DEFENCE OF NEW ZEALAND

Otago Witness, Issue 3154, 26 August 1914, Page 49

DEFENCE OF NEW ZEALAND

DOMINION COMMANDANT. WELLINGTON, August 18. During the absence from Now Zealand of Sir -Alexander God ley (Dominion Commandant) his duties will be temporarily as-

NATIONAL RESERVE-. At a meeting of the executive' of the National Reserve on the 19th it was resolved to alter the system of organisation by the formation of districts, and also the abolishing of the qualification of age for the various commands. The National Reserve paraded in great numbers on the 20th at various spots about the Triangle and at tho Garrison Hall. The mounted rifles were at the Queen’s statue, the engineers and signallers at Stuart’s monument, the infantry at various points of tho Triangle, the motor unit near the Art Gallery, and tne untrained men and the ambulance at the Garrison Hall. Lieutentant Monkman was in charge of the artillery. Lieutenant Hazlctt of the mounted) men, Lieutenant White of the infantry, Lieutenant Nelson of the engineers (with Captain M‘lndoe second in command) and Dr Evans of the ambulance. There were between 700 and 800 men on parade, and about 10 companies drilled under the company commanders. GARRISON ARTILLERY. Authority has been granted to raise tho Garrison Artillery to war strength from the general training section and ex-volun-teers over 35 years of age. This will give all ex-mombers of the Dunedin and Port Chalmers Nava Is an opportunity of coming forward, and they would be specially valuable as well-trained men, though not eligible, being over age, for the Expeditionary Force. Names will bo taken at; the Central Battery by Captain Sandlo, and at the Record office, St. Andrew’s street. CARRYING ON OF THE TERRITORIAL SYSTEM. NATIONAL RESERVE AND RIFLE CLUBS. WELLINGTON, August 19. A general statement about the carrying on of tho defence scheme while die Expeditionary Force is abroad was given to-day to a reporter by the Hon. J. Allen, Minister of Defence. “I don’t think it will be necessary to call out any more Territorials,” said Mr Allen. “Indeed, I hope we shall bo able to let some of those already mobilised back to their homes, and to their work. It all depends on circumstances, but I should like to let as many as possible of them go as soon as I can. The ordinary , work of the defence scheme will be carried on ai usual. A sufficient staff of officers will remain hero to carry on the system as it has been carried on generally. At any rata this is what we hope. The staff has been so arranged that sufficient officers will bo loft to carry on satisfactorily. Officers commanding districts will bo appointed to replace those going away. “All the country wants to be trained now,” Mr Allen continued, “but I cannot afford to do it. They want a National Reserve, and all sorts of things. It is very patriotic for so many to offer their ser- . vices, and I value it very highly indeed. I am deluged with requests from both pakehas and Maoris. “The rifle club men have acted exactly as I expected they would act,” tho Minister went on. “I knew that when wo wanted them' they would come forward. They are part of our defence scheme, and we always expected them to answer the call when a call was niade. They have nobly responded.” ANXIETY TO BEAR ARMS* - *"* (Feom Oub Own Cobbespondekt.) WELLINGTON, August 21. The Minister of Defence has been deluged with applications from patriotic young men. and others anxious to boar arms for the country either at home or abroad. Amongst those who have offered assistance are the Legion of Frontiersmen and various other uoiaxcs, wno wisii tne Government to establish a National Reserve apart from the present Territorial organisation. • " We are grateful to them all for their offers of assistance,” said Mr Allen to a retheir patriotic spirit, but, first of all, we have porter to-day. “We thoroughly appreciate our obligations to our own Territorials and our rifle clubs and our Senior Cadets. Wo have only arms enough for cur Territorials and those we are sending away. It would be impossible to find arms for a National Reserve under existing circumstances, and it would be exceedingly difficult to justify to Parliament expenditure on land defences outside of that now required for our Territorial scheme. Where these men can assist Is instimulating interest in the Territorials and in helping to make them mors perfect in any way they can. Then, if at any time tho shores of New Zealand are likely to be assailed, we .would supply them with arms so far as we could, but I have no fear —I have not the slightest fear —of the New Zealand shores being attacked. Under the present circumstances no enemy could get hero in such numbers that our Territorial Forces could not easily' deal with them. We are not prepared now to equip a separate body, especially as we are advised that the Territorial Army, which will number 30,000 next year, will. With the reserves, be ample for the defence of New Zealand. The Legion of Frontiersmen are very keen to serve, and I should be very glad to accept their offers if I could. The only' course open to them is to apply as individuals to tho nearest defence office if they wish to volunteer for service abroad, or if they wish to serve here they can join the existing rifle clubs, or they cait form now rifle dubs. We can’t have half f dozen different defence organisations in tin" country.” AN IMPORTANT APPOINTMENT. ‘ \ CONSULTING SURGEON TO THE FORCE. Dr F. C. Batchelor has been appointed consulting surgecil to the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, with the rank of Licu-tenant-coloncl. He will have important duties on the lines of communication and -in the base hospitals, where ho will be the only New Zealand medical representative looking after tho interests of sick Now Zealanders. The Government is to bo congratulated on its foresight in making this appointment, a? f,ho mothers of the boys at the front will now rest assured that Dr Batchelor, with his irrepressible energy, will see that the sick New Zealanders are properly cared for. His duty will also lie in the direction in which Colonel Pilcher so | capably performed signal service in South Africa during the Boer war, with the additional qualification of the-practical experience that com©*, of right, surgical and medical knowledge, (xr’onel Batchelor has hold the position of president of the Australasian Medical Association, and is probably tho most representative medical man we could, send from New Zealand. In addition. Messrs

dental surgeons, with the rank of lieu* tenant. EVERY MAN’S DUTY. SPEECH BY MR W. 0. MACGREGOR. WEST COAST MINERS CRITICISED. In responding to the toast of the “ Enginedrivers, Firemen, and Cleaners’ Association ” at the annual smoko concert of the Dunedin branch on Saturday evening, Mr W. C. MacGregor, the association s solicitor, made reference to the present European crisis. He said a good many ot them did not quite recognise the seriousness of the present position—that we as a nation were now at war with the .greatest miiJtaiy 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 como out successful, it would take every man we could spare before we emerged victorious from this 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 wore actually going to the front. —(Applause.) He was glad to hear that the railway men bad already sent their contingent, and he hoped that everyone would do the best in his power to assist the Empire in the present crisis.—(Prolonged applause.) Referring to the aetion of the West Coast miners in refusing to forego their half-day on Saturdays just now,' Mr Mac- \ Gregor said this was- a serious position, and lie could not understand how any man .with a spark of patriotism could do such a thing. For the defence of the Empire they should bo prepared to work night and dav in order that reinforcements for the British army might bo sent away. It was almost incredible that men should deliberately refuse to do what they to provide coal for the troopships.—(Criea of “Hear, hear,” and applause.) THE GERMANS AND PEACE n ■ ‘ LEAGUES. At the recent patriotic meeting, held at Anderson Bay combining the purposes of a farewell to the Bay contingent volunteering for service, and of forming a local com- . mittee to work in conjunction with the Dunedin Committee, the Rev. A. Cameron Lad an interesting communication. One of the leading organisations of the dominion has a committee appointed to further the interests of peace, and in pursuance of its work it wrote to the Lutheran Church in Germany. Presumably, the letter was handed over for reply to Dr Dryander, the Court Preacher, who occupies a position somewhat analogous to that occupied by the Archbishop of Canterbury. .When his reply, dated at Berlin on July o last, came to the dominion, it was given to a Dunedin gentleman to translate. Tine Rev. Mr Cameron, being acquainted with this gentleman and knowing he had had ijne letter, asked if he would indicate what it contained, and if public use could be made of the contents. What follows is not an exact, but a free translation of the reply;—“All Christian men are agreed that it is their duty to do what they can to promote peace arid mutual understanding between the nations, but there is room for difference of opinion as to how that can bo done. Very few Germans, either in Church or State, believe in Peace Leagues, it wpuld take too'long to give their reasons, but these Jiavo reference to the .position of Germany—central, yet isolated —and to their conviction that the peace of the world can best be secured by making Germany strong enough in military power to prevent all the other nations from going to war.” Those sentiments are a confirmation of the statements made by General Friedrich Bernhardi hi his recent book “Germany and tin: Next War.” THE MAORIS. TAUMARUNUI, August 18. • A meeting iof representatives of the Maoris this afternoon waited on Mayor and aeked him to communicate with the Prime Minister, requesting him to provide them with rifles, ammunition, and an instructor to train them so as to bear a share in the defence of the country. The Mayor promised to send the request to the Defence Department, and the decision gave great satisfaction to the Natives. OIL FUEL. WELLINGTON, August 20, Arrangements are being mrde, subject to the approval of the Imperial Government, for the inportation of fuel oils, which are largely used by local bodies for the generation of electricity. The Commonwealth Government lias granted permission to export oil, and the Imperial authorities have been acquainted with the decision. August 21. As already announced, arrangements have been made, subject to the approval of the Imperial authorities to permit the exportation from Australia to New Zealand, of fuel ' nils and Lubricating oils. The Hon. F. M. B. Fisher informed a reporter yesterday that ‘ it had also been decided to allow normal supplies of foodstuffs, fuel oils, and lubricating oils to, bo exported from Now Zealand to British and French possessions in the South Pacific. VALEDICTORY. • Mr E. Rosovear, who has volunteered for service with the New Zealand Contingent

abroad, was met last week ny 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 Rosevear would be back them again, better in every way for trie experience gained. Mr Rosevear briefly replied, thanking all for the kindness expressed. Two other members of the firm’s staff, Messrs A. Collie and William Manley, have’ also volunteered and been accepted for seivico, and similar presentations have been made to them. At the fortnightly meeting of the Dunedin nursing division of the St. John Ambulance, Captain Fleming was presented with a wrist watch and sovereign case. Captain Fleming was also entertained by members of the Otago Lodge No. 1, U.A.0.D., and presented with a S'pMmounted fountain pen, inscribed“ To Captain William Fleming, from Lodge, U.A.0.D., New Zealand, 22/3/14. On Thursday afternoon the employees of Sargood’s Clothing Factory met to say “an revoir ” to Lieutenant Lamb, who has been accepted for active service abroad with the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces, and presented him with a shaving outfit. Short speeches appropriate to the occasion wove made. Lieutenant Lamb feelingly responded. St. Clair is contributing its quota in defence of Empire, a dozen of the picked youth of the dstrict having been accepted to - er ve in the Expeditionary Force. Several j,ave already left for the north, and eight are-now in camp at Tahima 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 the number of 250 assembled in the pavilion to wish God-speed. Loave of absence from camp had been granted to the St. Clair contingent, which formed up in line, 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. Braithwaito. After the singing of the National Anthem, Mr H. L. Tapley (in the absence of Mr J. F. M. Fraser, K.G., through illness) addressed the boys, and concluded a stirring speech by wishing them God-speed and a safe return. Ml* Tapley also read a letter from Mr J. F. M. Fraser, containing many practical suggestions and much sound advice. Patriotic speeches were 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 behalf of the residents, presented each of the St. Clair boys with a Loewe pipe. Mr Llwellyn,, Jones, in in a brief soldierly speech, thanked the people of St. Clair for the splendid sendof, and said that, whether at Aldershot or on the frontier, they would uphold the honour of the district and of the nation to which they belonged. Dancing, singing, and making helped to mark a memorable evening. Songs wore contributed by Miss M. Paterson, Miss Aalin, 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 the splendid suppo£. Sergeant-major Gustafson, drill inspector at Balclutha. has received orders to go to .the front. On Saturday night he was presented by the Balclutha Cadets with a set of military hair brushes. Major Gngor, of Balclutha, paid a farewell visit to that town during the week end. prior to departing for the front. On Saturday night members of the Balclutha Men’s Club, Golf Club, and Tennis Club made him a present of a nurse of sovereigns to buy a pair of field .glasses. On Thursday lie was presented with a troop horse by the pupils of the Balclutha District High Scnool, of which he is an ex-pupil.

The Otago Highland Club made a. presentation to Mr J. Robertson and Mr Roy Milne, two members of the committee ill the ranks of the Expeditionary Force. The tramway employees on Friday night entertained five of their number who are going to the front, and presented them each with a wristlet watch and a compass. _ The presentation was made by his Worship the Mayor. The members of tho Otago Hunt on Saturday evening presented Sergeant-major Y. Marshall, their late secretary, who is going to tho front, with a valuable pair of binoculars as a token of appreciation of the services ho had rendered the hunt during tho time he acted in a secretarial capacity. The presentation was made by Mr B. S. Irwin. THE POLICE FORCE. WELLINGTON, August 24. Speaking to a reporter to-day. Superintendent Ellison explained the position of members of the Police Force likely to accompany the troops to the front. There was no provision for granting leave to constables who volunteered for tho front, so that if men desired to go they would have to resign. A few members of the force were British Army reservists, who would to rejoin the colours. In their cases their positions would be kept open, provided they returned fit for duty, and they would bo given any increments accruing to them, though during their absence they would only receive army rates of pay. So far none of the ordinary police had volunteered for tho front.

GENEROSITY BY BOOT FIRMS. (Fhom Oue Own Coeeespondent.) CHRISTCHURCH, August 24. With a view to giving the Canterbury contingent an extra pair of stout, serviceable boots per man, certain firms have made an offer which has been accepted by the Defence Department. The officer commanding the district telegraphed to the Defence Department the other day i ‘ ‘Have joint offer from Export Tannery Company and Messrs Skelton, Frostick, and Company and their employees to make up 2000 pairs of boots for the troops on the following basis:— Tannery Company: Special discount of 15 per cenh on hides, Messrs okelton, Frostick, and Company s Only charge bare cost (no overhead charges), and employees will give 15 per cent, of their wages to one of the special funds here. The boots will be of picked stuff, and the best workmanship, and will cost 11s 6d to 12s per pair.” - The offer was promptly accepted by the Defence Department, and a News reporter learned that the whole offer represents a donation of about £l5O from the Tannery Company, about £2OO from Messrs Skelton, Frostick* and Company, and about £3O from the employees. , y CALLING OUT THE RESERVES. WHAT IT INVOLVES. The probability that the reserves in New Zealand may be called out has raised the question as to what is involved by such procedure. There are naturally at present no reserves properly eo-called in New Zealand. The reserve provided under the defence scheme is to consist of those who have fulfilled the requirements as to training and so forth in the Territorial Force. The scheme has not yet been long enough in operation to provide men for the reserve. Assuming that a proclamation, calling out the reserve is issued, it would mean? at pi*eeent, that members of rifle clubs and of the training section of the Territorials would hold themselves in readiness to be mobilised. It is not known whether, in the event of inembers of rifle clubs being mobilised, they would be supplied with uniforms. AUSTRALIAN MOBILISED TROOPS. In Australia other troops than the Expeditions have been mobilised. The rates of pay for the troops which have been mobilised in Australia as a precautionary measure have been fixed. They do not apply to either of the Expeditionary Forces. The pay is in accordance with universal service regulation 160, which provides the following scale: Colonels, £2 5s a day and 7s 6d field allowance. , Lieut.-colonels, £1 17s 6d a day and 7s 5d field allowance. Majors, £1 10s a day and 5s field allowance. Captains, £1 2s 6d a day and 3s 6d field allowance Adjutants’ field allowance is 5s per day. Lieutenants, 15s a day and 3s 6d field allowance. Regimental sergeant-majors, 12s a day. Colour-sergeants, 11s a day. Sergeants, 10s 6d a. day. Band-sergeants, 10s a day. Corporals, 9s a day. Lance-corporals, 8s fid a day. Shoeing smiths and drivers, 5s a day, plus Is a day extra, making 6s. Privates, 4s a day, plus Is extra, making ss. Married men or soldiers who are the sol© support of widowed mothers receive extra allowances of Is 3d a clay in respect of the wife or mother, and of 7£d a day for each child. - A Melbourne telegram states that the privates of the Expeditionary Forces will receive 6s per day while away, and that Is per day will be deferred.