ITALY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLVIII, Issue XLVIII, 31 March 1915, Page 5

ITALY

KAISER PAYS SECRET ViSIT 10 VIENNA A NEW YORK STORY. NEW YORK, March 30. The "Tribune" ptiblishes a Berne message stating fhat a Swiss who has returned from Vienna Teports that the Kaiser, in the strictest incognito, visited the Emperor Francis Joseph and succeeded in inducing him to cede territory to Italy to ensure the latter's continued neutrality. The Austrian press was enjoined to observe absolute silence. WHY SIXTY MILLIONS' EXPENDITURE? LONDON, March 28. The Italian Press is widely asserting that Italy is determined to fight for ' a place in the sun, and will defend to the fullest her liberties. "We haven't spentsixty millions to complete our military preparations for nothing 7 ' is the substance of their comment.

ENGLISH NEWS

i (Rec. March 31, 11.30 a.m.) ! LONDON, March 30. • Queen Mary inspected the Sydney war chest gifts and thanked Lady Coglan and the donors for their generosity.

EXCESSIVE DRINKING AMONGST BRITISH WORKMEN

SERIOUSLY INTERFERING WITH I OUTPUT OF MUNITIONS. LONDON. March 30. A deputation representing the leading shipbuilders of tho United Kingdom urged the closing of publichouses and clubs in areas where munitions are manufactured. It was asserted that the average time worked in most of the yards, despite day and night work, was seven days below the normal before the. war. Eighty per cent, of the loss was due to drink. In one instance a battleship requiring immediate repairs was delayed for a whole day because tho riveters were drinking. Mere curtailment would not meet- the problem. Mr Lloyd George said his own information was equally startling. The greatest of these deadly foes was drink. Excessive drinking was seriously interfering with the output of munitions, which must be enormously increased to enable us to win.

GERMANS AND "THE DAY"

VON TIPuPITZ INTERVIEWED. LONDON, March 28. . An American correspondent has interviewed Grand Admifal von Tirpitz, who said that it was an infamous lie that the Germans had boasted "the Day." The Germans, he said, were not fools, and did not desire to dominate the world. She had captured the English markets because Englishmen were spending their time in holidays, sports, and luxuries. "England," he added, "could have saved her markets by living like the Germans, or by crushing Germany. She has chosen the latter, but we shall win."

GERMANS IN AMERICA

ENDEAVOURING TO INVOLVE THE STATES. LONDON, March 28. The "Times's" Washington correspondent says that there are indications that German" propagandists in the United States have now been instructed to mould American opinion to demand that the nation should be drawn into a v ar, involving her with Germany for tho giving up of Belgium.

SOUTH 4FRICA

OPERATIONS OF UNION FORCES. (Rec. March 31, 9.35 a.m.) CAPETOWN, Mar. 30. In the Assembly, the third reading of the Indemnity Bill was carried. Germans in the Aus district dynamited a railway. General Botha is facing a waterless desert, and each march increases the difficulties. The enemy is well equipped, and is probably more numerous than supposed.

IN AUSTRALIA

AUSTRALIAN BATTLESHIPS. (Received 9.35 a.m.) MELBOURNE, This Day. A message received by the Navy Office reports "all well" aboard the cruiser Sydney. One death from pneumonia has occurred aboard the Australia.

NEW ZEALAND

THE DOMINION'S SHARE IN' THE WAR. A REPLY TO 'CRITICISM. BY THE DEFENCE MINISTER. WELLINGTON, March 30. In reply to criticisms that New Zealand is not doing enough, the Hon. -Jas. Allen, Minister of Defence, scouts the idea; and says the Government is constantly suggesting something more, and every now and then its suggestions are accepted. "My agreement at Home," he says, "was for a definite expeditionary force. In- addition to carrying out that agreement, we have sent one extra unit. We have sent two extra batteries, in addition to the howitzer battery and an Impounder. We have sent two mobile veterinary sections, and one field engineering i corps, and one Army Service Corps company; and in addition to that we are fitting up another Army Service company, and a field, engineering company has been formed in Egypt. We ire sending the men. to replace these men. We have sent two guns for training purposes. Our agreement was to send 5 per cent, of reinforcements per month, and we are sending 15 per cent, instead of 5 (per cent. "We are sending in the course of a few days 50 nurses. This is entirely ■our own suggestion. And we aTe also sending 12 nui'ses to Australia (also on our own suggestion, to supplement the Australian nurses who have gone to the front. We shall'also send a stationary hospital, which is also our own suggestion.

"Whereas >our agreement was for 5 per cent, of reinforcements monthly," . repeats the Minister } "we have sent 15 per cent, of reinforcements 'monthly.- Is not that an answer to the criticism?" As to the stationary hospital, Mr. Allen explains: "From communications addressed to me it seemed possible that the Army Council would accept an offer for hospital accommodation from New Zealand if it were offered. Accordingly I telegraphed to the Army Council on March sth as follows' Please inform me have you sufficient general hospital accommodation in Egypt, including dpctoTs, nurses, orderlies, and equipment?' "I again telegraphed to them on March 10th, as follows: —'Should be glad to receive an early reply to my telegram of March sth in. respect to hospital accommodation in Egypt. New Zealand will be glad to assist in. provision of hospital accommodation in Egypt or elsewhere to the best of its ability if you will let us know what you consider we should supply. Would an offer of a stationary hospital meet the case? Pleafee state the probable cost of equipment and maintenance.'

"To this, on March 28th, the Army Council sent the following reply: 'With reference to yours of March 10th, personnel stationary hospital would be accepted gratefully.' "On March 29th I cabled as follows: 'Firstly personnel stationary hospital will be provided. Date and sailing arrangements will be communicated as soon as possible. Please say if hospital is intended for Egypt or elsewhere. Secondly, 50 nurses are sailing for England by Rotorua on- April Btli.' The personnel for a stationary hospital means eight officers, including one lieutenantcolonel, two majors, four captains and subalterns, one quarter-master, and one warrant officer (ward officer.)"

As to New,, Zealand's contribution remaining the same, as stated by critics, the Minister says : —"This is quite inaccurate. New Zealand's contribution does not remain the-, same. It : has ; been gradually increased—more than doubled —and ifr.om time, to time New Zealand has made additions to its original troops. I take it to be rniy business as Minister of Defence, not only (to do everything possible for the Imperial • Government at this time, but to see tliafc the. defence of our own country is not weakened so as to place us in an improper position in case of attack. I am perfectly aware there is little (possibility of an, attack

just uow. At the'same time a breakaway in the North Sea is possible, if not probable. I have quoted these words, because they come to me from_ my re- J sponsible adviser, and that adviser also j warns me that we certainly should not! send tho remaining guns which are in New Zealand. lam not tied by this advice, but there is a grave responsibility." SENTRY FALLS OVER A CLIFF. CHR-I STCHURiCH, March 30. 'Gunner Frank Olsen, who sustained a fractured skull as a result of a fall over a -cliff while on duty at the Sumner road barracks, Lyttelton,. on Saturday morning, is reported to bo showing a slight improvement. FOR THE BELGIANS. O AMARU, March 30. A sale of gift stock was conducted at the Oamaru yards by _ the Oamaru Auctioneers' Association in aid of the Belgian Relief Fund, and realised over £I4OO. NEW ZEALAND WAR CORRESPONDENT APPOINTED. WELLINGTON, This Day. Mr Malcolm Ross has been appointed official correspondent with the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces. EX-PETONE RESIDENT KILLED IN ACTION. WELLINGTON, This Day. Advice has been, received in Wellington that John Malinck, who at the outbreak of the war was" a resident of Petone, had 'been killed in action. He was a reservist, and proceeded Home to prepare to go to the front. His widow resides in Petone.

PHILOMEL IN ACTION

A STIRRING STORY. SOMETHING FOR NEW ZEAL ANDERS TO BE PROUD OF. FIGHT AGAINST HEAVY ODDS. WELLINGTON, This Day. A stirring story comes to hand regarding the officers of the Philomel, which was recently in action against the Turks. It is still inadvisable to mention the locality in which the operations . took place; but the- whole stoTy, from beginning to end, is one of bravery and resource, such as- New Zealanders may well be proud of. . The men were landed from the cruiser ■ a t j for the purpose of discovering • what was being done with a large numI ber of pack animals. : ' There were in the landing party only seventeen officers and men, and very soon they found themselves surrounded by a party of from eigthy to one hundred of the enemy. They had to fight their way through this greatly superior j force, and this they did, with the Chip's guns supporting them, the retreat being carried out with the utmost sang froid, and in most trying conditions. Quite a -number of casualties occurred through the men exposing themselves in order to assist the wounded until dark--1 ness shouid come to thfeir further aid. Lieutenant F. Millar, who was in command of the landing party, carried out his duties with great coolness and ability. Lieutenant P. Gordon was also specially mentioned for devotion to duty and for saving a wounded man. Petty Officer Hollandy was mentioned for great coolness - under fire and devotion to duty. Perhaps the most moving incident in the whole operations related to the wounding and rescue of A. B. John T. Moreton. He was left in the cutter; but subsequently endeavoured to follow his comrades ashore. He was: wounded feefore reaching them, and later wasiound to be missing. The landing party I did not discover the fact until after they . left the shore. It appears that Moreton had been shot whilst running across an j open field, and he was subsequently 10. . Cat-ed under the ship's searchlight. The men on the ship, under the bright light, saw him moving, once or twice, so they knew he was not dead. Immediately a 'volunteer search party set off in the dark with a view to rescuing Moreton. After two attempts, and four, hours on shore in the locality of I the enemy, they brought him in, dangerously wounded, without any casualty. Unfortunately, Moreton died two days later.. . .' Our men. inflicted considerable loss upon the enemy, and the lesson taught them is said to have had a very noticeable effect upon the Turkish authorities. In confirmation of the coolness of the men, it is noted as aj remarkable fact that only two rifles were lost, one being shattered by a bullet, and one belonging to Moreton, who was mortally wounded.

IN NELSON

BELGIAN RELIEF FUND. No. 1. Committee to receive money or goods: Mrs MacKenzie, Mrs Kempthorne, Miss Atkinson, and Mrs Emmett. A subscription list is open at the Bank of New Zealand. ' ■ ■ Committee -beg to acknowledge with thanks: —Garden /party , and dance,, RiFerntown £2. (No. 2.) i (Hon. Secretary, Mr A. E. Jackson.) Following donations ate acknowledg--1 ed : —Captain Vickerman £sl;, net proj ceeds Band of the 12th Regiment concert £2 Os 7d; sale of horse given by I Mr Jas Manson, Motupipi, and sold by J Dalgety and Co. at Takaka, £l2. I Proceeds of subscriptions by hopI pickers in the gardens of Messrs T. and ■ O. Roughton, Spring. Grove, £2 18s 6d, -per Mrs Kempthorne.

EMPIRE DEFENCE' FUND. •It will be remembered that the Empire Defence Fund granted £IOO to the members of the 10th and 12th Regiments as a regimental fund to - be expended on extras, etc. . In forwarding a balancesheet of the first £25 expended on behalf of the 10th Regiment, Major G. F. Hutton, in a note to Mr W. W. Snodgrass, the secretary of .the local fund, remarks that the Christmas cards sent by the 'Committee arrived safely, -and were much appreciated by everyone. The Fund is being administered by a committee composed of Major Hutton, Corporal W. C. Sheridan, iSergt. L. Bowden, and Lance-Corporal H. D. Hamilton. The •balance-sheet, which we have been allowed to peruse, sets- out in detail all the monpy-so far expended.

water) 14 handkerchiefs; Mrs Betfc 6 doz. handkerchiefs; Mrs Saxon linen; Mrs Alters linen. ( BELGIAN FUND. i ——— \ Mrs J. P. (Cooke roll shirting. LADY LIVERPOOL FUND. .Miss Packer ration hags and scarf; ss Hudson 6 caps; Miss Green 2 caps; Mr Wetab 2 caps; Airs C. .Hamilton 2 caps, 6 pairs socks; Mrs Ivelling 2 caps; Mrs B. Mabin 2 caps; Mrs Scrimgeour, Ferntown, proceeds of concert, 12s.

NURSES FOR THE FRONT

I FAREWELL AND PRESENTATIONS. The members- of the Red Cross and Lady Liverpool Committees met yesterday' afternoon at the Haeremai Tea Roofs, in order to bid farewell to Sisters Taylor and Ingram, who are leaving for the front- this week to .join the nursing staff. Another Nelsonian, Sister Dement, left a few days ago for Sydney, where - she -will embark for Europe. There was a very large attendance. The Mayoress (Mrs. Lock), who presided, spoke as follows: "You are_ probably aware that three of our sisters have volunteered to join -the nursing staff, and have been accepted by the Defence Department to go to the front. The ladies of the R;ed Cross Society and Lady Liverpool Commiittee could not allow them to take their departure from Nelson without in some way doing them honour, so we have invited them here today in order that we may express to them our very great appreciation and cordial recognition of their brave and unselfish action. I may mention - that the ladies who have volunteered from Nelson are sisters Taylor, Ingram,-and Dement. Sister Dement has already left to join the Australian nurses, having sent her name on to the Defence Office there before it was known that a number of nurses were to be chosen from New Zealand. We regret that;we were unable to give her a farewell. We should have been delighted to have honoured her to-day and recognised her bravery. We will,. I hope, take some steps to acquaint her of ouij appreciation. I can assure these ladies that we do most sincerely appreciate and admire their decision to offer their services for such a glorious mission—a mission so 'noble that it recommends itself to all who ! love humanity.' The noblest and bravest armies on the battlefields of Europe today, in my opinion, are those bodies of women who go calmly, and without fear, to allay the suffering- of , men torn by the bullets of their brothers.. With deft hands they bind the wounds of the soldiers from every land, and ask- no'man under which flag he fell. And,, in the name of charity and humanity, they face all the dangers that come to armed men fighting to, the death. They risk all with no hope of material gain or reward, and are as brave as men who face the cannon's mouth. The women who undertake this work are God-given heroines all. Our nurses who are leaving us on such a beneficent mission will take away, with them our very best wishes. We trust that they may be blessed with good health, have a pleasant voyage, and meet with success .in relieving and comforting . the sick and suffering. Our good wishes will always follow them in kind remembrance. On behalf of the iwomen of Nelson, I sincerely wish them God speed, and that they may be spared to return to New Zealand, when I can assure them we will give them a hearty welcome home." Mrs. Cecil King, the president of the Red Cross Committee, endorsed all that the Mayoress had said, and felt.surei that the Sisters would acquit themselves in a manner that would do credit to Nelson. On behalf of the Red Cross Committee, Mi's. King then .presented with a gold band ring suitably engraved, and wished them a pleasant voyage and a safe return. .

Sister Ingrain replied for herself Sister Taylor, thanking, the ladies for the presentation and the kind wishes which had been expressed. \ The Mayor said he was not present to make a speech or'to take part in their meeting, which had been entirely arranged by the ladies, who were - well qualified to conduct their own business and affairs. The executive of the Empire Defence Fund had v met that morning, and had decided, to recognise the splendid spirit which had prompted these ladies to offer themselves. for service at the front. The coirfmittee of the fund had asked him to hand to : Sisters Taylor a,nd Ingram a cheque for £lO eachj and to ~ express the committee's admiration and appreciation of their unselfish conduct, and to wish them Godspeed. The Mayor congratulated the ladies of the joint committees for their thoughtfulness in organising and carrying out such a fine send-off. He then presented the two Sisters with a cheque each, and mentioned that Sister Dement, who had been at the Wellington Hospital for about eight years, would receive a similar grant from the executive if it was found that the Wellington committee had not. taken, steps tp recognise her services in a suitable way. r •/ Sister Taylor,. on behalf of > Sister. Ingram and herself, thanked the Mayor for his remarks, and asked him to convey their best thanks to the executive. Cheers were then given for the Sisters (who in return gave' cheers for the ladies), after -which afternoon tea was partaken ' 01, the proceedings terminating with the singing of "Auld Lang Syne" and the National Anthem.

GATHERING* AT RICHMOND. Last evening a public gathering was heia in the Council Chambers to bid farewell to Nurse Ingram, who is leaving shortly with the other New Zealand nurses for the front. The Mayor, Mr G. E.; Chisn,all, •in a eulogistic and sympathetic speech referred to the noble, self-sacrifice of a nurse's duties, especially amid the perils of one present war, and expressed to Nurse Ingram the appreciation pf the residents of Richmond, and on'their behalf wished her God-speed and a safe return. The Mayoress then presented to Nurse Ingram a wristlet watch, which will be useful to her in her work. The Mayor's remarks were endorsed by Mr J. A. Haycock. The recipient feelingly replied, and her father, Mr J. Ingfam, also, on behalf of his family, expressed thanks for the kindness extended to, his daughter.

STRANGE CASE

BREAKING- A PLATE GLASS WINDOW. PLEA OF INSANITY. ' A case presenting somewhat peculiar - features was called on at the Magistrate's. Court this morning when Fred-, exick Harris, aged 30, was charged ■with on 30th inst., wilfully breaking • a pane of plate glass in a window, 'the property of H. R. Duncan, of the value of £lß* 18s, and with stealing ten singlets, 5 pairs of socks, and 2 white shirts, the property of W. H. Short, of- the value of £2 19s Bd. Mr J. S.- Evans, - S.M., was on the Bench. To the first charge defendant, who is a well-spoken young man, replied, "that is right," and to tho second "I plead guilty, and I also plead madness besides." Defendant elected to be dealt with summarily. Senior-Sergeant Barrett said 1 hat defendant was a total stranger to Nelson., and arrived on foot from Havelock yesterday. About 8.30 o'clock last r.ight he was seen to go deliberately up to Mr Short's shop in the Commercial Hotel buildings and smash . a window ■ and take out the articles with, which • he was charged with having stolen. The licensee of the_ He tel, hearing the crash, went out to investigate and saw defendant with a bundle of clothing under his arm. Defendant made no attempt to escape, and ; was arrested on the arrival ox the police. The excuse defendant gave for- hid action was that he was mad at the time.. The sergeant went on to say that when, he saw the defendant about 11 o'clock.: last riight he was suffering from the. effects of drink. It looked .as •£ idefendant, who had very little money, Lad', broken the glass in order to gat rvin in. _ . Defendant: I plead insanity. I ,am going out of my mind, and that is the '■ cause of it. At times lam not'responsible for. my 'actions. ' When I b'oke that window I was not responsible for: my actions. I am going out ofci my v, mind, and I take drink' to. g«>fc sleep.; ;. In answer to the Magistrate, defendant said he was born in. 'iwi&v been in .America for some years. He . came to New Zealand about a year ,ago. iie had never been examined by a-doc-' tor as to his sanity. .. . • The Magistrate : What • makeo you think you ar.e going mad ? ' t< Defendant: Because I cannot get.-Asleep. The Magistrate: How long have you tbeen without sleep ? Defendant: For two or three nights 1 running. The Magistrate: What were you doing in Blenheim? .: ■ Defendant: Working on a farm. ; v>. ■: ;; The Magistrate: If, 1 you., establish a •" plea of insanity, will have to'commit -', you to an asylum.- ' • i - Defendant: I can guarantee? that: part of' it. ' / ' , _ In answer to the Magistrate;. .Sergti - Barrett said lie did" not call in a medical V man last night, as he did , not - think .it was necessary. : / r. • • Defendant: I have never done any r thing like it before.' I do not know • what took liold of me at-the time.- /ut . " . The Magistrate said it • certainly'did not look like the act of a sane person; and he would remand defendant •until to-morrow for medical examinations - >•'