]Nfelfon Evening M^il WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 1905., THE JAPANESE SOLDIER AND HIS KIT. HIS OUTFIT AND HIS RATIONS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XL, Issue 2, 4 January 1905, Page 2

]Nfelfon Evening M^il WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 1905., THE JAPANESE SOLDIER AND HIS KIT. HIS OUTFIT AND HIS RATIONS.

A CABLEGRAM last week stated that aa a result ol the crusade against. rats a year or two ago the Japanese soldier at the front had added to his winter campaign kit innumerable small fur ear protectors. We always associate a crusade against rats with an outbreak of plague somewiiero or other in our vicinity. It does not follow that the rats destroyed must have ibeen plague-stricken ; but the notion of wearing the fur of rats that might in life have carried the germs of bubonic plague is at least gruesome. Eastern notions, howwver are not ours, and it seems that neither sentimental nor sanitary objections have had any weight with the Japanese military authorities. Anyway, the little ratskin earprotectors must bo a great comfort, and very cheap, and so far no on« aoms to have taken plague through their use. • * * It used to be an old military saw that a man fights on his stomach arid his boots, and the truth of the axiom is being fully demonstrated in tie present war between Russia and Japan. The Japanese attention to the most minute detail ol commissariat has won as man battles for the nation as good g« neralship and materiel of war. The "kit" of the Japanese so Idle in especial is designed for service, and is not merely meant to be a means by which thieving contractors shall make their fortunes. One does not hear of ill-formed papersoled raw -leather boots in the army of the victors, hence there are few instances of varicose veins. Frostbitten to the point of amputation some of the soldiers may be. But that condition cannot always be avoided in the dreadful winter of the Manchurian steppes, and it is Iwyond question that the hardships from cold are reduced to an absolute minimum. • • • Some very interesting details regarding the kit and rations of the .Japanese soldier on a war footling are gleaned by the "British Medical Journal" from a complete kit taken to England by Miss McCaul, who was recently commanded by the Queen to go to Japan to ndtjuire into the workfbg of the Red Cross Society there and at the frant. One notable feature of the clothing of the Japanese soldier is that it is all made of the very best material. The winter clothes are of all wool, and Jn colour and warmth remind oiio of the . well known Jaeger goods. The col4-prooi winter overcoats seemed tq be devised to secure warmth in the most severe climate. Made of thick woollen cloth it has a large collar covered with fur, whioh is inside and next to the ears and neck when the collar is raised. From the middle of the edgie of this colter is a cap or hptod of cotton, which cam be pulled out so as to cover the head, and over this can be put the ample detached cold-proof hood carried in the kit. Ha*gihg by cords from the neck are large gloves or mittens — one division for the fingers and one for the thumb. These mittens cam be thrown off in a> moment, and reimeofin. hanging while a man is using his gun. A sheepskin waistcoat, with the wool outside, is also used in severe weather. It fastens on one side-. Another interesting and usful part of the winter kit is a toecap of lambswool to go over the heelless woollen stockings in severe weatfcer. Finally, in additiop to a good deal of warm under-clothing', eaph man carries a rpll of fine striped flannel of good 'quality, about a yard and a half long, to be wound round the stomach for a Cholera bolt. The woollen cloth and blanket used for the kit are made in th« Japanese military factory, while the hempen cloth, cotton cloth, and leather, thoujgih made in private factories are cut out and sewn in the military clothing depot. • • • Coming to the leather pai-t of the kit. it is found that the boots are made for comfort and durability. In appearance they are like tine "ammunition boots of Tommy Atkins, but they are far superior in many ways. They are not "cornfactors," as the British contract abominations have been for aiges. The upper leather is jfood, well-sea-soned, and reasonably soft. The i sole is relatively thin, and thinned off especially at the "waist," rendeninjgfc the Hoot lnore't flexible dn nuarchiflg. The flat of the sole is studded with hobnails, aokl the toes and heels have brass plates. The wed|g|ht is a pound less than ikh|aft of the British army, when Tommy Heing 31b to the British 41b. In trie British army, when Tommy Atkins is on the march and gets sore feet, he has to put up ' with glisters — and subsequent varippse veins — or go bare-foot ' by special dispensation of his commanding officer. Unless new lessons have been learnt and assimilated by our War Office, no ope has dreamt of providing a comforting and healing "in-; sole." Popr Tommy's notion on the march has often been to pack his boot with irregular lumps of cotton wool, or an unused sock — Bweet things in the way pf hard hillocks after an hour or two of walking. The Japanese soldier, however, is provided with soft "rickshaw," native shoes, with grass insoles. These shoes are mode 0* POttpn material, fastening at the back of the heel, &nd. the detachable grass sole Is kept In position by a plaited grass cord. They naturally do not last long ; 'but they have a life of ten days when in full service, a period sufficient to enable a man tji recover from tender feet and blisters. Thus the Japanese poldier can still march when Tommy Atkins would have to go to the rear- van. • • • • Another notable kit feature is the open sack, It is for carrying small articles, and It is six feet long and nine inches wide, • stitched across the middle to make two bags. It is carried en bandarole, fr ■ ■

aid strongly resembles the •' swagi" so familiar to us in A,usralia anil New Zealand. For looking and eating>;purposes, the Japanese soldier ; carries the light-jgit-Vj possible "canteen, made. ,oi iliiiiminium blackeneck Water bottle, mefs-tin, graßSrbox for rice, ill Vfitg inside the canteen like a tray, In- addition there is a Chiaese copper camp kettle. 'It has double sides, and the water poured into the outer jacket is heated by charcoal in a small stove in the centre of the vessel. The water can be thus boiled even in a gale of wind, and the convenience has been of inestimable benefit to the Japanese troops during the Manchurian winter. ♦ # # » Finally, the Japanese Tommy Atkins can live and thrive under conditions where his British comrade might starve. The former does not. look to his pound of bread and three-iq>uarters of a pound of meat a day, Instead, he carries all kinds of dried vegetable substances, biscuit of rice flour and wheat, sliced potatoes t sliced carrots, gourds, beans, etc. Tea and salt are in solid cakas, or cubes. The rice ration ready boiled is virtually the only cooking the camp cooks have to do on an emergency. Various meats and fish are also carried in the Commissariat in hermetically sealed tins, and are eatable without cooking. Even the horse fodder is lightened and concentrated by drying and pres- | sure into cakes. Thus, the Japanese soldier, whether alone or in parties, is virtually independent otjbo camp cook. He can boil his kettle anywhere, carrying as he does 'his own fuel. He can get out a handful of dried vegetable even when his boiled-rice ration is not available, and prepare it anywhere and at any time. Thus, warm and well-filled, he can fight "on his boots and his stomnch," where westerns* would probably have an " achingWoid " to distract their attention\from the matter on hand. Truly, we' have a lot to learn from the Jans— from those who a little while ago, were taking instructions from us Jn the art of war.

WITH rcgara to trie pojiucai crisis in Austria-Hungary leading to the resignation of the Premier, Dr .Von Koerber, it may be traced to the racial differences between the Christian Germans, Slavs and Italians. Correspondents say that Parliamentary life has fallen to the level of a hole-and-corner municipal council, and though Dr Von Koerber enjoyed the respect of all the parties, he has been been unable to reconcile the conflicting elements. Much of the trouble is traceable to the Irredentist movement in Italy. Dr Von Koerber's difficulties were g-catf.v increased by the recent rioting at Innsbruck over the Italian 'University question. . The ItalUus of tv Tyrol desired the establishment of an Italian University at Trieste. This was bitterly opposed by the Germans, and a compromise seemed to be in the creation «;f on Italian Chair of Law at Innsbruck — the centre of an intensely German distrfct. When the Italian students assembled at Innsbruck last November for the 'aw lectures, rioting ensued, and several persons were killed, the building to be used for the faw school being demolish >.d. The London "Times" correspondent, writing at tho time, said : " The effect ol the disturbances upon the Austrian political situation cannot be judged until it is known what attitude the German parties will take up. In all probability it will be to accentuate the ill-humour they have displayed towards the Government since Dr von Koerber reconstructed hi? Cabinet and made peace with th< Czechs.. The Italians wilf b« driven into the arms of tho Slav parties — a development which, a: the 'Fremdenblatt' points out, the Germans will probably have ca .'s-r to deplore. At the same time, tli. Italians are not likely to be 1< ■■. well disposed towards the Koerbm Cabinet. whose failure to fa~, courageously the question of estal> lishing an Italian University al Trieste is the worst aspect of t.h< present difficulty. Feeling «amom tho Italians of Trieste, Tstria, and Datmatia is already runnings high and found violent expression ai Pola and other cities on Frida.v night." I --=--..--- -

The monthly meeting of the Nolson Haithour Board will toe held next Monday at the Municipal Chambers at 10.30 a.m. A notice of motion has been givon by tht Chain-nan, "That the Secretary. salary be increased to £150 per annum, as from Ist January, 190; l and that he be appointed returnin." officer to the Board." A notice oi motion by Mr Hariby has also been given with regard to the purchase of an area of land at Haulashore Island owned by' Mr Ralph Jackson, either by negotiation or under the operation of the Lands for Public .Purposes Acquisition Act. The Matron of the Nelson Hospital wishes to acknowledge with thanks the present of a.n invalid table for the women's ward from Messrs Phillips and Page. Mr 0. J. McEaehen, chief clerk. at the town railway station, is r^lieviug Sir Arthuv a* Btaiionmasier at the Port, the latter being awny on holiday leave. Northern newspapers hare taken alarm at the Premier's speech at llokifcika recently' urging the Southerners fco greater activity in demanding complex tion of the Midland [•'■ail way. Mr Soddon is accused (f enpineeiin^r "pressure-'' so as to enable him to neglect tho comploI ion of the North Island Trunk Railway in favour of the Midland lino, The ninth match for the Brown & Kerr Feathers was played at the Maiiai Club's •,-roen last evening, lesulUDg in a win for tho challengers, "he scores wre: — Challengers : Bockey, L. Graham, W. I'eo, Rud C McEacbeii "(skip), 28. Holdeis: J. MoKacben, Barm-t», Calder, Simpson (skip), 12. A Masterton 6elt'.er (sajs tlie ''Age") had a rathnr canons experience with two of h's slicep a few dajs ago. They became ' rast," and as they were unnble <o atnnd li<s took them to hia wool shed and "doctored" them with half a boule of whisky As a i< suit of tbjs " doctoring " the aheep tlept for two days. It has been the experience oi the Union Steamship Co. in tho pa6t thai great inconvenience is caused {o passengers and officers generally by the number oi visitors who ssaemble on board their vessels at Wellington and Lyttelton for the purpose of taking leave of their friends, and in order to minimise the discomfort, and also to lescen tie risk of undesirable people having access to passengetjj 1 cabins, it has } een decided that under nq circumstinces will gangway passes be issued. a£ the above ports to other that passengers. The Litter will be permitted to take one friend on board, and these visitors will require to arrive at the vessel nol I iter than a quarter fan hour before sailing time. After that hour gangway passes will not be acknowledged, and as only passengers will be allowed on board their tickets must be produced It is felt tho restriction will be much appreciated by the travelling public ns a who'e. The new regulations are now in force. A Bitting of the Native Land Court will be hold (probably in the Foresters Ball) tomorrow. Mr H. W. Bishop, S.M., of Chrietehurch, who has been appointed a Native Land Court Commisaienor, wjll preside pvor th,o Court. Sevorai Maoris nterested in tho paso to ba h.eajd are. in Nelson. At the conclusion of the business in NelsoD, tb.e.£ourl will adjourn to Bfotueka. Mr Bishop returns to Christ*hurcfa after the Natjva Cpart business has bapn completed to resume his Magisterial duties. Mr E. Holdaway, Motueka wharf, writes : — " A carrier pigeau settled at tlie wharf, Mptqekq, last Thursday week, and on Saturday uiy brother caught it so as to give it food. Since theu it has stayed here, and as it has a ring with year and number on -w*think it ma) be a valuable bird. We fee^ it au)J give it shelter, but have not gofe it shut up." Raspberry picking is now fairly general throughout the district. The Beason is from two to, three weeks late ; but a considerable quantity of the fruit is now finding its way into, consumption and for jam-makine and- pulp. We have received from R. SnodgraS9 and Sons a dainty almanac for 1905 dasigned in coloured flower a and of «, graceful shape. A meeting of the Nelson Employers' Association will be held at the Co-operative Rooms, Hardy-street, to-morrow evening.

Dr. Mackie, who has been ori a viaib tc the Old Country, retarded v to : STelßon on Monday. rMrs Madtietarspeudfoffa few days at Christchnrch before cOJninjjf on to Nelson. " ; ;'"'/ --^'f V:'--/;. The Mines Department has'giyen orders that the GoyerntnenlJS diamonddrill which has b'Sen in use' at the Thames for a considerable period, is to be sent to be used in the development of the State coal mine at Point Elizabeth. . ., ■ • There was a big accumulation of fruit and produce on the Railway Wharf this afternoon awaiting shipment to various ( ports. The delay in the arrival of the Wellington Btoaniers has been responsible for the accumulation. Fortunately the weather has been cool, otherwise a lot of ! the fruit would have been unsaleable by the time ib reached its destination. We ha ye rfceived from Messsr Short and Sods, the so>e agents for Nelson and dis- \ trict, a bottle of a compmnd named . " Vie orina," which claims to have taken j highest awards at Glasgow, Birmingham, •. and Bath Exhibitions. Its use is to transfer pictarps of any sort from illustrated magazines, etc, to ordinary paper, or to cleanse , delicate fabrics of greaso and stains. The ( directions are simple, and the liquid should , furnish amusement and instruction to both young and old. Mr Greenwood, Dentist. New Surgery opposite M. M, Webstei Trafalgar-street. Motueka,. Jan. .W | and 31. Collingwood, Feb., early. . In Christmas Presents C. A. Ripper offers the best value m Nelson. All goods marke din plain "figures. Hardy-street. VICTORY BUTTER— Be sure and j sk your grocer for Victory Butter,, i >ure and delicious.— Advt. The English newspapers regard "Why don't you come, home, mv. Bayley?" as the most popular music hall song of the i day. It is aid the reason why Bill left home was because his house was not comfortably furnished. But what completely broke him up was be old noisy rattletrap sewing machine hi wife used. In sunny Nelson ne me siible wife need beg her husbanC to come home, for she would ensure Ilia happiness by geHing the house • comfortably fixed up at Lock s for cash or on Lock's easy payment .■ system, and she would buy one of - those "New Century" Atlas Sewing Machines. They are noiseless, • work backwards and forwards i with- • out changing the stitch ; will sew from fine sill to sixteen t^sknesses of forfar; and will do work that a machine costing £13 or cannot do. And as these Atlas Sewing Machines come direct from the makers to Mr Lock, the Universal ; Provider, they are sold at almost one-third of the price of many.- other machines. Over 100 local testimonials ' nials about the famous Atlas Sew- ' Wg Machines can be seen .at Lock s.