THE FIRST AUSTRALIAN TO WIN THE VICTORIA CROSS.

Free Lance, Volume XV, Issue 789, 13 August 1915, Page 4

THE FIRST AUSTRALIAN TO WIN THE VICTORIA CROSS.

war that a treaity of peace may end, is another war that was going on before August, and which will be continued indefinitelv, the struggle of Germany to dominate, through! finance, manufactures and trade. It is as necessary thait) the Allies should consider this as it is that they should consider everv other aspect of this present conflict. It is an integral part of Germany's struggle against the world." Mr. Wells has also pointed out that already during the war the Huns have been systematically smashing up competing Belgian industries in order that, after the peace, whether Germany is or is not victorious, the German plants may start in at once, relieved of a most dangerous rival. The Allies must take steps in itime to defeat these subtle and 1 sinister pilans. One way would be the formation of a Customs Union embracing the British Empire and its present Allies with a view to shutting out German trade from their territories. Another and more feasible

way 'Would be the adoption of protective duties throughout the British Empire.

The appointment of Major Albert Samuel to full charge of the Sixth Reinforcement came as a mild surprise— at least, to the mere man in the street. It was, the same A. M. Samuel who made his debut in the political' arena last election, contesting the Hutt seat with Tom Wilford in the Reform interests, and if he was 1 disappointed at not winning his political spurs on, that occasion, his military appointment will now serve as balm to his injured feelings. As Will Shakespeare ■ has it, a chap in his time plays many parts, and it seems' as if the squaJt little Major is doing his best to -be that same chap. Not so many dozen years l ago Albert Samuel was a mere farm boy on the late Mr. Jacob Joseph's (that wealthy gentleman was his great-uncle) big run at Dry River, Martinborough, and it was there that he learned (to rough it. But evidently town-life had more charm for hira and he relinquished his ambition of becoming a cocky. From farm-cadet he grew to be boss man of one of Wellington's aerated 1 water factories. Next he came under the public gaze as a political aspirant, and, though not returned, he polled heavily. And now he plays the most important role of all, while still a young man as far as years go. Major Samuel has always taken a keen interest) in military matters, and is sure to make a popular commander of the Sixths, for he has quite a reputation for looking after the welfare of his men. Already he has made an appeal to the public for gramophones, records, etc., for the entertainment and comfort of his charges.

* * * * Another family who have responded v to the Empire's call are the Maisey's, of Matamata, a small settlement on the railwav f line between Hamilton and Rotorua. The sad news has recently come through that one member of the 'family, Trooper Norman Maisey, has gab ebernal relief from wounds he received while fighting the Turks. He was one of the first of New Zealand's sons to enlist. Another brother is also at Grallipoli, and a third leaves with the Sixth Reinforcements. The parents' of " these boys are Mr. and Mrs. R. J. Maisey. They have every reason to be proud of their sons.