DOMINION'S FORCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15685, 12 August 1914, Page 9

DOMINION'S FORCE.

COLLECTING TROOPS

AUCKLAND MOBILISATION.

; MEN GOING INTO CAMP.

DATE OF DEPARTURE.

FlO ANNOUNCEMENT MADE.

A. statement in regard to the expeditionary force was made in the House of representatives by the Prime Minister yesterday afternoon. He stated that it MS not a fact, M had been reported, that tlo first section was leaving that night. The men were going on board tho two hips, hat that was merely for the purpose 0 { enabling them to become used to the {hips &nd "their duties on the. transports, ftoy were not going away to-day. Mr. Massey promised to give as much notice as possible when the date of departure was fixed. . The mobilisation of the remainder of Auckland's contribution to the expeditionary fore® was continued yesterday win unabated vigour, although the Defence authorities had a slightly easier tune owing to tho departure on the previous day of the advance guard. There was a large number of volunteers for service in attendance at the Defence office throughout tho day, tho authorities being pleased to note that amongst them were several men who had in the past been very lax in the performance of their military duties. Several hundred of these volunteers were medically examined, about one in every twelve being rejected as physically. unfit. The medical examination is very (strict, the greatest care being exercised in tho selection of volunteers so as to insure the dispatch of a force thoroughly gennd throughout. First Section Under Canvas test evening another 150 mem, having been passed and fully equipped, they were ready* to leave for service with the expeditionary force whenever required. These men proceeded at once to tie local mobilisation camp on the Campbell Show Ground, Epsom. . In addition to granting the use of the ground, the Auckland Agricultural and Pastoral Association has placed its. secretary's) office and other buildings at the disposal o! the Defence sntboritiesr There was not much activity displayed in the camp yesterday, except m the way of erecting tents and preparing for the advent of a far larger body of men. Each day as more and more volunteers are available from various parts of the Auckland military district they will be drafted into the camp until such time as (hey are required to attend the main concentration camp at Palmerston North. Ikiteant-Colonel A. Plugge is in com- ' mind of the local camp. The men will . undergo continuous training. -..

The Army Eeservlats. )

The army reserviste, who hay* been summoned to report themselves, wffl be attached at present to local troops. The ex-members of the Royal uarrison Artillery and the electric light section of the Royal Engineers will be on duty in the forte, while other artillery men will bo sent to Palmerston North. Other reservists will be attached to the local camp.

Amongst' those who went into camp yesterday were 20 members of the No. 3 Field Company of Engineers, who have been chosen as sappers to serve in the expeditionary force. This squad is tinder the command of Captain L. M. Shera,. Willing Helpers. \ Great assistance Has been given to the Defence authorities by many associations and individuals. The officers of the Motor Reserve under Captain C. Rhodes have done sterling wort in assisting the speedy mobilisation of the troops. The Auckkod Motor-cyclists' Club has offered to form a contingent for foreign Berries, while the Auckland yachtsmen have volunteered to carry out harbour and coast defence work. The Auckland branch of the New Zealand Dental Association has offered to attend to the teeth of all men in the local camp free of charge. The canteen at the camp will be in 'ho hands of "'Messrs. Hutchinson Bros., who will devote all profits to the local funds. '.At/the Defence Office-the local boy scouta are rendering invaluable service as » messenger corps, while the Roneo-Roming- : ten Company has lent typewriters and typists to help in relieving the pressure of clerical work.

Nurses Who Volunteered.

, Over 30 members of tie Auckland Trained Nurses' Association have volunteered for service wherever required, the flames being taken by Miss Bagley, of the District Health Office. The New Zealand branch of tho Alexandra Nursing Besene is also prepared to supply a large number of trained nurses, should they be required.

Miss Orr, the lady superintendent of tho Auckland Hospital, has selected five sisters and ton nurses, who will be ready to proceed at once with the New Zealand contingents'. Those selected Sisters Carrie Young, Mary Sutherland, Matilda Flicker, Emma Harris, and Louisa Long"pan; Nurses Rowona Commons, Sarah L. Clark, Lily Burke, Kate Wright, Maud .Mitchell, Margaret Sampson, Minnio Kirk, Agnes Patcrson, Louisa Early, and one from the Waihi Hospital, _ The mobilisation of the forces in the Auckland military district has led to the rearrangement of officers. Lieutenant Rust "*8 been, temporarily appointed to act as group commander in Auckland, Captain * H. Northcroft, N.Z.F.A., taking up a «"nj». position at Hamilton. Captain J. Wv "' N.Z.S.C, group commander at Whangawi, has been relieved by Captain 0- C. S. Dyer, N.Z.S.C., so that Captain Barton may take over the duties of | Assistant -Quartermaster. General, "until :j»Wy carried out by Major H. C. Nuts-