THE EMPIRE’S CALL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3212, 6 October 1915, Page 53

THE EMPIRE’S CALL.

APPEAL FOR RECRUITS REGISTRATIONS WANTED. HON. J. ALLEN’S PROPOSAL. (From Ouk Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, September 30. A statement about the progress of recruiting was made by the Defence Minister in the Home to-day. The Hon. Mr Alien said members would know that we had now got to the stage when the demands on the country -were fairly severe. We would require to have in October between 6000 and 7000 men. He was pleased to be able to say that, assuming that all the men medically examined answered the call, the dominion should have enough for the two battalions and the Nimh Reinforcements. It was proposed to expedite the departure of the Eighth Reinforcements, and they would have to get the Tenth Reinforcements into camp ea.iy In November. For that force they would require about 4000 men. He would remind the House that in order to secure 4000 men medically fit, between 5000 and 6000 registrations were wanted, and the same number would be required in January and every two months thereafter. At present there seemed to be no real reason why New Zealand should alter the regulations governing the physical requirements of men for the Expeditionary Force. It did seem, however, that the Mini, ter of Defence ought now to do something to remind the country of the heavy demands shortly to be made upon it and to stimulate recruiting during the next few weeks. In order to do this he propo;ed to issue short and concise circulars or letters, which he hoped would be pub--11 hed in the newspapers, explaining what the position was. The first of these circulars would be issued that day. He desired to explain that this circular was addressed to employers not because they had failed in their duty, but because he thought it necessary to ask employers to look forward to the future and to try to arrange, if possible, to organise their busine s so as to set free unmarried men of military age who were medically fit. Ho did not desire, however, that employers who were manufacturing equipment and supplies should reduce their staff'. The Minister said that the following was the first circular letter to be issued t j all employers of men between 20 and 40 years of age : “ 1. I look forward to at least another 12 months of war. “2. Help the Defence Department to secure 4000 men for reinforcements in November and 4000 every two months following November. This is a business obligation on New Zealand’s part, and a solemn promise made to the Imperial Government. “3. I beg each of you to arrange that medically fit unmarried men in your employ may be free to register for service.” THE APPEAL TO EMPLOYERS. WELLINGTON, October 3. “ The employers of Now Zealand have done a great deal, but I think it is possible for them to do a great deal more in view of the urgent necessity for men,” said the Minister of Defence (the Hon. J. Allen) to-day. The object of the appeal made to them had been to cause them to organise their ausinessos and to bring in other employees temporarily to take the places of men who were desirous of enlisting and eligible to serve as soldiers. It would have been unfair to have made an appeal to the men themselves first without affording the employers an opportunity of making arrangements to meet any depletion of their staffs that might result. NEED FOR MORE MEN. AUCKLAND, October 1. A letter was received yesterday oy MiGraves Aickin from Lieutenant-colonel Plugge, written from the special hospital for officers, 10 Palace Green, Kensington, London, under date August iO. Referring to the men of the Auckland Infantry Battalion, Lieutenant-colonel Plugge” says: “ I am proud to say they did all that was required of them, and did it well. It is very nice to hear from the men how proud they are of their officers, whilst the officers cannot speak highly enough of their men. I am now pretty well all right, and am rather annoyed with the Medical Board which sent me here instead of passing me as fit to go back to Gallipoli. I am very keen to get back now, though T can’t say I was when T was first hit. I don’t think anybody is. lam very pleased indeed to hear that a good many young fellows are coming out. Everyone of military age and unmarried should do so, for everyone will bo wanted. We have a tough nut to crack, and another quarter of a million men will be wanted to put the job through quickly. I have been struck with some of the recruiting posters here, and am getting some from the War Office to send to you. There is one comparison I like to make between the Australians and our fellows. T think that our men perhaps have not the dash of the Australians, but they are bettor stickers and comsequently better soldiers. Our men will walk when perhaps the s- should run, but when they get to the position they will stay, where perhaps the others will go back because it is too hot.”

READY TO GO BACK, WELLINGTON, October 4. The following returned soldiers from Egypt having reported at the Trentham Camp, have been attached to details until their embarkation : Main Body.—Privates J. W. Putman, M. S. Skcock, A. Milks, 11. E. Henderson. A. G. Oampny, E. O. Wliyman, C. W, Cleinans, and Gunner R. Hav. Second Reinforcements. —Privates S. J.

NEW ZEALAND’S RESPONSE.

Brookio, Gunners 13. J. Climo, P. G. Campbell, and J. Craig. Ihird Reinforcements.—Privates ,E. R, Smith, W. J. Clarke, J, E. Berry, and V. Mead. Fourth Reinforcements. —Privates E. J. Corbett, R. J. Cave, G. W. Moir, E. Downing, and Gunners J. M. Neaves and J, Cameron. Fifth Reinforcements. —Privates A. Eden. J. W. Knocks, D. Stow, E. W. Payne, Ik, S. Cross, T. A. Troward, C. Tait, T. Mason, E. B. Robinson, L. Hardcastle, F. J. Sturm. Gunner L. Harvey; also Lance-corporal Shanaghan and Privates G, Bowers, A. L, G. Page, J. N. Corlctt, A. Hansen, T. M. Gillespie, J. R. Smeal. FIVE THOUSAND SOLDIERS VALEDICTORY SERVICE. WELLINGTON, October 4. The Ist and 2nd Battalions, Trentham Rifle Brigade (The Earl of Liverpool’s, Own) and the whole of the Seventh Rein- | forccmonts, comprising over 5000 men, will make their first public appearance in Wellington on Saturday afternoon, when they will engage in a route march through the city. An impressive valedictory service was held at Trentham Camp at 11 a.rn. yesterday, when the Seventh Reinforcements were mustered on the main parade ground for the purpose. Those present included their Excellencies Lord and Lady Liverpool, the Hon. Jam js Allen (Minister of Defence), and Colonel Gibbon (Chief of the GeneraStaff). Several troopships arc at present at Wellington. SEVENTH REINFORCEMENTS TRIBUTE TO PHYSIQUE AND FITNESS. A tribute to the phj-sique and fitness of the Seventh Reinforcements was made by Colonel Gibbon, Chief of the General Staff, in conversation with a New Zealand Times reporter on Monday. The colonel described the troops as a fine body of men, and in proof of their powers of endurance he mentioned that, during the march over the Rimutakas only two men fell out —one through having his hand cut by the bursting of a soda-water bottle and the other on account of a previous injury to one of his ankles. TUNNELLING COMPANY. WELLINGTON, October 3. The Minister of Defence stated to-day that the camp for the Tunnelling Company which is being formed for service abroad will be fully established at Auckland within a week’s time, probably by October 8. The local Defence office wants a dozen unskilled men to complete the tunnellingcompany for the Ninth Reinforcements. Any men offering their services will be required to leave by the second express on Friday. • SOLDIERS’ PENSIONS. WELLINGTON, October 3. The Defence Act Amendment Bill, which will be introduced during the week, will make provision for pensions for soldiers injured while in camp in New Zealand and for the dependents of any soldiers who die or have died in camp in the dominion. TRENTHAM RIFLE BRIGADE : TRIED AND FOURTH BATTALIONS. WELLINGTON, September 29. The 3rd and 4th Battalions of the Trenthani Rifle Brigade (the Earl of Liverpool’s Own), which are being called up for October 12. will be mobilised at Trentham, and after receiving their equipment, will bo inarched out four days later to Mungaroa, where i they will go into camp. They are bomg i sent into camp there in order that they I may be able to complete their musketry on. the Trentham rifle range. This, with preliminary training, is expected to occupy six weeks. The 3rd and 4th “Trents” will then be transferred to the Rangiotu camp, where they will complete their course of training in New Zealand. Tae establishment of the new camp at Mungaroa "will mean that very soon no fewer than three big camps will bo located within 46 miles of° Wellington—Trentham, Mungaroa, and Tauherenikau This is necessitated by the shortage of administrative and training staffs and rifle range accommodation. The total population of the three will bo about 10,000 men, of whom 1500 will be resident at Trentham, about 2500 at Mungaroa. and tne balance at Tauherenikau. OFFICERS’ COMMISSIONS HOW THEY ARE OBTAINED. WELLINGTON, October 1. An explanation of the method of selecting our officers was given by the Defence Minister to-day in reply to a question in the House of Representatives. Mr Yeitch asked the Minister to explain the method of selecting officers of the reinforcements and to explain why more consideration was not given to veterans from tlie South African -war. The Hon. Mr Allen said the method of selection was that those who held commissions in the Territorial forces had preference because they ail now held commissions but they had to stand the test of training in camps before having their commissions confirmed. An Hon. Member: And pass examinations? Mr Allen: They have all had their examinations before they como in. Every officer in the Territorial forces has to pass an examination before getting His commission. However, these officers do not meet the whole of the demand, and suitable men are invited to apply. They come in on the recommendation of the officer commanding the district, and they are sent as non-com. officers to a special training camp along with the officers five weeks before the men of the force to which they are to bo posted come in. They go

through a special course for five "weeks, and towards the end of that period they are allowed to sit for a coirrhission. If they pass the exam'nation and if there is room for them in the contingents to where they belong they are granted commissions in that body. Some of them are allowed to remain, if they so desire, as commissioned officers with the next draft. Most of them, however, prefer to go . ith their own force as non-commissioned officers. I Idon’t know of any more satisfactory way of appointing suitable officers. It_ is said that many youthful men are being appointed as officers, hut it must be recollected that these forces are going as reinforcements, and the commanding officer •who has with him many officers who have been tested in actual war does not _ want many senior officers. He wants junior officers. So far as I know, the young pfficers of the Territorial forep are good officers, and though there may be here and there one without the strength of character possessed by others, that happens everywhere. Dr Newman repeated the question about the South African veterans. Mr Allen: They get exactly the same ithance as others. If they hold commissions they may go in with those commissions, but if they do not hold commissions they must come in as non-commis-sioned officers and take their chance with the others.

NEW INSTRUCTIONS. The following new instructions have been issued with regard to the appointment, of Officers to tho Expeditionary Forces: — Eligibility.—Gentlemen coming within tho undermentioned categories arc, if considered suitable by district commanders, eligible to |jo recommended for appointment on probation to the subsequent reinforcements, New Zealand Expeditionary Forces, as Officers to be entertained upon the district waiting list for the purpose (a) officers ®f the Territorial Forces on the active list; (b) officers on the unattached list; (c) reserve of officers; (d) officer’s on the retired list; (e) those who have held commissions in the military forces in any part of the Empire, including volunteer and territorial Commissions, and those who served as officers in the South African war contingents. Preference to be given to applicants in the Order named. Ago. —Lieutenants and second lieutenants inay be accepted up to 38 years of cge. Majors and captains may bo accepted up to 48 years of age. _ Service, —Second lieutenants in the New Zealand Territorial Forces, in order to _bc eligible to go into camp on probation with the subsequent reinforcements, must have had at least six months’ service, APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS. WELLINGTON, September 29. The officers on probation for the 3rd 1 and 4th Battalions Trentham Rifle Brigade have been posted as follows; — THIRD BATTALION. Officer commanding, Major J. A. Cowles; adjutant, Captain fl. S. N. Robinson; quartermaster, Captain C. Hornsncll. A (Auckland) Company—Lieutenant, A. Thomson; second lieutenants—R. A. Baretow, R. D. Rodgers, S. J. E. Cloeey. B (Wellington) Company —Lieutenants, W. C. Harley and E. L. Hammond; second lieutenant's, W. N. Masefield and R. C. Clark. C (Canterbury) Company—Captain, W. C. Drummond; lieutenant, H. D. M'Hugh; isecond lieutenants, R. L. G. Fleming and B. Burrows. D (Otago) Company—Lieutenants, H. K. Bare and J. M. Ferriday ; second lieutenant, S. G. Scoular. FOURTH BATTALION. Officer commanding. Major A. E. WolstenJiolme; adjutant, Lieut. J. L. Turnbull; quartermaster (to bo appointed). A (Auckland) Company—Lieutenant, F. R. Logan; second lieutenants —W. F. Fowlds, W. W. Dove, and A. E. Neilson. B (Wellington) Company—Captain, L. B. Stansell; second lieutenants —B. M’Leod, E. A. Winchester, and D. O. Armstrong. C (Canterbury) Company—Captain, A. W. Evans; lieutenants, H. S. Mcikle and H. M. R. Jones; second lieutenant, F, J. Brooke. D (Otago) Company—Lieut., A. L. M‘Dowell; second lieutenants, P. Y. Hackworth and J. W. Snaddon.

WAISTCOATS AND CHRISTMAS GIFTS.

SUCCESSFUL EFFORT BY OVERSEAS CLUB. The OTcrseas Club was favoured by beautiful weather on Saturday, on the occasion of its appeal to the public on behalf bf the fund to provide leather waistcoats for our troops at Gallipoli, and also to Obtain the wherewithal to send Christmas js.ifts, which, if they are to reach the men m time, must be forwarded almost immediately. A number of stalls were set up at points of vantage throughout the city, all under most _ capable management, with numerous assistants whose energy throughout the day was untiring. Flowers, fruit, isweets, preserves, and other .articles were provided in large quantities by numerous sympathisers and friends, and to ail these ino Overseas Club owes a debt of gratitude and thanks. The public responded to the demand readily, the result being that with the aid of the collection boxes the sum of £225 Is, was handed in at the National Ijank by 0.30 p.m. Several other donations are still to come in, so that the whole effort reflects credit, both upon the -Workers and those to whom, the appeal Uvap made. Quite a number of the public school fife hnd drum hands took part in the proceedings, enlivening the streets with martial airs. The Pipe Band was also out, and also a number of the Boy Scouts. Messrs Thomson and Co. generously placed at the disposal of the bovs a largo quantity of aei-ntod waters, which, needless to say, were much appreciated. Messrs R. Macadam and J. J. Holmkey were ns generous p,s heretofore in regard to the stallholders, providing afternoon tea freo of charge. Among the contributions of flowers to ?ho stall were a couple of fine boxes from the Ealtangata Horticultural Society, an Unexpected and all the more welcome gift. A feature of the day was the participation tof about 50 returned troopers, these being (taken about the streets in_ motor cars placed at their disposal by private owners. During the afternoon the men were enter-

taincd to afternoon tea by Mi's W. F. Edmond. All day long- an empty stall was to lie soon standing- disconsolately at the Fountain. This was the fish stall, or gentlemen’s stall, which was to have been made useful by the Gentlemen’s Executive of tho club. However, it was no fault of the workers that it was idle; the trouble lay in the fact that the demand was out of all proportion to tho supply, and tho fish did not reach tho stall. The first day’s catch of the season was placed at tho disposal of the club by the Acclimatisation Society, but so numerous were tho orders taken at various stalls in the morning, that when those were met there were no fish for the monument. A trout for breakfast had been the hope even of some members of the executive, and these, too, were disappointed. Mr Martin, of tho National Bank, and the staff, showed their usual untiring _ patience and zeal in the aid of worthy objects. Mr John Wood (of tho Early Settlers’ Hall), was also, though unseen, giving valuable and ungrudging service. Tho stalls wore located as follow. —Post Office, Stock Exchange Buildings, Jacobs’s corner, Government Insurance office, Stark’s corner, Octagon, Mollison’s corner, tho railway station, and Cargill’s corner.

PERSONAL NOTES.

Dr C. H. 'Gordon, of Riverton, has offered his services to the Government, and ho has been accepted. hie has been appointed a medical officer to the Expeditionary Force, and will join the Engineers’ camp at Auckland. r i no Rev. W. Grigg, of the Leeston Methodist Church, lias received notice of his appointment to fill the place of Chap-lain-major J. A, Luxford, who has boon wounded. Chaplain captain Grigg will go into camp on October 7. Private advice by cablegram states that Lieutenant J. Thompson, of the Fifth Reinfoicements, has been suffering from enteric fever and that ho has been admitted to tlie First General Hospital, London. His friends will he pleased to know, however, that ho is now almost convalescent. Lieutenant Thompson w.as a teacher at the Waitaki High School when ho volunteered for the front. He was at one time a wellknown member of the University Football Club. Mr A. Grigor (Auckland) a few days ago received a cable from his brother, Robert R. Grigor, of Balclutha, who left with the main body with the office of major in command of the 12th (South Otago) Mounted Squadron, stating that he had been promoted to be a lieutenant-colonel, and was now in charge of the Otago Mounted Regiment. Dr D. M'Pherson, late house surgeon of tho Dunedin Hospital, has been appointed to the Expeditionary Forces, with the rank of Surgeon-captain. The Rev. J. Standring, of Middlemarch, has received information by the latest mad from Egypt, that his son Trooper Erie Standring, of the 12th Otago Mounted Regiment, who was officially reported wounded, had not been to the front, and had not been wounded. He was attached to thc_ Headquarters Staff at the base camp, Sidi Bishi, near Alexandria, where ho was when the latest advice was sent. He has been promoted to the position of sergeant. Advice has been received that Private A. A. Wood, who loft (Southland with the Expeditionary Force for the Dardanelles has been wounded, and that ho is in hospital in Birmingham. Private Wood arrived in Southland from England when a lad, some years ago, and was for a time employed on a farm in the Waiau district, but at the time of his enlistment ho was engaged in tho Telegraph Construction Department. ITo appeared a number of times in boxing contests conducted by the Southland Association, and at the last championship tournament, held in Timaru, easily defeated his opponents for tho middle-weight title. A cablegram to hand advises that Captainchaplain F. M. Tubman (late of St. Matthew’s and now attached to sth Australian Light Horse) has been invalided to a London hospital. No further particulars are available. Mr Wm. F. Crowe, of Kaitangata, received word that his son, Private Adam Crowe, had boon admitted to the London War Hospital sick and wounded from Gallipoli, and was now removed to tho Western General Hospital, Pic was among the first batch to enlist, and left with tho Main Expeditionary Force, and had been right in the thick of the fighting from tho landing at Gaba Tope. lie was in the Otago party, in charge of Major Moir, which was cut off from the main body for two days. Tic came through several hard fights without a scratch during tho five months up to the time of his being put out of action. He is 23 years of age, and was born at Kaitangata.

Mr J. Taylor, of Milton. has received intimation that his son, Saddler John Taylor, who enlisted with the Main Expeditionary Force, has recovered, and has resumed duty in Cairo. Letters received from Saddler Taylor state that he was suffering from a. badly poisoned hand, and was first admitted to hospital at Alexandria, afterwords being transferred to the Egyptian Hospital at Cairo, which is staffed with native doctors and nurses. Saddler Taylor highly praises the skill of the hospital doctors, and also the arrangements for the comfort of wounded and invalided soldiers. The duties of and many others necessitate their remaining in . Egypt, much to their regret and disappointment. An attempt made by two blacksmiths and himself to board an outgoing transport, on route for the fighting lino at Gallipoli, was discovered, and they reluctantly hod to return to their monotonous round of dally duties. Mrs Moir has received a cablegram from her husband (Lieutenant-colonel Moir), from London, stating that ho Is in excellent health. Lieutenant Cyril Hayter (previously reported killed, now reported missing! and Lieutenant Chilton Hay tor 'previously roported killed, further reported missing, and how reported safe), are sons of Mrs Hayter, Hotlespy Station, Burke’s Pass, who has also a son-in-law at tho Dardanelles and a son at tho front in France. Mrs Tustain, Mosgiel, has received advice from her husband (Sergeant-major Tustain) that ho is returning to New Zealand. Mrs Monzies, of Whip lata, has received a letter from her nephew, Private W. Mawhinnoy, a Manio to to boy, dated Lemnos Island Field Hospital, July 21, In which he says: "I have been under fire for 11 weeks, working, fighting, eta Between the work and the heat, I have got completely run down, but hope to ho well again In a. fow weeks, and he strong and as fit as over. I must say I am among the lucky ones so far. I was among the landing party on tho 20th April when many of our hoys fell before they could get ashore. I have been through some fierce scraps and never received a

scratch.” The above was written on a scrap of paper 2jin by 4in. His many friends will be pleased to learn of Private Mawhin noy ’ s welfare. Cable advice has been received to the effect that Corporal A. W. Don (Field Artillery), who has been in hospital in England suffering from enteric and dysentery, is now recovering. Corporal Don is the third son of the Rev. A. Don, of Roslyn. MACLEOD OF MACLEOD. The death of Lieutenant I. B. _ MacLeod, who was killed in the trenches in France, leaves the ancient family of AlacLeod of MacLeod without a male heir. Lieutenant MacLeod was the only son of the Rev. R. O. MacLeod, of Mitford Vicarage, Morpeth, and nephew of MacLeod of MacLeod Dunregan Castle, Isle of Skye. Born in 1893 he completed his education at Harrow and Sandhurst. He joined the Black Watch in the raising of which in 1780 his great-great-grandfather took a prominent part. The battalion spent the gloomy winter in the trenches in France. Lieutenant MacLeod had been making a sketch of the enemy’s position. Looking np to verify details the rifle bullet went through his head. Lieuten-ant-colonel Harvey and the officer commanding Lieutenant MacLeod’s company both wrote of him as an excellent young officer, cool and collected in the hour of danger, with ready sympathy and great unselfishness, the remains wore buried in Vieillo Chapcllo soldiers’ graveyard.

CORPORAL WILSON, D.C.M.

REGIMENT’S CONGRATULATIONS. Corporal C. M. Wilson, D.C.M., son of Mr and Mrs W. Y. Wilson, Irwcll street. Gore, has received the following letter (says the Mat aura Ensign) from Mr O. J. Jennings (Mayor of Rangiora): —“Dear Corporal Wilson, —lii a letter recently to hand from Major B. Jordan, of the 13th North Canterir.iry Regiment, he made reference to the honour you had brought to the regiment in winning the Distinguished Conduct Modal. He pointed out that while Stretcherbearer Stockdalo was actually the first to receive a D.C.M. you were the first of the fighting men of the regiment to win the honour. Major Jordan had seemingly no opportunity to see you after you had been awarded the medal, and, learning that you had been invalided home to Now Zealand and knowing that you enlisted from West Coast, he asked me to write to the Mayor of the town from which you came to ask him to convey congratulations from the officers and men of the regiment on your arrival home. It took me some little time to locate you, but eventually I was able to do so through the Defence and Records Office. Seeing that you did not return to the Coast, rhe pleasure devolves upon me to convey from Major Jordan the very warm congratulations of the officers, non-commis-sioned officers, and men of the 13th Regiment at the honour you won in being the first of the active combatants in the regiment to receive the D.C.M., and, further, to express the hope that you will completely recover from your wounds and live long to wear the medal so deservedly awarded you. The headquarters of the 13th being at Rangiora arid the regiment being regarded as ‘Our Own’ in North Canterbury, I am sure the people of the borough and district would desire me to add, as I do most cordially, an equally warm expression of congratulation and admiration of the brave manner in which you have served your King and country, together with good wishes for your recovery and future welfare. It would have been a great source of pleasrue to all of us if the opportunity to welcome you back at the headquarters of the regiment had occurred. With heartiest personal congratulations and good wishes.— Yours very sincerely, O. I. J EXNIXGS, Mayor.”

FRONTIERSMEN AND WAS

FIVE HUNDRED MEN OFFERED FOR SERVICE.

WELLINGTON, September 28. Tlie New Zealand Section of the Legion of Frontiersmen, has offered the Government a body of 500 men fully uniformed, equipped, and trained for service abroad. The offer was made in tire House this afternoon by Mr Young, who said that the New Zealand Frontiersmen made a similar offer early in the war, and when it was not accepted they enlisted in considerable numbers in various units. The men, however, had been trained together, they were acquainted with arts and handicrafts which were useful on active service, and there was a strong bond of comradeship between them. They were, therefore, very anxious to go to the front as one unit, and it was suggested that they would be more useful as one unit than scattered throughout several units. A body of frontiersmen under their own officers hact been accepted by the Imperial authorities and sent on active service in East Africa.

In reply, the Minister of Defence (the Hon, J. Allen) thanked the Legion for its generous offer —an offer which had been made in the early stages cf the war. At that time the Government could not see its way to accept it. Members of the Legion had been invited to join the forces individually, and something like 1200 did so. These men rendered very valuable service, owing to their experience, in “stiffening up” the bodies of men that had gone away. They were an admirable lot of men, and the Government wanted them all to enlist, but he could not say just then if they could be accepted. Offers of individual units were becoming not uncommon. That afternoon ho had had a deputation from the Scotchmen, _ who wanted to provide a Scotch regiment- “ I suppose in the course of the week I shall have an offer from the Irishmen, and then the Englishmen, and perhaps from the Welshmen through my hoi), friend from Christchurch. I should prefer that the men should register in the ordinary wav and make our army a- national one. However, I will consult with the ueneral Officer Commanding, and reply more definitely later.”

OFF TO SYDNEY TO ENLIST. WANGANUI, September 30. “ Tho authorities appear to think wo are dead, so wo aro off to Sydney to enlist,” said one of a party of three young men which loft Wanganui to-day on route for Svdney. He proceeded to say that ho and his mates had "horded in their names here, three, mouths ago, and passed tho medical

examination, but had not hoard anything further from tho Defence Department, so they had decided to go to Australia, knowing that their services would be accepted there.

SICK SOLDIERS' PAY

\\ ELLINGTON, September 28. Mr Crai gie complained in the House of Representatives to-day that soldiers in hospitals and convalescent homes in England were in many cases penniless, and were cabling to their friends stating that they wore not receiving their pay. The Minister of Defence (the Hon. J. Allen) said that such men did not receive the full amount of their pay, which went on accumulating, and was paid to them on their discharge. The Imperial authorities had found that whore men in convalescent homes had been enabled to draw full pay the results in many cases had not been satisfactory, especially as far as the recovery of the men was concerned. Through the medium of funds for the sick and wounded the men were provided with necessities and small comforts, such as shaving tackle, fruit, etc., and, in addition, they might purchase comforts up to 2s or 3s a week, not drawing these sums in money, but opening an account, which the paymaster settled. He thought it his duty to warn parents that there was no real necessity for sending money to their sons, and that in some cases it might do more harm than good. NO REDUCTION IN PAY. WELLINGTON, September 28. In reply to Mr Isitt to-day, the Minister of Defence said it was a misconception to suppose that the pay of wounded men was reduced while the men were in hospital.

NURSES POE THE PE OPT.

WELLINGTON, October 1. The nursing sisters to leave on the next transport have been selected. Sister Fulton (wife of Colonel Fulton), who for the past three mouths has been matron at Trentham Military Hospital, will be in charge, and under her will be Sisters Douglas (Dunedin), Cumberworth (Christchurch), Stronach (Stratford), Keith (Wellington), Crispin (Wellington), Scott (Christchurch), and Jesspn (Christchurch), all of whom have boon doing duty at Trentham, and Sisters Goldsmith (Hawke’s Bay), Brown (Hokitika), Burnett (Clyde), Nixon, Moovo, Lowe, and Inglis, who returned in the transport Tahiti.

AMONG THE WOUNDED

NEW ZEALAND HOSPITAL.

CHAPLAIN’S GREAT WORK. AUCKLAND, September 28,

A glimpse of the life in the New Zealand base hospital at Pont de Koubbeh is given by Nurse Nutsey, of Northcoto. “ This week our hospital has been enlarged, or rather crowded up with 100 more beds,” Nurse Nutsey wrote. “Wo have nows to expect a large number of fresh patients of divers nationalities coming shortly, so those of our boys who are well enough will have to go to a convalescent hospital. We do grudge giving our boys to other hospitals, but the boys themselves would rather sleep on the floors than keep others away. They are really funny when they first come in from the firing line, As soon as they are shown their bods, all as they are, they will go all over the hospital to see if they know anyone. Wo look high and low for them to sec the doctors. They all come back in time, and after a lot of persuasion got into bed. The convalescent ones then got them the New Zealand papers, and for the rest of the day one can scarcely got ‘yes’ or ‘no’ out of them. After they have devoured those you can get them to talk about their adventures.” Writing of the work of Chaplain-captain MacDonald, Nurse Nutsey says: —“Our padre has the handling of a fund provided by some people in Auckland, and he is so good to the boys and to us all. He is quite a father to us all. Every few days he brings the boys cigarettes, matches, soaps, etc., and grapes and calves’ feet jelly for the very bad cases. The boys in the hospital want for nothing he can got them. Ho is truly a right man in the right place. I wish all who contribute to his fund could see the good use ho is making of their money and the many sad cases he is cheering.”

BASE HOSPITAL IN EGYPT

CHRISTCHURCH, September 28. In answer to an inquiry by the Christchurch Reel Cross branch, Dr Aclancl, of No. 1 Rase Hospital for New Zealanders, Port Said, cables as follows: —‘‘Please send blankets, pyjamas (flannelette permissible), shirts, underpants, socks, and housewifes.”

INVALIDED HOME.

NEARLY A THOUSAND MEN. Tlip Minister of Defence (the Hon. James Allen) has received information from the Naval Intelligence Department that the Tofua, with 446 invalids, left Suez for New Zealand on 'September 23, and is expected to arrive at Port Chalmers on October 26. The Willochra, with 550 invalids, left Suez on September 25, and is timed to arrive on October 30. The sick and wounded on the Willochra comprise 14 officers, 2 medical officers, 2 chaplains, 5 nurses, 509 men, 17 orderlies—total, 550. The 446 sick and wounded on the Tofua are made up of 7 officers, 2 medical officers, 3 nurses, 9 medical orderlies, 4 cooks, 421 men.

PRISONERS IN TURKEY.

POST A L AR R A NGE MEXTS. TTELLIX T GTOX, October 3. As the result of inquiries., the Minister of Defence (the Hon. J. Allen) has received information from the High Commissioner to the effect that parcels for prisoners o£ war in Turkey can bo sent by post, provided they are not more than lllb in weight. Each should bo addressed to the Central Post Office, Constantinople, and should be marked f ‘ Prisoner of war.” Letters may also bo sent. No arrangements have been made for the transmission of money to Turkey. The Chief Postmaster notifies that letters for British prisoners of war at Constantinople should bo addressed as follows: “ (Bank) (Name) (Unit) Kew Zealand Prisoner of War, Central Post Office, Constantinople, Turkey.”

A most enjoyable evening was spent at Allanton on Thursday on the occasion of a social and presentation to Trooper B. Cullen, who is leaving with the Seventh Reinforcements. The chairman (Mr Allan), in making the presentation of a shaving outfit, spoke in high terms of the men going to the front.

Prior to his departure with the Seventh Reinforcements, Trooper Douglas Reid was entertained at a social at Woodside, and was presented with a silver wristlet watch, suitably inscribed. Trooper Reid is the first from the district to enlist, and he carries with him the heartiest good wishes of all who know him.

On Thursday evening a social was held at Brighton to bid farewell to Trooper A. MTntosh, who is leaving with the Seventh reinforcements. On behalf of the people of Brighton, Mr G. C. Hunter presented him with a wristlet watch and fountain pen as a mark of their appreciation. Mr Hunter referred to the fine spirit and the sense of duty which actuated the recipient, and wished him a safe return. Trooper MTntosh suitably responded.

SOLDIERS’ WILLS

WELLINGTON, October 4. In reply to Mr Witty, in the House of .Representatives to-day. the Minister of Finance said he would confer with the Public Trustee with a view to _ seeing whether special facilities could be given to the soldiers leaving with the next reinforcements to make their wills.

RATES YEESTTR PATRIOTIC GIFTS.

WELLINGTON, September 28. The Minister of Defence was asked today by Mr Wilford whether in his opinion it was necessary that another hospital ship should be equipped and sent forward, and, if so, did ho not think it proper .that the whole cost of fitting out and equipping the vessel should bo borne by the people of New Zealand as a whole instead of the cost of equipment being borne by the more generously disposed section of the people, upon whom new demands were constantly being made? The cost should come out of the rates and taxes, and the latter should be provided by the people as a whole. In reply, the Minister said that a second hospital ship was_ necessary. The cost of chartering and fitting up the Marama, which was about 1500 tons larger than the Maheno, was being borne by the Government. As for the equipment, the Governor had very patriotically offered to lead a movement to provide all that was required by public subscriptions, and he would bo most unwilling to take away from the publio this opportunity of showing their patriotism in a practical way.

WOUNDED SOLDIERS’ FUND

OAMARU, September 50. At a meeting of the Kurow Jockey Club on Saturday it was unanimously decided to hand the whole of the profits of the meeting yesterday to the Wounded Soldiers’ Fund.

Wo have received from the High Com* missionor a letter, under date August 6, in which ho says: “I have just received a cablegram from New Zealand telling mo of the splendid contributions raised by the Otago Daily Times and Otago Witness for comforts for the wounded soldiers. I purpose devoting £1478 12s 6d to the comfort of the wounded in the New Zealand Hospital here. Later on I will distribute the balance of £IOOO in the manner I think most calculated to help our brave men. I would have given a proportion of the money to the comfort of those in Egypt, only £3OOO was raised by New Zealand for the British Red Cross Society, and on making inquiries, I learned" that the society was using lhat. money to help our soldiers in the Mediterranean. I hope my line of action will meet with your approval. I wish to express, not only my own, but the appreciation of Now Zealanders here for the good work you have done.” Wo have received from the Union Steam Ship Company a cheque for £5 18s 2d, representing sums collected on the company’s steamers for the Hospital Ship Fund. Last week’s sale of pincushions, organised by Miss J. Reid, was so successful, it is satisfactory to learn, that the sum of £2O was cleared for the benefit of the Wounded Soldiers’ Fund. Every available article found a ready purchaser, and many more could have been disposed of, so excellent was the demand.

BELGIAN RELIEF FUND.

THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES LIST. Previously acknowledged ... £23,531 2 9 T. G. Secular, monthly contribution 20 0 0 St. Hilda’s College, September contribution 5 16 0 Employees at Ross and Glcndining’s clothing factory, sixth contribution 3 3 0 “M. 8.,” monthly contribution * 10 0 Total ... £23,561 1 2

LEATHER WAISTCOATS FOE THE TROOPS.

We have received the following' subscriptions to a fund for supplying leather waistcoats to the New Zealand troops in accordance with Lady Liverpool’s appeal:— Previously acknowledged £l9O 10 5 F. Taylor ... 10 0 “E. 8.,” Clydcvalo ... ... 011 0 Total ... ... .it ..I u. £192 1 5

RET) CROSS FUND.

W AIM ATE, September _ 28. By the Timaru Savages’ entertainment and fho sale of a flag in aid of the local Rod Cross Fund last night £725 was raised, including £605 for the flag itself. This brings Waimate’s Red Cross total to £3250. INVERCARGILL, October 1. The Southland Frozen Meat Company has donated £5lO to the Wounded Soldiers’ Fund and £3OO to the Allies’ Relief Fund.

SECOND HOSPITAL SHIP.

At a mooting of the Executive of the Taieri Red Cross League it was decided that the league use the money now in hand (£34 15? 2d) to buy equipment for tho second hospital ship.

PATRIOTIC FUNDS. WELLINGON, October 4. The following amounts have been received by the Under-secretary for Internal Affairs for the several funds mentioned Belgian Relief Fund, £156,262; Now Zealand War Relief, £7881; No. 2 New Zealand Hospital Ship Fund (No. 2), £4087; Serbian Relief Fund, £1014; Montenegrin and Serbian Joint Fund,, £2611; war expenses account contributions, Now Zealand Hospital Ship Fund (No. 1), £49,025; Machine Gun Fund, £33. PRESENTS FOR SOLDIERS. SAMPLE PACKET RATES. WELLINGTON, October 3. By arrangement with the Postmastergeneral of Egypt, Sir Joseph Ward has provided means of sending Christmas comforts and presents to the soldiers in Egypt, provided the whole package as prepared for the post does not exceed the weight of 11b. H<f will accept at sample packet rates packets containing art cles of saleable value addressed to soldiers in Egypt. The sample packet rate is Id for the first 4oz and gd for each additional 2oz. VARIOUS CONTRIBUTIONS. WELLINGTON, September 29. A little time ago the Minister of Defence sent £SOO to Malta for comforts for sick and wounded New Zealanders. (The amount was made up by amounts taken out of the funds subscribed by a number of societies, said the Minister to-day. The funds would not last for ever, and if tnerc were other societies which would like to contribute ho would be only too glad to pay it over to the Secretary for Internal Affairs for the Sick and Wounded New Zealanders at Malta and Egypt, or elsewhere. It was very difficult, said the Minister, to say how much had been sent to England from New Zealand for the sick and wounded, as people wore sending direct to the High Commissioner, of which no record was held here. We had sent to the High Commissioner from the Treasury between May 28 and September 14 the sum of £3746 10s, for comforts, etc. There had also been sent £l5O for tobacco, papers, etc. The contributors of the largest sums were:—The Wanganui Citizen’s Committees, £650; Hon. C. J. and Mrs and Miss E. L. Johnston. £250; Otago Daily Times collections, £2478 12s 6d; Winton Patriotic Fund. £25; Wyndham PatrioticFund, £100; Master ton Poor of Great Britain and Belgium Relief Fund, £65; Hastings Red Cross workers, £100; Hon. John Fisher. £42. Among the donors of a total sum of £640 O.s 6d for the wounded men in Egypt and Malta, were the Hon. J. Allan £25, and the Lawrence Patriotic Committee £l4 10s 6d. The Milton District Ladies’ Patriots Committee forwarded to Miss Downie Stewart, secretary of' the Otago Ladies’ Executive, yesterday morning the sum of £127 11s 7d, collected in response to its anneal for the Leather Waistcoat Fund. The Milton Committee forwarded at the same time four waistcoats already prepared, and for the Lady Liverpool Fund a case of comforts for "our soldiers, comprising 185 pairs socks. 54 balaclava caps. 38 pairs cuffs, 8 ambulance n-ghtslurts, 37 button bags, 1 sponge bag. 15 mufflers, 19 face cloths, and 3 singlets. Of this consignment the following articles had been prepared by the pup-ls attending Toko High School 26 pairs cuffs, 3 balaclava caps, 11 pairs socks, 15 mufflers, 9 face cloths, and 3 singlets. N.E. YALLEY WOMEN’S PATRIOTIC ASSOCIATION. GARDEN PARTY. To recognise the laudable patriotic efforts of the pupils of the North-East Valley School, and at the same time provide the means for obtaining further supplies of material for them to work with, the executive of the above association arranged a garden party, which took place in the grounds of the president (Mrs Jas. Samson) on Saturday afternoon. The function proved in every way a great success, the weather conditions being Very pleasant and the attractive grounds gay with flowers and bunting. Numerous games and items of interest to the young folk had been arranged. The local school band, under Mr Abernethy, made its first appearance at a function of this kind, and performed very creditably. Later in the afternoon the George Street School Band, which had been doing duty elsewhere, came along to show its practical sympathy and interest in its neighbouring school. The attendance of adults and children was very large, and the members of the executive were kept very busy in catering to their needs. The various stalls and refreshment rooms soon had their stocks reduced. Among the special visitors were some of the returned soldiers (who received a warm greeting), and Miss Carson (the school children’s queen). Hearty cheers for the kindness and consideration shown to all by Mr and Mrs Samson were given before the gathering dispersed. PORT CHALMERS WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION. The Port Chalmers Women’s Association varied the weekly work meeting in a practical and pleasant manner last Thursday. They held a “ gift day ” for the boys at the front. The public responded very liberally, and there were great accumulations of chocolate, cigarettes and tobacco, cocoa, concentrated soups, soldiers’ writing cabinets, note paper, billies packed full, baking powder, shortbread in tins, cheese. The pupils of both the local schools brought a large number of gifts. In the evening there was a good attendance of the public, and a musical programme was presented, under Miss Schnack’s direction. T AIERI WOMEN’S PATRIOTIC ASSOCIATION. Mrs A. F. Quelch presided over a meeting of this association on Tuesday, Sept. 28? There was a good attendance. An additional £SO was voted for the Soldiers’ Leather Waistcoats Fund, making a total of £62 10s to date. A quantity of material was distributed, to be made up for Rod Cross purposes for the second hospital ship. The result of a canvass of the town and district was reported to have totalled over £IOO, while many had promised monthly contributions. CREW OE THE NEW ZEALAND. CHRISTMAS GIFTS. It is understood that the executive of

the lady members of the Otago branch of the Navy League purpose sending through the High Commissioner (Hon. Ik Mackenzie) a Christmas box to each of the crew of H.M.S. New Zealand. The gifts will take the form of those comforts and small luxuries that will bo most appreciated by the men. The executive have set out to raise £IOO, and have, without difficulty, already received the greater portion of this amount. Any w T ho wish to participate in this appropriate and timely recognition of the services of some of the men now on guard in the North Sea may forward their cheques, etc., to Mrs W. E. Edmond or Mrs Aufrero Fenwick. It is intended to remit a bank draft about the middle of October. JOTTINGS. At the meeting'of the Ashburton Borough School Committee on Monday night, the head master (Mr G. Schneider) reported that 80 ex-pupils, three ex-masters, and one assistant master had joined the colours to fight for the Empire. Of this number 10 have been killed in action and 19 wounded. The eon of a Napier resident, writing to his father from London, where he is in training with the Royal Field Artillery, says:—“There arc 25 second lieutenants m our lot, amongst them men from Patagonia, Vancouver, Australia, Bombay, Penang, India, New Zealand, Ottawa, and South Africa.” Mr T. Clark, of Eskdale, has (says the Napier correspondent of the Dominion) given a motor car costing £750 to bo disposed of bv art union an connection with the Hawke’s Bay patriotic Imperial pageant. At the annual meeting of the Now Zealand Society of Accountants on the 28th ult., a resolution was passed (says the New Zealand Times) empowering the council to donate up to £SOO, if necessary, for patriotic purposes. \ Corporal Phil. Bennett, D.C.M., formerly of the" literary staff of the Wairarapa Times, who was recently wounded at the Dardanelles, has received an appointment in the Records Department of the Imperial War Office in London.

Private Arthur Wagstaff, reported killed in action, and Private A. G. IBurns, wounded, were previously on the reporting staff of the-Timaru Herald. The military authorities have decided to appoint a chiropodist to Trentham camp feir the duration of the war. In addition to his professional duties, the officer will _be required to give a certain amount of instruction.

A curious coincidence is pointed out in the letter of a Napier boy home (says the Telegraph). He says that they are endeavouring to take Achi Baba (the big hill which commands Chanak). It is going to be a difficult job for this reason; Some years ago Sir lan Hamilton himself planned the fortification of the hill for the Turks—and he did it thoroughly. Now he sees himself set the task of undoing what he once built. It wiU be done, but the opinion is expressed that it will be a painfully long process. The offer of the services of Dr N. H. Prior, of Mastertoir, as a member of the Medical Corps of the New Zealand Forces, has been accepted, and he will leave with the 7tn Contingent. The Rev. Father M‘Mona min, brother of Mr M'Menamin, of Feilding (says the Star), is amongst those on board the troopships bringing invalids from Egypt. His Excellency the Governor has received information by cable (says the Wellington Times) announcing that since the last report 2719 sick and wounded men have been dealt with on board the hospital ship Maheno. Advice has been received in Christchurch that Dr Irving, who went Homo for war service, has been and has accepted, an appointment in the Netley Hospital (Ist General Hospital), England. The Rev. C. Houchen, the back-blocks missioncr in Taranaki, has been appointed Anglican chaplain to the next reinforcements. A young Englishman who is employod within a few miles of Waipiro Bay has decided to enlist and “do his little bit.” Ho previously, however, wrote to his people, and in deference to their wishes is going Home to join (says the correspondent of the Gisborne Times). The old people incidentally state.; “ Those Australians and New Zealanders get too hot a time at the Dardanelles.” A corporal in the Mounted Brigade Headquarters, who returned from the front in the Tahiti, and who was reported in the press to have been wounded, states that he was not wounded, but returned invalided. The statement that he had been wounded, he says, was made without his authority, and would, he said, create an altogether wrong impression among his comrades, whom he was going to rejoin as soon as ho was fit and well. Mr J. H. Board (cricket coach), who has arrived in Napier from England, says the Mother Country undoubtedly recognises the seriousness of the present great conflict. The women were playing a very important part, £*nd were relieving the men as ticket collectors, tram conductors, car and ’bus drivers, and in various other ways. There are plenty of returned wounded men to be seen all over the country, and all appeared anxious to get back to the front to “ get some of their own back.” Most of the sporting fixtures had been cancelled—there was no cricket or football (except among the school teams), and very little horseracing. Trooper Ben Hamilton, who returned to Otautau from the Dardanelles on Sept. 28, has been discharged from further service owing to the state of his health (says the Standard). While at Gallipoli he had several startling experiences, once when in an advanced position on _ picket duty_ being shelled by British cruisers, but, with his comrades, escaped the projectiles by socking refuge in a dug-out. Trooper Hamilton is of the opinion that it _ will be next to impossible to proceed with a winter campaign on Gallipoli. The warfare is all trench fighting, and when the torrential rains come the trenches will become waterraces, and will bo untenable. Lieutenant N. M. Weir, N.Z.5.0., who took part in the landing at Gallipoli, and after three weeks’ fighting was invalided homo by the Willochra, has recovered, and left Christchurch on the 4th to take up duties as commander of Group 10, Timaru. Mr G. C. Paterson, of the Postal. Department, Wellington, has just received news of the death of his youngest brother, aged 18 years, who was killed in Flanders. Deceased left for the front in May last, and was serving with his regiment, the Gordon Highlanders, at the time of his death. Corporal W. A. Bccchc, of tho Australian Medical Corps, writing to his brother in Waihi, mentions the heavy losses suffered by his battalion. Out of 1 ICO men Jess than 200 remain. Corporal Becche was Invalided to Egypt about two months ago.

and at the time of writing was on duty at the Mena Convalescent Home, Cairo, but expected to return to the front at any moment.

The Rev. Clement Houohon, vicar of To Kuiti, has been appointed chaplain to the Expeditionary Force, and leaves Trentham. Mr Houchen has been a Territorial chaplain since 1908, and holds the rank of captain. Letters received in Wellington from the nursing sisters who loft in the Hospital Ship Mahono, show that the sisters had a busy time on the voyage to Egypt. The letters, written off the coast of Arabia just, before the steamer reached her destination, show that the nurses thoroughly enjoyed their short stay at Colombo, and have spent their spare moments aboard the ship m instructing the orderlies in first-aid, padding splints, and preparing dressings for the operating theatre. Lieutenant Phillip Uron, son of Mr P. Uren, of Parnell, who loft Now Zealand as a trooper with the 11th North Auckland Mounted Rifles, and was later promoted, is now lieutenant in the Ist Lancashire Fusiliers, 86th Brigade, of the famous 29th Division, which was recently badly cut up in the Dardanelles fighting. Writing to his father on August 9, Lieutenant Urcn said he was vyell, though ho had lost 16 of his men by the explosion of one shell. A PLUCKY ACTION. A plucky action by Trooper J. Forbes, of the 12th Squadron of the Otago Mounted Rifles, is recorded in one of the orders issued bv Lieut.-colonel Bauehop, C.M.G., commanding the rifles, just before his death. In orders h*i specially commends Trooper Forbes for h> prompt help to a comrade on sth July. The facts were that a trooper of the 7th Squadron was wounded in the log, and was crawling for shelter along the river-bed. Learning of his predicament, Forbes immediately rushed out of shelter, and helped along the wounded man under fire. Before cutting cover, unfortunately, another shot struck the man already wounded. and killed him in Forbes’s arms when within two or three yards of safety. “ I was wild with the Turks for firing on a wounded man,” says Trooper Forbes, in a letter to his mother. Trooper Forbes has a brother residing in Wellington. A DISAPPOINTED RECRUIT. One of the keenest of the 53 recruits who attended the medical examination at the King Edward Barracks on the 28th alt. was Mr J. J. Giaham, Mayor of Woolston, who desired to go away with the artillery branch (says the Christchurch Press). Mr Graham was, however, unable to pass the sight tost, and he was placed among the “unfits” on that account. Speaking to a reporter afterwards, Mr Graham said that he enlisted because he considered his country needed him, and he was keenly disappointed at being unable to get away. He was particularly anxious to pass the medical examination, as he had a brother going away with the Ninth Reinforcements, and ho had hoped to go with him, but the eyesight test had been his undoing. While Mr Graham was speaking to the reporter, one of the defence officers came up and told him that ho could have a certificate stating that ho had enlisted and failed to pass the test, but Mr Graham refused the certificate. “ I have done mv best to get away,” ho said, “and I arn extremely disappointed in being rejected, but I’d rather not bother about a certificate. I knew my eyesight was not too good, but I had hoped to slip through in spite of it. However, they've turned me down, and I suppose that’s the end of it.” AMERICA’S ATTITUDE. The Rev. Doan Tubman, of Timaru, who has just returned from a trip to America, told a Post reporter that, as far as war sentiment was concerned, public opinion was overwhelmingly in favour of the Allies, but as far as taking active co-operation in the war, he found that America was for keeping out of it. Wherever he went he found that America did not want to interfere in Mexico nor in Europe. He considered that President Wilson was acting in the right way by confining American activities in relation to the war to diplomatic and moral pressure. Americans realised . that Roosevelt as President meant war. PRISONER IN AFRICA RELEASED. Mrs J. Hislop, of Napier, has recently received a cable from Windhoek, German South-West Africa, notifying her of the safetv of her brother, Mr C. J. Smith, formerly captain of the old Ranfurly Rifles (says the Hawke’s Bay Herald). Mr Smith has been in German South-West Africa for some years, and this is the first communication that has been received from him since war broke out. News was received towards the end of last year that he .was on a diamond field near Conception Bay at the end of August, and later that he was in the hands of the German authorities and in good health. Two days after the arrival of Mr Smith’s cable a letter was received from him stating that at the time of writing ho was a prisoner of war in the interior of the country for -the good reason that ho had made attempts to escape when interned nearer the British linos. Ho was evidently among those who wore released on the surrender of the Germans to General Botha at Windhoek. LOSSES"IN THE WAR. The Missionary Review of the World (published in Now York) furnishes a table of the total losses in the war up to June 1, as compiled from Red Cross statistics. “Losses” embraces killed, wounded, and prisoners;— Germany 1,572,000 Austria 1,225,000 France 2,116,000 Britain 433,000 Russia 3,485,000 Total ■ ... 8,831,000 A reasonable comment upon this table is that it is too obviously one-sided, the Allies being represented as having lost considerably more than double the losses of the Central Powers. deadly” bomb" work HOW THE MOUNTEDS WERE CUT UP. In a letter to his father, Mr W. J. P. Boulton, New Zealand Shipping Company, Christchurch, Trooper Clive Boulton (Wellington Mounted Rifles) states that he was wounded on August 9.

I was in the big fight round Hill 971, he says. Our regiment was well cut up, and there were very few who weren’t hit. A lot of the chaps were hit with bombs, and there were many arms and legs lying about. Our captain had his leg just about blown off, and a captain out of A Squadron had his foot blown off. The Turks seemed to havo an everlasting store of bombs, and in one place • our chaps had to leave the trenches for the time being. The New Zealand and Australian divisions suffered very heavily. The “Tommies” lost heavily, and so did the Ghurkas. I got a shrapnel bullet through the top of my right arm, but it is healing up well. I was booked for Lemnos, but they were full up there, so we left on Tuesday night for Alexandria, and we arrived in port on Thursday at midday, so we didn’t do badly. About 30 were buried at sea. The sumo thing happens on all the hospital boats. Wo arc at one of the Australian hospitals, just outside of Cairo. Our own hospital at Abbasioh is full. When wo arrived hero there were about 1500 .in the. hospital, but a good few have been sent to the convalescent camp at Mona. Writing to his mother about the Wellington Mounted Regiment, Trooper Boulton says; “ Most of our lot were either wounded or killed. Wo will have to bo reorganised, because there are no officers left. The Auckland Mounteds received a hotter time than wo did, because they only had about 25 who weren’t hit. There seem to be a lot of arm and leg wounds.” HIGHLATOSMD ISLANDS RELIEF FUND. The hon. treasurer (Mr J. D. Cameron) of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland Relief Fund acknowledges receipt of the following additional donations:—Previously acknowledged, £386; collected by J. M‘Laueh!an, £23 9s; collected by Hugh M'Kinnon, £27; Lower Shotovor Carnival, £2O; collected bv A MTvor, £l7 6s; Otago Highland Club, £7; P. Reid, £5 ss; Thos. Houston, £5; J. M‘Donaid, £5; J. Ritchie, jun., £3 Os 6d; Dunedin Highland Pipe Band, £4 10s; Dr Fleming, £3; Dr M'Kcllar, £2 2s; Win. Sutherland, £2 2s; A. MTnnes, £2 2s; D. Young, £2 2s; Mrs W. Armstrong, £2; D. M'Alhster, £2; J. and A. M‘Taggart, £1 10s; John Malcolm, £1 Is; Robertson and Co., £1 ss; J. K. Macfie, £1 Is; J. G. Paterson, £1 Is; Mrs Passmore, £1 Is; J. W. Brown, £1 Is; J. Lang, £1 Is; J. A. M'Kinnon, £1 Is; Miss Mathesou, £1 Is; J. Simpson, £1; E. Cameron, £1; Peter MTntyro, £1; Miss Scully, £1; Alex. MacVean, £1; E. Hcp-bui-n, £1; D. R. Gibbston, £1; Angus MTvor, £1; Mrs Dodd. £1; Miss J. Angus, £1; Wm. Angus, £1; Wm. Morrison, £1; Colin Aitchison, £1; Angus M'Mullan, £1; Miss T. Macphcrson, £1; A. M'Donald, £1; M. M‘Donald, £1; D. C. M'Leod, £1; J. Thomson, £1; A. Kennedy, £1; A. M‘G., £1; Mrs Fraser, £1; Islay, £1; Mrs R. Jack, 10s; “Friend” (Arrowtown), 10s 6:1; Allan M'Millan, 10s; A. G. M'Mullan, 10s; Miss Roes, 10s; D. L. Maxwell, 10s; A. M‘Donald, IQs; M. Munro, 10s; D. M. Stewart, 10s; M. Ross, 10s; Miss M'Laring, 10s; A. Sutherland, 7s 6d ; collected bv D. R. Gray, 6s 6d; Wm. Mowat, ss; J. F. M‘Lauchlan, ss; M. Porriam, ss; Malcolm M'Dougal, ss; “Aseynt,” ss; “A. H. M.,” ss; “Two Sisters,” ss; D. M‘Donald, 2s 6d; Allan, 2s;—total, £567 5s 6d. TOTAL BRITISH CASUALTIES ANALYSIS OF THE FIGURES. (From Our Own Correspondent.) LONDON, July 30. The Prime Minister has submitted to Parliament the following analysis of the British casualties in the first 50 weeks of the war—namely, up to July 13 or 20. The operations in South-West Africa are excluded ; Killed. Officers. Men. France 3,288 48,372 Dardanelles 567 7,567 Other theatres 145 1,445 Total 4,000 57,384 Wounded. France 6,803 156,308 Dardanelles 1,379 28,635 Other theatres 248 3,247 Total 8,430 188,190 Missing. Franco 1,163 50,959 Dardanelles 198 10,892 Other theatres 22 641 Total 1,383 62,502 Aejiy Totals. Franco 11,254 255,649 Dardanelles 2,144 47,094 Other theatres 415 5,383 Totals 13.813 308,076 Army total ... 321,889 NAVY CASUALTIES. The naval casualties up to July 20 wore: Officers. Killed 499 Wounded 87 Missing 29 Total 615 Men. Killed 7430 Wounded 787 Missing 274 Total 8491 Naval total ... 9106. PREVIOUS ARMY FIGURES. Previous official figures of the total casualties in the British Army (not Navy) were given thus; — 13 weeks of war up to October 31 ... 57,000 26 weeks of war up to February 4 104,000 36 weeks of war up to April ll ... 139,347 43 weeks of war up to May 31 ... 258,069 It will be seen that the losses during the period from April 11 to May 31 (118,722) — 50 days—were at a much higher rate than in the more recent period, May 31 to July 18 (63,820 in 48 days).