THE EMPIRE’S CALL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3200, 14 July 1915, Page 48

THE EMPIRE’S CALL.

THE CALL FOE MEN. 9 Lieutenant-colonel Stonoham, chairman of the local Recruiting Committee, has cent us the following : _ “ Word has been received from headquarters, Wellington that a shortage of 600 men exists in the requirements for the mounted branch for the Bth Reinforcements. Owing to such a multitude of meetings and entertainments of all kinds just-now, it is almost impossible for the Recruiting Committee to hold recruiting meetings with any chance of success. This shortage in the mounted ■branch has to be made up by the 15th inst., and the men will go into camp about the middle of August. The method of allotment of quotas to the four military districts has now been > altercd, and wo shall be asked to supply men in proportion to the number of registrations in each "district. It Otago is to send a fair proportion with each reinforcement or new unit, we must do our utmost to get as manv registrations as possible, and the greater the registrations the greater the number wo shall be asked to send away. Just now the mounted branch requires first attention, and we shall be glad if all those desirous of going with that branch at whatever date suits them will register before July 25, so as to ensure a good representation from this district. _At present we have sufficient infantry for immediate purposes, but unless we at once get a lot of registrtations we shall bo asked to send very few men with the Bth Rein- - forcements. This will cause intense disappointment and dissatisfaction and it can bo avoided if all those willing to go to the front will at once register and then they can arrange as to the date of departure, it is the earnest wish of the Defence Minister that we should have a long list of names registered, but that no one should loa\e his emplovmcnt until called on to leave ioi Trentham” It is regrettable that tner© seems to be at present such a necessity ioi the huge effort taking place to gather m money for our wounded soldiers and their dependents. There can bo no doubt That men and munitions should be of the nrst importance. We can get money at any time for our wounded men. The public recognise this, and will pay- willingly v ken necessity arises, and. further than thai, the counter' will pav; but unless the impure can send all the men necessary to secure complete victory our money will he ot little use .to us, and in addition many thousands of valuable lives will be sacrificed. We therefore have no hesitation in appealing to you to help us all you can in securing registrations all the time, particularly before the 15th inst. for infantry and the 15th foist, for mounted men.” ILLNESS AT TEENTHAM. RETURN PRESENTED. WELLINGTON, July 8. A return presented to the House on the of Mr Field (Nelson) shows that 714 men contracted measles at 1 rent ha nr camp from January 1 till June 30. The largest numbers on any day were 2o on May 31, and 25 on June 21, and from June 16 till June 26 (inclusive) the numbers on the various days respectively wore as tollow:—16, 19, 15, 20, 18, 25, 23, 23, 20, 17, 16. The following men died between January 1 and Juno 30Privates J. Clarke (septic - pneumonia), J. Keating (Peritonitis). J. Wall (acute mama), F. VV • Black (killed), A. M. Brennan (epistaxis), P. C Baker (stoppage ’bowels), and the following, all of pneumonia, following measles: —Privates F. G. Harsant, fe.Colley, A. N. M'Farlanc, H. W. Oliver, J. Utunwai, A. Matheson, D. Bartlett, FI. W. J. Stafford, J! W. Pollard, Driver T. Kenmedy. Lance-corporal E. H. Phillips, and Lance-corporal H. H. Fordham. Albert Clark, a member of the forces camped at Trentham. died there this morning. Flo had been suffering from measles, complications following. July 12. Private Albert Clark, of the 7th Reinforcements, who died at Trentham last week from measles and; pneumonia, was the son of the late Mr George Clark, of Oamaru, and was born in that district 39 years ago. He was in the Survey Department for some years, but when lie enlisted he was in the employ of Mr Larkin, of Rotorua. He was unmarried. MEN LEAVING FOE CAMP. The following officers left for Palmer- , Eton North on the 10th: —Lieutenants J. E. M'Arthur, L. M. Scott, T. W. King, W. FI. Barr, P. W. G. Spiers, A. W. Welstead, A. R. M'Dougall, C. E. Butcher. The following non-commissioned officers left also for the camp on the 10th lery S. G. M'Auley; mounted rifles—W. S. Dawson, M. Salter, E. M. Tarlcton, C. 11. Walker, R. Williamson; infantry—W. Linton, E. H. Schoen, A. J. Whyte. MEN ON SICK AND ORDINARY LEAVE. The local defence office has received instructions from Wellington that men on sick leave are to return to Trentham camp on expiration of leave and report to the racecourse hospital at 10 a.m. on the day of their arrival. If medically fit, the men will bo given their kits, and be sent on to ■yheir respective units by the Trentham camp headquarters. On the expiration of ordinary leave, those ,Trten who are in possession of their kits are to report to Lieutenant Bishop, Lambton Railway Station, Wellington, and ho will furnish them with railway warrants to enable them to rejoin their respective units. If men on ordinary leave have left their kits in the Trentham camp, they are to report at the racecourse hospital at Trentham at 10 a.m. on the day of their arrival for medical inspection, and if passed as li„t, they will be given their kits and bo sent on to their respective unite by headquarters. M.P. VOLUNTEERS. WELLINGTON, July U. Messrs W. Downie Stewart and T. E. Y. Soddon, M.P.’s, ‘will enter the camp at Palmerston North specially devoted for the training of non-commissioned officers tomorrow. On Saturday Mr Soddon was presented "with a gold watch from the staff of Messrs Findlay, Dalzicll, and Stout, solicitors.

NEW ZEALAND’S RESPONSE.

GOING TO THE FEONT. One of the most successful socials ever held in Tahakopa took place on Friday, in honour of Mr Hugh Galbrcath, who has volunteered for active service, and who leaves for the training camp with the next contingent. Without exception, the residents of the Upper Tahakopa \ alloy turned out, the school being full. Mr John Dunlop was voted to the chair. Songs were sung by Miss Skey, Mrs Graham, Mrs A. Galbrcath, Master Eric Neil, Messrs J. Hurring. D. Noil, J. Ross, G. Houston, and J. W. Graham and duets by Mise and Master Flurring and Martin Brothers. Before supper, which the ladies had supplied abundantly, the chairman, on behalf of the residents of the valley, called on Mrs D. Neil to present Mr Galbrcath with a safety razor, suitably inscribed. Mrs Neil conveyed the company's best wishes for a. safe return. After the programme was finished the floor was cleared, and dancing was indulged in. MEDICALLY UNFIT. The various district group officers have received from headquarters a form for issue as a certificate to anyone who has applied for service with the Expeditionary Forces and who has been medically rejected. The form contains a line of acknowledgment of having- offered for active service, and goes on to state “ that it was found that he did not come up to the- present standard required for active service.” Then follows the signature of the commander of _ the group, and the date and place of the issue of the certificate. SERVICE ABEOAD NEW ZEALAND NURSES. Sixty-nine New Zealand nurses for service in the military hospitals in England left on Satin-day, 10th inst., in the Hospital Ship. This completes the quota of 100 which this dominion was asked to raise, and of which number 31 left on May 21 for service in Egypt and the Dardanelles. The full list is us follows: — Fanny Abbott, Christchurch, private nursing; Mabel Alicyne, Adelaide, Wanganui College school nurse; Winifred Anstey, Christchurch, private nursing; Edith Austin. Auckland, private nursing. Violet R. R. Bayley, Auckland, Kawakawa Hospital staff; Ethel Barnes, Nelson, Westport Hospital staff; Mary Beswick. Christchurch, trainee, St. Helens Hospital; Marion Brown, Riverton, private hospital staff. Kathleen Carter, Wellington, Wellington Hospital staff; Isabel Clark, Oamaru, private nursing; Caroline Condick, Auckland, private nursing; A. D. Campbell, Christchurch, matron _ Karitanc Hospital; Kathleen Gumming, Auckland, private nursing. Catherine Donoghuo, Wanganui, private nursing. _ Haidee Edgerlcy, Auckland, Auckland Hospital Staff; J. M, D. Edmoudstone, Wellington, private nursing; Mildred Ellis, Wellington, private nursing; Jean Edwin, Christchurch, private nursing. Catherine - Fox, Dunedin, private nursing. Gertrude Garrard, Launceston, matron, Tovvnley Flospital; Nellie Grant, Dunedin, private nursing. Eileen Hanan, Auckland, private nursing; Maud Haste, Christchurch, Christchurch Flospital staff; Ada G. Hawken, Auckland, matron, Kawakawa Flospital; Nora Hildyard, Christchurch, Christchurch Hospital staff; Mary Flobbs, Wellington, Wellington Flospital staff; Aiieen Holmwood, Wellington, private nursing; Ethel Flooper, Nelson, private nursing; Dccima Horton, Blenheim, Waipawa Hospital. Helen K. Isdell, Kumara, matron, Kumara Hospital. Minnie Jeffery, Dunedin, private nursing ; Jessie James, Wellington, private nursing; Mabel E. Jamieson, Palmerston North, private nursing. Bessie Kcytc, Auckland, private nursing; Katherine fetching, Wellington, private hospital; Mabel Kittelty, Greymouth, private nursing. Rachael Levem, Wanganui, Wanganui Hospital staff; Annie Louisa Longman, Christchurch, private nursing; Mary Looney, Southland, matron, Gore Hospital. Victoria M‘Cosh-Smith, Naseby, Tiraaru Hospital staff; Annie j. M‘Kay, Southland, private nursing; Beatrice O. M'Lc-an, Palmerston North, private nursing; M‘Garin, Susannah, Maryborough, private nursing; Emma Martyn, Auckland, private nursing; Gladys Methercll, Christchurch, private nursing; Cecilia Morris, Dunedin, private nursing; Isabella Munro, Christchurch, trainee St. Helens Flospital; Eva Myles, Edinburgh, unoccupied. Lyna Newell, Auckland. Te Kopuru Flospital staff'; Kathleen Noonon, Timaru, private nursing. Ellon M. Callaghan, West Australia, private nursing; Agnes Patterson, Gisborne, private nursing; Alice Philpotts, Wellington, private nursing; Edith Popple well, Ballarat, private nursing; Elizabeth Porteous, Dannevirko, private nursing. Lorna • Rattray, Christchurch, Christchurch Hospital staff; Mary Helen Ray, Dunedin, Dunedin Flospital staff; Emily Reynolds, Mill road Infirmary, private nursing; Ruth Rhind, Riverton, Palmerston North Hospital staff; Margaret Rogers, Christchurch, district nursing. Flora Smith. Hawera, private nursing.; Mary Watt, Waikato, private nursing; Phoebe Warrior, Auckland, private nursing; Kathleen Welch, Wellington, Wellington Hospital staff; Ada Whitta, Mastcrton, private nursing; Ida Willis, Wellington, military nurse, Samoa; Elizabeth Wilson, Timaru, trainee, St. Helens Hospital. PRESENTATION OF OFFICIAL BADGES. (From Odh Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, July 8. The 80 New Zealand nurses who are leaving on the hospital ship were presented with their official badges this afternoon. The ceremony was largely attended, many members of the Legislature and the public being present. The Hons. James Allen (Minister of Defence) and R. IT. Rhodes (dopntyMinislor of Defence', Mrs Massey, and Miss Bioknoll (assistant matron in charge) attended the function, Mrs Massey pinning the badges to the nurses’ uniforms as the nurses

stepped forward to receive them. _ Tlio nursing badges are of very neat design, being made of metal, and containing a red cross in the centre and a fern loaf on the outside. On top arc the letters N.Z.A.S.N. (Now Zealand Army Service Nurse). After the badges had been presented, the Minister of Defence made a short speech, in which he expressed his confidence that the ni rses would uphold the honour of New Zealand. They were not all leaving to nurse New Zealand soldiers, as the 69 who were destined for England would nurse the men of the Imperial army, and possibly those of the Allies as well. Eleven would be stationed on the hospital ship. As far as the nurses on the ship wore concerned it was hoped that some of them would return in six months, and possibly they might be drafted away again later. The other 69 nurses wore to complete the 100 promised by New Zealand to the Armv Council. The Deputy-Minister of Defence said that 1000 applications had bten received from nurses who wished to go on service—4oo from untrained nurses and 586 from framed Inursos. The nurses who wont on to England from Egypt would be in charge of Sister Willis, from Samoa. The task of selecting those for the hospital ship had been carried out by himself and Miss Bicknell, and was a very difficult one, as no fewer than 10 hospitals in New Zealand were represented. He felt sure that Colonel Hon. W E. Collins (officer in command) wo.uld be pleased with the selection. Cheers for the nurses. Miss Tb’cknoll. and the Ministers terminated the proceedings, and as each nurse left the building she was presented on behalf of Lady Liverpool with a box of chocolates. VOLUNTEERS FROM CHRISTCHURCH. TRENTHAM, July 7. Ten volunteer nurses arrived at Trentham llospmil from Christchurch this morning, and were welcomed by the hospital matron and Dr Valintine. They were £>ut straight on duty. THE HOSPITAL SHIP. SELECTION OF STAFF. WELLINGTON, July 7. The personnel of the medical staff of the hospital shin is as follows: —Colonel Hon. W. E. Colljns (officer in command), Lieu-tenant-colonel W. Tracey Inglis (Auckland, second in command). Captain Tolhurst (Wellington, third in command), Captain AY. Hamilton Simpson (Christchurch), Captain M‘Caw and Captain Spedding (Auckland), Captain Dunbar Sloan (Wellington, adjutant and quartermaster). Chaplains—Lieutenantcolonel W. E. Gillam (Church of England), Major D. Dutton (Presbyterian), and Captain Sigricf (Roman Catholic). Ship’s officers—Captain, D. M'Lcan; chief officer, F. W. Jackson, second, A. Reid; third, J. Duder; fourth, Af. W. S. Lane; chief engineer, J. Basirc; second, M. Aimers; third, 11. A. Reid; wireless operator, D. C. Lane. DISCUSSION IN PARLIAMENT. (Fkom Ouh Own Cobeespondeht.) WELLINGTON. July 8. A mild sensation was caused in the House this afternoon by a suggestion that equipment on the hospital ship was made in Germany. Mr Fletcher asked whether it was a fact that some of the bedding on the Maheno had been made in Germany.—(Laughter.) Ho held up a tag taken off one of the articles, which, ho said, bori? the inscription “made abroad.” This, he said, was in accordance with the usual practice of German manufacturers. He contended that money donated by the people towards the equipment of the vessel should not have been spent on German goods. Mr Payne; Plcre is another tag. I took it off a blanket on the ship this morning. The Hon. J. Allen, after examining one of the tags, said: These tags are taken off quilts, and we don’t make quilts in New Zealand. These quilts were made in England. I think that the hon. gentleman has been made the subject of a trick. As far as I know, everything on the ship that could bo made in New Zealand has been made here. Air Payne: This is off colonial blankets. VISIT BY POLITICIANS. MEMBER SAMPLES BEDDING. WELLINGTON, July S. A question arising out of a visit of inspection paid by members of Parliament to the hospital ship this morning was asked in the House this afternoon by Mr Young. Air Young asked the Prime Minister whether he had any ioiowledge of a report that during the visit of members to the hospital ship a member of Parliament cut open a portion of the bedding with a knife. Ho considered the report to be a grave reflection on every member of the House. Air Alaesoy j 1 have no knowledge of the truth or otherwise of the statement. I can only express the hope that no member of Parliament lias so far forgotten himself when visiting the ship as to damage any part of the equipment. Sir Joseph Ward said the House should bo told by the member for Waikato the name of the member to whom ho was referring, as the statement lie had made was casting an imputation on every member of the House. Air Young said the member referred to was at present in the House, and it was only fair that lie should leave it to that member to decide whether he would speak for himself.—(Oppositon members: ‘‘No! no! no!) If the member did not answer for himself he (Air Young) would take the responsibility -of mentioning his name. Sir Joseph Ward: Has the member for Waikato followed the custom of intimating to the member concerned that ho intended to bring this matter before the House? Mr T. W. Rhodes: That was not done in regard to myself last session.—(Laughter.) Sir Joseph Ward: The hon. member for Thames is one of the golden exceptions to the rule. Dr Thacker: Seeing that the hon. member has not got the pluck The Speaker: No member is in order in accusing another member of want of pluck. That statement must be withdrawn. Dr Thacker said ho would withdraw the statement. He was the member who had. boon accused, and he was proud of it. He had been accused by the Alinister of Public Health of “poking about.” The Speaker: You aro going from the point r ow. Dr Thacker said ho considered it important that it should bo ascertained whether the feathers and horsehair in the pillows and mattresses on the ship should bo sterilised. He had opened the ends of a pillow

and of a mattress and had taken out samples, which he intended to submit to a bacteriological examination, in order to ascertain whether they were infected with the microbes of any disease. That was his explanation, and, it necessary, he would do it again,—(Applause from Opposition members.) July 9. The Hospital Ship incident, in which Dr Thacker figured so prominently yesterday, was again referred to in the House this afternoon. Air Mander asked the Alinister of Defence whether the Defence Department was responsible lor the equipment of the ship, and whether it was not a fact that the bedding, etc., had been supplied by public subscription. Air Allen replied- that the ship was equipped partly by the Government and partly by means of private subscriptions. The Government had paid for the charter of the ship and the alterations to the vessel, as well as for the bedsteads. The Governor had, by Ins own desire, led a movement to provide for the remainder of the equipment by means of private subscriptions. The bedding, instruments, anaesthetics, and stores, etc., had been provided by these means. As to the action of a member of the House who had cut open one of the rugs— Dr Thacker: No, I did not. Mr Allen : Well, you tore it off. Dr Thacker: I absolutely deny that I interfered with a rug at all. Air Allen said that, although visitors to the ship wore directed not to touch anything on the vessel, still, the hon. member bad taken samples of mattresses and pillows for the purpose, as he understood, of ascertaining whether they had been sterilised. A Alcmber: He put them in his pocket.— (Laughter.) Air Allen said that he had ascertained that the contents of the mattresses and bedding that had been made to order by Alossrs Scoullar and Co. had been sterilised. He was sorry that such an act of vandalism and mistrust had taken place. He had expressed his regret to those who had presented the articles. If the hon. member bad really wanted to do a service to the country, ho should have represented his case to the Minister of Defence, and, if he could not have got satisfaction from the Minister or his department, he would then have been justified in publishing what he did. Dr Thacker said that, in so far as the rugs were concerned—the Austrian and Bavarian rugs, with the German label on them— Air Allen : It was not a Gorman label. Dr Thacker said that he did not out the rug, but, as far as, the mattresses wore concerned, ho made a small hole at one end and took out a quantity of what was called hair. It was mostly wood fibre, and not hair at all. It was said that he had committed vandalism, and, if that was vandalism, ho would commit it a hundred times if it constituted a public go-och DEPARTURE FROAI NEW ZEALAND. WELLINGTON, July 11. The hospital ship Maheno sailed at 0.20 p.rn. for Alexandria. OTAGO REGIMENT’S LOSSES. REFITTING IN EGYPT. AUCKLAND, July 5. Air AI. Paul, mining inspector, has received a letter from his brother, Mr James Paul, a member of the Otago Alounted Rifles. He was present at the Dardanelles lately, and has seen a great deal of fighting. At the time of writing he was back at the base (Alexandria) having a rest. Following are extracts from the letter:—■ “ The bravest thing in the war was the landing of the Australians and Now Zealanders under a hellish gun fire from machine guns and batteries, but in spite of everything wo got ashore and held the position, but at terrible loss of men. Things were only middling for the New Zealanders. Aly mate got shot dead; our lieutenant also; and there were wounded men galore. We landed under lire from the Turks, who mowed our men down like corn. The fire from our ships was a sight seen only once in a lifetime. AVe stop here a month, resting and refitting, then back again.” DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL. Mr James Swan, 6 Black’s road, NorthEast Valley, has received the following communication from the Hon. James Allen, Alinister of Defence; —“I have very much pleasure in informing you that I have received a cablegram from General Godley advising that his Alajosty the King has graciously conferred the Distinguished Conduct Medal upon Private J. W. ‘Swan. I feel sure that you will be gratified to learn of this well-deserved honour.” There was some confusion about this distinction,' there having been two Otago soldiers named Swan with the New Zealand Forces. Private J. W. Swan was born in Argylc street, Alosgiel, in 1883, and was educated at the Alosgiel State School, and afterwards at Albany Street. His parents then removed to Gore. Subsequently Private Swan went to the North Island, whore he enlisted with the Wellington Battalion. Private F. O’Connor, who has been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Aledal, is the sixth son of Air and Mrs P. O’Connor, of Allenton, Ashburton. He is 23 years of ago, and was educated at the Ashburton Convent School. He was at one time employed at Alessrs Cooper and Duncan’s foundry in Ashburton, and later at the firm’s foundry in Christchurch. Latterly ho has been working at his trade in Masterton and Wellington. MENTIONED IN DESPATCHES Private A. East, of the Field Ambulance section of the Alain Body, New Zealand Expeditionary Force, and recently a teacher at the Clyde-qnay School, has been distinguishing himself at the Dardanelles (says tlio Wellington Post). _ Another member of the same unit, writing to his friends in Wellington, states that Private East “has been mentioned in despatches for incessant heroism in picking up wounded,” and adds, “He’s a gem!” The writer goes on to say: “ Alany good men have fallen, and the casualty lists make one proud of New Zealand and her boys—absolutely fearless and quite humorously valiant.” SICK AND WOUNDED. MEN ON THE WILLOCHRA. AVELLINGTON, July 11. A wireless message received yesterday

stated that the Willochra, which is bringing the returning sick and wounded soldiers to .New Zealand, will arrive at Wellington, on Thursday, The steamer is proceeding direct from Fremantle to Wellington, and will not call at Hobart, as was originally expected. Fire Willochra is bringing back about 281 officers and men. Of tnese 77 are hospital cases. - July 12. The list of those requiring hospital treatment at the port of disembarkation or near their homes, who arc returning by the Willochra, with the last known addresses, is aa follows. The total number is 80: — A. Allison (Napier), R. Anderson (no particulars), Lance-corporal J. Archer (Wanganui), W. E. Archie (“ Arcus, Carterton). G. Balham (Epsom), Beale (Mokai), J. Bell (Christchurch), Corporal O. G. Brooke (Mornington), L W. Brownlee (Christchurch), Sergeant W. J. Bryclen (Dargavillc), B. E. W. Bloor (woodville). V. E. Challis (Auckland), H. C. Clark (Maitai A 7 alley), Clark (Matamata), A. Chapman (Sydenham). J. D. Dicker (Invercargill), Dixon (nob on list), W. Dunn (Newmarket). F. Fawcett (Te Aroha), C. P. Fitzwater (Patoa), D. O. Faithful (Dargaville), H. V. Falke (Masterton), Captain W. Fleming (Dunedin), Q.M.S. Florey (Auckland). Sergeant-major Gibbon (Raweno), H. Gilbert (Clyde), Lance-corporal Gilmour (Dunedin), F. Grymes (Dunedin), A. F. Gower (Omona). T. H. Harvey (Te Kmva), O. Haase (Takaka), H. Henderson (Mangapehi), G. E. Hensley) (Christchurch), * Corporal J. Hewlett (Northcoto), Herbert (U.S.S. Company), R. W. Pledge (Wanganui), J. PPeron (Egypt). R. Johnstone (Christchurch), Sergeantmajor J. Keen (Timaru), J. B. Keisma (Ormondville). T. Lyall (Balclutha). Captain Macdonald (Frankton Junction), Lance-corporal D. A. APDonald (Dunedin), Lieutenant APFarlane (Epsom), C. H. M‘Dougall (Invercargill), Corporal A. APPherson (Wellington), G. Merry (Dunedin), Sergeant Miller (Masterton), W. Miller (Wendon Valley), G. Mitchell (Waipahi), Lieutenant Morpeth (Thames), F. Morrow (Waipuna), G. Muldrock (Waverley). F. O’Connor (Taringamutu). J. Pyle or Pile (Parnell). Corporal D. Ritchie (Outram)> J. Rignaldo (Nelson), Lieutenant Rowlings (Mount Eden), Corporal J. Rowe (Wanganui), Corporal F. H. Russell (Wyndham). ' - F. Savage (Motueka), Corporal J. Sullivan (Timaru), F. Slswcll (Carterton), Corporal J. PI. Smith (Timaru), Corporal K. R. Squirell (Auckland). W. W. Tindale (Takapau), AY. P. Tresidcr (Hutt). Vickerstaffe (Carrington). AVallace (Auckland), vVilletts (Oamaru), T. AVillacy (Featherston), H. AA 7 ay (Tutanui, Marton)) C. AVilton (Rangiotu). P. G. "Willis (Greymouth), A. .Wilson (Invercargill). THE OTAGO MEN. WELLINGTON, July 12. The following are the Otago soldiers: — Corporal C. N. Brooke (Mr G. Brooke* Neidpath road, Mornington). Private L. W. Brownlee (Mr T. Brownlee, Wray street, AAunton). Private F. Challis (Mr P. Challis, Grasmere, Invercargill). Private J. D. Dicker (Air J. Dicker, Forfar street, Mosgiel). Captain W. (Airs W. Fleming, 35 Hope street, Dunedin). Private H. Gilbert (Air S. J. Gilbert, 2 Morrison street, Caversham). Lance-corporal D. A. APDonald (Airs E. APDonald, Croydon). Lance-corporal J. B. Gilmour (Air W. T. : Gilmour, 102 Walker street, Dunedin). Private Johnstone (Airs Al. Johnstone, Maheno). Private T. Lyall (Air T. Lyall, sen.. Stony Creek,. Balclutha). Private G. Alerry (Airs AL E. Alerry, 4 Wilkie road, Dunedin). Private AY. Aliller (Air C. P. Aliller, 9 Grosvenor street, Dunedin). Corporal D. Ritchie, of Outram (Air T. Ritchie (Invercargill). Corporal Willetts (Air G. Willetts, Dee street, Oamaru). Private C. H. APDougall (Air D. APDougall, Riverton). Private A. AVilson,, (Mr J. R. AYilson, Winton). * I Private G. Alitchcll (Air R. Alitchell, Waipahi). _ AUCKLAND, July 12. Private J. H. Darby, one of the first Now Zealanders returned from the Dardanelles, was a passenger by the Niagara, which arrived at Sydney to-day. WOUNDED NEW ZEALANDER. AVELLINGTON, July 11. The first Now Zealander wounded in action has returned to Wellington, in the person of Stoker F. Sawkins, of 11.A1.5. Pyramus, who arrived in the Corinthic yesterday. He joined the vessel at Capetown, suffering from a wound in the neck, caused by a piece of shrapnel shell. He had joined the British land forces in East Africa, and was wounded while skirmishing. As a result of the sea voyage Stoker Sawkins now looks the picture of health. A dramatic incident marked his return. His first inquiry at the wharf was for his wife and baby, which was born while ho has been away on active service. The answer ho received was “At the Town Hall.” The baby was the central figure in a coronation ceremony, having been elected baby queen, and while her father was being welcomed, at the ship’s side by a few friends who knew of his return, the “baby queen” was receiving homage on the Town Hall stage, INVALIDED HOME. AUCKLAND, July 7. Looking quite_ fit again after a turn of scarlet fever, Private A, Fraser was a passenger by the Riverina on his way from Egypt to his home in Canterbury, lie was invalided homo along with about 400 Australians and New Zealanders, but had to remain in quarantine in Melbourne for about six weeks. He is anxious to get to tho front again, and with that end in view promptly presented himself at local headquarters for tho purpose of inquiry. Private Fraser went out with the Alain Body, and he was under fire against the Turks who attacked tho Suez Canal on February 2 and 3. Ho Avas with the Now Zealanders Avho served as reinforcements to tho Indian troops at Elferdan. Tho returned soldier says that the Turks were a very inferior lot —just straggler®, who had been sent forward, while tho

trained troops were reserved for the Dardanelles. At least that was the general impression. The Indians fought noil, said Private Fraser, and had no difficulty in mastering the attackers. He also said that ho left Egypt at the end of April and when at Suez he heard that the Australasians had effected a landing at the Dardanelles. Private Fraser mentioned that scarlet fever was prevalent among the troops in Egypt, and that measles of a severe kind were very rife. The authorities, lion - ever, were handling the situation very effectively. THE OTAGO PATRIOTIC FUND. THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES LIST. Previously acknowledged £21,011 0 6 Yaralla Mothers’ Club, part „ proceeds of concert A o Belleknowes Methodist Church, z n fi proceeds of concert A ° Total .‘£2l-019 ? 6 a To be devoted to the Wounded So.diers and Dependents’ Fund. THE GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND RELIEF FUND. THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES LIST. Previously acknowledged ... £1025 0 0 BELGIAN RELIEF FUND. THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES LIST. Previously acknowledged ...£16,40114 0 “J. H.,’’ additional _____ Total .'ilMo2 4 0 We have to acknowledge the receipt of £6O, forwarded per Or Spain, Dunstan Riding, Vincent County. The details arc as follow: —Clyde Patriotic Committee (balance), £l3 3s; S. T. Spain, £9 12s 6d; R. C. Church, £6 ss; J. E. Stevens, £5 10s; llev. G. Hunt, £5; Freed and Robertson, £2 2s; S. A. Stevens, £2; J. S. Dickie, £1 10s; A C. Islip, £1; P. Miller, 15s; H. Stevens, 10s. R. J. Mitchell. 10s; B. Navlor, 10s; E. V. Freed, 10s; M. Keliher, 10s; Vercoo Bros., 10s; Rev. J. Perkins, 10s; R. Bringans. 10s; J. Waldron, 10s; P Harrington, 10s; Dr Thomas, 10s; L. Kofoed, 10s; E. W. Attfield, 10s; Chas. Attfield, 10s; J. M. Love, 10s; A. Reid, 10s; R. M'Naught, 10s; C. F. Faisandier, 10s; J. Holt, ss; C. Hanning. ss; M. Keliher, jun., ss; J. Balton, ss; L. Shaw. ss; R. Holden, ss; H. Faulds, ss; E. Naylor, ss; A. Waddell, ss; J. Davidson, ss; J. Gartley, ss; Davidson Bros., ss; R. Lewis, ss; Nurse Burnett, 2s 6d; J. Davis, 2s 6d; W. Holloway, 2s 6d; T. Farrell, 2s 6cl; L. Eourke, 2s 6d; J. Faisandier, 2s 6d; H. Coutts, 2s 6cL SERBIAN RELIEF FUND. THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES LIST. Previously acknowledged £623 16 8 .WOUNDED SOLDIERS’ FUND GIFT AFTERNOON AT GREEN ISLAND. Kirkland Hall, Green Island, looked very gay on Thursday afternoon, when the members of the Green Island Nursing Division held a very successful gift afternoon in aid of the wounded soldiers. The weather was perfect; consequently, a largo number of ladies availed themselves of the invitation to bo present. A very dainty afternoon tea was enjoyed by all, and a few musical items pleasantly passed the time. _ A table was set aside' for the beautiful gifts which were donated by tho ladies. In the- evening a concert and sale was held. There were several side-shows, shooting gallery, pingpong, etc., and an excellent musical programme was gone through, the following contributing; —Mr Mirams, ■ Miss Clifford, Mr Finlayson, Miss Mills, ■ Mr Thomson, quartette by members of band, and Mr Matthews (conjuror). The sum of £35 15s lid was realised. MAORI ENSIGN REALISES £IOO. WANGANUI, July 6. A New Zealand ensign, presented by Mr Weraroa Kingi, chief of Putiki pah, was ’ sold at auction at the Opera House last evening, and was responsible for well over £IOO being added to the efforts of the Maoris to augment the patriotic funds. The Mayoress was the final purchaser, and she presented tho ensign to tho Rev. Paul Tomuera, on behalf of the Putiki pah, as a slight mark of her appreciation of tho Maoris’ efforts. OTAGO WOMEN’S PATRIOTIC ASSOCIATION. The work in connection with" tho equipping of hospital bods for Trcntham is well in hand. * Up to the present over 40 beds have been promised, and it is hoped to bo able to send at least 50 equipments. As there have been several inquiries about the best shape for a balaclava, the committee is giving the directions for a very good one —probably the one tho men like best, as it can be used for a cap as well as a balaclava. The directions are as follow Cast on • 114 stitches on four No. 10 needles. Knit 7in of 3 plain, 3 purl; now cast 20 stitches off one needle; knit 2in plain; cast on 20 _ stitches to replace those taken off; again knit on the round Sin of 3 plain 3 purl. To form the crown; First row decrease one every eighth stitch; then knit six rows plain without decrease; then every eighth Stitch decrease one; now knit four rows plain without decrease; then decrease every fourth stitch; throe rows plain, decreasing every third stitch; two rows plain, decreasing every second stitch; now three rows plain, decreasing till eight stitches arc left on needles. Cast oft as a sock. Required: Five needles. No. 10; two skeins brown or heather mixture wheeling (three-ply), or Baton’s double knitting. _ By the Warrimoo on Friday afternoon, through the kindness of the Union Steam Ship Company, four complete eels of hospital beds were despatched to headquarters, Wellington, in answer to an urgent wire from his Worship the Mayor (Mr Clark), who is at present in the Empire City. He asked that as many as were ready should be sent at once. Workers were occupied on tho 12th finishing tho different articles of hospital equipment which will sc sent to Wellington to-day.

Four sets were sent on Friday, and over 20 will go by the Victoria to-day, through the kindness of the Huddart, Parker Company. The executive bogs to remind country helper's that all goods for the Lady Liverpool Fund —which is for soldiers’ equipment —and for the Belgian and British Relief Fund should bo addressed to the Iron, secretary, Early Settler's’ Hall, Dunedin, and marked clearly for which fund they are intended—whether for the Lady Liverpool Fund or for the Relief Fund, MAJOR STUCKEY. The mystery that surrounds the fate of Major F. Stuckey, Auckland (says, the Auckland Star) has not been lessened by a cablegram received on Sunday week from Colonel A- B. Charters, commanding the Now Zealand base camp in Egypt. The cablegram, which was sent in response to a message from one of Major Stuckey’s friends, is as follows: “ Major Stuckey reported wounded, but no trace in hospitals, Egypt, Malta, England, and can get absolutely no other information from front or elsewhere.” It is considered that Colonel Charters is probably better able to obtain reliable information on the matter than anyone else outside Gallipoli, and his failure to learn anything definite has naturally surprised Major Stuckey’s many friends. Apparently Colonel Charters has made inquiries at the front, and has been informed that, officially, Major Stuckey is “wounded.” In the meantime, further reports of the major’s death continue to come to hand in soldiers’ letters. Private R. H. Good, of the 6th (Haura.ki) Company, in a letter just received by his people in Auckland, states that Major Stuckey was wounded in the neck and chest, and died two days afterwards from his wounds. RETURN OF LIEUTENANTCOLONEL BATCHELOR. Lieutenant-colonel F. C. Batchelor, N.Z.M.C., of Dunedin, who has been engaged as an X-ray expert in hospital work among the wounded soldiers in Egypt, returned to New Zealand by the Niagara on the 12th. Ho left for the south by the express train yesterday. LIEUTENANT-COLONEL M'DONALD. AUCKLAND, July 12. Lieut.-colonel T. W. M'Donald, who left New Zealand last October in command of the Otago Infantry Battalion, and who was invalided from Egypt to Guy’s Hospital, London, returned to the dominion by the Niagara to-day. He reports that his illness was a serious one. He left for the south by the express this evening. SUPPLY OF AMMUNITION NEW CONTRACT ANNOUNCED. WELLINGTON, July 7. A copy of a new contract for the supply of ammunition to the New Zealand Government, which the Government has recently entered into with the Colonial Ammunition Company, of Auckland, was laid on the table of the House to-day. The agreement was made on May 18, and the new contract is to last for a period of 15 years from January 1 next. The company agrees to manufacture small arms ammunition in such quantities and at such intervals as may bo required, provided that it shall not be bound to maintain a monthly supply of more than 800,000 rounds of .303 service ball ammunition and 105,000 rounds of .503 blank ammunition. The price to be paid is to be equal to the current War Office price, plus the ordinary Imperial departmental chargeson the same as packed and delivered at Woolwich, increased by a sum at the rate of 15 per cent, to cover freight, insurance, and other charges of delivery in Now Zealand. In no case shall the price be less than £3 2s 6d per 1000 rounds for blank ammunition. The minimum quantity which the Government shall purchase annually from the company shall be 9,600,000 rounds of ball and 1.250,000 rounds of blank ammunition. All duty paid by the company on machinery and stores imported for the manufacture of ammunition shall bo refunded. It is provided that on giving six months’ notice the Government may at any time during the term of contract purchase the work, plant, and stock-in-trade of the company at a price to bo fixed by arbitration. BOOTS FOR THE TROOPS. MEN. WELLINGTON, July 11. The Prime Minister stated to-day that the contracts for the supply of boots to the troops which have now been entered into will ensure n weekly supply of 2050 pairs until all the man are provided with two pairs. Most of them have already received two pairs. NEWSPAPERS FOR SOLDIERS. WELLINGTON. July 7. In reply to Mr Escott, the Minister of Defence stated to-day that 4CO copies of the weekly illustrated papers, presented by the proprietors, were sent weekly at the cost of the Defence Department to Egypt, and 100 copies are sent at the cost of the Defence Department weekly to Malta. Under these circumstances it was not considered necessary to despatch newspapers post free. WINTER CAMPAIGN. PROVISION MAY BE NECESSARY. WELLINGTON, July 9. “ We have given some consideration to the possibilities of a winter campaign,” said the Minister of Defence, in reply to a question on the subject. “ It is likely that the New Zealand Expeditionary Force will have to face a European winter in the field, and certain provision will require to be made in the way of warm clothing and comforts. The Minister added that the Defence authorities had not matured any arrangements for a possible winter campaign. The uniforms of the New Zealanders were provided through the Imperial authorities, who would do what was necessary in that respect. The supply of warm underclothing and other items was another matter, and the question might require a good deal of attention later in the year.” JOTTINGS. It was stated by Mr M‘Leod (representing War Relief Fund contributors), at a con-

ferenco at Wellington on Saturday, that the Wairarapa had raised £2 per bead. Mr P. Stacker, of Napier, has forwarded a large case, containing about 50 novels, to Lady Gocllcy for distribution to our boys in the firing line. Mr P. H. S. Pirani, eldest son of Mr Fred Pirani, has been given a commission as lieutenant in the Army Service Corps at Home, and when the mail left was stationed at Park Royal. W. Ho had a commission in the Imperial Yeomanry through the Boor war, and has since boon in the New Zealand Defence Department. Since the establishment of Trontham camp the total number of deaths was 18 up to Saturday, ■ 3rd inst. Twelve of those have boon caused by pneumonia following on measles. One man was killed by a train, one died of acute mania, one of peritonitis, one of bleeding from tho nose, one of an internal complaint: and one of pneumonia following on alcoholic poisoning. Tho rate is stated to be loss than one per thousand. Mr J Stewart, taxi-driver, Napier, received news on Saturday that his brother, a member of the Connaught Rangers, had been killed in action somewhere in .France. Miss Houlihan, who has been knitting for tho Otago men who arc at the front, recently taught a well-known elderly gentleman to knit, and has had the satisfaction of seeing him finish a balaclava cap v r his son, who has gone to the front. Mr C. F. Yallanco, of Kahummgi. Masterton. has intimated his intention of bidding £IOOO for tho Tcnui flag (says tho Wai-ra-rapa Times). Mir Rupert Morrison, of Blairlogio, who bid £SOO for Mr Whatman’s flag at Master-ton, has increased his bid to £IOOO. Mr Percy O. Bridgoman, eldest son of Mr F. O. Bridgoman, obtained a commission as lieutenant in tho Northumbrian Brigade of tho Army Service Corps at tho commencement of the war. Ho was at Blythe when that place was bombarded by a Gorman Zeppelin. At tho end of April ho loft with his division for the front, and a few days after landing in France was in the firing line at tho second big fight at Ypros, on which occasion the Germans first* used the poisonous gas. Mr H. 11. Hay hurst (cx-Mayor of Tcmuka),- Mr W. F.’ Evans (ex-councillor), and Mr Warne Pearse, will go to Trentham on Saturday for training. Mr Hayhurst bolds non-commissioned rank, and tho other two will go as privates. General Godley, in the course of a letter to an Auckland resident, states that Colonel Plugge (Auckland Battalion) was wounded in the wrist, and afterwards fought for two days in tho trenches before retiring from the firing lino. On Thursday afternoon (says the Tuapeka Times) Mr Norrio received a cable from his son. Sergeant E. R. Norrio, to tho effect that his wounds consisted of an injury to his left hand, and that otherwise he was well The parents of Private Frank • S. Smaill, Wellington Regiment, have received cable advice that h- is sick, and has been in tho Pont Koubbra Hospital, Cairo, since July 4. Mrs Wain has just received a cablegram from Major Wain, who is in the First Australian Hospital at Heliopolis, saying “Doingwell.” Major Wain’s injury was a shrapnel wound in the right thigh. Nurse M'Cosli Smith, of the staff of tho Timaru Hospital, left recently for Trontham. where she was fortunate enough to gain an appointment on the permanent stall of the New Zealand hospital ship. Nurse Brown, of the same institution, was to leave yesterday to join the Romuera, en route to' fulfil an appointment with the French Nursing Division. In a letter to his brother (Mr George Bigwood, Mataura), Private A. Bigwood, who is serving with tho Expeditionary Force, explains how he was wounded at the Dardanelles. Ho had a wonderful escape after participating for eight days in the fighting. A bullet struck a button of his tunic and the concussion knocked him over. In falling he sustained injury through a bayonet piercing his leg,, but he is pro : grossing favourably . The Bishop of Nokon has received a letter from the Rev. T. Fielden Taylor, chaplain with the Canterbury Battalion of the Now Zealand Expeditionary Forces, dated Malta. May 25. In the course of tho letter Mr Taylor describes tho nature of his wound. While rescuing a wounded man from the trenches ho was shot in tho back, the bullet striking three sovereigns in his belt and glancing from them into his back. Tho bullet lias now been extracted, and tho wound is slowly healing. Mr Taylor says there is no need for anxiety, and he hoped to be with the troops within a month. The Mohaka Maoris have given 159 pairs of socks for tho Maori contingents at Malta (says the Napier correspondent of the Dominion). The Rev. H. F. Tracy, who has been relieving at Upper Riccarton, will leave for the front shortly (says the Press), having been advised that ho is to be the next chaplain to accompany tho troops from New Zealand. Tho executive of tho Wairarapa Patriotic League has instructed Mr G. R. Sykes, M.P., to purchase £lO worth of comforts per week for the sick soldiers from Trcntham now in various hospitals in and around Wellington (says the Dominion). An ex-pupil at Wanganui Collegiate School, Alan Campbell, now only 18 years of ago, who a few .months ago received a nomination to Sandhurst, has already passed into the Highland Light Infantry Regiment. Ho is a son of Mr G. F. G‘. Campbell, of Wellington. NEW ZEALAND MINISTER OF DEFENCE. WELLINGTON. July 12. The following circular has been forwarded by Mr S. A. Atkinson to members of the Legislature and others: —“At this crisis in the Empire’s affairs, I venture to put tho following before you : ‘The vital need was more and still more men ’ (Lord Kitchener). The census shows wo can spare an extra 50,000 untrained men to-day, and yet pay our way and support the army in the field. Britain called in a military man. Lot us call in Major-general R. IT. Davies to “become Minister for War in the National Government. It is well known ho possesses tho necessary qualifications. ‘ Let us hood the opportunity now or never’ (Lord Kitchener, 9th July).” LETTER FROM CHAPLAIN. A letter from the chaplain aboard 11.M.5. London to the relatives of Private Hunter P. Faii-bairn (of the 14tb Regiment), concerning whom there was received only the brief announcement that lie had been killed, will afford consolation to others in tho assurance it contains that the’ remains of their

heroic dead are being buried with reverence and loving care; 11.M.5. London. Care G.P.U. May 3. Dear Madam, —I believe you are the sister of Hunter P. Fan-Uairn, 14th Regiment, N.Z.F. You will no doubt before you receive this have bad news of his death from wounds received in action on May 2. I think you may be glad to hear lie was buried at sea, on the evening of May 3, together with several other brave men who had given their lives for their country. I read the church burial service over him, and the scene was as reverent and peaceful as you could have wished. Ho- was buried some three miles out to sea, north of the Gallipoli Peninsula, within sight of the land where lie fought his last fight. The Australian and New Zealand Forces are doing splendidly here, and compelling our admiration, though the price is heavy, yet the honour is correspondingly great, ’ton must, I am afraid, be feeling his loss keenly; but there are few men who would not at least envy him the manner of his death; With much sympathy,—Yours uly, Alfred W. Ross, Chaplain, R.N., H.M.S. London. LETTER FROM THE FRONT. V.C. WON MANY TIMES.CHRISCHURCH, July 12. Private Raymond Ward, of the 14 th (Otago) Infantry Battalion, son of Mr W. T. Ward, chief postmaster at Christchurch, has written home from the Has El Tin Military Hospital at Alexandra. Private Ward was twice wounded, by a bullet through the right groin and a shrapnel bullet through the left -leg. No bones were broken, and he is progressing favourably. In his letter ho says: “I think that it was on the 3rd of this month that, our men having on the previous evening driven the Turks out of a trench on the summit of a hill, wo were ordered to extend the trench and make a further attack. At dawn the enemy came at us in groat force, however, and we were ordered to fall back. I had been wounded by a sniper shortly before the order was received, and, as the men had to retire in great haste, I was left behind, but, being unwilling to fall into the hands of the Turks, decided to emulate that worthy couple Jack and Jill in one coup, for, having fallen down and broken not precisely my crown, but as good an equivalent, I went rolling after on the track of ray comrades, coming to a full stop after 100 yards or so against a green shrub, behind which I crawled out of view of ihe amiable Turk. It was not a very cheering place, and I was not astonished when, after a minute or two, I was again peppered, this time in the left leg by a piece of shrapnel. While on the point of taking up again Jill’s role, an Australian scout bobbed up from somewhere, and, with the most par-' ticular sang froid carried me to a ‘ dugout.’ Having handed over to mo his water bottle and helmet, he disappeared as quickly as bo came. Who this bravo follow was who saved my life I shall never know, nor shall I see him ever again. It is but an example of what takes place a hundred times daily—the bravest deeds performed and never told or known. For instance, our ambulance men, many of them has merited the V.-G twenty times over. These men have so covered themselves in glory that the soldiers give them the highest honour of saying and moaning it, that the greatest courage is to bo found not in the trenches, but with the stretcher-bearers. The whole of that day I lay flattened no the ground like a turtle, feeling anything but pleased with the surroundings. Towards dusk I was conscious of hearing English voices above the din. and, to -my intense satisfaction, they proved to be Australian bearers.” SOLDIERS’ THRILLING LANDING. Writing to his parents from Heliopolis Hospital, Corporal G. G. Chambers, who was wounded in action on the first day oi landing on the Gallipoli Peninsula, relates a stirring encounter with the enemy. ‘"1 was” ho says, ‘‘unlucky enough to get bowled over ‘the first day. 1 have been in the firing lino, and probably under as hot a shrapnel shell fire as any firing lino, and yet here I am alive. I was blown out of a small trench by a shrapnel shell ou to a ledge, and must have landed on my back, for I have slight concussion of the head and spine, and am suffering from shock. Still, there are hundreds of others here with some awful wounds who need attention. About the fighting—well, it was warm. There were machine guns galore, and shrapnel was bursting over us like rain. I had several very narrow escapes. Once, when going into the firing lino, I tripped, and just as I fell a machine gun opened fire just over me. Had I not fallen I musthave been riddled. On another occasion when I was helping a poor fellow who was shot through both legs a shell burst so close to me as to throw me off my feet. Happily I was unhurt. The wounded were under fire all the time, and the sufferings of them wore terrible. I don’t remember anything after I was blown over until I found myself lying on my back on the beach, where i lay until I was carried back to the hospital ship. I am sick of hospital, after being eight weeks in Heliopolis with a strained back before I went to the front, now here I am again wounded; but 1 am only thankful to my Maker that I am alive.” ENGLISH COLONEL SHOT. STRANGE STORY FROM DARDANELLES. (From. Our Own Correspondent.) AUCKLAND, July 7. An extraordinary story of the shooting of an English colonel at the Dardanelles by his own men, who mistook him for a spy, is related by Private J. Barker, signaller attached to the 6th Infantry Battalion, in a letter written to his parents in Victoria, and published in Australian papers received to-day. He says: “ Toward evening we had to return to the trenches, so our colonel and an English colonel, whose men were in the trenches, decided to make an inspection. They had gone about 15 yards through the trenches when they sat down. The Commanding Officer noticed a lad standing up in the trench, and told him to get under cover. Instead of doing so he fired point blank at our Commanding Officer, but missed. His mates then fired, killing thenown Commanding Officer, but missing ours. They then rushed him with bayonets, blindfolded him, and took him prisoner. They thought the officers were spies, as a spy had been giving false orders.”-

A Jotter from Sergeant-major J. Sloan, serving with the Australians at the Dardanelles, written to his mother at Randwick, contained the following statement; —“Last night a colonel was shot. He paid the penalty for disobeying a sentry’s order. It was very sad, as he had made good. Ho led his battalion in the great advance on the 25th, and his men worshipped him. Ho never looked for cover, but went boldly on and came out without a scratch.” These statements, it is pointed out by the Sydney newspapers, are unofficial, and are not confirmed by the Defence Department IN AN YPEES HOSPITAL DUNEDIN YOUTH’S EXPERIENCES. WOUNDED MEN UNDER SHELL EIRE, (Fbom Oue Own Ccbkespondent.) AUCKLAND, July 6. _ An interesting description of the conditions under which the work of the field ambulance is carried on is given in a letter from Lance-corporal J. B. Liggihs, of the Northumbrian Field Ambulance, Lancecorporal Liggins is a son of the late Mr C. J. Liggins, lormerly manager in Dunedin for the Union Steam Ship Company. He studied at the Otago University, and was a medical student at the Edinburgh University when the war broke out. After a short period on active service ho was sent back to England, suffering from poisoning by bad water. Through an accident to the train by which the ambulance was travelling in France the major and Lance-corporal Liggins were left behind near Boulogne. After various adventures they learned that the ambulance was a few miles ahead of them at a place called Stcinwoordc. “We started to walk,” the letter continues, “ when up came 60 of the London motor omnibuses, and we hopped into one. After a dusty journey wo rejoined our regiment, very thankful indeed to reach it, as others in our position have never seen their regiments again. "We found that the French had retreated, and we had to go out and reinforce them, and that was what the omnibuses were for. Our regiments were Yorks, Durhams, Northumberland Fusiliers, and Northumbrian Field Ambulance, to the lastnamed of which T, of course, belong . All the boys went away in a very happy mood, littlo knowing what was in front of them. Wo went straight through the lino regiments to the trenches right close up to Ypres, but found that they wore shelling the place so hotly that we could not start a dressing station, and wo-movecr back four miles to Poperinghe. where wo rigged it up in a deserted chateau. And what a time we had there! It was the night of the famous Canadian charges. Our division supported them. And it was also the first time the Germans had used gas. “ About 2 a.m. they started to pour into us —some walking, but the- majority being brought down in motor ambulances. W© were soon full —about 4CO, most of them Canadians. Our work Was to dress the wounds as quickly as possible. Those who were going to die within two hours were ticketed, so that they were not moved, while all others were hurried on in motors to the bases. Thus they went through our hands in hundreds. Then our division started to come in. The 4th East Yorkshires lost 300 men and many officers the first hour they wero up there; and I knew such a lot of them, as they had been with us ever since we mobilised This went on for five days, and none of us had our heads down for five days and four nights. “Then the Germans started on us. One afternoon a Taube came over us, circling round three times, and then went- away, having accomplished his task of giving his artillery our range, for an hour later they started. I was just going for tea when there was a terrific explosion 50 yards behind me, and I looked round to see three house© totally disappear, while I got bricks and glass, etc., all over me. Everybody ducked for shelter, for we could see they were not ordinary ‘Jack Johnsons' or 12in shells; We afterwards found that they were 17in shells, fired from a gun 14 mih's away. Each shell weighed 1001 b over a ton. The first shell was the only one that hit the ground, all the others were on time fuses, and burst overhead, the pieces of shell flying m all directions. They were high explosive shells, not shrapnel, and they kept this up for an hour, then gave us a rest. “During the night another Taube cam© over us, dropping bombs and coloured lights to give them the range again, and early in the morning we caught it a second time. When we were working in hospital pieces were coming through the windows and roof, and while we wore operating in the theatre a piece buried itself a foot deep in the brick wall inside the theatre, having come through the window. One shell blew the end clean off the theatre, so we decided to leave there. It was fairly risky work shifting the wounded, and then wo had the poor fellows who were too bad to shift, so some of us stayed to look, after them while the rest of the company moved some distance away from the village. Subsequently the colonel paraded the unit, and called the ones who had remained behind out in front, and complimented us, and mentioned us in divisional orders.”