THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES WEDNESDAY, APRIL IS, 1916. THE DARDANELLES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16667, 12 April 1916, Page 4

THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES WEDNESDAY, APRIL IS, 1916. THE DARDANELLES.

The despatch in which General SixCharles Monro details the grounds that," according to his judgment, rendered the evacuation of the Gallipoli peninsula necessary must have the effect of intensifying the feeling of admiration for the courage and endurance of the troops who were engaged there and of relief at the termination of the daring enterprise that will ever be associated with their name. The conclusion at which General Monro arrived was, in effect, that no military advantage was to be derived from the maintenance of the precarious footing which the British and French troops had established on the peninsula, since a numerically inferior force of Turks was able to hold them and since, in his opinion, any advance from the positions they occupied was improbable and an advance upon Constantinople impossible. Moreover, General Monro was of the opinion that actually a military advantage would flow from the withdrawal of the troops, since they could be more usefully employed elsewhere. If his judgment on these points was sound the evacuation of the peninsula was a military necessity. And apparently it coincided with the judgment which Lord Kitchener had himself formed on his hurried visit to Gallipoli. It was in these circumstances that the evacuation, the completely successful accomplishment of which can only be regarded as a miracle, was ordered. The whole policy of the attack on the Dardanelles has already been debated somewhat fully, but the publication of General Monro's despatch, completing'the official history of operations which, alike in the landing and in the withdrawal of the troops, were marked by achievements that are unsurpassed in military history, will probably lead to a renewal of the discussion. What seems reasonably clear, on a dispassionate review of the whole proceedings, is that an undertaking which held a most attractive promise of favourable and intensely important results was in the first place robbed of its prospects of success through its lacking the element of surprise. If forces had been landed on the Gallipoli peninsula to co-operate with the allied fle„et when the attack was opened on the forts of the Dardanelles in February, 1915, the key to the Sea of Marmora would certainly have been secured and Constantinople 'would have been exposed to the fire of the naval guns. When the Turks, having been warned of the intention of the Allies to land forces and having 9

been made aware even of the places that had been chosen for the landing, had made their preparations for the attack the invading army was neither strong enough nor was it sufficiently supplied with guns of the description . that were most serviceable. Moreover, the Allies were never brought up to a strength that gave them more than a sporting chance of success. The exigencies of the western front prevented them from receiving the reinforcements they needed. That they hung on grimly and devotedly to the shallow foothold they had gained was due to their remarkable tenacity and determination. But the strain that was put upon them was tremendous and unending. As General Monro says, '' every corner of the peninsula was exposed to hostile fire!" There was not a foot of it that was sanctuary. Further than that, the necessary consequence of the occupation by tens of thousands of troops of narrow strips of country whefe, effective sanitation was impossible, was that the positions they held became unquestionably septic. In these circumstances consists the simple explanation of the fact that Sir Charles Monro found them much enervated by disease. These were all factors that contributed to the decision in favour of the evacuation of the Gallipoli peninsula. But there was another of special importance upon which General Monro curiously seems to place no stress in his despatch, and that was that the descent of the Central Powers upon the Balkans not only rendered Constantinople for the time being secure from attack by land but also threatened the possibility that the Turks on the Gallipoli peninsula might be reinforced, especially in respect of their munitions, to an extent that might render the Allies' positions at Cape Helles and Anzac wholly untenable. It is because the dramatic change in the military situation in the Balkans, superimposed on the " irrefutable arguments" detailed by General Monro in his despatch, rendered the evacuation so imperative that the dominions, while gravely disappointed that the efforts of their sons should not have been crowned with a success commensurate with the gallantry they displayed and while deeply mourning the heavy sacrifices that were entailed on them in the expedition, acquiesced loyally in the decision to abandon the enterprise.

THE INFAMY OF WITTENBERG. When the great conflict is over there will be ample material available for any neutral observer who wishes to write a new and up-to-date treatise on ".How Germany Makes War." In order that it may be complete the volume will have to contain chapters devoted to the treatment' of prisoners of war in Germany. Stories which were previously in circulation with respect to the infamous state of affairs at the prisoners' camp at Wittenberg in Germany had prepared the /public mind to some extent for revelations yet to come, but the official' report now issued by the Home Government, representing the results of the labours of a special committee, is an impeachment of German cowardice and cruelty, as Lord Robert Cecil has described. it, .so terrible as to be still capable of shocking a people inured by this time to German methods. There is not the least room for doubt as to the reliability of the report, which has been carefully-prepared and has not baen published till, after considerable delay, the chain of evidence has been rendered complete. The blackest indictment rests upon the Germans in relation to the outbreak of typhus' at'' this camp, where 16,C00 prisoners are said to have been confined when the epidemic appeared. ' The very appearan-ce of the dread scourge was a signal for a practical abandonment of the camp to its ravages. The lot of the prisoners, bad enough : in all conscience from the beginning, "then became terrible indeed. Insufficiently fed, insufficiently clad—being reduced in very many cases to rags,—exposed to all the rigours of winter, and dwelling in a highly insanitary environment, they offered a fair target for disease. For months the plague-stricken camp was served only with the barest necessities of existence, neither the simplest drugs nor surgical dressings were provided, and there were a thousand cases of typhus early in March of last year with fifty' fresh cases occurring daily. The tale of the conditiqns that obtained in lieu of hospital accommodation which would provide for the separation of the fever-stricken from the other prisoners is one of horror. The bright record in the whole report is the story of the selfsacrifice shown by prisoners themselves tinder such awful conditions, and of the magnificent efforts, ultimately successful, on the part of British doctors to cope with and to stamp out the typhus invasion. It is no surprise to read that the British at Wittenberg were made specially the object of German hostility. At the Ruhleben Camp there was the same invidious distinction. Prisoners who have returned from that place of durance have reported that the Germans were revenging themselves on British prisoners with a meanness only possible to the German character. Independent witnesses have testified to the difference—infinitely discreditable to the enemy —between the treatment of German prisoners at Donnington / Hall and other British camps, and the treat ment of British prisoners at such places as Ruhleben and Wittenberg. The Germans are seemingly well content, or have shown themselves so, to let deadly bacilli work among their prisoners of war ravages which glut their frenzied national rage against Britain. At Wittehberg the townspeople, from outside the entanglements, even jeered at and insulted the dead. The well-known British medical authority, Dr Saleeby, writing on the subject of the Wittenberg scandal, has summed up the case in fitting terms: "Not one German prisoner in this cojjntrj' had suffered from typhus fever and he would count it aii outrage on our good name if one of them did. But scores of Engl|sh prisoners in Germany had been foully murdered. by typhus fever, although the Germans'knew as much about it as we did, and could make it absolutely impossible for any of our men to die from the disease. Our men had died in scores, and he put that record along with - the worst that the Zeppelins and 'the submarines had done. This was murder, and it was with murderers we had to settle."

A few purchases have lately been made in England on behalf of New Zealand farmers (says our London correspondent). Twenty Romney Marsh owes from Mr Arthur Flynn's flock at Lydd were despatched to a breeder in the Auckland district, and the Turakina brought out three Aberdeen Angus heifers for Mr Carlyon, of Tikokino, Hawke's Bay.

The public mil be pleased to learn that tho Antarctic exploration ship Aurora, will come up to Dunediri next Saturday, and bo thrown open for inspection at a nominal cliargo on Saturday afternoon and Sunday, tho proceeds being- devoted to the benefit of tho Red Cross Fund. As the vessel herself is historic, and the causo that yill benefit through the chargo for admission is most admirable, it may bo anticipated that great numbers of people will take advantage of tho opportunity afforded through tho presence of the Aurora in Dunedin of visiting tho ship.

Tho various fruit-growing associations in Otago are now busily engaged in making arrangements for a comprehensive combined exhibit of apples grown in Otago at the National Patriotio Apple Show, to .be held in Wellington on May 9. All exhibits aro required to bo sent from Dunedin by May 1, to enable tho Otago representatives appointed to procecd to Wellington to arrange tho fruit to have ample timo to carry out their work. Bays will also be arranged by tho Canterbury, Nelson, Ilawko's Bay, and North Auckland growers, so it can be serai that tho Otago growers will meet with keen competition. In the event, however, of Otago securing the' covetod prize, it will bo seen that tho honour will bo a high one. It is therefore hoped that growers will do their utmost to see that the best apples are forthcoming. If any grower outside, tho Central Otago and Roxburgh districts has fruit of outstanding merit', ho can send it to Mr W. T. Goodwin, of the Agricultural Department, who will bo ploased to take charge of it for tho central committee. In tho districts named tho various associations will look after tho collecting of tho best samples. Mr Goodwin will proceed to Cromwell this morning to assist in tho collecting of exhibits in that district. While tho show is' in progress in Wellington a conference of the Now Zealand Fruit-growers' Federation will be held, and it is expected that delegates from tho Central Otago, Teviot, Upper Clutha, and Ettricik Associations will bo present.

Tho Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals met yesterday. Tjie president (Mr G. Fenwiok) occupied tho chair. Tho business was almost wholly routine, though some interest was attached to a report that a dog had been trapped in the night recently at Maori Hill and cruelly killed. Howeiver, inquiries had been made by tho society's inspector, and no information could bo gained on the subject to show whether deliberate cruelty had been practised. It was even possible that tho whole facts might disclose that death had been made as merciful as possible. A letter was received from the Southland Society acknowledging the kindness of tho Otago Society in donating tho sum of £50 towards tho finances of tho Southland body in order to enable it to get over' its monetary difficulties. The town clerk (Mr Lowin) notified that the City Council had accepted with thanks tho memorial trough recently erected in Lower High street. Tho-chairman mentioned that it had been admitted that the trough had been erected in tho wrong position. The society had arranged for it to be about halfway between the Rattray street corner and the Queen's Statue, whereas it was almost on tho corner. However, from conversation he had had with tho town clerk, he did not think there was any reason to doubt that the council would pay tho expense of its removal to tho proper position.

Tho schedule, of prizes and programme of the Otago A. and IJ.1 J . Society's Winter Show ■is now being issued to members and intending' exhibitors. Several addition's have been made this year with a view to popularising the show, and particular attention has been paid to the schools' competitions. With regard to -tho essay. competitions for pupils of the public schools, the committee will endeavour to arrange that an opportunity be given to tho competing pupils to hear two or three lecturettes, given by experts, on the educational sections of the exhibition during the show. As the fruit export industry is, important one in, the dominion, special classes have been included, and liberal prizes are offered for collections of apples and pears, named, graded, and packed, suitable for export. In all exhibits suitable for eixport the standard case, as recommended by the Department of Agriculture, must be used, and size of case specified. Tho dairying sections of the show promise to produce good competition, judging by the applications for particulars which are being received at the society's office. For fat stock a class has been added for heifer or steer, one year or under, while tho other popular sections of tho show have received careful revision by the committee.

At tho meeting of tho Bruce j County Council yesterday it was decided to comply with tho request of tho Prime Minister to observo April 25 as a half-holiday in commemoration of tho New Zealanders' and Australians' glorious deeds at Anzac. . Tho council also resolved to notify all its employees to observe this holiday. On the motion of Cr King, seconded by Gr Scott, it was. decided to have a flagstaff erected on the offices, and to have a flag hoisted on it on Anzao Day. < A meeting of the Otago Rugby Union was held last evening for the purpose of making arrangements in regard to the coming season, llc-ports as to the prospects of clubs' membership were received as follow: —

Southern: Thud, Fourth, and Fifth Grade teams available; certain number of'players for Senior Grade. Dunedin: Only ono team available; possibly a second. Union: Likely to be a First Grade team, with three or tour junior teams. Jvaikorai: Probably Third, Fourth and Fifth Grade-teams available; 30 boys turned out to practice last Saturday. Port Chalmers: No difficulty in raising two teams; a number of .Senior players—about 10 or 12-^-available,' these being engaged on defence work at tho Heads, etc. Pirates: Second, Third, and Fourth Grade teams available. Alhambra: Third, Fourth, and Fifth Grade "teams available; some members appealed to think tho club could aiso raise a Senior team, .but no Second; others, again, thought a Second Grado team could be placed in tho field, but no First Grade. Upiversity Club: The president (Mr Harris)reported that tho old committee of the club had recommended to the incoming eommitteo that no team be entered this year in tho competitions. Ho pointed out'that there were, a large number of medical students at the University this year, and that, on the question of eligibility to go to the front, they wero debarred from service, seeing that Surgeon-general Henderson had requested them to continue their studies. After a general discussion tho following motion was adopted:—"That First, Sccond, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Grade competitions bo held; that tho Third and Fourth Grado competitions be limited to players under 19 years of age on May 1, 1916, and that tho Fifth Grade be confined to players 16 years or under on May 1, 1916." It was further decided that a deputation, consisting of tho president, Dr Evans, and Mr White, wait on the committee of the University Club to endeavour to get it to enter teams in tho competition. Entries in tho competition will close on May 9, the Flag Committee to draw up rules to govern the matches, and . the season will open on May 13.

The meeting of the Dunrdin Drainage and Sewerage Board, hold last night, was attended by Messrs J. Aride, W., T. M'Farlane, W. Farquharson, J. M'Kinnon, E. Kellott, 11. E. Mollcr. In tho absence of Mr J. S; Douglas, Mr Arkle occupied the chair. The reports of the Works, Finance, and Executive Committees were adopted without discussion. Tenders were .accepted as follow : — Drain-in-common, Canongate and Arthur streets (engineer's estimate £60), Messrs Maitland and Butters, £46 16s; drain-in-common, Albert street and Forbury road (engineer's estimate £54), Mr Glasson, £38 19s; drain-in-common, Edward and Norfolk streets (engineer's estimate £27), Mr Btirk, £18 10s. Most of the remainder of tho business was dealt with in committee.

Applications closed at the Lands Oflico yesterday for a number of sections at I'uketoi, Upper Taieri district, and also three others in different parts of Otngo. For the small -grazing run Zoßm, at Pukctoi, 3985 acres, there were 45 applicants. There were 26 applications for pastoral run 261q (2353 acres), 23 for run 261r (3006' acres), 20 for 261s "(1690 acres), 23 for run 261t (2673 acres), 23 for run, 261u (1900 acres), and 22 for run 261 v (1856 acres). For section 29. block XIV, Rirmi, 176 acres, there woro four applications, and for section 7, block VIII, Woodland, 225 acre's, two applications. There woro no applicants fo. r cti.n 15, block VIII, Warepa, 52 acres. Before Mr N. Dockls, J.P., in tho Police .Court at Port Chalmers yesterday morning, a first offender for drunkenness was convicted and discharged. Tho monthly meeting of tho Dunedin Athenaeum Committee was held on Monday night. Mr P. Goyen occupied tho chair. It was reported that 41 -volumes had been added to tho library since last mdeting; that 21 new, members had joined the institution; and that tho following presentations had been received:—Several pamphlets relating to the war, from the Union Steam Ship Cimpany; Statutes of New Zealand for 1915, and tho Official Year Book of Now South .Wales for 1914. It was mentioned that, owing to a delay in the arrival of material from Home, in consequence of tho war, tho contract• for .the installation of tho new heating- system in tho building was not quite completed, but it -was expected that the material would be here in time to enable the system, to be brought into operation by the time the cold weather sets in. Mr G. Douglas, of Hopetoun (W.A.), writes, under dato March 13, notifying the finding of a lifebelt in perfect order, marked. "N. Z. O." in rod, and a small whisky flask. Inside the latter ' was tho following letter: "Troopship No. 42, Third Battalion Band of the Now Zealand Riflo Brigade, January 13, 1916. it. Purcell, A. J. Kelly, P. E. Kelly, J. Murray, J. Hunter, G. lloskin, W. Cerin, G. Vincent, R. Campbell, R. F. Taylor, S. M'Kay, C. M'Cardle, F. Arnold, A. iSapwell, T. C. Elliston, C. Jessop, H. Rush. Wo are putting this ashoro in our last whisky flask. Wo have just drunk good luck to the flask, and hope that someone will find it. If it is found, will the- finder please forward the names to tho Otago Daily Times, Dunedin (N.Z.), and ask thom to publish them. If you write to Bandsman P. E. Kelly, Third Battalion Band, New Zealand llifle Brigade, G.P.0., Wellington, he will thank you. from the ' band. Good-bye, and tho best of luck to you. Ta-ta from all the boys." Accompanying tho letter is the following, showing that tho "boys" are furnished with news of tho progress of the war. by wireless: "The French state general situation at Verdun is excellent. Germans aro up against strongest French entrenchments. Considered enemy are losing 10,000 daily. Seven Prussian regiments below Fort Vaux, advancing closo formation, were massacred. Germans made unsuccessful efforts to cross the Dwina, but Russians held them everywhere. Stated German warships recently seen in North Sea; included tho new Dreadnought Hindenburg.—Central Press." The United Starr-Bowkett Building Society held a largely-attended meeting last evening to dispose of £1500 by ballots and sale. The chairman (Mr E. A. Rosovcar) intimated that a large nunuber of shares in the proposed No. 4 group had been applied for, and it was- hoped to start it at an ; early dato. The ballot for the 183 rd appropriation of £500 fn No. 1 group was drawn by marblo No. 272, hold by one member. Tho ballot for tho 25th appropriation of £500 in No. 2 group was drawn by marble No. 57, held .by two members. The 26th appropriation of £500 in No., 3 group was sold as follows:—£200 at £45 per £100, and the balance at £36 per £100.

The monthly meeting of the High Street School Committee was held last evening. Mr D. Wishart occupied the chair. The head master's report showed an average number on the roll of 566 pupils, with an average attendance of 550. The savings bank showed a credit of £152 10s. The school came third in aggregate marks- for the school shield at the schools' sports, scoring one first and five seconds. The Visiting Committee reported that the school was found in the usual good order. The secretary was instructed to write to the Education Board with reference to a leak in Standard I room, there being a danger of the plaster falling. The annual report was adopted. As it was the final meoting of the old committee, complimentary references were made to the work of the chairman during tho 12 months.

Hie monthly meeting of the Country Development Committee of the Otago Expansion League was held v in tho secretary's office on Monday evening; present—Messrs Crosby Morris (in the chair), A. Moritzson, Chas. Todd, G. M. Marshall, F. G. Duncan, F. W. Knight, R. T. Stewart, and E. E. Clowes. Tho question of asking the Minister of Lands to reserve an area of 1400 acres of the Galloway run at Little Valley was considered, arid the secretary was instructed to make further inquiries regarding the run and submit information to a special meeting. Mr A. Davidson, Conroys, Alexandra, wrote with reference to a Dominion Apple Show in each of the four centres on May 8, and asking the league's co-operation. Messrs Moritzson, Marshall, and Duncan were appointed a subcommittee to endeavour to get a good display of fruit. It was resolved that the executive be recommended to approach the Government with a view to urging that ono of the experimental farms to be established in tho South Island bo located in Central Otago. The exeoutive was also Tecommcnded to request tho Government to issue a report on the question of regrassing lands in Central Otago, and supply tho league with 10,00(1 copies for distribution.'

Captain Ea'sther's rainfall record, taken at Kcw, and reported to the Drainage Board last night, showed that 2.34 in of rain fell there during tho month of March. Rain fell on 14 days*

A striking instanco of enterprise, combined with confidence in the high quality of Otago's horticultural products, is affordwl in the novel experiment made by a leading Dunedin chrysanthemum grower, Mr E. A I-lamel, who has sent a representative exhibit of blooms of our popular winter flower to tho Auckland Society's Show, which will take place on Friday. This *is the first occasion on which cut flow'ers for exhibition purposes have travelled so far north —a distance of over 800 miles. Included in this interesting exhibit will be the leading novolties introduced during the past season, and these will include Mrs Lloyd, Prim'roso Drabble, Miss Tuckett (pink), Ewcn Polling (white), W. ,P. Francis (crimson and gold), Lady Stanley (pink), Mrs Jamieson (yellow). Soldier Boy (scarlet crimson-), and several others, while tho standard varieties will bo represented by well-grown specimens. With chrysanthemums in such splendid form, there is every indication of a unique exhibition at the Winter Show of the Dunedin Horticultural Socioty, which will bo held on May 10 and 11, these dates haying been fixed a week earlier than specified in the 'schedule, owing to tho forward state of the soas-on.

Scarlet fever is reported to be rife in Nelson just now. The Mail reports that Mr John. V. Fisher died on Friday afternoon from the fever, after a brief illness, leaving a widow and four children. Mrs Fisher, with one of her children, was at the time an inmato of the Hospital, also suffering from the complaint. The deceased was a member of the Defence Rifle Club, and a well-known rifle shot. Tho Tasroan Street School has been closed till Bnster, to the outbreak, and other schools which liavo been closed in the district are to remain closed for a longer time. It is stated that 20 cases were reported in Nelson last week.

Nominations for the biennial elections of members to the Portobello lload Board for three representatives for each of the NorthEast 1 [arbour, Broad Bay, and Portobello subdivisions will closo on the 26th inst. If neocssary, a poll will bo taken on May 3. Tho following nominations have been received for the St. Leonards School Committee:—Messrs 0. V. Davies, C. R. Gooch, J. If. Lloyd, H. Miller, D. Russell. J. 0. Seelye.

The Auckland Star states that, when tho police constables who were wounded in Hie light with Rua's followers at Maungapohatu arrived at Muripara (Galatea), on their way to Rotoroa, they all expressed the opinion that tho Maoris, had they liked to take tho opportunity, could have piekod off tho entire expedition, tho Maoris being under cover of tho thick bush. Tho tivo Natives who were fatally, shot were buried together on Monday nciar Rua's village, with all their 'belongings, including their portmanteaux. There was no tangi.

Tha Imperial Government has just placed in order for 5000 Harley-Davidsons. The "Silent Grey Fellow" has proved his worth. —W. Stuart Wilson, Dunedin.—Advt.. S. Matthew's Church, Stafford street.— War intercession service, to-night, 7.45. All invited. —Advt. Just issued, 1916 winter edition "Homo Dressmaking Mado Easy," fully illustrated; posted free. —Mollisons Ltd., Dunedin.—Advt. Granville H. Sharpe says: "Watson's No. 10 i? genuine, well-matured whisky, of high quality."—Advt. Woods' Great Peppermint Cure, for coughs and colds, never fails.—Advt, A. E. J. Blakelfcv, dentist, Bank of Australasia, corner of Bond and Rattray streets (next Telegraph Office). Telephone 1859.— Advt. Who is Petsr Dick, —Tho most reliable Watchmaker, Jeweller, and Certificated Consulting Optician, 490 Moray place (off Princes street), Dunedin. 'Charges moderate.—Advt.