THE EMPIRE’S CALL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3197, 23 June 1915, Page 49

THE EMPIRE’S CALL.

SEVENTH REINFORCEMENTS. ALLOCATIONS OF OFFICERS. The following allocations of officers for tho Seventh Reinforcements are announced : Mounted Rifles. —A Squadron: Captain O. G. Saxby; Lieutenant S. 11. Carr. B Squadron; Major Samuels; Second-lieu-tenants P. J. North, R. J. Bird, and V. Crawshaw. O Squadron: Captain W. G. Wray; Second-lieutenants J.- C. W. Frecth, G. Matthias, and W. J. Melville. D. ■ Squadron: Captain A. J. Millard; Captain R, M. Gairclner; and Second-lieuten-ant Short. Infantry.—A Company: Captain 0. A. Herman; Lieutenants E. C. Parry, J. W. Silcote; Second-lieutenants R. L. Jamieson, O. Ingram, C. H. A. Senior, and F. A. Taylor. B Company: Captain W.. G. Wardrop; Lieutenants j. L. C. Merton, C. H. C. Joplin, and W. H. Caiman; Second-lieutenants J. H. Bailey and A. E. Siovwright. C Company: Lieutenant V'. R. Wakelin; Second-lieutenants E. J. Fawcett, L. L. T. Bush, G. S. Lavie, J. A. Toll, D Company: Captain Jolly; Lieutenants J. MTv'cir/.ic, 'W. Ward, W. J. Bo vis, G. L. M’Clurc, and G. M. Smith; Second-lieu-tenant W. H. S. Widdowson. OFFICERS ON PROBATION. Tho following officers from Otago have been selected to go into Trcntham under probation for the Eighth Reinforcements. They will leave Dunedin on July 10, arriving at Trenthani tho following day : Lieutenant J. D. M’Arthur, 7th (Southland) Mounted Rifles. Lieutenant T. L. E. King, Mounted Signal Troop. Lieutenant L. M. Scott, 4th (Otago) Regiment. Lieutenant W. H. Barr, unattached, list B, Lieutenant P. W. G. Spiers, 4th (Otago) Regiment, Coast Defence Detachment. Lieutenant A. W. Wellstoad, Railway Battalion. MR W. DOWNIE STEWART. CONGRATULATIONS FROM NAVY LEAGUE. Tho following is a copy of a letter which has been sent by the executive of tno Otago branch of the Navy League to Mr W. Downie Stewart: — “Dear Sir,—We, your fellow members of ie executive of the Otago branch of the Aavy League, desire most heartily to express to you our appreciation and our esteem of your action in enlisting to serve the Empire in its hour of need and trial. Whilst others, according to their circumstances, have perhaps made equal sacrifices to serve their country, we feel sure that no one in your position, and with your brilliant prospects, has renounced so much so congenial and so dear to him, as you have in order to help the Empire and our cause. When we think of the exalted and honourable positions you hold as a leadingbarrister. as a member of Parliament, and in the Navy Loague, University, and other educational circles, wo are moved to the deepest admiration for your sacrifice, which is all the greater since you are willing to serve in no glorious or heroic position, but in tho simple capacity of a private. We feel confident that by your magnificent example others will bo inspired to come forward now and to make the great renunciation for Britain’s just cause, Tho Navy League applauds and honours you for the deep souse of moral and civic responsibilities and obligations that you have manifested, and, on behalf of its members, we offer you heartfelt congratulations. Wo trust that you will be spared to come through tho campaign with honour to the Empire and distinction to your self.—Yours faithfully—-(signed), J. A: Johnstone and G. R. Ritchie (vice-presidents), F. O. Bridgcman, W. A. Moore. P. R. Sargood, W. F. Edmond, 0. Holdsworth, N. Galbraith, Peter Barr, W. J. Morrell, J. Waddell Smith, P. Marshall, P. Goyon, Chas. Darling (hon. secretary).”

AUCKLAND ItEINEORCEMENTS. DEPARTURE FOR TRENTHAM. AUCKLAND. June 15. Scones of. tremendous enthusiasm characterised the departure for Trontliarn this afternoon of the latest Reinforcement draft for training - . The men paraded at the Drill Hall at 2 o’clock, and marched to the station by way of Wellesley street and Queen street to the strains of “Tipperary.” Denso crowds lined the route of march, and cheered the soldiers enthusiastically. . QUESTION OF COMMISSIONS. WELLINGTON, Juno 16. Several decisions have been arrived at regarding the recommendation of officers from districts for appointments to subsequent reinforcement drafts for the Expeditionary Force. The maximum ago up to which officers may be recommended for appointment is as follows: —Major or captain, 48 years; subalterns, 38 years. No officer will be accepted for service with the Expeditionary .Force who has less than 12 months’ service as an officer in the New Zealand Territorial Forces. The time spent in the Trentham camp on probation will bo counted in this 12 months. The latter decision, it should bo emphasised,_ applies only to recommendations from districts and not to the Trentham camp, where appointments may be made from the ranks. The. ago limit, however, applies in each ease. FROM CAPTAIN-CHAPLAIN TO PRIVATE. The Rev. A. J. S earner, superintendent of the St. Kilda and Peninsula Methodist Circuit, who lias for some time hold a commission in the Defence Forces as a captaiuohaplain, has enlisted for service at the front as a private. Mr Scamor is strongly of the opinion that older men should form a fair proportion of each force sent to the front, and pursuing this idea to its logical conclusion, ho endeavoured to exchange his captain-chaplaincy for a oommision as a lieutenant. Technical difficulties arose, and ho was informed that a transfer would mean a delay of at least six mouths. Not feeling in-

NEW ZEALAND’S RESPONSE.

dined to wait for this term, he decided to join the colours as a private. CAPTAIN SEDDON. READY TO ENLIST. GISBORNE, June 18. The question of Captain Seddon not haying gone to the front having been raised in a Wellington paper, Captain Seddon, who is at present in Gisborne, feels that his side of the matter should bo made public. He sent a letter to the commandant in August last, as under: —“iSir, —I feel it my duty, first, as a Now Zealander, and, secondly, as one whom this country trained for military defence, to offer my services in the Expeditionary Forces now being enrolled, if u suitable position can bo offered me. If you think a personal interview is desirable, I shall bo glad to wait on yon at any time and place, —Yours obediently, R. J, Seddon.” The reply he received was as follows: Department of Defence, Wellington, Tth August, 1914. Dear Sir,—l am directed by the general officer commanding to thank you very much for your letter of to-day’s date, and to inform you that your name has been registered, and will have every consideration when the appointments arc made. Yours faithfully, John Rhodes,' A.D.C. Since this date, Captain Seddon states, he has hoard nothing further on this matter, either by letter or comunieation of any sort. Many people have asked why his services have not been accepted, and lie has not been able to reply beyond the fact that he volunteered at the outbreak of the war, and is still ready to again go forward at any moment to serve his King and country. MAORI REINFORCEMENTS. APPEAL FOR MEN. WELLINGTON, June 16. The following message has been addressed by Mr Parata, M.P., to the Natives of New Zealand : “ A special message from the War Council of England to his Excellency Lord Liverpool has boon received asking for reinforcements to our contingent. Five hundred men are required in the Maori training camp at Avondale, Auckland, within the next month. After four months’ training they will he despatched in batches with other reinforcements.” In .an appeal to the Maoris to enlist, Mr Parata adds: “ Rise, brothers, to this great occasion. Prove to the Empire that on our part that scrap of paper is as good now as on the day it was signed. We are not going to have it saidi against the Maoris of this dominion that that treaty is only for tunes of peace, and not for times of war,” NURSES FOR THE FRONT. WELLINGTON, June 16. The New Zealand Defence authorities intend to send with the hospital ship the balance of the contingent of 100 nurses for service in military hospitals in Egypt and Malta. The 69 additional nurses will be chosen from the many hundreds of applicants. Other things being equal, they will bo selected in order of application, but consideration will be given'' to merit and to the recommendations of the matrons and the principal medical officers in the several districts. KILLED IN ACTION. Mr Thomas F. Hart, assistant sub editor of the Otago Daily Times, has received official notification that his son. Corporal Horace A. Hart, is reported as killed. Corporal Hart, w ho was a member of the old Ballarat (Victoria) Battalion, was one of the first in his native city to enlist as a private. He was promoted in camp to lance-corporal, and on shipboard to corporal. lie and another Ballarat boy (since wounded) tied throe times in an attempt to decide which was the crack shot of the battalion, and the battalion hold the shooting record for the brigade. Corporal Hart, who was not married, was 26 years old. GALLANT RESCUE ATTEMPTED. NELSON, Juno 17. Private C. M’Conchic (Wellington Infantry Battalion), writing to his father (Mr W. M’Conchie, Nelson), gives details of the death of Lieutenant Hugo. After two days’ hard fighting Lieutenant Hugo was the last officer left in that particular firing lino. He was shot, and M'Oonchie with throe others loft the firing line to .got him and put him on an oil sheet. They started the return journey, when three of the four got a bullet each/ They had then to leave him. The stretcher-bearers searched after dark, and towards morning they found him dead. The bullet which hit M‘Conchie just missed his spine by the fraction of an inch. M’Connhie concludes! “I might have still been in the firing line if I had not gone out after our officer. Anyhow, it was worth the chance, especially when ho happened to bo a good man such as lie was.” DIED FROM WOUNDS. Mr and Mrs Robert Young, of Wyndham, received a letter from IMiss Batchelor (daughter of Dr Batchelor, of Dunedin), at Cairo, apprising them of the nature of the wounds sustained by their son (the late Private James Young) in action in the Dardanelles campaign. Miss Batchelor, who writes under date May 4, states that Private Young was wounded in the head, and the bullet went out through the shoulder, but no bones were broken in transit. A small piece of bone had to bo removed, and on May 4 the injured man was doing well. Presumably complications set in, which accounted for his death. Miss Batchelor adds: ‘Ho told me to be sure and tell you how well ho was looked after, _ and had everything ho could want. He is wonderfully cheerful; in fact, they all are, and their one idea is that they should get well soon and go back and light again. Your son’s last words to me were: ‘Bo sure and say how wclptliey ore looking after us.’ ” SURGEON-MAT OR 0' NEILL. At the meeting of the University Council on the 15th it was resolved, on the motion of Dr Church, to include the following in the minutes, and to forward, a copy to Mrs

O Neill:—“The high honour that his Majesty the King has conferred on one of our surgeons, Dr E. J. O'Neill, for distinguished service at the Dardanelles is highly appreciated by the council of the University of Otago. This well-merited honour is peculiarly. gratifying to the council in that Dr O’Neill is one of our graduates, and one who in the Dunedin Hospital has had no small part in the training of our young doctors. Tho council expresses the hope that Dr O’Neill will safely return to his native city, and will long be spared to carry out his good work among us, and to enjoy the high distinction ho has gained on the field of battle.” WOUNDED MEN RETURNING. WELLINGTON, June 15. Tho names of the wounded Now Zealanders who aro returning to this country on a transport will probably bo available for publication within tho next few days, but the first news on the subject will reach the next of kin direct from the Defenco Department. It is understood that the ship will not reach tho dominion for at least four weeks yet. Hospital accommodation will bo available for any of the men who may require it, but it is anticipated that most of the invalids will be abla to go to their own homes. Wounded men who aro regarded as definitely incapacitated from further service will bo given their discharges soon after their arrival, but tho Defence authorities will make what arrangements” seem necessary in connection with pensions and allowances. This matter has been receiving tho attention of the Minister of Defence, who has stated that as far as possible tho department will avoid 'inflicting -hardships even of a temporary character on any man,Soldiers who have suffered permanent injury will bo entitled to military pensions under . the Defence regulations, but tho allocation of the pensions cannot bo made until the Pensions. Board has had time to investigate the cases, and some additional legislation will bo required in discharge of the Government’s promise to liberalise the scale. INVALIDED HOME. Private Thomas Oook, of DunaiieteL Wyndham, reached his home on Saturday night , invalided back from Egypt (says the Wyndham Farmer). The young soldier was laid low with pneumonia m Cairo Hospital, and on becoming convalescent was sent back with his discharge. Private Cook, who has much benefited by the sea voyage, says there are so many Dardanelles casualties to attend to at Cairo, that the doctors have difficulty in finding accommodation- for the wounded. On Thursday night Private Lon Colvin, who left with the Main Force, returned invalided to his homo at Kaitangata (says the Free Press). There wan a large crowd present when the coach arrived, and Private Colvin received a warm welcome back. Ho got as far as Tenedos Island, at tho mouth of tho Dardanelles, when a severe attack of rheumatism laid him low. Corporal Dan Bretherton, who was a member of the main body of the Expeditionary Force to Egypt, returned to Cromwell on Friday, 11th inst. (says the Argus). Ho had an attack of pneumonia, but hope? to get back again. FORTY-FOUR RETURN BY THE MOKOIA. The Mokoia, which arrived here on tht 16th inst., had on board 44 men who left New Zealand with the First Expeditionary Force, and who have for various reasons been invalided home. About a dozen of those men belong to Otago and Canterbury, and tho balance come from tho North Island. One of the Otago men, it is understood, saw something of tho landing at the Dardanelles, but took no active part in the engagement owing to injuries which ho had previously suffered. Inquiry at tho local Defence Office yesi torday elicited the information that only a few of the men who returned by the Mokoia on Wednesday afternoon aro seriously ill, many of them having largely or partially recovered, while tho remainder are suffering from a variety of complaints. Some 20 of the men were discharged on the 17th inst., as it was considered by the medical authorities that they were sufficiently well to return to their homes. The rest are still undergoing medical treatment, but will probably have recovered sufficiently to bo discharged by tho end of next week. THE SAMOAN GARRISON. ANOTHER CONTINGENT RETURNS. WELLINGTON, June 21. Passengers from Samoa by the Atua include Captain Roacho (sth Wellington Regiment), two nurses, and nine non-commis-sioned officers and men of the Samoan garrison. Of tho nurses. Matron Brooke and gist’r Willis are joining the hospital ship Maheno.- Captain Roache is recovering from typhoid, and Privates E. Foley, W. J. Barker, J. Davidson, 11. J. Roberts, and E. D. Elcod have been invalided home.-Staff-sergeant Hale, Quartermaster Dyer, Field-cashier I). Moroney, and PrivatesWhitford and Haste have been transferred to duty at Wellington. The- new garrison at Samoa appears to bo settled down to work. GOING TO THE FRONT. A very pleasant evening was spent in Mr Pitficld’s residence at Allanton on tho 10th inst., tho occasion being a social and presentation to Mr J. Beleski and Mr 11. Christie, who were leaving for Trentham. sentation to Mr J. Beleski and Mr H. Christie, who were leaving for Trentham. Each was presented with a wristlet watch. Sergeant Thomas William Tumataueka (Dun) Harper, of the sth Regiment A Slquadron, Otago Mounted Rifles. . son of Mr William Harper, of Puketeraki. Karitane, and grandson of the Hon. T. Parata, M.L.C., left on Tuesday to join the Maori reinforcements as a sergeant. Messrs T. E. Y. Seddon and W. D. Stewart, the members of tho House of Representatives who have volunteered for service with the Expeditionary Forces, have been ordered to report at Trentham camp on July 11 (says tho New Zealand Times). The date suggests that they are going to bo given a chance of getting their stripes ns non-commissioned officers with the Eighth Reinforcements, which will go into camp carlv in August. They enter as privates, but they both hayo bad some experience of military work with tho volunCaptain G. W, Gower, N.Z.M.C., of Auckland, and Dr L A. Speckling, a member of the resident medical staff of thd

Auckland Hospital, have been appointed medical officers in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. 1 hey will leave for irentham (says the Herald) in the course of_ a few days, and will proceed to the front with 'one of the reinforcement drafts. Captain J. D. Campbell Duncan, who has been appointed as medical officer to the Maori Reinforcements, will leave Hanmcr Springs (where ho has been in charge) shortly to ’go into chi nip -at Auckland (sa.\s the Lyttelton Times). During his absence Dr Morland, of Christchurch, ‘will _ be in charge of the Government Sanatorium at Han trier. _ Surgeon-captain Garfield Crawford, Invercargill. who some months ago offered his services as medical officer in connection with the dominion’s Expeditionary .Force, has been advised that he has received an appointment and requested to report himself at Trentham. Dr Crawford expects to leave Invercargill in a fortnight s time. Mr Gus Vernon, of Milton, has been appointed as a bugler to Lord Liverpool s Own Regiment. His two other brothers— William (formerly on the Tapanui Courier), and John —arc already in camp at u.lOll- - 5 THE HOSPITAL SHIP. EQUIPMENT SECURED. WELLINGTON, June 17. -Such a generous response has boon made to the Governor's appeal for material for the hospital ship that his Excellency now idvises that he lias received a full complement of all that was asked for, and he will therefore bo glad if no further articles 01 material are sent in for this purpose. The Union Steam Ship Company announces that all gifts for the hospital ship will bo carried free of charge on that company’s vessels on the New Zealand coast. A POPULAR APPOINTMENT. WELLINGTON, June 18. A deputation from the Methodist Church of New Zealand waited on the Hon. J. Allen to-day and expressed pleasure at the appointment of the Rev. D. Dutton as one of the chanlains for the hospital ship, and thanked the Minister for the recognition thus given to the claims of the non-episcopal churches. DONATION OF SUPPLIES. Messrs Fleming and Co., Gore, have forwarded to the Maheno, at Port Chalmers, a large consignment of Crcamoata, oatmeal, Barolla, and pearl barley, all specially packed in paper lined bags, made up m cases, as a donation from the firm and employees to the Now Zealand Hospital Ship. The whole consignment, consisting of 24 cases of oatmeal, 10 of “ Creamoata,” six cases of “Barolla, 14 cases of pearl barley, was packed by the firm’s workmen in their own time, and .he total value is approximately £6O. The offer to supply the Hospital Ship with 100 gallons of hycol and pacolol disinfectant as a joint contribution from Messrs Pearson’s Antiseptic Company, Ltd., London, and Messrs Neill and Co., Ltd., Dunedin, has been accepted, ,WOUNDED SOLDIERS’ FUND MASTERTON, June 16. A two days’ canvass of the Wairarapa has resulted in over £BOOO being scribed for the Wounded Soldiers’ Fund. This is apart from the Allies’ Relief Fund and other funds, for which over £30,000 has been subscribed. It is expected to raise £50,000 Jn the Wairarapa lor the Wounded Soldiers’ Fund. MASTERTON, June 18. A flag presented by Mrs Hugh Morrison, of Masterton, and sold at a patriotic concert at Greytown, realised £7036. The highest bidder was Mr John M'Master, who gave a section of land valued at £4OOO. Sir Walter Buchanan added another thousand to his v already large contribution. Altogether during the last two clays over £15,000 has been subscribed to the Wairarapa Wounded Soldiers’ Fund. A SPORTING OFFERA sporting offer of a bag of potatoes by Mr James Hoggon, of North Taieri, for the Wounded Soldiers’ Fund, on condition that Miss Williamson, -of the same district, went to the field and picked the potatoes, has resulted in the Taieri Patriotic Committee’s fund benefiting to the extent of £5 11s, this being, the amount of the sale and resale of the bag on Miss Williamson’s behalf at auction. WAITAHUNA, June 21. At a committee meeting on Saturday evening the money collected by the canvassers of the district, amounting to £35 odd, was received. The response made to the appeal for funds for our wounded by the committee was very generously answered by a large number of subscribers, but it was noticed that soinp subscribers, apparently not realising the urgent necessity of assisting the cause, did not contribute relatively as largely as some of their lees prosperous -neighbours had done. As this collection is a monthly one it is expected that every resident of the district will take a serious view of the matetr, and do the utmost towards augmenting this fund for the benefit of our gallant soldiers, who arc heroically fighting for us at the front. Owing to the urgent necessity of assisting the above fund the committee has reluctantly decided to reduce the monthly contributions to the Belgian Fund to £5. PROPOSED PATRIOTIC DONATION. At the meeting of the Port Chalmers Borough Council on the 21st Cr Stevenson moved —“ That this council donate the sum of £250 to the Otago fund for the benefit of the wounded and fallen soldiers and their dependents, this amount to bo charged to' the water account,” which was Jest by 5 votes to 4 after some discussion. BELGIAN RELIEF FUND. A party of rabbiters, consisting of Messrs M‘Kay, beaker, Kennedy Bros., Jennison, and Mann, recently spent a day trapping and shooting at Midulcmareh for tiie Belgian Fund, the proceeds of the catch amounting to £5. _ Had it not been for the unfavourable, weather the result would have been much larger. Another small party spent a day shooting on Mr D. Mathcson’s property, and obtained a bag which realised £1 ss. Thanks are also clue to Messrs A. S. Williams and William Glass who rendered valuable assistance in carting tho rabbits to the railway station. Wo have to acknowledge tho receipt ■of £27 ss, forwarded to us by the Heriot Patriotic Committee, made up of the following contributions; —Adams Bros.,

£5; C. MWeagh, £5; Mrs Adams, £3, E. Ottroy. £2; L. Bo won, £2; A. Moncur £1; S. Dunn, £1; W. Corbett, £l;'A Paterson, £1; R. E. Hyde, £1; J. C. Buttar, £1; Jas. Finlav, £1; Samuel Kirk, £1; Hugh Harris. £1;"F. G. Murphy, 10s; J. MTxcuzie, 10s; J. Patterson, ss. Else whore this morning acknowledgment is made of the receipt for tho same object oi £33 from tho Heriot Patriotic Committee. Tho Consul for Belgium has received from Miss Hume the sum of £4l, _ being half-proceeds ■ of tho concert and jumble sale lately organised by her, and by Miss Plume’s instructions this sum has been remitted direct to London for the benefit of King Albert and Queen Elizabeth’s Orphan Fund. HOKITIKA, Juno 16. At a public meeting to-night a statement in connection with tho Belgian Relief Fund ■was submitted. As a result of the local effort to relieve the distress of the Belgians it was reported that tho sum of £6126 had been raised. A further meeting is to be held to deal with the funds. THE RELIEF FUNDS. CONFERENCE TO BE CALLED. WELLINGTON, June 21. Tho total amount received by - the Internal Affairs Department for tlie Belgian Relief Fund has now reached £101.217. 'lhe Hospital Ship Fund stands at £35,219. Tho Mayor of Wellington is convening a conference of Mayors of all towns in Now Zealand and chairmen of Patriotic Committets, for Friday, July 2, to determine if there shall be one National War Relief Fund or several Provincial Funds. THE PATRIOTIC FUNDS. The following are the totals subscribed to the various Otago Patriotic Funds, handed over to the Otago Patriotic Association : Tho Otago Patriotic Fund (including £20,875 8s lid from tiio Otago Daily Times and Witness list) ... £73,634 8 8 The Great Britain and Ireland Relief Fund (Otago Daily Times and Otago Witness list) 1,028 0 0 The Belgian Relief Fund (Otago Daily Times and Otago Witness list) 15,754 9 4 Serbian Relief Fund (Otago Daily Times and Otago Witness list) 590 12 7 OTAGO WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION. The work of the Otago Women’s Association proceeds at a steady' pace. At present tho socks for the June special Lady Liverpool fund are being packed at the Early Settlors’ Hall. Two pairs arc beingsent to each man who has already- left New Zealand, either with the Main Expeditionary Force or with any ot the reinforcements. All ladies who have socks finished are requested to bring them in, as every pair is urgently needed. As the weather is so cold up in Trentham. it has been decided to forward at once the balaclavas and cuffs which form part of the men’s equipment." These are also very urgently heeded. There are over 300 Otago men in camp at present, and they are short of balaclavas by about live dozen. In connection with the guessing competitions at tho soldiers’ stall at the Winter Show, tho following were tho winners in tho various sections-Curved tray, Mr Rupert Ritchie; cigarette case, Mr G. Railton; rattan tray, Mrs Coulter, King street; cheese dish, Mr Isaac, School of Art; canary, Mr Boer; picture of King and Queen of Italy, Miss Miller, London street; elephant, Jack Anderson; doll’s bed, Miss Ross; tea set, table, and chair, Miss Nancy Holmes; doll. Miss Eileen Maloney. The members of tho association are now preparing the equipment for the new unit and the Seventh Reinforcements. Last week 44 cases of clothing, etc., for the Belgian and British Relief Fund wore shipped by the Rangatira, through tiie courtesy of the Shaw, Savill and Albion Company, to Lord Piunkot, chairman of the New Zealand War Contingent Association. These will bo distributed by a ladies’ committee, which has been specially sot up in connection with the New Zealanders’ work in London. Work is proceeding briskly- at i ho Early Settlers’ Hall. Tho balaclavas and cuffs for tho Otago men who arc in Trentham, have been packed ready for shipping. Both of these articles arc urgently needed.' To make the cuffs use four needles, cast on 48 stitches, knit two purl, two plain—six inches long. Socks, of course, are also required in groat numbers. One of tho association’s most strenuous workers since August—Mrs Herbert—is leaving for Christchurch, much to the regret of the executive. On Tuesday, 15th inst-., Miss Stewart, on behalf of the workers, presented Mrs Herbert with, a handbag as a small memento of her association with them all. There seems to be a little misunderstanding 'with regard to the posting of parcels to soldiers on active service. The sub-com-mittee meets to assist any who desire to send parcels, to see that they are properly addressed, etc., but cannot undertake to pay postage on them. No parcel over llib is accepted for postage. Will all country contributors who are knitting socks and mufflers for H.M.S. Philomel kindly forward them when ready to Miss Ross, at the Early Settlers’ Hall. Tho Otago Women’s Patriotic Association reports ' that socks and balaclavas are urgently needed for the Otago men in the now unit and Seventh Reinlorcomonfs. A case of balaclavas and cuffs was sent to Trentham last Friday, but the numbers were short by several dozens, and it is hoped to be able to forward those without delay. The committee hopes that every woman is knitting. While on this subject it might be well to mention that excellent bed socks and scarves can be made from any warm fleecy material, and if this were done it would leave the short wool supply free to bo knitted into socks and balaclavas. Roslyn three ply wheeling is the wool used lor socks and balaclavas, and it frecins a waste to knit' it into scarves when material for these is available, which would make them quite as warm and comfortable as if knitted with wool. Tho Women’s Patriotic Committee of Balclutha forwarded a case last week, containing 150 pairs socks, 16 service bags, 18 balaclavas, seven scarves, and a parcel for the Lady French Fund. The Milton Women’s Patriotic Committee has also donated one rase, containing 103 of socks, balaclavas, etc., and two

cases of clothing for tho Belgian Relief Fund. PATRIOTIC CONCERT AT EAST TAIKRI. Tho Riccarton Hall was filled on Friday evening by an enthusiastic and appreciative audience to listen to tho patriotic concert prepared by tho children of East Taicri and fricn ds in aid of tho Belgian Relief Fund. The hall was decorated with bunting, ami assisted to give tho programme a patriotic tone. Air O. Walker was chairman, and addressed tho audience briefly. Ho expressed gratification at the large attendance, and said tho people of the district were, by attending, showing - , their interest 'in tho work of the children, and also doing what they could to alleviate the sufferings of the Belgians. The children could not give much money themselves, but they had given tnoir time and talents. Ho hoped the children of tho other districts would follow the example. At tho chairman’s request the audience stood in silence as a token of respect to the memory of those who had fallen in battle. The programme was then proceeded with as follows: —Chorus (“Rod, While, and Blue ”), children; recitation, Aliss Paulo Frederic; song (“Our Territorial Soldiers j, Aliss Doris Stogie: recitation. Aliss Stuart Gamble; dance, Slay pole; song. Miss J. Allan; song (“Attention”), boys; dialogue (“Uncle Tom's Cabin”), seniors; song (“There’s a Land '*), Aliss Steele; Japanese chorus, by four lady members Alosgiol Bible Class. The second part of the programme was opened bv a piano solo by Aliss, Sparks. Aliss Nettie Frederic gave a recitation, and Airs Alamo contributed a. song. Aliss Doris Steele recited, and tho boy? gave a darkey song. “ Give Ale a Penny, Sir.” was nicely rendered by tho children. _ The Alosgiol Bible Class gave a dialogue, “ Bobbie s Courtship,” which created much amusement. The chorus “ Britons All ” was the concluding item. The whole programme proved most enjoyable, and reflected much credit on the children and those who trained them. r i. he Maypole dance deserved a special word of pra iso. The takings for the concert totalled £2l 11? lOd—a very creditable result of tho children’s efforts. NORTH-EAST TALLEY WOAIEN'S PATRIOTIC ASSOCIATION. Tho North-East Valley Women’s Patriotic Association held its weekly mooting on Thursday afternoon and even mg. Considering tho short time this branch has been in existence, quite a large quantity of work has been completed. The committee gratefully acknowledges cash contributions to the amount, ot £6 5s from Mosdames P. Gray, Begg, D. Boath, Cliff, Harding, Aliss Wain, Messrs J. Samson, sen., J. Samson, jun., Brydon, H. Strain, and “Sympathiser,” for the- purchase of material; socks, etc., from Aliss Bailey, Airs Dcwio. Airs Moss (Albany street), Air.? Donald, and Mrs Bradley. GREEN ISLAND WOMEN WORKERS. All ladies who have socks, mittens, or balaclavas finished arc requested to bring them in as soon as possible, as they are urgently needed. \ TAIEEI PATRIOTIC COMAIITTEE. This body met on Friday at Alosgiol; present —Mr A. E. Quclch (Mayor of Alosgiol). the Rev Rather Liston, the Rev. W. H. Hamblett, the Rev. J. T. Pinfold, Messrs J. Williamson, A. F. Chcyno, C. Walker, and J. P. Walls (secretary). The Chairman explained that the meeting had boon called to consider the advisability of handing over tho funds in hand, and then disbanding. At tho last meeting £212 3s 5d was standing to credit, and the committee voted £IOO of 'this to the Belgian Fund. At the early stages of the war, tho Otago Patriotic Committee was supposed to embrace all tho province; but small committees and their funds sprang up here and there. The Taicri Committee at that time thought it wise to keep its funds separate, and did not pay the cmount into the general fund in Dunedin. .As things had now somewhat altered and an effort was being made to have a Wounded Soldiers’ Fund for the benefit of all Otago men who were in any way in need, it had been suggested that the funds hold by the Taievi Committee be paid into the General Fund in Dunedin Tho Rev., Mr Pinfold moved —“That tho money in hand bo paid over to the Wounded Soldier.?’ Fund.” Air Williamson seconded the motion. Mr Cheync moved as an amendment — “ That steps. be delayed till early : n August.” He pointed out that only eight out of a committee of about 16 were (n attendance. He thought they should no afforded an opportunity of voting on the question Only three voted for the amendment, and the motion was carried. It is understood that the £ll2 will bo paid to the Country Queen Fund. In answer to a question, it was stated that the committee was quite within .ts rights in voting the money to the general fund. It had been subscribed for patriotic purposes, and tho Wounded Soldiers’ Fund was as deserving as any. PR O-C ERA FAN UTTER A NOES, AUCKLAND, June 15. An Auckland resident aired his views on tho war in a public place the other day, and said that if lie had the opportunity he would go and fight for Germany. Ha was reported to tho military authorities, who promptly arrested him, and he is now confined in the detention barracks at one of the forts. THE OTAGO QUEEN CARNIVAL. APPEALS ON BEHALF OF CANDIDATES. Members of the Commercial Travellers’ and Warehousemen’s Association and friends practically took possession of Dunedin on Saturday in an effort to raise Lind? to support the candidature of No. 11 (Mrs F.‘ w. Mitchell). Over 20 stalls wore set ■up. where lollies and buttonhole bouquets were sold, while . collecting-boxes _ wore brought prominently under the notice of pedestrians. In all over £6OO was raised. Friends and supporters of the various candidates for the honour of being queen of the Otago Carnival have worked most energetically during the week, and it is evident that country people will have to, got to work energetically in favour of their candidate.

STATE OF THE POLL. Tho following table shows the position of tho respective queens as disclosed on -Monday by the Hags in the Triangle: No. 9—Retailers’ Queen (-Miss Emory) 1 No, 10 —Sports Queen (Aliss Bello iM'Lean) 2 No. 6 Oar Soldiers’ Queen ((Mrs R. Hudson) ... .. 3 No. 3 — r J ram ways Queen (Airs Gordon) 4 No. 7—Queen of Commerce ((Miss Downio Stewart) 5 No. 11 —Travellers’ Queen (Airs E. W. Mitchell) ••• 6 No. 4 —Queen of the Dardanelles (Aliss Carson) ... ... 7 No. 2—Queen of the Seas (Aliss Sargood) 8 No. B—Queen8 —Queen of tho Allies (Aliss Jean (Burt) ... ... 9 No. I—Country Queen (Aliss (R. _ Smith) 10 No. s—Harbour Queen (Aliss Alill) H No. 12 —North Otago Queen (Airs J. Cowie Nichols) 12 JOTTINGS. A striking example of family patriotism was brought to light on Friday (says the New Zealand Times), when a Taumarunui man. who has six brothers already on active service, enlisted at the recruiting office in Wellington. Four brothers of Private Roy ATNabb (late of Alotuckn), who was killed in action at tho Dardanelles last week, are now serving their country—Cyril at the Dardanelles, Vincent with tho Auckland Battalion at Trcntham, and Louis and Owen with the Wellington Battalion, also at Trcntham camp. Five enrolments for the war out of one family are said to bo a record for the Nelson district. A private cable message was received in New Plymouth on Thursday from Surgeonmajor G. Home (of New Plymouth) announcing his arrival at Alexandria from the Dardanelles, where he went with the New Zealanders. Surgeon-major Homo added that he was well. At last week's mooting of tho City Council it was resolved, on the motion of the Mayor, seconded by Cr Wilson—" That this council expresses its high appreciation of the action of ex-Alayor Air W. Do wine Stewart in offering himself for active service at tho front. We are confident that his action will moot with tho approval of the citizens of Dunedin, tender him sincere and hearty congratulations, and wish him godspeed in his work for tho empire.” Air J. Robson (son of Air R. W. Robson, South Invercargill, and grandson of Air and Airs Robert Robson, of Wyndham), who lias been for a number of years in the service of Messrs Catton and Co., electrical engineers. Invercargill, has (says the .Southern Cross) signed on to join the Aviation Corps. His brother. Driver F. N. Robson, who is connected with tho Army Service Corps, is oil duty at tho Dardanelles. Tho call for more medical men induced tho doctors of Geraldine and Tenmka to hold a conference, with a view to considering whether one from each place might not volunteer upon the agreement of the others to see that the practice of_ each volunteer was carried on during his absence. At tho conference. Dr Hotop, of Geraldine, offered to go, also Doctors Curtis and Scanned, of Tcmuka (says tho Press), and it was left to them to arrange which should go. The directors of Messrs Wright, Stephenson, and Co. (LtdA have voted £IOOO to tho fund that is being raised for the wounded and fallen soldiers and sailors and their dependents. Alessrs Vincent and Gladstone Ward, second and third sons' of Sir Joseph and Lady Ward, and Air J. R. Dennistoun, of Peel Forest, arrived in England late in April to offer their services for the war. There is no lack of volunteers for the front as far as tho Gisborne district is concerned (says the Gisborne Times). A reporter ascertained from the. local defence office last week that no fewer than 203 men had been passed as medically fit at Gisborne, and wore available to go forward at any moment they wore called upon. A canvass on behalf of the Wounded Soldiers’ Fund in the Wairarapa resulted in £SOOO being obtained in one day. Mrs P. APLarcn, of Honiebush, gave £IOOO. One settlor states that his wool returns this year are £2OOO more than last year. Ho intends contributing £2OOO, and then giving from his income, in order that, he may make some sacrifice. Aliss Kedclie, matron of the Oamaru Hospital, having been granted leave of absence by the Hospital Trustees (says the Oamaru Alail), has offered her services for inclusion in the Now Zealand Army Nursing Service Corps. In connection with tho outbreak of measles at Trcntham camp, Alessrs Levin and Co. have placed at tho disposal of the Defence authorities a large threostoroy store at Kaiwarra. The building has a spread of floor of 152 ft by 220 ft. and it will ho used as a homo for the convalescent soldiers. A beginning lias been made with the construction of kitchens and bathrooms, and it is expected that the building will be ready for use before the end of the week. This'now arrangement will relieve tho Berhamporo Hospital, where tho accommodation is unsatisfactory, and will reduce the number of cases housed in the Trcntham racecourse buildings. , All measles cases have now been removed from Trcntham camp (says the Dominion). Sick men arc treated at the General Hospital. Through tho generosity of Air William Barton, of Feathcrston, the hospital shin Alaheno is to be provided with an up-to-date motor launch (says the Wellington Post). Mr Barton gave £350 for that purpose, and with the money the Veronica, built in Auckland by Lane and Sons, and at present lying in the Wellington boat harbour, has boon purchased. The Veronica is a very fine boat of her type, and will be placed on board the Alaheno when tho latter arrives nt Wellington at the end of the present month. Some wounded Taranaki troopers in letters received by tho Inst mail, reported that Colon fl W. G. Alaloim. in command of tho infantry at Calm Tope, was shot dead. This misapprehension probably arose from the fact that at the landing Colonel Ala lone sustained a wound in the neck from a snent bullet or shrapnel. Tim wound, lumnilv. was not serious, and after being attended to by Surgeon-major _ Home, Colonel Malone proceeded to the firing line and has been in the thick of it over since. The Otago Hospital and Charitable Aid Board at its last mooting passed .a resolution congratulating Major E. J. O’Neill, N.Z.A1.0. , on tho honour of D.F5.0. being conferred nnon him by his Alajosty tho King for gallantry on the field. At the annual meeting of the Southland Bowling Club tho president (Air James

j Fleming) made feeling reference to the death at the Dardanelles of Private "Wilder* nioath, who was a promising young bowler. An old couple in Auckland handed in for c-alo of gifts for the Hospital Ship Fund a silver teapot which had been a_ marriage gift. It was sold and resold eight times at prices ranging from £2 15s to £1 15s, and finally handed back to the old couple amidst a storm of applause. Sergeant-major Low, of Ravensbonrno, who went to South Africa with one of the New Zealand _ Contingents, after a long silence has written a letter from German South Africa on the wrapping-paper used by the Taieri and Peninsula. Company. Ho was serving with the South African General Staff Intelligence Force, and stated that it was the only scrap of paper ho could find. On making inquiry how it came to be in the place, ho learnt that the T. and I’. _ Co.’s butter was being served to the Union troops, and was in perfect condition. PROGRESS OF THE WOUNDED. Mr T. Begg, of Anderson Bay, has received word that his third son (Private A. T. Begg), who was wounded at the Dardanelles, is progressing favourably. A private cablegram was received yesterday from the Birmingham Hospital stating that Private John Cockburn, sou of Mr James Cockburn, Clinton, has a bullet wound in the shoulder. He is progressing favourably. Mr W. C. Chambers, Caversham Rise, has received word from his son. Corporal G. G. Chambers, who was reported wounded at the Dardanelles, that he is at the Heliopolis Palace Hospital, suffering from shock and slight, concussion of tlic spine and head. Ho joined the First Australian Division of the Main Expeditionary Force in Melbourne. Ho is doing as well as can be expected. Mr B. 11. Keys. Superintendent of the Telegraph Office, has received a cablegram from his son, Sapper P. L. Keys, dated Alexandria, June 17, stating that he is well and happy. In the list of casualties published on the 17th it was stated that Private Donald Harper, of the Otago Battalion, was reported as having rejoined his regiment. The list published in Wellington states that Private Harper died from gunshot wounds. Mrs F. Waite has received from her husband. Captain F. Waite, a cable "intimating that he was “ quite well again.” Mr J. J. Marlow has received a postcard from his eon. Corporal J. J. Marlow, stating that ho is in hospital at Cairo with a wound in his right arm. He states that ho has had “ a great time,” and is now progressing favourably. Cable advice has been received that .Siignaller Newton Hanan, a nephew of Mr J. A. Hanan. M.P., who was wounded at the Dardanelles, is now convalescent, and progressing favourably in the Birmingham Hospital. Air J. Adamson, Alexandra, has recciyed advice that his eon. Private John Quinn. Adamson (Otago Battalion), who was wounded at the Dardanelles (nature of wound not stated), has been removed from the First Southern General Hospital in Birmingham to a convalescent home. The relatives of Private W. Aiawhinnoy, who was reported wounded at the Dardanelles, have received a cablegram saying that bo is progressing favourably. Word lias been received in Dunedin that Trooper Robert Ross, of Mandcville, has recovered from bis attack of pneumonia and has rejoined the Otago Mounted Regiment. ~ T After a lapse of about four weeks Mr J. A. Hanan. M.P.. received on Thursday the following advice regarding his nephew, J. A. Newton Hanan, who was wounded at thcT Dardanelles, and is now in Birmingham Hospital:—"Convalescent progressing favourably.” No information as to the nature of the wounds has been furnished. Mrs Simpson, 2 Fea street, Dal more, has received word that Private H. J- R. (1(l (wounded at the Dardanelles) is progressing favourably. Airs T. G. Sandcs, Alusselburgh, has ieceived from Cairo a cablegram from her sou, Sapner T. Sandcs, that ho has quite recovered' and is returning to the iront. No pa.ticnlars have yet come to hand as to what was the matter with him. LETTER FROM REV. C. BXJSHKING. LIFE IN SOLDIERS’ HOSPITAL. MEN WONDERFULLY CHEERFUL. THE FIGHT AT GALLIPOLI. We have been permitted to make the following extracts from a letter sent by the Rev. C. Bush King, chaplain with the Main Expeditionary Force, from Zoitun camp, to Canon Curzon-biggcrs. iho letter was written on Alay 6 “By this time you will be aware that our troops have been under lire on the Gallipoli Peninsula. The light evidently tome place on April 25 and 26-29, and on the pOth and Ist the wounded began to come on this far. The worse eases were loft at Alexandria, and 1 only the lighter cases came cm here, although those cases are serious. Wc have seven hospitals v ith wounded in—Alena House, at the Pyramids, 13 miles from here; Gizcreh Palace; Anglo-American Hospital, at Gizereh; Kasr el Aini Hospital—those hospitals aro out Cairo West. “Then close at hand wo have Abbassia, about two miles from here; Heliopolis Plalace Hotel, a large building most beautifully fitted up, 1500 rooms, huge halls, balconies, staircases (all built of marble), and out on wonderfully large balconies we have bods everywhere, hundreds and hundreds of them, nearly all occupied. Close by wo have Luna Park Hail, quite the size of the Garrison Hall, with 700 wounded and sick. Beds are packed close together on the floor of the hall and all round the gallery—quite a wonderful sight. Iho New Zealand wounded and sick are scattered amongst these largo hospitals. We . have no building for oar own, no nurses, and now no doctors. “We are dependent upon Australian and Egyptian Governments for hospital room, for' doctors, for nurses, and when the wounded came in wo chaplains had to go from bed to bed to find out whose it was, where ho came from, what church, who his people. After a week’s work we are beginning to get an idea where our men are. We wish that instead of sending clothes and money to Belgium we had some of it here. The men come to us from the field—clothes torn by shrapnel or bullets or wire, stained with mud and blood. Some men have no clothes.- We need money to get them tobacco, fruit,

stationery, shirts, etc., etc. Some may ask: Where are regimental funds? The officers commanding have charge of them, and these officers are away on active service. The chaplains have no funds, arid it seems a pity we were not entrusted with some funds for this necessary work.

“Then, about our wounded. No matter how serious their wounds may be, our men are wonderfully cheerful, and , all anxious to got well and get back. But some of these poor fellows will never go back to the fighting lino. Sonic have lost a limb, some an eye. But it would do. you all good, to see how wonderfully cheerful they all are—glad to have suffered a little bit. It was not so much fighting as slaughter, for as our troops were landing the enemy simply mowed them down. At first our men had no! chance of returning five. Horace Braithwaite is seriously wounded m the head. A bullet entered the top of the head, traversed the curve of the skull, and is now lodged in the temple. He is entered on Ijhe notice board as “dangerously ill. Wo have four grades generally ill, “seriously,” “dangerously,” “very dangerously.” Kcast, of Broughton street, is here with a serious wound in one of his foot, but ho should got well quickly—a clean, healthy boy. These dear fellows are so grateful for even a little thing done for them. One of our confirmees —Captain Price—was killed in action, and anothelconfirmee is here with a badly-smashed shoulder. It would take too long to write about the hundreds of cases we have to deal with. “To refer back to the campaign on the Gallipoli Peninsula, the troops wore to laud on a beach about 1500 yards wide, between the water and the Turkish trenches, and the Turks had wire entanglements submerged to hinder the landing. It was quite a good scheme (for them). As the boats from the transports were closing in on the shore those in front were hindered, and the boats in the rear crowded in on the former, the result, a splendid target for the Turks. They poured shells into those crowds, and the results wore disastrous for our troops. “When a number got landed they dropped their packs, etc., on the beach and made a great rush forward, yelling “Imshi ' — the Arabic word ordering common people to clear out —“imshi yalla higgery,” clear out quickly. “Turks quickly dressed themselves in the clothes of our ~ killed and wounded, and some who spoke English quite well got into our trenches and gave orders, also Eomo German officers d:d the same. Another scheme the Turks had was that they dressed themselves up as shrubs—even painting their hands and faces. _ These particularly were snipers, who picked off with precision officers and particular men. While wo cannot but admire some of their cute schemes, wc are horrified at what they have done and the results of their schemes. Again, the wounded tell us of atrocities committed on our wounded, where Turks cut out the tongues of our wounded, and cut off their noses or hands, and otherparts of their bodies. NEW ZEALAND WOUNDED PARTICULARS OF THEIR WHEREABOUTS. REV. MR BUSH KING’S LIST. The Rev. O. Bush King, in a letter to Canon Curzon-Siggers, gives the following particulars of the whereabouts of the wounded soldiers who had been invalided to the base in Egypt up to May 6: — OTAGO TROOPS. In Kasr-el-Aini Hospital (Garden City). Sergeant Dalgleish, North Otago. Sergeant Faulkener. Private J. Young. Private C. E. Harwood. Private G. Mitchell. Private L. R. Breen. Private J. C. Donaldson. Private C. E. Diehl. Private A. E. Jelly. In Heliopolis General Hospital and Luna Park. Sergeant Savage. Corporal J. Marlow. Corporal F. G. Glastonborry. Lance-corporal II W. Carver. Corporal T. 11. Hammond. Sergeant H. H. Scott. Lance-corporal W. D. Cranahan. Bugler E. River, Invercargill. Bugler J. Stackbridgc. Private J. T. Wiley. Private A. Matohett. Private C. G. Sheddon. Private W. B. Rea.. Private E. O’Keeffe. Private C. H. M'Dugall. Private A. E. Cooper. Private W. H. Keast. Private F. Hunter, Oamaru. Private‘L. 0. Harding. Private 11. Braithwaite. Private W. S. Smith. Private J. M. Menzies. Private 11. P. J. Childs. Private M. Clark. _ Private C. S. Smith. Private C. H. Calverloy. Private B. Cayford, Oamaru. Private A. Foster. Private S. Watters. Private W. S. Templeton. ‘ Private G. R. Robertson. In Mena House Hospital. (To be transferred to Ghezira ' Palace). Gunner C. R. Hudson, 3rd Field Artillery ; Private F. M. Rule, Ist Auckland Infantry; Private G. Boswell. Ist Auckland Infantry; Private E. J. Sherlock, Ist Auckland Infantry; Private Milgrovc, 3rd Auckland Infantry; Private T. Crawford, 3rd Auckland Infantry; Private C. J. Boss, 3rd Auckland Infantry; Private A. J. Skinner, 15th Auckland Infantry; Private A. 0. Sing. 15th Auckland Infantry; Private W. A. Allen, 15th Auckland Infantry; Private K. C. Warren, 15th Auckland Infantry; Private G. C, Wright, 15th Auckland Infantry; Private J. Walstcnholm. 15th Auckland Infantry; Lance-corporal Metrick, 16th Auckland Infantry; Private A. S. Howe, 16fch Auckland Infantry; Private R. J. Kirk. Auckland Battalion; Private T. W. Albiston. Auckland Battalion; Private W. o*. Smith Auckland Battalion; Private Steele, Auckland M.G. Section; Private von Stunner, 16th Waikato Infantry; Private S. F. Page, 16th Waikato Infantry; Private G. S. Pritchard, Ist Canterbury Infantry; Private H. Lord, 2nd Canterbury Infantry; Private R. H. Smith, 2nd Canterbury Infantry. In Kasr-cl-Aini Hospital (Garden City). Private Eitzwater, Taranaki Infantry; Private Whisliaw, Wellington Infantry;

Private Shaw. Wanganui Infantry; Private Scrimgour, Wellington Infantry; Private A. C. Bowman, Wellington Infantry; Private Willasy, Wellington Infantry; Private H. A. Condon, 15th North Auckland Infantry; Sergeant Coalman; Private Falk, W ellington Regiment, Infantry; Corporal J. \\. Logan, N.Z. Engineers; Private R. Harris, Wellington Infantry; Private C. Kirk. Wellington Infantry; Private R. H. Nicholls, Wellington Infantry; Private R. J. Jenkins. 7th Wellington Infantry; Private J. H. Cock, Wellington Infantry; Private M‘Ounchio, W ellington Infantry; Private Trcssidcr. Wellington Infantry; Private Crispin, 'Wellington (8.C.) Infantry; Sapper Sutherland, N.Z. Engineers; private Gardner, Hawke’s Bay Infantry; Private J. Sullivan, Hawke’s Bay Infantry; Private Lloyd, Wellington Infantry; Private Mackerel!, Wellington Infantry; Private A. Harris, Wellington Infantry; Private Noel Ross, Canterbury Infantry; Private Ranger; Private Watt; Private Young; Private (?) C. W. M'Conochie, Wellington Infantry. PRISONERS IN TURKISH HANDS. INFORMATION BUREAU TO BE ESTABLISHED. MESSAGE FROM MR BONAR LAW. The appearance in the casualty lists from the Dardanelles of lengthy lists of men posted as missing has given rise to much speculation and anxiety among the relatives of the men as to the treatment meted out by the Turks to prisoners of war. Numerous inquiries in regard to this matter at the headquarters of the Defence authorities at Wellington led to the despatch of a cablegram to the British Government by bis Excellency the Governor, with a view to obtaining some definite information. Wo were advised last night bv the Hon. James Allen; Minister of Defence, that the Governor had received the following cablegram in reply, from Mr Bonar Law,. Secretary of State for the Colonies: — In reference to your telegram of June 13, the Government of Turkey has agreed to establish an information bureau, but its proceedings appear to ho slow. The United States Ambassador has boon asked to obtain as early as possible from the United States Ambassador at Constantinople information as to the names of prisoners in the custody of the Turkish authorities. Particulars will bo cabled as soon as received. (Signed) Secretary or State for the Colonies,

WOUNDED SOLDIERS WELL

CARED FOR

Chaplain-captain Frank Tubman, who is well known m Dunedin, and who is attached to the Australian sth Light Horse, Writes as follows, under date May 5, to his sister:

The wounded from the Dardanelles arc coming in in shiploads, and are being clistri buted to hospitals in Alexandria xor the worst cases (shrapnel wounds ;n chest and abdomen), and Cairo for the lighter cases. There was some confusion at first in dealing with the huge casualty list that was the price of landing, and one shipload wont off to Malta for accommodation. Empty hotels and large private residences are being fitted up, and the accommodation is ahead of the casualty list. There arc a fair number of New Zealand boys at Heliopolis Palace Hospital, at Lunar Park, Mena House (Pyramids), Kasr-el-Aini (Cairo Native Hospital). [ understand the Otago boys escaped fairly easy, but so many rumours arc flying round we put credence in nothing but official figures, which are necessarily slow in coming out. As my regiment is still unable to move for want of suitable country, I have been liberated in the day to go where I please, and I spend most of my time at Kasr-el-Aini nursing and doing whatever comes to hand. Let it be generally known the medical attention is ample, and the nursing staff is supplemented by Rod Cross volunteers, mostly English ladies whose husbands hold the” highest official positions here. The food is splendid. There is no country with more fresh vegetables all the year than Egypt, and the wounded are getting the advantage of fresh (green) food, Australian chilled beef, and good, • nourishing milk puddings. Fowls are abundant, and they get poultry and eggs so frequently that you cease to think of them as luxuries. I have bought and distributed 20,000 cigarettes to the wounded, and they were much appreciated. We are ordered to leave for the Dardanelles, on Monday probably. Our machine gun section loaves on Sunday; 50 of them attended communion to-day—fine boys all of them. CHAPLAIN-CAPTAIN’S DIARY. ARRIVAL OF WOUNDED IN EGYPT. WANGANUI, June 16. Chaplain-captain IT. L. Blamires, of the Trinity Methodist Church, who is with the Expeditionary Force, and who is at present chaplain at the Cairo base, has forwarded an interesting dairy, in tho_ course of which ho refers to the return of the men wounded on the occasion of the Gallipoli landing. He says: “Trains are coming in daily, and wo are kept very busy looking after the sick and wounded. Much of it is ghastly, but our men have done bravely. It was a wonderful charge, and opened the way for others. The Gallipoli boys can never be forgotten. New Zealand lost in landing ou the* 3 Gallipoli Peninsula 150 killed and 700 wounded—a total exceeding our losses during the South African war. Auckland and Canterbury lost most heavily. Our troops fixed bayonets while in the water neck deep, and charged over the hill at the Turks, yelling Arabic cries. We took no prisoners—they fled from the cold steel and the fierce onslaught—but a flanking fire killed many of our men. Chaplaincaptain MTvcnzio, of tho Salvation Army, Australia, is reported killed while encouraging liis men.” April 29. “ Our reinforcements soon got forward. News has reached us of heavy casualties. The hospitals arc all prepared for wounded, who are expected to-morrow. The chaplain's work is increasing. We had a conference of chaplains to-day. _ _ Three more chaplains are wanted for British regiments on loan for hospital work. It seems I am required as Base Senior Chaplain, to administer chanlain’s work here for a time.” April 30. “Tin's evening I visited the Heliopolis Hospital. All visitors, includng staff offi-. cers, were excluded. As chaplians we went through. Most of the men here have

shrapnel and ehot wounds in the arms, legs, and feet, and the wounds are not very serious. At 10.30 p.m. I met a train load of fresh arrivals. Our men arc very cheery. _ The train stops at the hospital gates. Wo do all wo can to care for tlie sick and wounded, and arrange social enjoyment and sport for the spare hours of the more fit. Letters may bo brief now.” Incidentally Chaplain-captain Blavnircs mentioned in the course of a lei tor to a friend in Wanganui that his work among the sick and wounded would ho greatly helped if he had money at his disposal for use among the men. This was mentioned to the secretary of the Patriotic Committee at 2 o’clock yesterday afternoon, and an hour later £IOO had been cabled to Mr Blamiros, with a request to use it at his discretion in providing comforts, etc., for sick and wounded soldiers from this district.

LANDING AT GALLIPOLI

GALLANTRY UNDER FIRE. STIRRING TALES FROM THE FRONT. Private Frank Hodson, who left Australia with the first contingent of the Expeditionary Force, returned from Lemnos Island and Cairo a few days ago (the Argus says) in charge of about 4CO troops, who had contracted various complaints and hampered efficiency-—from rheumatism and chest complaints to scarlet fever. The gravity of tixe military operations that wore about to be carried out was still being- instilled into the men, when Private Hodson, who had sustained an injury to the right hand, left Lemnos. Upon arrival at Alexandria he found that, not only had the now historic landing been effected, but that hospital ships had outstripped him on the voyage, and that a number of his former companions were already being tended in the hospital at Heliopolis. Of course, he obtained many interviews- with those among the “ slightly wounded.” It was then apparent that the Third Brigade, constituted of the West Australian, South Australian, Now South Wales, and Tasmanian battalions, had been in the thick of the fighting. It was absolutely true, Private Hodson said, that Turks had been bavoncted in the trenches and flung over the shoulders of troops. This, according to statements by wounded comrades, had been done in niany cases. There were wagers among the heavy-weights, before landing, as to who should lead' the tally in this vigorous method of warfare. One New South Welshman—who went by the name of the giant even- among the heavy-weights—was seen thus to dig five Turks from a trench, before he fell with seven bullet wounds through his body. According to a comrade, his last words were: ‘‘At any rate, I won the wager.” The “ wager ” was a new hat.

The landing operations were quite ns perilous as early descriptions have depicted them. In one case 13 men out of 15 sank, either wounded or lifeless, to tho bottom of one of tho boats. Tho remaining two sprang overboard, and clambered over barbed wire entanglements to the beach. In their excitement they had left their rifles behind,, but seized a couple that had fallen from the hands of two other troopsers who had been killed, and rushed for the trenches. There was no withstanding the fury of tho onset. The training on the Egyptian sands had boon hard—almost exactingly hard —but, as the outcome of it, the men wore like quivering balls of muscle —tense, vigorous—and, as Private Hodson puts it, “keen as mustard.” The list of casualties was heavy, but the men who engaged in tho battle are proud of the work they did, and their pride is augmented by tho generous measure of recognition it has won in Australia. Terrible destruction was wrought by the machine guns that lay in concealed positions, and were manned by Turks, whose hands and faces were stained green to harmonise with the foliage; but effective as this method of repression was, the German officers were somewhat disconcerted by tho manner of Ihe Australian advance. It had been expected that those of tho troops who succeeded in landing safely, despite the hail of shrapnel and the assiduity of the deadly sharpshooter, would form up and deliver an orthodox “charge.” Such dash and grit, such determination and bravery, in tho face of positively unknown odds —and this is generally regarded as one of the most amazing factors of tho feat of arms—had never even entered into tho enemy calculation. And so by threes and fours, and then by little clusters, and again with larger numbers, that gained with tho success of the brave pioneers, the position was won. The men, says Private Hodson. did more than was expected of them. In many cases their officers had been shot to a man They penetrated into tho country for miles, and it was a case of “mob rule.” But it was this reckless impetuosity, it is believed, that really conserved the Australian position It prevented the terrified Turks from reforming at a too close proximity ; but, on the other hand, there is a story that they thus came within the section that was covered by the Queen Elizabeth’s guns, and that at least one non-com. was struck by a portion of a shell that was intended for the enemy.

Private Hodson speaks highly of the effectiveness of the training in Egypt, and expresses the opinion that there is scarcely a man in the first contingent who is not capable ox taking non-commissioned rank. So thorough was the work done, he says, that a sprinkling of the older hands among men with but a few weeks’ training- would turn them into effective fighting men. Eor, ho observes, the “pass-it-on ” method of imparting wrinkles in the manner of fighting upon which the troops arc engaged has marvellously effective results. After a time the esprit fie corps that is established among the men simply will not allow them to do a thing tho wrong way. Ho is also eulogistic of the beneficent work of the Y.M.C.A., and, “though ho has no time for the parson as a rule ’’ can find no words to express his admiration for the chaplains at the front, of whom it seems that the Dean of Sydney is prime favourite. LETTER 8 FROM THE HOSPITALS. THE FIGHT FROM SEVERAL VIEWPOINTS. In tho Melbourne Argus arc published a number of letters from soldiers who were wounded at the Gallipoli landing, from which we extract tho following:— “I WAS THERE.” Mrs Cooper, of Acland street, St. Kikla, has a letter from her son, who is slightly wounded. Writing from the base hospital at Heliopolis, he says: “We were met with

a murderous fire from machine guns, rifles, and shrapnel shell, and I am sorry to say wc wore literally cut to pieces. Many of my poor mates never fired a shot before they wore shot dead, and scores of others badly wounded But those who were left of us kept going, and then fixed bayonets, and chased up the cliffs, and got fairly amongst them, and we simply made sausages of .them. They started to bolt for their Jives, with our boys after them. Some who witnessed this charge said that it was the finest and gamost one throughout the wiiole war; so you can imagine I feel a bit proud to be, able to say I was ‘one of the boys.’ When wo had advanced about a mile we came to some more cliffs, and it was while crawling up here that I got a bullet through the side of my boot, which tore away the sole, and threw mo clown the cliff for about 30ft. It knocked me out for a while, and I now find I have a badly sprained ankle and a dislocated hip. Well, 1 and another chap lay there for about two hours, with bullets and shrapnel screaming over us; but 1 think we possessed charmed lives. There were several ‘snipers’ having a go at us, so wo were obliged to crawl under cover.

“It was while wo wore doing this that we came across a big Turk, who had been shot through the lolt hand, and wo both tackled him. I managed to get his rifle, and my chum had his entrenching tool handle, and between the two of us he was soon an angel. I have still got his rifle as a relic, and it is the centre of attraction at the hospital here. I am living in great hopes of being back in the firing line as soon as I am fit again.” A DOCTOR’S HEROISM. The charge of the Light Brigade was a skirmish to the charge of the glorious 9th, writes Private 11. D. Graham to his father, Mr J. Graham, of 456 Collins street. Being Queenslanders, and therefore the best battalion, they were chosen to force the landing. The transports stood off shore, and the boats were towed in to within 400 yards of the shore. Then the men had to row to the beach, all the time under murderous lire. The boats could not get right up to the beach, as the Turks had built barbed wire entanglements in the water. Anyhow, the men hopped out into 4ft of water among the barbed wire and struggled to the shore. The first lino of trenches was only 100 yards off on the brow of the cliff. Their orders were to take this trench. Without firing a shot, they fixed bayonets and charged up the cliff, clearing the trench without firing a shot. So far, so good. Tho 12th then came up, and they decided it was a fair thing- to clear them (the Turks) right out of the way. So, still without firing a shot, they charged on, charged a whole division, and cleared trench after •cnch, till they were-six miles inland. Tho rest of the division then oarnc up, and occupied the position, which they held easily. A glorious victory! But I suppose you know the cost. Next morning the roll was called by a lieutenant, the senior remaining officer in the Sth. One other officer and 89 men answered their names out of over a thousand. I don’t know what proportion were killed outright, but there are 600 wounded in Cairo, and more at Alexandria. A doctor has been recommended for tho Y.C. I suppose you know the story. He attended tho wounded till all his bandages wore used up. Then he tore up his clothes for lint, and when they were gone grabbed a rifle and bayonet, and led a charge, clad in his boots and identification disc. Tho only thing I am afraid of is that the fighting” will ho over and Constantinople captured before we arrive.

“GRINNED LIKE MAD.”

Bugler Luther Daniel Gates, writing to his parents at Gillies street, Fairfield, from the Base Hospital, Heliopolis Hotel, on May 2, says;—

“Everything seems to happen on a Sunday. We arrived at Lemnos Island on that day, and it was a lovely change from dirty Cairo. The place was f ull of troopships and warships, including the Queen Elizabeth. On Saturday, April 24, the day before the battle, wo moved to the other side of the island, and the lads wore singing hymns and all sorts of songs, nobody seeming to realise that a number would be hurt next day. We were called up at 3 a.m., and saw the arrival at Gallipoli. Before 5 o’clock the warships commenced bombarding, and at 5.50 wo wore landed. By gollv, wasn’t it hot! Bullets and shrapnel were flying everywhere. I went right through the day, until near the end I was struck by a piece of shrapnel, which entered my body and came out near the ninth rib. It knocked me down, and I lay there for a second or two in agony. Then the pain eased off a bit, and I thought of mother, and started grinning like mad; but I can’t say now what it .was about. I started crawling along to the beach, and after about a quarter of an hour somebody helped mo to my feet. I made off as fast as I could, as I was on a rise, and bullets were flying. It took me three-quarters of an hour to get to the beach, but it was just as hot there, as the Turks wore firing on the Red Cross, and snipers wore picking off the wounded as they were crawling to safety. Roy Dutton (TbornImry) captured one of these snipers. The Turks were about six to our one, to say nothing of the position. It was terrible country to fight in. EXPERIENCES WITH HOWITZER BATTERY. THRILLING SCENES. The following letter, written by a driver in the Howitzer Buttery “somewhere in Turkey ” on May 5, has been kindly placed at our disposal:— “ I am at the. front at last, and I or,ln toll you its no joke. The sin i and bullets simply rained on us, but cur chaps are simply wonderful. Wc drove the Turks back six miles, and we have lost an enormous number of killed and wounded. I have had a few close shaves, but so far have been one of the lucky ones. The Turks are fiends, but we're devils when we get loose amongst them. I am having a bit of a holiday to-day, hut to-morrow 1 am going back to the firing lino. It is very exciting, and I wouldn’t miss it for worlds. I am sending those post-cards by a wounded chap who is going to the hospital in Cairo to get healed. I suppose you have scon the casualty lists. I hope you won’t see my name in it. but if I do go I suppose it will bo all for the best, but I would like to see you all again. The Turks will take a lot of boating, but wo are all too good for them. They arc terribly cruel to their prisoners. Some of our chaps have been found with their tongues cut out and their throats cut. Some of the things I saw simply made mo cry. I don’t know how many Turks I killed, because I was firing as if I was in a franco

for a while, but soon woke up when men began to fall about me. Its a horrible sight. One chan had both his eyes blown out. Otago has lost the least of all. They arc cautious about showing their heads, but when they get properly going (hoy take a lot of beating. They say that between us ■and the Australians we have lost 12,000 wounded and taken prisoners. I know them arc a lot, but I don’t think that many. It is a great country—all hills. The Turks look great in their uniform. They have a lot of Gorman officers, and use dum-dum. bullets.”

ANOTHER 'TRIBUTE. “IN VERY GOOD HANDS.” NO TERRORS IN DEATH. (FkOM Odß Own CORRESPONDENT.) WELLINGTON, June 18. Private Harry Whisband, writing from a hospital in Cairo to his mother in Featherston, relates his experiences and impressions when wounded at the Dardanelles. He says:— “ Though I am knocked out for a while, it is really nothing—just a clean holo punched through the neck. It never caused pain, and, best of all, it was kept healthy and clean. I think myself that I am just about healed, and ought soon to bo well enough to get into it again. Wo are in very good hands here, in a big hospital right in town —English nurses and Egyptian doctors. Wo have plenty of visitors all day. They bring us books, magazines, and papers, to say nothing of cigarettes and tobacco. Most of our chaplains w r ere left here at our camp, and they spend all their spare time helping where they can. Quite a number of the mounted boys havo been to see us. They are all green with envy. It is foolish of people to worry and weep for their friends and relations that go down in the light. 1 am sure from what I saw and felt that they die happy. When I got mine I thought by the amount of blood and the way 1 gasped that tho jugular vein had gone, so did not trouble to put my first field dressing on. I just lay down under a pretty little shrub, with m'y elbow on the ground, resting my head on my hand, and thought of many things; but there was no fear of death or horror that I would bo no more. I was nearly contented-just a tinge of disappointment when I thought of never seeing any of you again, or seeing any of tho pleasant spots, or having any more of tho pleasures of earth. Another thing that troubled me was tho fact of doing nine months’ training and then only seeing three hours’ fighting. I was only in tho firing line two hours before being bowled over. It' was hard luck. If I should happen to die next time, I am sure it will not trouble me. I think one day of real exciting life ia better than a century of monotony. However. though it never put mo in nwsery to think of dying, it gave me great pleasure when I realised that I had a sporting chance of getting back to the Rod Cross. I had been there quite a while when it dawned on me that I had ceased bleeding and was still holding my head up; so my main artjry must bo all right. I gathered my stryrgth, and ran till I gave out. Two Australians dragged me for a while, one on each arm, and me on my back. _Wo •went along in fine style amidst of load, but none of us got hit. When wo got into safety they put the field dressing on, and I had another go at walxing with their help. Then two more joined them, and they took me to the beach on an oil sheet. It was dressed again there by a doctor, and they put labels on us, much the same as parcels are labelled for shipment, and, like a parcel, I was laid out amongst hundreds of others, waiting our turn to go to the transport. Mine came at about 12 at night. I was loaded on to a barge by bluejackets, towed out to the Derflinger (a German capture), and hoisted up by a crane. They loaded wounded all that night and all next day. Before putting out to sea wo were packed along all the decks and corridors, so that it was hard for the Red Cross boys to got about and do their work. One does not fully appreciate the Red Cross till one sees them at work. Though I did not need them much myself, not having any pain or not being able to eat, I couldn’t help admiring the way they handled thow patients—just as gently as trained nurses would do. We arrived at Alexandria on tho Saturday morning, and were immediately loaded on to well-equipped ambulance trains for Cairo. The Indian Red Cross workers looked after us on the way.

LETTER FROM GENERAL GODLEY. complimentary REFERENCE TO OTAGO BATTALION. The following" letter from General Godley, bearing the superscription, “Mediterranean, April 15, which was received last week by Colonel E. R. Smith, V.D., Officer Commanding the Otago Infantry Brigade, contains some complimentary references to the Otago battalion and itsofficers. An extract from the General’! letter reads as fbllows: — “ I am glad to hoar that you arc having your battalion camps as usual, and hopa they will be a great success. The Otago battalion here is a very good one, and their pipe band was very much appreciated in, Cairo. Will you please let all the Otago people know that their battalion has dona very well so far, and that their conduct 1 during the time they were in Cairo was all that could bo desired. I havo_ no doubt it will give a good account of itself when wo meet the enemy. Moore makes an excellent commanding officer; Moir is well placed as second in command, and Price, Mackenzie, Mitchell (who took Moir’a place as a company commander), and Turnbull are all good and efficient company commanders.”