THE WAR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16160, 24 August 1914, Page 2

THE WAR

THE OTAGO .FATRIOTIO FUND. THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES LIST. Previously acknowledged ...£12,969 13 9 ' Ross and Glendining (Ltd.) ... * 3,000 0 0 Watson Shennan 100 0 0 Otago branch of N.Z. Institute of Architects a 26 5 0 J. R. Morris 15 0 0 Proceeds concert, Sawyer's Bay 12 0 0 Employees of A. P. Grey, limo works, Milburn 9 10 0 Ex-High School Girls' Club 5 5 0 Millar and Son ... 2 0 0 Captain Hugh Patcrson ... 110 E. C. Kinsman, Matarae ... 110 Jas. C. Miller 10 0 Pupils Ida Valley School ... 10 0 'Elsie G. Miller 0 10 6 Total £16,144 6 3 *£2000 to be allocated to centres other than Dunedin. a To be applied to the relief of distress consequent upon the war. EXPEDITIONARY FORCE. OVERSEAS CONTINGENTS' FUNDS. THE NEW ZEALAND EXECUTIVE. (Times and Sydney Sun Servicte.) Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, August 22. The New Zealand executive of. the Overseas Contingents' Funds will consist of Lord Plunket," Sir Joshua Williams, Sir - James Mills, Dr Chappie, and tho High Commissioner (the Hon. T. Mackenznc). TAHUNA PARK CAMP. MARCH THROUGH THE STREETS. None of tho men stationed at Tahuna Park left Dunedin on Saturday morning to join the Expeditionary Force, but in the afternoon tho monotony of camp life was varied by a march of the infantry battalion through tho streets. Headed by Lieutenant-colonel T. W. Macdonald, who will command tho Otago infantry detachment at the front, and given a sharp, crisp step by the inspiriting music of tho 4th Regiment Band, v the long column of fours swung along in a steadily and orderly march, and attracted no little attention on the streets. The troops followed Princes 6trect and George streets, and then wheeled round into St. Andrew street, where a halt was called at the Defence Office. After a brief rest the men again fell in and, still accompanied by the band, returned to the camp by way of Lower High street and Princes street. The men appeared to enjoy the march greatly, and the steadiness of the ranks, arid tneir generally orderly bearing indicated that the training they have undergone is already bearing fruit, and is giving promise that they are gradually being fitted for the more strenuous duties they may be called upon to face. In tho evening a large number of the volunteers were granted leave of absence, and khaki-clad men were encountered upon all hands in the streets, and served as a constant reminder of the fact that the Empire is in a state of war. CHURCH PARADE. Yesterday morning the usual routine of Sunday work was carried through, and a church parade was held early in the afternoon. Chaplain-major Dutton addressed the men, and several other local clergymen assisted. In the afternoon the camp was thrown open for inspection, and the day being beautifully fine, thousands of'people visited the park. A great deal of interest was evinced in the camp, and during tho afternoon many final farewells were said to the men. The 4th Regiment Band rendered a number of selections throughout tho afternoon, and these were greatly appreciated. A collection was taken at the gates in aid of the local Patriotic Fund, some £40 being gathered. SAILING OF THE TROOPS. The date of departure of the troops has not yet been definitely announced, but it is- generally expected that they will get away about the end of the week. The Mounted Squadron will probably ride down to Port Chalmers for embarkation there, but the infantry battalion will almost certainly be entrained in the usual way. Volunteers are, still coming forward, and yesterday there were over 1400 men under canvas. The mounted squadron is now practically at full strength, but a few more men are required for the infantry. The health of the camp continues good. TROOPERS INJURED. Frederick M'Kay, 22 years of age, and belonging to the mounted section- of the volunteers encamped at Tahuna Park, met with an accident on Saturday morning. He was just going out to parade, when he received a kick on the knee from a horse. It is hoped that his injuries are not serious. M'Kay comes from Weddei-burn. John Forrest, another Territorial, belonging to the 4th Regiment, fell -whilst alighting from a moving train at Cavershain and injured his head, but not seriously. THE CHRISTCHURCH CAMP. (Peb United Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, August 22. General Godley inspected the troops today in tho presence of a large crowd of Christchurch citizens. This afternoon a football match was played "between a team from the Expeditionary Force and a Canterbury team, the former winning by 6 points to 3 'points. A HANDSOME DONATION. In forwarding a cheque for £3000 as their contribution to the Patriotic Fund, Messrs Ross and Glendining write to,-the editor of the Otago Daily Times'as follows:—"We havo pleasure in handing you herewith our cheque for £3000 as i>ur contribution to the Patriotic Fund, to be disposed of as the committee may decide, but to bo allocated as follows—viz., £1000 to Dunedin; £500 each to Christohuroh, Wellington, and Auckland; £100 each to Invercargill and Napier; £50 each to Nelson, Greymouth, Blenheim, Wanganui, New Plymouth, and Gisborne. ST. CLAIR'S SOLDIER SONS. St. Clair is contributing its quota in defence of Empire, a dozen of the picked youth of the dstrict having been accepted to serve in the Expeditionary Force. Several have already left for tho north, and eight are now in camp at Tahuna Park. When it was suggested that a send-off should be given to St. Clair's soldier sons the idea was quickly put into practice, and on Saturday evening St. Clair residents to tho number of 250 assembled in the pavilion to wish God-speed. Leave of absence from camp had been granted to the St. Clair contingent, which formed up in lino, and answered to the roll call as follows:—L. H. Jones, N.. Johnson, A. L. Thomson, H R. Hancock, R. C. Baker , J. F. W. Holmes, N. D. Braithwaite. After the singing of the National Anthem, Mr H. L. Tapley (in the absence of Mr J. F. M. Eraser, K.C., through illness) addressed the boys, and concluded a stirring speech by wishing them God-speed and a safe return. Mr Ttapley also read a letter from Mr J. F. M. Eraser, containing many practical suggestions and much sound advice. Patriotic speeches wera also delivered by the Rev. J. Miller, Rev.- J. Ashford, and Mr J. M'Donald. At the conclusion of his address, the Rev. J. Miller, on bohalf of the residents, presented each of the St. Clair boys with a Locwe pipe. Mr Llwellyn Jones, in in a brief soldierly speech, thanked the people of St. Clair for tho splendid sendof, and said that, whether at Aldershot or on the frontier, they would uphold tho honour of _ tho district and of the nation to which they belonged. Dancing, singing, and speech making helped to mark a memorable evening. Songs were contributed by Miss M. Patcrson, Miss Aslin, Mrs W. Speight, Mr J. N. Crawford, the accompaniments being played by Miss S. Paterson and Miss R. Walker. Grateful acknowledgment is made to the ladies for tho splendid supper, to Messrs Ellis and Smyth for the furniture and decorations, to Mr M'Grath for tho marquee, and to Mr Searlo, for the pavilion. Vote 6 of thanks to tho promoters and to the chair concluded a splendid send-off to St. Clair's soldier ■ sons VALEDICTORY. Mr E. Rosovear, who has volunteered for service with tho New Zealand Contingent abroad, w. :s met last week by the staff of Messrs Paterson and Barr. Mr A. M. Barr, in handing him a tangible token of goodwill from his fellow employees, took occasion to add a few words of advice, and expressed the hope that in a few months Mr Rosevoar would bo back among them again, better in every way for the experience gained,. Mr Rosovear briefly replied, thanking all for the kindness expressed. Two other members of tho firm's stah\ Messrs A. Collie and William Manley, have also volunteered and been accepted for service, and similar presentations have been made to them. At the fortnightly meeting of the Dun- | piiia nursing division of the St. John Am-

bulance, Captain Fleming was presented v.'ith a wrist watcli and sovereign ease. In making the presentation, Miss Hooper said they had met to do honour to their district < chief superintendent of tho brigade. During tho time of his service with the brigade, the speaker said, Captain Fleming had been an ideal superintendent, ajid on all occasions hud done his utmost to bring the nursing divisions into prominence. Three members of the division have volunteered for tho front. Captain Fleming was also entertained by members of the Otago Lodge No. 1. U.A.0.D., and presented with a gold-. mounted fountain pen, inscribed: —"To Captain William Fleming, from Otago Lodge, U.A.0.D., Nov Zealand, 22'8/14." On Thursday afternoon the employeeo of Siirgood's Clothing Factory met to say " au revoir" to Lieutenant Lamb, who has been aceeptod for active service abroad with tho New Zealand Expeditionary Forces, and presented him with a shaving outfit. Short speeches appropriate to tho occasion wore made. Licntenant Lamb feelingly responded. Tho principals and the whole of the employees of Coulls, Culling, and Co. bade farewell to Mr T. H. S. Fyfe, who left with tho Field Ambulance Corps, at the railway station on Friday morning. The young man, who was much esteemed, was presented with several useful gifts, including a telescope and a Gillette razor. GRAND PATRIOTIC RECITAL. Under the patronage of his Worship tho Mayor and city councillors, and in conjunction with the Patriotic and Welfare Association, Mr W. Paget fiale and his church choir will give a patriotic recital in Knox Church on Thursday evening. Tho choir will sing several patriotic choruses, and will take part in a fantasia that Mr Gale has specially arranged for the occasion, ono of the selections being tho national song of Canada, "The Maple Leaf for Ever." Mr Gale will play the famous 1812 overture with chimes, bell, and tambourine (kindlv lent for the recital). Miss May Walton will sing "There's a Land," Miss Mabol Esquilant "Land of Hope and Glorv," and Mr E. R. Petersen "The Englishman." TUESDAY'S PATRIOTIC DEMONSTRA TION The complete programme of to-morrow evening's patriotic demonstration and fare well concert will be published in to-morrow's Times. Great interest has already been aroused in the demonstration, and a full house should result. DUNEDIN WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION. The Dunedin Women's Association has received parcels and donations from Tapanui, Green Island, Mosgiel, Mataura, Queenstown, BaJclutha, Milton, Orornwoll, Clinton, Wynd'ham, Kaitangata, Knox Churcti women, Butterwoith Bros., Mrs Theomin, Gore, Miss Anderson, Mrs Sutherland, Mrs Martin, Mrs Napier, Miss Watson, Miss Hirst, Miss Gallender, M.ss Peters, Miss Runciman, Miss Ross, Mrs Todd, Miss Dobson, Boy Scout, Mrs Wright, First Church, Mrs Tiley, Miss Hercus, Kensington School, Caversham Industrial School, Mr P.. H. Bligh's School, Cargill Road Methodists, Young Men's Bibles Class, Mr H. S. Wright, Miss Holmes, Mrs M'Master, Mrs J. C. M'George, ladies of Outram, Hanover Street Baptist Church, St. Clair Boy Scouts, members of the Ross family, Mrs Gillespie, Mr Cardno, Anonymous, Kelso, Mrs Maria Smith, Messrs Islip and Watt, and Mr Arthur Barnett. General and Lady Godioy state that it is requisite that cardigan jackets should be provided for the men going to the front. The Women's Committee is anxious to comply with the request, but not having the funds in hand (fully £350 is wanted for this purpose alone), will welcome contributions to the object. As the jackets must be supplied at once, contributions should be forthcoming by Monday. Mrs Charles Speight has already contributed £100 and 'Mrs J. 0. M'Georgo £20 to the cardigan ; jacket fund. .Lady Gbdley also states that canvas and other shoes for wear on board 'shin should prove very acceptable. The executive of the Patriotic and Welfare Association will take charge of gifts sent to„the Women's Association under the heading l of comforts, and see that they reach the men. LOCAL DONATIONS. Tho Otago University teaching staff has < contributed £165 lis 6d> to tho Otago Patriotic and General Welfare Fund. The examiners in the recent special professional examinations in medicine have given their examination foes to the Patriotic Fund. This sum (£SO) is included in the subscription given by the Otago Universitv teaching staff. Tho retiring collection at the King Street Congregational Church in aid-of the Patriotic Fund amounted to £? 3s. CONTRIBUTIONS BY DAIRY FACTORIES. (Pbb United Pbkss Association.) ; HAWERA, August 22. A largo meeting of representatives of dairy factory companies of Taranaki was held at Hawera on Saturday afternoon. A resolution was passod recommending all dairy factories in New Zealand to make a monthly contribution to the Empire Defence Fund on a basis of a £ per ceait. of the value of the dairy produce shipped Whilst war continued, auch contribution to be on a basis of Is per pound for butter and 6d per lb for cheese, the contributions to bo forwarded to the National Dairy Association. PATRIOTIC CONCERT AT PEMBROKE\ (Fbom Odb Own Corhespondent.) PEMBROKE, August 22. A patriotic social held at Hawea yestcr day to provide funds for use by the Expeditionary Force was presidod over by Mr ,P. M'Carthy. Approaching £30 has been collected arid will be sent on to. purchase horses. Several residents are volunteering for service. MIDDLEMARCH. The following donations towards the war fund have been received by the Midttlemaroh Ladies' Committee:—Miss W. Turnhull ss, Mrs Cameron £1, Miss Cameron £1, Mr J. Black (Mount Ross) £2, Miss Moynihain 10s, Mrs H. L. Gibson 10s, Mrs Alex. Horn £1, Miss M'Bride 3s, Mrs W. G. Thompson 10s, Mrs M. F. Thompson £1, Miss 0. Turnbull 2s 6d, Mrs A. Blakely 10s, Mrs Turnbull, sen., £1, Mrs J. Turnbull 10s, Dr Irwin £1, Mies O'Connell 10s, Father O'Connell £1, Mrs T. Ross ss, Mr E. Hasen 10s. This money has been used to tray material and comforts for troops' equipment. Parcels have been donated- as follows:— Mr E. Messent 6 dozen pairs socles, Mrs Messent 3 dozen handkerchiefs, Mrs Horn 10 pairs socks, Mrs A. Horn, sen., 1 pair blankets, Mrs W. Thomson 6 pairs socks, Mr H. M'Kay 2 dozen spoons, Mrs Ebzery 8 towels ;.nd 5 pairs socks, Miss H. M'Elligott woollen scarf, Mr A. Horn, 2 dozen towels, 2 dozen tins apricots, 51b tobacco, 1000 cigarettes, and 2 pairs blankets. Tho first case forwarded on Friday consisted of the following:—100 pairs socks, 3 pairs blankets, 2 dozen towels, 2 dozen tins aprioote, 51b tobacco, 10CO cigarettes, 6 dozen handkerchiefs, 21 hold-alls complete, 6 shirts, 1 dozen scarfs, 6 pairs braces, 26 cholera belt 3. The local residents contributed liberally to the jumble sale. Spaoo will not permit of acknowledging each individually. HYDE. A very successful meeting took place in the school on Thursday evening to organise cantributkras Dor patriotic purposes:—Mr P. Kenny was appointed to tho chair, and a strong committee was set up to thoroughly canvass the district. Donations amounting to £35 in cash aJid 5 tons of chaff were promised in the room, and with an effective oanvass this amount is sure to bo largelyadded to. During the evening patriotic songs were rendered by Messrs Carnaho, White, and M'Bride. STIRLING. A well-attended and enthusiastic meeting was held in tho Stirling Social Hall last Friday week to make arrangements for aiding tho equipment of tho Expeditionary Force. Mr D. Boyd presided, and explainedl the object of tho meeting-, and Mr Soilness, Mayor of Kaitangata, gave an outlino of what had boon done in his district. After several others had spoken, all present formed themselves into a committee to further tho objots of tho meeting. Mr 1 A. E. Farquhar being elected hon. treasurer and Mr L. E. Ellisson hon. secretary. A number of ladies present woro appointed to canvass the district. At a subsequent meeting tho lists were, h-inoWl in, the amounts subscribed totalling £60. Several lots of -produce wore promised. It was decided that the proceeds from tho sale of the produce,, together with the cash received, should be forwarded to Milton. NEUTRAL TERRITORY. TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—ln the Citizens' Atlas there is a small territory slightly south of Aix-la-Chapclle described in that atlas as noutnil territory. I shall be grateful if you will let me use your paper to find out more about this territory Is it neutral as regards Holland and Belgium, or Belgium and Germany? Whon was it made neutral?—l am etc., Lavikia Kelset. London street, August 21.

SUPPLY OF TACK SADDLES. Mr R. Breon, secretary of tho Otago Labour Council, Las received tho following ' communication from the Prim© Minister in reference to tho contracts recently Ift to a, Dunedin firm for pack saddles and transport harness, which, it was stated, were being manufactured in Auckland :—"ln further reply to your telegram of the 13th instant with reference to tho supply of pack saddles for the Expeditionary Force, I have now to inform you that the Quartorinastorgeneral has issued definite instructions that supplies are to be purchased locally wherever possible." DEFENCE DEPARTMENT. The follontng further donations have boon received by the Defence Department direct: Riversdale' Patriotic Committee, 20 bags, chaff and 20 bags oats; Mr Allen, Waitaki, 2 tons chaff; Mr D. Borric, Papakaio, 50 bags oats; Messrs D. Kingsland and Sons, Invercargill, 1 ton biscuits; Miller's Flat Patriotic Committee, 105 bags chaff, 1 bag potatoes, 1 bag onions; Woodville Bacon Company, 25 hams; To Houka Farmers, 114 bags chaff and 5 baga oats; Mr W. E. Caudwell, Dunedin, load, firewood; Mr Charles Grant, Awamoa, 10 bags oats;Mr J- A. Dunbar, Alma, 12 bags horse carrots, 12 bags potatoes; Mr R. Kirealdy, 6 bags potatoes; Brydono Patriotic League, 89 bags ohaff; Mr T. Anderson, Kurow, 2 tons chaff, 1 ton potatoes; British Empire Trading Company (Ltd.), Wellington (per Messrs Neil) and Co., Ltd., agents), 1 case Jvcorn tobacco, 12 boxes tobacco, each 161b; Mr J. M'Arthur, Lmmsden, 5 tons potatoes; Mr C. N. Lindsay, Glenham, 1 truck chaff and oate; Mr R. G. Chapman, Ranfurly. 6 bags oat 6, 25 bags chaff; Murrays, Invercnrgill, 50 cases Highlander milk; C. Bigwood, Woodlands, 2 cases jam; Sea-ward Downs Farmers' Union, truck forage. Horses.—Mr F. B. Haupflojsah, Owaka, 1; Mr D. M'Pherson. Coal Creek Flat, 1; Mr Woodhouso, Roxburgh, 1; Waitahuna Patriotic Committee, 2; Mr W. Guest, Balclutha, 1; Mr Peter Boyd, Lovcll's Flat, 1; Mr A. Campbell, Milton, 1. The following have been donated by tho ladies and citizens of Maori Hill and Woodhaugh:—l6 dozen and 11 Balaclava caps. 8 dozen and 5 scarves, 13 dozen and 7 pairs socks, 4 dozen and 2 holdalls, 1 dozen and 2 towels, half dozen chest protectors, 33i dozen handkerchiefs, 10 braces, 3 housewives, 2 dozen packets of soap, 2 dozen and 2 tins fruit, 2 tins of biscuits, 1 set draughts, 2 tine of tobacco. 7 packets cards, parcel of chocolate, 22 tins fish, 5 bottles jam, 7 face cloths, 5 dozen pines, packet of tobacco, 2 packets of matches, 6 tin openers, pens, pencils, ink, writing paper, and envelopes. Donated by the Ladies' Committee of tho Mosgicl district:—64B pairs socks, 23 dozen towels, 331b assorted tobacco. 2 dozen and 10 scarves, 2 jerseys, 4 dozen handkerchiefs, 11 2-3 rd dozen housewives. 1 dozen knife and fork outfits. • I dozen cigaretteholders, 4 dozen handkerchiefs. 3C pairs canvas shoes, 2£ dozen briar pipes, 2 pairs underpants. 7 dozen cork soles, 3 dozen Nugget polish. 1 dozen boot outfits, \ dozen pines, 10 l-3rd dozen towels. Donated by tho Ladies' Committee of the Rivorton district: 6A dozen singlets. 2 pairs underpants, 80 pair socks, 34 housewives, 12 dozen holdalls, £ dozen towels. PATRIOTIC AND GENERAL WELFARE FUND. Tho following communication, which explains itself, has been forwarded to Mr E. F. Duthie, hon. secretary of the Patriotic and General Welfare Fund:—"l have the : honour to advise you that at a meeting of i the staff of the Otago Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, recently held, the followi ing resolutions were carried unanimously:— ■ ' (1) That this meeting agrees to subscribe • voluntarily to a fund (as a staff) to be de- ■ voted to the relief of any distress that may ; be in Otago. (2) That the money be handed ! to the Otago Patriotic and General Welfare i Fund for tho purpose of any distress in Otago.' Several of the subscribers have agreed to subscribe each month, and it is ; understood that, should necessity arise, a ; further collection will be taken up through the staff later on." The head office staff . contributions amount to £7 18s; Dunedin i Hospital, £15 19s; Otago Benevolent Ini stitution, £2 17s; BleasaAt Valley Sana- ■ torium, £8 ss; Forth Street Maternity Home. 14s 6d; Tapanui Cottage Hospital, £2; Kaitangata Hospital, £1: Port Chalmers Hospital, ss;—total, £38 18s &d„ GORE, rpn D»m P«« amocuttowi GORE, August 22. Contributions in cash and (promises to the i Gore Citizens' Defence Committee amount to some £1200. In addition to horses and fodder, estimated as being worth between £600 and £700, tho value of "list" goods supplied by tho ladies' branch of the Gore Citizens' Defence Committee, such as holdalls, cholera belts, towols, caps, socles, etc., total £230, and these were despatched to Dunedin to-day In addition, tho ladies havo presented Major M'Kenzie, of Gore, who commands the 7th Regimental squadron, with a horse. SOWING WHEAT. WHAT THE FARMERS ARE DOING. QeioM Oob Own Correspondent.) OAMARU, August 22. A number of farmers in North Otago have responded to tho Prim© Minister's cell to sow more Wheat, though tho usual season for sowing is practically past. A good deal of seed wheat has been sent out by merchants during tho week, and it is apparent that the area under this cereal will be a good deal larger than was at first contemplated. Land that had been prepared for oats or for laying down in pastures is being used for wheat, and tho effect of this will probably be to curtail the area under oats, and reduce tho reliance by farmers., upon sheep. (Pee United Press Association.) TIMARU, August 22. At a meeting of farmers at Fairlio promises were made to 'put in extra wheat, totalling 220 acres A canvass of the district is to be made for more promises. Mr Wright offered eeed at 4s a bushel. It was proposed that an appeal for the growing of wheat should be made through the churches. The Anglican minister present accepted tho 1 suggestion. At a meeting of the Farmers' Union at 1 Timaru, wheat-growing was urged for patriotic reasons, also on the ground that it was bound to pay. The season was said to bo '< very suitable, and the land at present in good condition- ! ; A DISCORDANT NOTE. CR O'BRIEN NOT IN FAVOUR OF THE WAR. (P«* UNmtn Pbcss Association.) GREYMOUTH, August 22. • When the lists forwarded to the Runanga Borough Council in connection with the war fund were received last night, tho Mayor's action, in advertising a list as open at the Council Chambers was approved A motion that the town clerk wait on business people for subscriptions was pro posed by the Mayor (Mr Coppersmith), and seconded by Cr Latimer, but was opposed by Crs Arbuckle, O'Brien, and the Rev. Mr Ayrton, on the ground that canvassers from Greymouth had visited the district. Cr O'Brien said it had taken Greymouth all its time to work up a spirit of jingoism. He was not in favour of the war. The council should not do anything to assist it, but rather should save their money until the war was over, when, no doubt, the council would be called on to assist those in destitute circumstances ns a result of the war. It was statod at the meeting that only two names appeared on the list at the Council Chamber. However, it is understood tbot a number of the residents, being douMful of the sincerity of Runanga councillors to help the war fund, had contributed direct to the Grey committees. WEST COAST MINERS. WANT THEIR USUAL HOLIDAY. DECLINE PRIME MINISTER'S REQUEST. (Peb United Press Association.) WESTPORT, August 22. In regard to tho Dennieton and Millerton coal miners' refusal to accede to the request of tho Weetport Coal Company to "ork on the fortrughtlv Saturday pay holiday in order to accelerate the fulfilment of Admiralty rush ordors, tho Prime Minister, in a .message to the men, says:—" A very serious crisis, has come to tihe Empire, and therefore to tho dominion One of the immediate consequences is that Wcstport coal is urgently required for Imperial pur]Jo6cs. I would therefore ask you, as loyal, ipat-iotic citizens, to reconsider this matter, and give up the usual holiday in order to cope with tho emergency that has arisen. By doing so you will materiallv assist, as Now Zoaiandcrs, in carrying tho old fla.? once more to victory. I can assure tho men that if they comply with the request their action will be. greatly appreciated, not only in our own country, but in the heart of tho Empire itself." The men. it is understood, contended that tho difficulty oould bo met by an increased output, but the companv says it is not possible to obtain this, as extra men are not available.

EVERY MAN'S DUTY. SPEECH BY MR W. C. MACGREGOK. WEST COAST MINERS CRITICISED. In responding to tho toast of the "' Engincdrivers, Firemen, and Cleaners' .Association " (it the annual smoke concert of the Dunedin branch on Satuiday evening, Mr W. C. MacGrcgor, the association's solicitor, made reference to the present European crisis. Ho said a good many of them did not quite recognise tho seriousness of tho present position—that we as a nation were now at war with the greatest military nation in the world, and a nation which possessed the second greatest navy in the world. Although he had no doubt that we would ultimately coma out (successful, it would take every man wo could spare before wo emerged victorious from thia trouble. It was the duty of each man to do what he could to help.—(Applause.) Everybody should do all in their power to assist those who were actually going to the front.—(Applause.) Ho was glad to hear that the railway men had already sent their contingent, and he hoped that everyone would do the best in his power to assist the Empire in tho present er;s:s.—(Prolonged applause.) Referring to tho action of the West Coast miners in refusing to forego their half-day on Saturdays just now, Mr MacGregor said.this was a serious position, and he could hot understand how any man with a spark of patriotism could do "such a thing. For the defence of tho Empire they should be prepared to work nurht and day in order that reinforcements tor the British army might bo sent away. It was almost incredible that men should deliberately refuse to do what they could to provide coal for the troopshrps.—(Cries of " Hear, hear," and applause.) JOTTINGS. Tho Kartigi School children have contributed 15s to tho Patriotic Fund. Hie following members of tho Dunedin Anglican Harriers and Amateur Athletics Ciud are either in camp or at Palmereton North: —C. A. Livingstone, G. Thomson, S. G. M'Donald, R. i. Baird, V. Marshall, S. G. Fyie, A. Mazengorb, A. G. Andlerson, and J. Holmes. Headquarters notify that no liquor will bo permitted on the troop transports' Expeditionary Force, except as medical stores under the medical stiff Dr W. Aitken has been appointed lieutenant in the Field Ambulance, and left on Saturday morning for the 'camp at Palmerston North. At a meeting of the Engine Drivers, Firemen, and Cleaners' Association, the members agreed to contribute a day's pay a month, as far as practicable, to the Patriotic and Distress Funds. As there are no facilities for bathing at Tahuna Park. arrangements have been made with the City Corporation for the use of the municipal baths by the troops. Mr R. Breen, secretary of the Otago Labour Council, has received the following communication from the Prime Minister in reference to the contracts recently let to a ■ Dunedin firm for pack saddles and transport harness, which, it is stated, was being manufactured in Auckland:—"ln further reply to your telegram of the ■ 13th inst. with reference to the supply of pack saddles for the Expeditionary Force, I havo now to inform you that the Quartermaster-general has issued definite instructions that supplies are to be purchased locally wherever possible." THE GROWING OF CEREALS. TO THE EDITOB. Sir, —I quite agree with the Prime Minis- , ter in the appeals he has made to farmers urging them to grow as much cereal produce as possible this season; but [perhaps the ; thought has not struck Mr Massey or your ! readers that many farmers who. have the necessary land to grow the cereal crops have not the means to get the seed. As the , population of New Zealand is so patriotic , and open-handed in times such as these with ; their subscriptions—l see, by your paper that ' nearly £10,000 has been collected in Otago for the War Fund, —perhaps it has not. .. crossed the mind of the wealthy that they . couild help the small fanners bo be patriotic • tiao by helping to supply them with the required seed to plant. Maybe some of your readers would inaugurate a fund to supply tho seed so as to help the small farmer in ' order that he in return can help his country. —I am, etc., Small Fabmeb. August 21. THE COMFORT OF THE FORCE. TO THE EDITOB. Sir, —I should like to endorse heartily the letter on this subject by "Parent" in your issue of this morning. Many of the members of our Expeditionary Force have willingly gone out at great sacrifioe to themselves and their families to uphold tho honour of our dominion and provide our share of the defence of our Empire. Every member of tho commiuinity is making sacrifice of some sort to ensure the well-being of those left behind and to provide willing help in the matter of equipment and comforts for our deputies in the, battlefield. Surely the very least wo can do for the short time they are to remain with us is to manifest in them a little of the patriotic zeal which is everywhere being exhibited and to give them the benefit of a little practical interest in their present welfare. General Godley's admirable farewell address to the men will find an echo in the hearts of our people from one end of the dominion to. the other. We all realise that these boys are our representatives, and as such will give a worthy account of themselves. Just now they are facing a six weeks' sea voyage, with the prospect of a severe winter's work at tiie end, and a work that we know will try the stamina of the most hardy. Everywhere the people are rallying round the Government with offers of help in every direction. Surely it is the duty of those in authority to seo that there is no complaint as regards the commfssariat department, and that the equipment of our volunteers' bodies is thoroughly attended to inwardly as well as outwardly, by a plentiful supply of good plain, well cooked food. There may be— nay, will be —hard days and hungry days ahead. Just now let us see to it that out" equipment is thorough all round.—l am, etc., Practical Patriot. August 21. THE PATRIOTIC FUNDS. TO,THE KOTOR. Sib,—Tho small attendance at the meeting that was called for last evening by the Mayor of Mornington was not due to the causes mentioned by him, or to any lock of patriotism on the part of tho c .OQO residents of the borough, but as far as I can maice out, aftr conversation with those I meet, we all feel that the object desired will bo beet attained through the work of the splendid committee." which represent the result of the meeting in tho Garrison Hall. There have been large donations from Mornington residents to the Patriotic Funds, and both large and "small donors' are satisfied in leaving the distribution of the monoy in the ha-?ds of the General Committee. All are moved* by the same patriotic feeling, and there •« no desire to bring the parish sentiment into the matter. The additions to the present committee of mayors of boroughs and chairmen of school committees within a certain radius of Dunedin would be a sufficient representation for boroughs like Mornington I should like your opinion on the subject.—l am, etc., Morkinoton Resident. August 21. [As our correspondent asks for an expression of opinion on the subject, we would say that the existing committees are, if anything, too large and that it would be a mistake to extend their personnel— Ed. O.D.T.] _____________