THE WAR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16190, 28 September 1914, Page 2

THE WAR

THE OTAGO PATRIOTIC FUND. THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES LIST. Previously acknowledged ... £18,606 19 4 Collected in Ratanui and surrounding district (per Mr Percy bliaw) 24 1 0 Pupils of Lovell's Flat School a 1 15 3 Total £18,632 15 7 a To be allotted to the horae fund. Wo acknowledge the receipt of £24 Is subscribed in Ratanui and surrounding district for the patriotic fund. The individual contributions are: —A. W. Gcddes, £2 2s; John Colder, £2; T. M'lntosh, sen., £1 Is; M. Allan, J. 11. Callahan, Percy Shaw, E. Davis, Dawson M'Kechnie, P. Milne, Latta and Ayson, R. W. M'lntosh, F. J. Slater, each £1; A. Williams, R. Durham, Newton Eggan, J. White, R. M'Taggart, J. Allan, J. M'Kochnie, E. Tilloy, R. F. Chalmers, each 10s; Robt. Warwick, 7s 6d; K. Findlater, D. Oldham, R. M'Dowell, Mrs R. M'Dowoll, E. C. Govan, W. Williamson, G. A. Hutton, Mrs J. Allan, H. White, D. White, J. W. M'Lay, G. Warnock, G. Dawson, F. D. P. Slater, each ss; A. Harland, 3s; Robert Allan, J. Dclaney, G. Irving, each 2s 6d; Tom Robinson, W. Wilkinson, oach 2s; proceeds of Ratanui dance, 16s. BELGIAN RELIEF FUND. THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES LIST. Previously acknowledged £237 16 2 "Thistle" ... 010 0 EXPEDITIONARY FORCE, THE REINFORCEMENT. OTAGO'S QUOTA INCREASED. It has been decided to increase the number of men to reinforce the main body from the Otago and Southland District from eight officers and 366 men to eight officers and 425 men. Arrangements will prooeed under the original intention of despatching the men on October 5, but it seems quite unlikely that they will get away on that date. It is understood that the howitzer battery will be sent along with the men at present being enrolled. TROOPS AT WELLINGTON. TO GO INTO CAMP. PROBABLY DISEMBARK TO-DAY. (From Oub Own Cobbespondent.) WELLINGTON, September 27. It was decided yesterday to bring all the troops on the eight transports now at Wellington ashore, and to send them inio camp until the departure of the ships. Six camps have been selected. The men from the Orari and Athenic will go to Trentham, and those from the Limerick and the Arawa to Hurt probably to the old racecourse. The Tahiti's men will go to Lyall Bay, the Hawke's Bay's to Miramar, the Ruapehu's to Seatoun, and the Maunganui's to the Alexandra Barracks. The troops now in the harbour comprise the whole of the Wellington, Canterbury, and Otago sections. Arrangements are being made to get the grounds ready as soon as possible, and the troops will probably be brought ashore tomorrow. The troops, while ashore, will be trained in field work and musketry, and will be exercised together as much as possible. VERDALA AS A TROOPSHIP. Mr E. H. Clark, M.P., who ha 8 been taking an active part in the endeavour to have the 6teamer Verdala fitted out at Port Chalmers as a transport, telegraphed on Saturday evening to the Mayor of PortChalmers (Mr T. Scollay) that the Verdala is to be fitted out as a troopship, and) that tenders are to be called for carrying out the work. The Verdala is at present in dock at the Port. ON THE HAWKE'S BAY. A TROOPER'S EXPERIENCES. One of the men who went away on board the troopship Hawke's Bay writes as follows to a friend in Dunedin: — September 24, 9.10 a.m.—" Everything on board is going well —exceptionally well — and there is little or no sea-sickness. When we awoke yesterday morning we were off Banks Peninsula, and *we quickly overhauled and- passed the Corinthic, the Ruapehu following close behind us. Soma-' phore connection was maintained between the vessels a good deal of the time, and towards evening the signallers indulged in signal practice with flash lamps and the Morse system. This morning we arose at 5.45 a.m. and got a magnificent view of the seaward Kaikouras, with the snow on tl;e tops of the peaks reflecting the beautiful red light of the sun. We find ourselves now in company with two troopships from Lyttelton, as well as some coastal steamer or other. Of course, the men are not yet accustomed to living on rations, and I have no doubt they are beginning to realise that the cat-as-much-as-you-can 6tyle applies only in the land of plenty, New Zealand." The writer, who belongs to tho Southland Squadron of the Mounted Battalion, puts ,in a good word for his own comrades, who, he states humorously, were the only people to take a good wash on tho morning- on which his letter was written. "Captain Paddon," he writes, " held the hose, and every officer and man of the Southland Squadron was swished down with brine— much to the delight of the bystanders. Things are rather cramped, but all is going well, and we expect to reach Wellington some time to-day." DUNEDIN WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION. In continuation of ' the intention announced some time ago, and in response to the request of the Mayor, the Dunedin Women's Association is now busily .?ngiged in preparing .iifts of clothing, etc.,- tor the relief of distress in Britain and Belgium. "Flower Saturday" a week ago gave that project a considerable impetus, and the scheme now in hand is to settle down to steady work clay by day in making, remaking, etc., so as to be able to send away a 'large consignment as soon as possible. The members start on Monday, and will meet daily at tho Early Settlers' Hall from 10 a.m. till 5 p.m. They desire that all goods sent in should be washed, cleaned, and mended beforehand. Socks and khaki-coloured cuffs are required, as well as funds for the purchase of Cardigan jackets. The following donations have been received for the Belgian Fund:—Balfour Ladies' Patriotic League (per Miss Lcssler), £10; Mrs Mac Fie 12s. For the British and Belgian Relief Fund £1 has been received from Mr Wood, 6s from Mrs R. B. Denniston, and 7s 6d in small sums. LOYAL ORANGE INSTITUTION. PATRIOTIC CHURCH SERVICE. Under the auspicesc of the Loyal Orange Institution a church service was held in the Octagon Hall yesterday afternoon, tho proceeds of fne collection at which were to be devoted to the Patriotic and Relief Fund. There was a large attendance, including many of the members )f the Loyal Orange Lodge, who marched to the hall in a procession headed bv the Dunedin Pipe Band. During tho service special music was rendered by the Central Mission choir, and Mr James Simpson sang the tenor solo . " Sound an Alarm-" The Rev. W. Arthur Hay, who delivered the address, took as his text the words " No man that warreth ontangleth h'mself.'' He pointed out to his hearers tha; they must not become mentally entangled by relating the present European war to a solution of the Home Rule question or tho Indian difficulties. Those questions, great as they were, would be recognised as being quite out of proportion to the lawfulness of tho war. At present they were submerged by the blood of both parties. By-and-byo they would emerge again, and the blood shed would have purged the spirits of the men that dealt with the subjects. Everyone would hope that then there would be absolutely no room for any other spir-t. As Christian people, they must not confuse their patriotism with their religion, as the two things were not the same, <.no bi.-ing the product of the other. The patriotism of Christian people was as true as their religion was pure, and the clearer their vision of God" the grander their love and their loyalty would be. Otherwise their patriotism would degenerate into jingoism. Their natriotism would make great claims upon their religion before the war was over. They would become entangled if they looked at tho conflict from any but the highest moral standpoint, for no man with an elementary familiarity with Christianity could look with enthusiasm upon the bloodshed and carnage that was going on. Therefore, they must have strong grounds for tiheir attitude, and must lemeoober that tiheir

country was forced into a war which it was waging against tho repudiation uf national obligations. As a nation Great Britain regarded personal and national honour as resting oti tho sarno basis and claiming the same defence and support. ■ The British hated war, but they bated duplicity and ovor-wcening ambition oven more. Wherecver these existed there must be incessant war. Again they must not become entangled by permitting their desire for peace to blind "their minds to the necessity for war to tho last moment of resistance. The war was not merely one between the Germans and the Allies—it was a fight on our part against a world-power -seeking tho destruction of tho highest, in our civilisation. Thero were two mutually exclusive spirits in conflict. If Gorman materialism won it would be the greatest retrogression since time- began. From the ideals of civilisation they might become tired of the war, but they must remember that yielding meant the sacrifice of nil they held dearest and holiest and truest. PATRIOTIC SPORTS MEETING. RECORD ENTRIES RECEIVED. Entries for tho various events in connection with the patriotic sports meeting to be hold on October 3 closed with the secretary (Mr P. W. Broen) on Saturday night, and wore found to constitute a record so far as amateur athletics in Dunodin are concerned. Li tho open events no fewer than 350 run ners have signified their intention of competing, and some, record fields and close finishes should bo witnessed. The handicapper will certainly have a difficult task. For one event alone—tho Mile Handicap Race—no fewer than 35 entries have been received. For tho school events there are over 250 entries, while for the National Reserve races and several other events post entries will be received. The sale of tickets has been taken up enthusiastically, and already a large number have been disposed of. School children will be admitted free if wearing patriotic badges, which the Amateur Athletic Association is selling for 3d each. The various fife and drum bands and all tho city bands have promised to assist, while a number of other attractions, including an exhibition of gymnastics, are being arranged. Given a fine afternoon, a successful sports mooting should result, and the funds of the Patriotic Association should benefit substantially. _ WORK FOR UNEMPLOYED. RESERVES COMMITTEE'S RECOMMENDATION. . The following recommendation from the Reserves Committee will bo considered, at the meeting of the City Council on Wednesday evening:—"That authority be granted to carry out trio following relief works at the cost, in equal proportions, of the council and the Employment and Relief Committee: (a) The formation of a 12ft footway on one side of the Tomahawk road as it runs through Chisholm Park and tho tidying up of tho road, at an estimated cost of £250. The footway would give direct access to Chisholm Park, and ■would bo formed of rotten rock and like material, which can be got from a convenient quarry on the park. (b) The levelling of Chisholm Park at an estimated cost of £550. These works would involve a total expenditure of £800, and each party would therefore be called upon to contribute the sum of £400, possibly slightly more or: loss." LABOUR PARTY'S ATTITUDE. FIGHTING THE THING THROUGH. THE FOLLY OF ARMAMENTS. (Pes United Peess Association.) AUCKLAND, September 26. Mr Philip Snowden, M.P. for Blackburn, one of the most prominent leaders of tho British Labour Party, who is now a visitor to Auckland, in an interview said that, as far as he knew the views of his colleagues and the Labour Party, he thought the attitude of members would now be one of fighting the thing through. Though everybody agreed upon that now, later the Labour r'arty and the Peace Party would insist upon some settlement which would not repeat the past follies,, blunders, and crimes "of European diplomacy and international policy,' having for their object tho maintenance of huge armies and navies. The conclusion of tho war would provide wonderful opportunities for trying to put Europe in a large measure on a peace instead of a -war footing. If so, the war would probably be something of a blessing in disguise. . Mr Snowden spoke strongly against the policies of ententes and alliances, which had made Britain's participation in the present war unavoidable. There was involved a big question of policy, which would have to be settled after the war was over. The bureaucracy of Germany must be overthrown. " One (thing England and the democracy of Europe must insist upon was tho domocratisation of the German system of government. If we got that it would give, he believed, an assurance of European peace in the future. LADY LIVERPOOL FUND. (Pee United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, September 27. Her Excellency Countess Liverpool desires to announce that she is prepared to forward direct to her Majesty the Queen all gifts of socks and cholera belts for troops at present in the field which tho people of New Zealand may desire to contribute in response to the Queen's appeal, made at the request of Lord Kitchener, if directed personally to her Excellency at Government House, marked." Queen Mary's Fund." It should be explained that, as specified articles only have been asked for, no monev should on any account be forwarded. The length of the feet of socks should be from 10£ to Hi inches. WHEAT AND FLOUR. J THE FIXING OF PRICES. (Pee United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, September 27. Questioned on the subject of the projected proclamation fixing tho price of wheat and flour, the Prime Minister stated yesterday that the necessary papers had come to hand, and had been referred to tho Solicitor-general. The subject was, however, so complicated that it would be impossible to issue a proclamation that j day.

CARGOES IN GERMAN SHIPS. ADVICE TO CONSIGNEES. (From Our Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, September 27. The following notification in regard to cargo on German steamers which have been seized or detained lias been received by the Wellington Chamber of Commerce from the Council of the New Zealand Marine Underwriters' Association:—"A cable has been received from the Institute of London Underwriters informing this council that it is necessary for consignees to apply to the Prize Court for' release oi cargo ex steamers seized or detained, otherwise will fall on, and bo due to. negligence of assured, and not to capture. Shall bo glad if you will bring this matter under the notice of your members." . . , .. Among the vessels bringing cargo to New Zealand were the Wismar, the inaugumtor of a direct regular line of German steamers to New Zealand. She had just started when war broke out The Wismar is anchoring in a neutral port- The same applies to the N D.L. liner Roon, at present in me Dutch East Indies. She had New Zealand cargo which was to have been transhipped in Australia. The Stolzenfels and Wildenfels had cargo from New York to Now Zealand. Consignees of such cargo as in German ships seized in British ports are reminded that' the insurance on them ceased when the vessels were seized or detained. The Chamber of Commerce points out that, with regard to such cargo in vessels seized or detained, which has been covered by war risks it is necessary for the assured, in order to get the benefit of this insurance, to make immediate application to the Prize Court for release of shipments on German or other enemy's vessels which have been detained as nnzes of war. Whether such cargo is insured or not. it is necessary for consignees to make application to the Prize Court for release of shipments. Where caro-o in such vessels has not been covered by a marine policy which includes war risk, and the vessels have been detained, the liability of the insurance ceases at the port of detention, and it is necessary for consignees to effect further marine insurance to cover the voyage from the port of detention to a New Zealand port The question has teen asked: lo whom, and where, should .application to the Prize Courts be made.'/" So far as can be ascertained, the only person who can be addressed is the Registrar of the Prize Court for' the time being, wherever it may be sitting. On September 6 it was_ requested that the names and tmvns of consignees of cargo seized on German ships should be forwarded by cable to the Prize Court at Capetown. ■

LETTERS BY THE MAIL PASSENGERS' EXPERIENCES. IIOTORUA'S TRIP HOME. NEWS OF THE WAR. (Ebom Our Own Oouuesi'ondent.) WELLINGTON, September 27. Letter.* Iroiu England and America taut have arrived by tno iast mail are particularly interesting, jii vjevv ot the fact tliat, when the man lelt London, war bad been declared for just a loitn.gut. i make the following extracts from a budget I have just received: — A very well-known Wellington business man, writing ironi London on august lb, states: "1 shall probably be back in New Zealand belore .December, 'lias is no time lor holiday tripping, wlien tile wliole nation jS making sacr.hces for the sake ot giving its natural enemy such a beating that peace wul reign lor many years herealter. The war has had a marvellous effect here, alio hue brought all classes ot the community together. It seems to be the unanmious opinion that the Government d.d tno ngnt thing in declaring war against the 'Gorilla,' as the French papers call the Kaiser. It is qame certain that the Germans wcro oocksure that England would not fight, and al! their plans have oeen upset by the active British fleet and tud successful landing of 130,000 British troops at Boulogne, etc. Everything at present, points to the downfall of Germany and the releaso of the world from German arrogance. Should it be otherwise, the Germans would be unbearable. Our own little experience in the Rotorua on the way Home proves this. We received a wireless message from the Admiralty at 2 a.m. on the morning of the sth, when oft' the Cape Verde Islands: ' England at war with Germany; avoid trade routes.' You "an imagine our feelings and expectations. When wo arrived at Teneriffe we found seven German merchantmen, throe French, and six or eight English ships, also a cablegram telling us to await further instructions. One of the French ships was from Senegal, with 700 soldiers on board. For three days none of us, except some small English cargo boats, left port. Then two British cruisere—the Cumberland and *he Carnarvon—dashed into Santa Cruz, and saluted the Spanish flag. The Carnarvon signalled to the .French troopship to come out, and away went the Tricolour, convoyed by a British cruiser! It made one feel proud to think that Britannia ruled the waves, and we said as much, to the annoy anco of the Germans, who an hour before had been giving us the ' Watch on tne Rhine,' etc. That same evenmg we received a threo-days-uld cablegram to proceed, and in half an hour we were off, amid the cheers of our friends and a silence that could almost be felt on the part of the Germans. When we sighted the Lizard a British cruiser stopped us, and took our name and other particulars, amidst /fie cheers of our passengers and sailors, which i were heartily responded to from the warship. All the way up to Plymouth we were amongst torpedo-boats and destroyers, and when we reached the Sound we \vere boarded by the naval police, who dismantled our wireless, hoisted strange flags at our masthead, anchored us in Corsair Bay, ordered all our lights out, and told us they would call agiin at 4.20 a.m. Searchlight* from a dozen poinfa played upon the entrance to the harbour all night. At daylight the naval police called as promised, took all our names and histories, and then allowed those who wished to land to do so, in charge of a torpedo-boat. As we passed up the harbour we saw three small German gunboats and a fine German merchantman lying irs : de the moles, and heard of many more captures in other ports. When wt landed at the pier wo found an armed guard waiting for Mr and Mrs Bose, two of our passengers. He was the German Resident at the Caroline Islands—a charming maa, coming Homo for his holiday, little expecting that he would find his country at war. They had been greatly distressed when the news reached us, and at Teneriffe they had suggested leaving the ship and taking their chance of getting home m a Gerntan vessel. The captain h«l told them, however, that they were quite welcome to cont'nnn the voyage with us. and many of us also urged them to stay, little thinking that an English prison would receive them. Mrs Bose sings and plays beautifully, and the passengers made her a presentation the night before we arrived. We were all very sorry for them. The feeling in London is verv bitter against the Germans, and many of therri have tied the country. Some have subscribe,! .large sums to the Red Cross F»md, but I am no* pure that even their cash will save them. We have seen thousands of troops mareh : ng through London day after day. No one knows where 'they are off to. Kitchener has now asked for 500,000 recruits." SOLDIERS IN THE PARK. From the letter of a Wellington lady who is married' to a London financier, and has been living there for several years now, I make the following extract: — "Hero we are in the midst of war, and such a war as, I suppose, will never bo seen again—at least, one sincerely hopes not It was sprung suddenly upon us, though, thank God, our army_ and navy were ready this time and, quite contrary to many people's expectations, the wholo Empire, including Ireland, has sunk disputes and has arisen as one man. It has been very fine, this spirit all through. Everyone knew the colonies would stand by us, but you are doubtless rather anxious, too, with German cruisers in the Pacific. Here the usual war scares take place, and the same with you, I daresay. Thanks to the strict press censorship one is learning to disregard rumours until the word 'official' m attached to them, but all day long one's thoughts ore in Belgium. Where are our troops? What are they doing? As I write, I suppose they are in the midst of hideous war. One could think and talk of nothing else when war was imminent. Wo bolted back from Ireland to London, which is quite calm and collected, soldiers marching everywhere, and Hyde Park, opposite our house, filled with recruits drilling, the round pond, where tin children play, circled with tents. We had a soldier friend in our house for some days, keeping us cheery with his news and stories of his recruits. Ho slipped off one morning and did not return. One wonders where he is. There seems nothing for us to do but sit and sew. Our housemaid is wild to got into a hospital. Our children had a young German governess, whom we all liked exceedingly, but I suppose we shall not see her again Germany. is facing awful odds, for wiiich I much admire her, though the quarrel was entirely of her own seeking, and I believe this is the beginning of her downfall. If defeated she will surely never be allowed to have such a navy' again, or to exercise her former arrogance. To-day I am going to Ascot to see a family of stranded Americans—rich people who found themselves without a penny, and only thj clothes they stood up in. There are thousands in the same case. These people left their luggage and motor car at Franklurt, and hurried across the frontier at night with four children, ranging from live months to seven years. Now they are settled in the country, and quite happy." FROM THE BRIGHTON ROAD: A lady who lives in a country house halfway between London and Brighton writes:— "War was declared with Germany last Tuesday, and we got over the first few days well. The banks closed for three days, which prevented the gold leaving the country, and there are now £1 note? issued—nice little things, about sin by 2Ain, but none is in a panic nbout money. Then the food question has been well overhauled, and we are supposed to have enough for five months without supplies coming, ,so our sole question is to economise and to have no waste nor luxury. Kitchener has been put in charge at tno War Office, and it is stated that he tore up all the old plans ho found there, as there had been a spy there for 10 years—a well-known man. He has done away with all the red tape business, and our hopes are largely centered in him. All our news comes from one centre and. of course, is meagre, but so far the Belgians seem to be holding their own nobly. N , who is joining again, came down for the week-end, and G too. They say 100,000 troops were sent off frcm Avomnouth, near Bristol, on Tuesday last, and landed l in Belgium, with 300 motor 'busses made into lorries for carrying the troops towards Liege. The east coast towns arc all under martial law, and all the high buildings that could bo used as landmarks were at once blown up. Our railways to the coast are all lined at intervals with soldiers. All bridges arc guarded, and tunnels especially, so the stations are thick with soldiers. The new Christ's Hospital tSchools at Horsham are being used by the Government as hospitals. Ladies are everywhere starting working clubs, to make things for the soldiers. The Government has put a price on all foodstuffs, so there can bo no fortunes made as there used to to be. All our men around here are being enrolled as constables. The people are keeping calm, and everyone is anxious to help in some way. The papers give lots of advice about ordinary cultivation in gardens, and this we are following religiously, nlanting all seeds likely to increase the food supply, and using up all spare land. The harvest was good, and is nearly all gathered, ap we have much to be thankful for. The

Government lias been buying up all the best horses around about, and thousands of oars have boon offered to them. As to the offers from every colony and dominion, they art 1 * quite overwhelming, and it thrills ono all over to think one is British. Of course, we are going into this war with alx-olutely clean bands, and from no selfish motive. ' We are standing to our agreement with Belgium and Our friendship with France—though there is no written treaty—and are acting on our sense of honour. Many people are anxious about the travellers. ' Mins 1j- was in Bavaria ■with, a friend. Her family arc frantic about her, and we are hoping that they have merely boon prevented from returning. Hut if they have no money it will be dreadful, arid the Germans don't seem to mind what they do or cay. Of course trade is at a standstill. No one wants to buy anything but what is necessary. However, by the time you get this it will bo better. R started for Paris week to fetch his two boys from school, and the firm can't get a word from him. He is a Frenchman, but his home is here. The Brighton road is strangely quiet and peaceful, and one would hardly think thero was war at all." THE- FEELING IN AMERICA. An American lady, wife of a nth man who is a great traveller, and the author of several books, writes, under date August 24, from Vermont, that the feeling in the States is with England. She says:—"ls not the war unbelievable and too awfui? We think, talk, and read of notning else, and I cannot overcome the terrible depression it has given me. Nothing has affected me so much. Do you think the Kaiser is insane? • My sympathy is wholly with Great Britain and France, though I am sorry indeed for the German people. As for plucky little Belgium, her heroic stand will 20 down in the acts of great heroism in history, and will be, I fancy, one of the surprises of the war. The cruelty of tho Germans when they finally entered Belgium, and the throwing of bombs from airships into Antwerp are such unjustifiable acts in this day of supposed civilisation that it makes one wonder if we are not in the barbarous ages. I fancy it will be a longer war than was at first anticipated, and that no one will have heen able to imagine what will have happened even by the time this letter has reached you. We are anxiously waiting for tho news, and wo hope it may come soon—that the Russian invasion will force the Germans to divide their forces. You in New Zealand, like we in North America, have reason to be devotedly thankful for your remoteness, but I suppose New Zealand -will also feel the strain, as Groat Britain will call on her colonies for aid. It has been interesting to note how internal troubles in- the different countries have given way before tho war, and how united the different factions have become now that their countries need their loyalty. I hope this war will abolish the reign of the HohenzolLern family, though I do not know that a republic is a great success." This corespondent encloses a cartoon from Life, the well-known American paper. It depicts Germany as a dark figure with an eagle's winged head, and with a bludgeon in one hand, while the right hand is grasping agonised Europe—a female figure stretching her arms towards a cross in the sky, above which is printed tho word "Civilisation." At the feet of the figure is a skull, and in the background a horde of savages (with spears) labelled " The Dark Ages." The title of the cartoon is " Back to Barbarism," and the writer remarks :—" I think this cartoon about expresses the prevailing general feeling." TROOPS LEAVE IN THE NIGHT. Other English letters state that the Government had taken over 14 of the ships of the P. and O. Company for troop and hospital ships. Tho ships crowded with troops, were leaving in the night time for an unknown destination. Hundreds of officers -wore in the holds, sleeping in hammocks. BELGIAN WOUNDED ATCAMBRIDGE. •A letter from Cambridge, written only a few days after war broke out, shovys that thero were wounded Belgian soldiers in Cambridge even then. The services of ono of the scioncp professors were being requisitioned for X Ray work. WHEAT AND FLOUR, WELLINGTON, September 27. Some points in conection with the fixing of the prices at which wheat and flour may be sold in New Zealand, which required readjustment, were reierred to the Crown Solicitor yesterday. Consequently, the proclamation could not be issued on that day. The Prime Minister stated to-day that the matter would come before Cabinet to-mor-row morning, and that the proclamation would probably be issued to-morrow. GERMAN WIRELESS CALLS. THE MARAMA'S EXPERIENCE. The Aucklaud correspondent of the Lyttelton Times supplies the following additional information relative to an incident (reported in our columns on Saturday) on tho voyago of the steamer Marama from Vancouver to' New Zealand: — One exciting incident marked the voyage of tne Canaciiau-AusU&kwian mail steun.er Maraina, wnich arrived at Auckland tins morning from Vancouver. The liner ieit tne .britisn ColuniD.an port on September o, and the next day encountered two sailing ships, the only vessels passed on the entno trip. Honolulu was readied on September 10, and the Marama ieit again 24 hours later. On leaving Vancouver all deck lights had been extinguished, and speciiaily-made wooden shutters oovered all poythoies and cabin windows. Southward from Honolulu a course westward oi tho usual route was taken. No wireless signals were sent out, but the operator spent all the time possible with the receiver to his ears, listening. About four days after leaving Honolulu uncommonly loud and distinct code signals were heard, their character enabling the operator to say that they came irom a Telelunken (German) plant,'and not from Marconi apparatus. The waves were of a —maximum intensity," indicating a strong probability that their point ot origin was some 20 miles distant. Captain Crawford lost no time in putting on full speed, and in the next 24 hours tlie Marama put up something like a record', logging noout oiO knots. The next night similar signals 'were heard, but plainly from a mucli greater distance, estimated at about 300 miles. It was • then felt that there was less need for speed, but tho most direct course was steered for Suva. , The first set of signals was received in 'the neighbourhood' ot Fanning Island, and gave at least the impression that German vessels (probably the Scharnhorst and the Gneiesnau) were operating not far off. "Of course," Captain Crawford explained to a reporter, ''our estimates of the distance were, mostly guesswork. Strong signals may indicate a sh p near by, but their strength may be due to an exceptionally powerful plant. Tho waves play funny tricks sometimes, as I have often found in tho Pacific. Once I pot the entire story of the Empress of Ireland disaster easily over a distance of 2000 miles, and another time 1 oould not get into touch with New Zealand 400 miles away." In spite of the condtions of the voyage, tho passengers kept in the best of spirits,, and indulged in the usual deck games and other pastimes, including a successful theatrical entertainment. Lights were turned on again between Auckland and Suva. Before Auckland was reached Captain Crawford was presented with an address signed by all the passengers (some 250 in number) expressing their appreciation of his conduct of the ship's affairs during an anxious time. JOTTINGS. Cr Sinclair has given notice to move as follows at the meeting of the City Council on Wednesday evening:—" That no purchases of goods or chattels manufactured or produced in Austria or Germany be made by or on behalf of this corporation." The Electric Power and Lighting Committee of the Dunedin City Council reports for the meeting that week that tho contract with the Lawrence and Hanson Electrical Company for the supply of polyphase meters is now null and void by reason of the fact that tho meters to bo supplied under the contract are the product of a hostile nation. As a consequence it is now recommended to the council that the offer of Messrs Tumbull and Jones to supply tho British Westinghouse Company's meters at the prices given in their tender of November 12, plus freight, insurance, and other charges ruling at the date of 1>" accepted. Mr Hugh Mitchell, secretary of tho Expeditionary FoTce Committee of tho Ota-go Patroitic and General Welfare Association, reports the following further donations:— Mr D. E. Theomi.n, 3 pair .field glasses; Mr E. Theomin, 1 pair field glasses; Mr J. P. Sipratt (Cumberland street, Dunedin), 1 pair field glasses; Mr W. Murdoch (Grosvenor street. Kensington), Impair field glasses; Mr J. Fotheringham (St. Clair). 1 pair field glasses; Anonymous, 4 parcels; Mr G. B. Bullock, 10 bundles books; Mr William Murdoch (Anderson Bay), 1 pair field glasses. Following is a list of tho Now Zealand officers now in England for whom, (writes our London correspondent) application will

probably be made to serve with the .British Expeditionary Force:—Colonel V. S. Smyth, Major M. M. Gard'ner, Major G. B. Richardeon, Surgeon-major A. D. Carberry, Captain R. 0. Chesney, Captain R. B. Smythc, Captain C. W. Melville, Captain Lannpen, Lieutenant S. H. Davies, Lieutenant J. L. H. Turner. With a view to assisting Belgian families who will be sufferers by the war (our Wanganui correspondent writes) Mr Hurn, of the Denbigh Hotel, Feilding, has arranged a series of rabbit drivc6. The intention is to secure at least 1000 rabbits, and hava them frozen and, shipped to their destination through the Central Committee at Wellington. The first drive takes place on Wednesday. A letter received by a Palmereton North resident from his son, dated England, August 13, states that he is a corporal in a regiment which includes a large number of New Zealanders. There are 10 Wanganui College old boys in one squadron.— (Correspondent.) Ths secretary of the Gore Ladies' Defence Fund has forwarded to the Otago Fxprd'tiomry Force Committor a cheque for £29 lis Bd, the cost of 100 pairs of shoes donated by the ladies to the Otago contingent of tho force.