THE FIFTEENTHS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17289, 3 October 1916, Page 6

THE FIFTEENTHS.

REPORTED ALL WELL. RUMOUR OF LOST TRANSPORT FALSE. [FROM OUK COEEBSPONDEXT.] WELLINGTON, October 2. Extraordinary rumours have been current- regarding ■ the Fifteenth Reinforcements, but there is absolutely nothing to justify them. Tho Minister of Defenco told tho “ Lyttelton Times correspondent to-night that tho latest heard was that t-ho Fifteenths were quite safe. “This information being quite rceont tho public need not tako any notice of tho rumours,” lio added. *-If wo heard anything about a transport being lost w© would publish it without delay.”

THE MAYOR’S NEWSTELEGRAM FROM MINISTER. The Mayor has received many inquiries recently as to the safety of tho Fifteenth Reinforcements. A short time ago the Germans claimed that they had sunk a transport in the Mediterranean Sea, and many residents of Christchurch apparently feared that the Fifteenth Reinforcement was on board. To relievo the tension Mr Holland telegraphed to tho Hon J. Allen as to the position of the reinforcement, and yostorday he received the following roply:—“So far as I am aware there is not the slightest grouud for anxiety regarding the safety of the troops referred to. They were reported all well a few days ago.” Brigadier-General Sir A. Robin has telegraphed to tho Mayor to the same eject. During his address at the opening of the annual competitions of the Canterbury Band of Hope Union last night tho Mayor (Mr H. Holland) referred to rumours which were in circulation that a transport carrying troops of the Fifteenth Reinforcements had been torpedoed in the. Mediterranean. Ho had received communications and inquiries from wives, mothers and relatives of soldiers in regard to the rumour. Tlio Germans-had said that they had torpedoed a transport and tho statement had not been denied. The Mayor stated that be bad seen Briga-dier-General Sir A. W. Robin, who had replied that he had not .heard anything to cause any fear. General Robin bad promised to make inquiries. The reply to them had been received that day, through Colonel Chnffey, officer commanding the Canterbury military district. It was to the effect that there was nothing to fear in regard to tlm Fifteenth Reinforcements. Tlio Mayor stlfted that lie bad also sent a telegram to tho Hon J. Alien. Minister of Defence, who bad replied: “So far as I know there is nothing to fear; all wero reported .veil a few* days ago.” Tho public may, therefore, rest assured that there is nothing in the rumour, said the Mayor in conclusion.

Owing to a perristent rumour of '■l-T'irtcr: +.r> one of the th n Rev A. 0. Lnwrpy. president of the Methodist Church, telegraphed to the Hon J. Allen for information. The Minister of Defence replied:—“There is no cause for anxiety regarding the troopships referred to. Thgy were reported all well a few days ago.”