THE EXPEDITIONARY FORCES

North Otago Times, Volume C, Issue 13146, 29 August 1914, Page 3

THE EXPEDITIONARY FORCES

MESSAGE EIIOM TIIE GOVEItNOH. . (Por Press Association.) 1 ' ' WELLINGT'ON August 23. ' After formal business had boon transacted in. the House this evening, the Premier read'a message from the Goyern.or, in 'which his Excellency express-ed,-the earnest -hope ■' that when ■ thp time arrives for the.embarkation,of the, expeditionary force for Europe no .questions' will be asked or suggested' as to the route, Not that his Excellency locs not desire to give all portions of news which will be of jintercst to the people of New, Zealand, 1 but because it is-vitally important to keep, all movements of the force as secret as possible, so that the risk of news finding its way into the enemy's hands should be reduced to a minimum. In order that no step shall lie left unturned to prevent ny chance happening which would endanger the lives of the expedition,, in the same way his Excellency would suggest that it is inadvisable to give par- ■ titulars of any steps which either this dominion, or any other dependency of the Crown, is'taking to defend itself. J lis Excellency/feels- certain that he will not have to appeal in vain to the people and the public press of these islands, as throughout this crisis they luive Manifested in such a marked degree a desire to assist everyone to the utmost of their power. At the same' time the Governor feels it right to make these representations through.liis Primo Minister, as rumours have been circulated regarding the advance party of the expeditionary force which were entirely incorrect, as so late as 8,30 a.ni. of August 27th he I ''was assured that everything was well with the force. Ilis Excellency desires it to be known that ho will at all times, facilitate the circulation of any interesting news which can with safety be communicated to both the people and the press."