointed as canvassers for various parts of the town, and all houses to be visited. A letter is to be forwarded to Lady Liverpool suggesting that such a scheme be placed before other towns. It is believed that its adoption would mean a large and regular sum and be better than any special taxation. HASTINGS, Aug. 12. Mr G. P. Donnelly has handed the Mayor a cheque for £500 towards the war fund.