GERMAN MACHINE-GUN.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16668, 13 April 1916, Page 6

GERMAN MACHINE-GUN.

ON VIEW IN CHRISTCHURCH. , "By the request of the Brigadier-general commanding the N.Z. Mounted Rifle Brigade, I am forwarding by the transport Tahiti one caso containing a captured Turkish machine-gun, addressed to Colonel Chaffey. The gun was captured by the Canterbury Mounted Rifle Regiment, who have been given authority to retain it." Thus ran a message received on Tuesday by the -Canterbury Headquarters Defence Office from Zeitoun (says the Christcburch. Press). The gun, also arrived, and is at present housed in the armourers' shop at the King Edward Barracks, where it is the object of general interest and admiration. Those persons competent to express an opinion have no hesitation in affirming the superiority of the machine over the British article. Made in Berlin, it is a striking example of German thoroughness. The first improvement in it over the British gun noticeable is the composition of its metal, which is of dull steel of the most invisible colour, in striking contrast to the bright gun metal which 6O easily betrays the presence of a British machine. The gun is several pounds lighter than tho British, and can be easily lifted, thus explaining the pictures one sees of German eoldiers with such guns strapped to their shoulders. When working there is an almost entire absence of sound, and the number of expert improvements upon, tho British type are many and easily- noticeable. The gun is in excellent condition, and works freely, despite the fact that it has been hit three times, twice apparently by bullets, and once by shrapnel. With the machine is a caso of cartridge clips.

Two hundred cases of apples for the use of the members of the Expeditionary Force in camp were to bo sent across to Wellington 'from Neleon this week. Children are not allowed out in the streets of Norway after dark.