THE WAR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16541, 15 November 1915, Page 3

THE WAR

THE GTAGO PATRIOTIC FUND. OTAGO PATRIOTIC AND GENERAL WELFARE ASSOCIATION. The hon. treasurers of the Otago Patriotic) and General Welfare Association acknowledge the receipt of the following donations to th© fund:— Previously acknowledged ... £50,955 14 3 October collection, per Mrs Barningham ] ... B 68 1 9 Proceeds of_ jumble sale held at Woodside, per Woodside Patriotic Committee w 36 15 3 Country Queen Carnival Committee, balance in hand ... W 432 14 6 Tramway Queen Carnival Committee, balance in hand w 19 10 7 Retailers Queen Carnival Committee, balanoe in hand w 23 8 0 Stall Neill and Co., eighth monthly contribution ... B 810 0 Car and wagon inspector's staff, 30th and 31st contribution B 212 0 Employees J. Rattray _ and Son, monthly contribution B 7 4 0 Portion of "Mr and Mrs J. R.'s" November contribution w 40 0 0 Employees Acetylene Gas Co. b, w 8 0 0 Employees J. Speight and Co., 37th weekly contribution B 5 7 6 Combined bank staffs, monthly contribution b 14 12 2 City Dye Works, monthly * contribution ... w 111 6 "£51,684 1 6 Otago Daily Times Belgian Fund (previously acknowledged) 23,939 17 1 Otago Daily Times general list (previously acknowledged) ... 19,286 11 5 Total £94;850 10 0 B Denotes Belgian Fund; w denotes Wounded Soldiers and Their Dependents Fund. THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES LIST. Previously acknowledged ... £21,451 13 11 Employees of J. and J. Arthur (Ltd) — A 0 12 6 Total £21,452 5 5 ATo be devoted to the Wounded Soldiers and Dependents' Fund. BELGIAN RELIEF FUND. THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES LIST. Previously acknowledged ... £24,051 3 9 Otago Daily Times and Witness Newspapers Co. (Ltd.) 100 0 0 Total £24,131 3 9 PASSED AS FIT. The following men have been passed as fit for activa service; — David Leonard Le'athley (Coast Defence), labourer. Portobello. John Samson Mathoson, ironmoulder, Dunedin. Albert Victor Tucker, metal worker, North-East Valley. _ Henry Jajr.es Homer, gold miner, Caver sham , . ' Ernest James Wiseman (4th Regiment),' wood merchant, Dunedin. Alexander Dick (Coast Defence),, fanner, Poatiri. George Ourrie, moulder, Mormngton. Robert William Cuthbertson, ironworker, Green Island. John Thomas Sinclair, farm hand, Dunedin. Andrew Craig Snowden (Railway Engineers), engine cleaner, Mornington. EIGHTH REINFORCEMENTS. SEND-OFF FROM WELLINGTON. BOUND FOR CANTERBURY. WELLINGTON, November 13. _ Tho streets were densely crowded this afternoon, when the Eighth Reinforcements paraded and marched to the accompaniment of martial musio and rousing cheers, through a portion of the city streets and thence to tne waterfront, where they embarked for the trip to Lyttelton and Christchurch. On arrival at their destination they will participate in a parade. The men made a fine display in all arms, artillery, engineers, infantry, mounted rifles, Army Service, Medical, and Veterinary Corps, eliciting warm encomiums by their fine soldierly appearance. In particular the infantry, who had lately trekked across the Rimutaka Range from camp on the Wairarapa Plains, showed up splendidly in tho marching. The embarkation was carried out quietly and expeditiously, practice having, so to speak, oiled the wheels of the process till everything seems to run without the least sign of hitch. The troops were given an enthusiastic send-off by the crowds which collected on the wharves, and, amidst much fluttering of handkerchiefs, hurrahs, and many farewell calls from ships to shore, the troopships drew out* into the harbour, and, as dusk began to fall, they dropped down channel and sailed for Lyttelton. ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION. AN IMPRESSIVE ROUTE MARCH. x (Peb L'mteh J-'tEss Association.) \ CHRISTCHURCH. November 14. \ Tho Bth Reinforcements held a route march through Christchurch to-day. The line of route was crowded with city and » country people, and the splendid appearance of tho men made a great impression. A short service was hold at Cranmer square. GOING TO THE FRONT. On Saturday a pleasant function took place at Messrs Ahtfuldt Bros, and Company's warehouse, when Mr William Waby, who is leaving for Trentham with tho Tenth Reinforcements, was presented bv the firm with a case of Los we pipes and tobacco pouch, and with a silver wristlet watch, from the employees. He was wished every success and a safe return. A number of the staff of Messrs Chas. Begg and .Co., Ltd., have already gone to the front, and on Thursday yet another, Mr Frank Millea, will sever his connection with tho firm to take his place at Gallipoli. On Friday Mr Millea was presented with a wristlet watch' by the members of Messrs Begg and Co.'s staff. Mr Thos. Ritchie marie the presentation, and referred in complimentary terms to Mr Millea's capabilities, and to the esteem in which he was held by those with whom he came in contact. Others present also spoke. Tho recipient suitably returned thanks. Tho members of the Maori Hill Brass - Band met on Saturday night for the purpose of presenting to Mr C. J Davie, their late conductor some token of their appreciation of his action in volunteering for the front. Mr C. Bceby, sen., president of the band, iri handing to Mr Davie a safety razor and a Loewe pipe, said that he regarded that gentleman's action in enlisting as a splendid example for younger men to follow. Mr Da»ie had been a most enthusiastic conductor of the band, and had devoted a large amount of time in its interests. In replying, Mr Davie said he much appreciated the feeling which led to tho presentation. He was the tenth member of the band who had enlisted, and he thought that was a fine record for so small a body. The residents of tho Lower Harbour and surrounding district met on Friday evening in the barracks, Deborah Bay, for the purpose of bidding au revoir to four young men of the district who are shortly proceeding to Trentham—viz., A. Carey. Albert Roy. R. Lewis, and J. Fletcher. Sergeant Smith, N.Z.R.A.. who presided, stated that no fewer than 12 volunteers had left from tho Lower Harbour, and ho hoped that still more would follow, and in presenting each of the volunteers with a Avristlet watch wished them God-toeed. everv success, and a safe return to New Zealand. Mr J. Fletcher, in reply on behalf of himself and his comrades, thanked the gathering for their very acceptable sift. After the"singing of " For They Are Jollv Good Fellows," the gathering indulged in dancing until an early hour. During the evening refreshments were handed roiind. and musical items were rendered by M Stevens, Sergeant S. Smith. Messrs E. Hodge.' O'Grady. and Robinson. Trooner Donald Sutherland was tendered a send-off social last wrek at Patearoa, when Mr M'Skinnning. on behalf of the residents, presented him with a wristlet watch as a, small mark of approval from the public. Mr Sutherland was not a native of the district, but during his few months' residence in the district had made a lot of friends. At tho Union Company's office it Port Chalmers on Friday evening tho staff presented Mr J. Fletchcr, who is leaving for Trentham next week, with a so'dier's wristlet watch and a gold-mounted fountain p°n. as a token of esteem and good wishes. Mr J. M'Lachlan made the presentation, and Mr W. Smart, superintendent engineer, supplemented tho apropriot" remarks made. Mr Fletcher suitably replied.

Mr Ernest Sinclair, the youngest son of Mr Alex. Sinclair, of Kaikorai, was yesterday afternoon tho recipient of a soldier's writing outfit from the tit a 11' of the Kaikorai Presbyterian Sunday School, on the occasion of his departure for the front, where he already has two brothers. At the morning service of the church the congregation •wished him good-bye and joined in tho singing of tho hymn, " God Bo With You Till We Meet Again." LEAVING FOR CAMP. A number of non-commissioned officers will leave for Trentham to-day. There will be two for the Mounted ltifles, six for the Infantry, one for tho Field Artillery, and 13 for the Field Ambulance. All aro to join the 12th Reinforcements. RACING CLUBS' WAR TAX. METROPOLITAN MEETING CONTRIBUTION. (Pee United Peess Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, November 14. The war tax for the last day of tho C.J.C. metropolitan meeting totalled £1146 17s, in addition to £192, tax on stakes. A SUBSTANTIAL DONATION. THE AUCKLAND RACING CLUB. i'Pei United Pbibs Association.) AUCKLAND, November 13. The A.R.C. had agreed that the profits of their spring meeting should _ be applied to the patriotic fund, guaranteeing a donation of not less than £2000. Though the meeting resulted in no profit, this sum will be donated. The Government tax on the totalisator returns and new dividend and State Tax amounted to £2814. The club makes a loss on the meeting of £337. The club has also authorised the payment of the ordinary land tax, 25 per cent, additional war tax, graduated tax, and supergraduated tax, amounting to £727 4s 9d. DESERTION FROM CAMP. MAORI SOLDIERS SENTENCED. (Pbb United Phbss Association.) AUCKLAND, November 13. Sis Maori soldiers charged with desertion from the military camp have been sentenced to military detention for periods ranging from 21 days to 40 days. ROSE DAY. WORK FUNDS FOR SOLDIERS. (Pbb United Pbkss Association.) WELLINGTON, November 13. "Rose Days," inaugurated by tho Y.M.C.A., to raise funds for work among soldiers, have been in progress for the laet two days. It is expected to raise £1000. PORT CHALMERS WOMEN'S PATRIOTIC ASSOCIATION. ,A good number of women have attended the weekly meetings at the Garrison Hall at Port Chalmers, on afternoons and evenings. A busy time was spent last week furnishing and finishing housewives. A num'ber of socks and balaclavas were handed in. At a business meeting held in the afternoon a social committee was formed. The sum of £30 was voted in the Belgian relief. A send-off to the boys going away, also a welcome to those lately returned, is to be held this evening, for which donations of cakes, etc., will be gratefully received. The committee will be in attendance at the Town Hall from 2 o'clock this afternoon. The sum of £24 4s was received from Mr Booth (rector of tho District High School), being the result of a recent concert. Money received is as follows: —Mrs B'robner, 5s 6d; Mrs Da Costa 12s 6d, Mrs Ritchie £2, School concert £24 4s, dock .employees (per Mr El Knewstubb), £1 2s. Belgian relief: "W. J." £1. Socks, etc.: Miss Isabel Watson, Mrs Basire, sen., Mrs Smyth, sen., Mrs Greenwood, Mrs A. M. N. Miller, Mrs Liesk, Mrs Densem, Mrs Butters (Ravensbourne), Mrs Sharp, Congregational Girls' Club, Mrs Spence, Miss Geddes, Mrs Craig, " A. T.," Mrs Hewitt, Mrs Omond, Mrs Dougall, Mrs Captain Thomson (6 pairs socks). OTAGO WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION. The Tenth Reinforcements will be farewelled in tho Early Settlers' Hall on Tuesday evening. Cakes and sweets will be gratefully accepted, and may be left at any time on Tuesday at the hall. Standards I, 11, and IV, George Street School, (per Miss Mackenzie) 6ent in-another very large donation to the equipment fund on Friday. The quality of the ivork of tho Otago school children is excellent, and is greatly appreciated by the committee. Lady Liverpool Fund.—Goods: St. John's Guild (Roslyn), " Anonymous," Master Bert Esquilant, Miss Connie Ewart, Mrs Austin, Taieri Women's Patriotic Association, Pupils of the Kuri Bush School, Mrs Nimmo, Mrs Cox, Pupils of the Ravensbourne School, Miss R. Davidson, Mrs J. Broadfoot, Mrs Todd Smith,- Miss Chisholm, Roslyn and Kaikorai Branch, North-East Valley Branch Children of Roxburgh School (per Miss Newlands), Waitati Women's Patriotic Association, Mrs Jackson, Mrs Lee, " Two Friends," Mrs M'Gregor, Mrs _F. S. Batchelor, Mrs Templeton, St. Clair Women's Patriotic Association, Mrs D. Haynes, Mrs Taylor, Pupils Green Island School. British and Belgian Relief Funds. —Mrs N. A. Beath, Mrs Todd Smith, "Anonymous," Roslyn_ and Kaikorai Women's. Patriotic Committee, Mrs R. G. Baxter. Monetary Donation for Waistcoat Fund.— Ravensbourne (per Mr D. Larnacli), £11 3s 6d. Patriotic Fund.—" Anonymous," 15s 6d. WORK AT NORTH-EAST VALLEY. At the weekly meeting of the Patriotic Association a large num'ber of pa re els were made up, including 2 dozen pair hospital slippers, 11 dozen towels, 30 pair socks, 10 suits pyjamas, 15 balaclava caps, 7 pair cuff 6, 3 dozen handkerchiefs, 3 dozen housewifes, arid a quantity of warm clothing for the British poor. The committee gratefully acknowledges donations from the following: Socks, Mrs Stevenson and Mrs Cook; Waistcoat Fund, Mrs Strain and Miss Springer. Six pairs of cuffs'were knitted and brought in by a little girl named Violet Feathers. A cash donation was received" from Mrs J. Arthur. There is always a supply of knitting needle protectors at tho hall, sold at 6d a set. A concert is to bo held on Wednesday night in the Valley Town Hall, under the auspices of St. Martin's Church, the whole of tho proceeds being in aid of the North-East Valley Women's Patriotic Association. Donations of sweets to be sold at the concert may bo left with Mrs Pinnock, Main road. LIEUTENANT BRACKETT. Included in tho. list of New Zcalanders recently mentioned in despatches by Sir lan Hamilton for bravery at tho Dardanelles was a Lieutenant Blackctt. It is believed that lie was formerly manager of tho Empire Hotol in Wellington. Previous to holding that position Mr Blackett was accountant in the office of Messrs Dalgety and Co., Ltd., at Blenheim. Ho left New Zealand as lieutenant of the Nelson Company of the Canterbury Regiment of the Main Expeditionary Force. Ho had had a long military career, and during his sojourn in Wellington was very popular. Lieutenant Blackett is about 28 or 30 years of age. BRIGADIER-GENERAL SIR A. RUSSELL. Brigadier-general Sir Andrew Hamilton Russell, who was recently honoured by tho King, was born in Napier ill February, 1868, and is the son oi the late Captain Hamilton Russell, of tlie 58th Regiment, a brother of the late Captain the Hon. Sir William Russell. lie was educated at Harrow, and subsequently at Sandhurst. Jri the year 1837 he joined the Border Regiment as seciond lieutenant and served five years on foreign service. In the year 1892 lie came to i\cw Zealand to joui his father, who was then farmiug Flaxmere in partnership with his brother Sir William, and in 18136, when the partnership expired and each brother took half-share of the propeity, he was left to manage his latner's interests, and until lie subdivided the estate lie conducted one of the finest farms 111 the neighbourhood. 111 the year 1900 the Hawke's Bay Mounted Rifles was formed, and he was elected to command, a position ho held until he was promoted to major and then colonel of the Wellington Mounted Brigade. This rank he held at tho outbreak of the war, and on his services bfiing accepted he was appointed Colonel in Command of tho Mounted Rifle Brigade of the Ist New Zealand Expeditionary Force. Shortly after landing at Gallipoli lie was promoted brigadier-general, the rank 110 at present holds. The Hawke's Bay A. and P. Society has invited owners of 1000 sheep and over to contribute to a bale of wool to the Wounded Soldiers' Fund, and up to the present four owners have responded to the request.

LETTERS FROM OUR BOYS. Private F. H. Bocby, writing from tho Metropolitan War Hospital. Oardiff. to his parents, says: " I have been wounded, and am still in hospital, but hope to bo out shortly. I got a bit of a smack in the ankle, but ain almost right again. After I am discharged I am to have a fortnight's holiday, and then go back to dp more work. During my sojourn hero I have had the tjmc of my life—out for motor drives three times a week andi parties, and bun fights galore. Hie people are most hospitable; in fact, nothing is too good for us. I cannot Bay too much' in praise of tho nurses, especially of tho night nurse in my ward. Should I awake at any time during the night she is at my bedside in a moment with a cup of hot milk or a cup of tea ; and tho same before I get up in the morning. Oh, she's a daisy! Yesterday I met a lady who at one time lived in Eoslyn; in fact, I worked at her house on one, occasion, so she knew me. The world is not so largo after all." i Mr G. Menzies, Mornington, has received a letter from his son—Private G. G. Menzies, 13th Company. Canterbury Regiment. —who has been under treatment for several months in the Military Hospital. Nctley, Southampton. Ho states that he has boon spending 14 days' furlough in Scotland, the land of his forefathers, among friends and relations. During the trip he visited various places of historic interest and associations, such as Glasgow Edinburgh, Dumfries, Traquair, and the Southern Highlands, in which is situated tho village of Lcadhills, where load has been found for hundreds of years, and where there is also gold and .silver. Allan Ramsay, the poet, author of " "IV Gentle Shenherd," a nnstoral lay, was born hero in 1655: also William Symington', who is styled tile " inventor of steam navigation.'' In the village churchyard lie the remains of some of the martyred Covenanters, and a tombstone records the death of John Taylor (a miner), who died at tho advanced ago of 137 years. Tho writer also visited the "Rob Roy " country, and had a fine sail for a few hours on Loch Lomond. Wherever he went he was treated with the usual proverbial Scottish hospitality and kindness. His knee, through which he "was shot in the early days at the Dardanelles, still troubles him, but he can now walk half a mile "without being played out, and still has hones of getting back" to the front. In the meantime, he has returned to Montevideo camp, Weymouth, and is placed amongst the " temporarily unfits," where there are a lot of his New Zealand mates. He has now been in four different hospitals, and has been greatly pleased with tho kindness and attention he has received wherever he has been. JOTTINGS. ► As a result of Mrs Palmer's efforts at Christchurch to obtain cigarcttes and tobacco for our boys in the trenches, something over, £300 was collected (says the Press) and sent to the Overseas dub.

The amount subscribed by the Gisborne people for tho purchase of a biplane as a gift to the Navy has been forwarded to London.

Miss Gcrtrudo M. Leipst, matron of-[the private hospital in Waipawa, and oldest daughter of Mr and Mrs A. Leipst, Hastings street, Hastings, has been accepted for service as a nurse at the front, and she will leave under orders noxt month, states a Napier exchange. According to private advice received by mail, Mr C. Godfrey Turner, a Christchurch pressman, who has been in London for the past 12 months, has enlisted in the Artists' Rifle Corps. A box of war relies—a shrapnel shell case and nose-piece and a few rounds of rifle ammunition—has been received by the Evening Post from Mr Edward Rod, of Day's Bay, now serving on board a transport. The items were collected on the Gallipoli Peninsula. The shell case is part of a Turkish projectile, which, according to Mr Rod, killed six New Zealanders. The case-was undamaged, tho contents having been blown out of the nose-opening without even tearing away the screw-thread holding the fuse. The fuse which accompanied the case is also but little damaged. Tho rifle ammunition consists _ of two rounds of British, Mark VII. with pointed bullet, and one round of French, with its characteristic pointed bullet of solid copper. An Australian shearer who has uist arrived in Wellington for the season in the dominion (says the Post) states that tho call to tho colours has been so liberally responded to by the shearers of the commonwealth that there is a shortage of labour for the sheds there. Had the supply of sheep been up to normal the deficiency would have been very serious and many farmers would have riot been able to get their stock shorn. A young Dannovirke patriot who enlisted for service!. and was accepted by the medical examiner, received what he termed "the shock of his life" recently (says the News) when he was advised by the Defence authorities that " owing to private advices from Dannovirke he could not bo accepted for service." Later he was handed a certificate from the local Defence Office to tho effect that he did not reach the standard for inclusion in the forces, though passed by the medical officer! He h now studying the ambiguity of the phrase "private advices" and wondering what little intrigue is cloaked with a mantle of innocence by these two simple words.