THE EMPIRE'S CALL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3292, 18 April 1917, Page 37

THE EMPIRE'S CALL.

NEW ZEALAND'S RESPONSE

TWENTY-THIRD REINFORCEMENTS. WFiSTPORT, April 16. The Acting Prime Minister has received advico that the first portion of the 23rd Reinforcements reached a certain port on the due date, all well. SICKNESS IN CAMP. WELLINGTON, April 16. Major-general Henderson states that three cases of diphtheria have been discovered among the 28th Reinforcements at Trentham One patient came from Auckland, one from Wellington, and one from Dunedin. All are progressing favourably. A case of meningitis developed among the 27 th s at Tauhercnikau. The patient is an Otago man 45 years of age. He has been in camp for three weeks. The case is not a severe one, and the patient is progressing favourably. « GOING TO THE FRONT. On Easter Monday the Waikouaiti Hall was the scene of a. farewell to several men on final leave, Corporal Wm. Brown, Privates Wm. Lea and H. MTDougall being presented by Misses Foclor and Dunbar, on Behalf of the Women's Patriotic Association, with money belts. Privates A. Hallett and W. Tippit were not in Waikouaiti, and their belts were forwarded to them. The Mayor (Mr G. Kerr) and the Rev. Messrs Orchard and Neale were the speakers, and Private Lea responded for the men. A number of men on leave-Lance-corporal Geo. Townsend, Privates W. Hallum, P. Toomey, M. Byrne, W. Gilchrist, and others —spoke highly of their camp life. A very-pleasant farewell social was held at Waitahuna on Tuesday, 10th inst. Mr A. Murdoch presided in the absence of Mr F. Whelan (chairman of the Patriotic Committee), who w"as indisposed. The object of the entertainment was to honour Privates J. Ryan, W. Matheson, and S. Drummond, who will leave with the 25th Reinforcements. On behalf of the residents of the district, the Chairman presented .each soldier with a revolver. Short patriotic speeches were delivered by Mr A. Murdoch, the Rev. J. S. Ponder, and Mr J. Edie (Lawrence). The speakers wished the men good fortune at the front, a successful campaign, and a safe return. PROMOTIONS TO COM- , MISSIONS. WELLINGTON, April 12. The Acting Prime Minister (Sir James Allen) says that the suggestion has been made that promotions to commissions at the front were not always made on merit. He had made careful inquiries, and as far as he could gather appointments were made on merit.. He did not want parents to thinkthey could help their eons by applying for them. That could do no good. NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. WELLINGTON, April 10. The system by which non-commissioned officers are selected for the successive drafts of reinforcements in camp has. been altered recently. Hitherto it has been the practice to select from the voluntary recruits offering sufficient of the best men to supply the whole draft with non-commissioned officers and to put these men through an intensive course of training before the arrival In camp of the untrained recruits. Suitable men were invited to the class, and admission was granted on the recommendation of the officer commanding the district to which the applicant belonged. There were obvious objections to this system in its application to balloted men, because the officer commanding the district could never take notice of any but volunteers, and it has been the policy of the authorities to draw no distinctions, between volunteers and conscripts. This preliminary selection has now been abolished, and the non-commis-sioned officers are to bo selected in camp. " We are taking no more probationary non-commissioned officers into camp now," said the Minister of Defence, explaining the matter yesterday. " All the men are coming into camp equal, and we are making the choice in camp of the men most suitable for the special training class. The selection is to be made not on the recommendation of the officer commanding the district, but on the merit of the man himself. There are so few commissions being granted now in New Zealand, owing to so many being given to men promoted at the front, that we have come to the conclusion that it is best to bring them all in and give everybody an equal chance, balloted men and volunteers alike. Merit will bo the only deciding factor, and the man who can show to the training staff that he has capacity will get promotion." BACK FROM THE WAR. AUCKLAND, April 10. A steamer which arrived to-day brought 123 officers and men returned from active service. There vfere no cot cases. The Mayor met the returned men on the wharf and accorded them a formal welcome home. ARRIVAL AT DUNEDIN. A number of invalided soldiers reached Dunedin by the first express from the north on the 12th; all being convalescent. There wore about 20 men in all, nine being for Dunedin, one for Kokonga, three for Invercargill, one for Stirling, one for Port Chalmers, one for Hcriot, one for Bluff, one for Winton, one for Lawrence, one for Gore, two for Mataura, and one for Palmerston. The men came in charge of Major Fleming, and were met at various points along the lino by relatives and friends, many more meeting them on the train reaching the Dunedin Railway Station. There was no formal reception on the men alighting from the train, but the Mayor (Mr J. J. Clark} was present in his official capacity. The names of the returned men have already been published. MAIN BODY MEN. APPEAL FOR CONSIDERATION. "T am sorry to see that the Government

has consented to the formation of an additional' New Zealand Infantry Brigade at tiio front, because I believe that a better use could have been made of accumulated reinforcements," said, a returned soldier to a Dominion reporter. "Does anybody ever give a thought to tho Main Body men, who fought 'through Gallipolj, faced the Germans on the Somme last year, and are still within the sound, of the guns, with hearts weary for a holiday amid familiar scenes and friendly faces? There arc hundreds of those fellows, who have 'stuck it' right through, and if we have a surplus of reinforcements why not give them a real spell, even a trip back to New Zealand?

"I know how those Main Body men feel, because I have" been with them. Lots of them arc very tired—mentally tired. They would wish to be in it when the war' ends, and if the finish is coming this year my suggestion is no good. But if tho war is not going to end this year, then New Zealand ought to say to every man who has had, say, two years' service: 'Come home for a spell, and we will send a fresh man'to take your place.' "I remember reading a letter from one of those veterans last year. He had been right through the Gallipoli campaign, except for a brief spell in hospital. Then he went to France with the New Zealand Division and fought there. This is what lie wrote: —

" T seem fit enough, and am glad to be on the job, but I would dearly like a rest from it all—just a rest from the strain and the effort. I never knew what nerves were before, now I am nervy, and just a bit depressed. . . I wonder if some of the chaps I used to know in the good old days in New Zealand are coming along to take our places for awhile.' "Well, nobody took his place. He stayed at tho work in spite of the weariness, and he was killed in action after two years' hard service. It seems to me that man ought to have had his holiday, and I wish New Zealand would realise that there are lots more like him! with the New 1 Zealand Forces at the present time. They have done more than their share already." MENTIONED IN DESPATCHES Mrs Verne Hargreaves, of Weston road, Chrietchurch, has received advice from London that the name of her brother —Second Lieutenant Norman Cunningham, of the Royal Field Artillery—has appeared in the New Year's honours list as mentioned in despatches for distinguished field service (in tho battles of Oombles and Morval). Lieutenant Cunningham is the youngest son of the late Mr Peter Cunningham, of Merivale. All .Mr Cunningham's sons have enlisted. One has been in Gallipoli, one in Mesopotamia, and one in France. Miss Cunningham -is doing war work in England. She has been for the last year a forewoman in Woolwich Arsenal. GALLANTRY REWARDED. ' An interesting account is given of the incident by which Captain Gordon Guthrie, of Havelock (Hawke's Bay), won for himself the much-coveted distinction of the Military Cross. His company had cleared 15 German trenches on the western front, which they found occupied by elderly men and quite young boys, and had returned to their own quarters, when Captain Guthrie, with an undefinable feeling that something remained to be. done, went back alone, and found himself face to face with a. big German officer wearing the most gorgeous uniform he had ever seen. Then ensued a combat worthy of homeric days between these two big powerful men. Captain Guthrie is 6ft 2in and weighs 16st (haying developed wonderfully on active service), and his antagonist was of similar proportions. The German aimed a tremendous blow, which nearly crumpled his opponent's hejmet in two. Then they closed, and a terrific struggle for, mastery began, each exerting all his strength. Finally, however, the superior strength of .the New Zealaiider triumphed, and he was able to despatch his dangerous opponent, who, from the richness of his accoutrements, was evidently an officer of rank. _ Captain Guthrie is at present engaged in France training non-commissioned officers for commission; but he is anxious to get back to the front, where, to use his own expression, he wants to " get mad " for a few minutes again.

PRISONER IN GERMANY. Private advice has been received by Mrs W. Bloomfield, Gisborne, to the effect that her son, Flight-commandeer W. S. R. Bloomfield, has been officially reported a prisoner of war in Germany. Flight-commander Bloomfield was reported missing early > in March. Commander Bloomfield at one time resided in Auckland. When war broke out ho was at Home studying architecture, and he enlisted in the Royal Flying Corps. Shortly before falling into the enemy's hands ho was promoted to flight-commander. FUNDS FOR FIELD WORE. WELLINGTON, April 12. The Salvation Army and Y.M.C.A., who have asked most of the war relief bodies to help their field work, have again appealed to the Wellington body, the execu-. tivo of which has now decided to get legaf advice as to whether it can contribute to such undertakings. SECOND DIVISION LEAGUE. TIMARU. April 13. The executive of the Canterbury Second Division Leaguo has drafted its platform and proposals in regard to pay _ and pensions. The platform is non-political, and the league will help the Government to carry out the military Acts and endeavour to secure adequate pay, allowances, and pensions for all soldiers and dependents and co-operato with other leagues. The proposals to be to a general meeting include the following:—The pay of a privato to be not less than 7s 6d a day and Is separation allowance for wife and Is 6d for each child from the day of enlistment; a pension of not less than the soldier's pay in service for total disablement ; the amount of the death pension, plus £1 a week for partial disablement, to bring the income equal to that for total disablement; the Government to pay soldiers' obligations as defined in the regulations of January 16, 1917, not exceeding £2 per week. Membership of the league is open to all people over 21 years of age.

PERSONAL. Mr and Mrs Jas. Smith, of Port Cliatmcrs, have received word that their son, Albert, was killed in action on March 13. Tho deceased enlisted in Australia ovor a year-

ago, and leaves a widow and two children. Much sympathy is felt for the paroiits, wlc recently lost their daughter (Mrs Campbell). Another brother is now serving at the front.

Private cable advice has been received that -Captain W. F. Tomlinson, of tho Iloj'al Engineers, has been severely wounded in France. His injuries include a fractured jaw,*, and the loss of a leg. Captain Tomlinson, who is a Dunedin boy, and an old Otago School of Minos student, went early in tho war from copper mines in Central Korea to England to enlist. Cable advice has been received by his relatives that Private Victor James Quolch has received injuries in battle which necessitated the amputation of his left arm. Ho is lying in Walton-on-Thames Hospital, England. He loft wth the Canterbury Mounteds from Timaru, where he was on the staff of John Edmond and Co for some five or six years. He served with this firm in its Dunedin office prior to going to Timaru. He took a prominent part in harriers and boating. Dr Stuart Moore, director of the Gymnastics and Massage School at the Dunedin Hospital, has accepted an offer to join the Expeditionary Force in tho capacity of specialist in gymnastics and electrical treatment. That his knowledge and services in this department' will be of paramount importance to wounded soldiers and those racked by the stress of active service conditions is obvious. Dr Moore is under orders to leave Dunedin in a few days.- jr WOMEN'S PATRIOTIC ASSOCIATION. A correspondent writes: "Our boys at the front have shown their appreciation in many ways when receiving gift parcels from their relatives and friends. By the last mail two'letters were received by the writer from Dunedin boys now somewhere in France thanking him for parcels they received. ' Dear , It was very thoughtful of you to remember me by forwarding such a splendid parcel. I must say it was perhaps the best selected of all tho 16 parcels I received for Christmas. My word 1 I was prime favourite with the boys for a whde.' The other letter ran: ' Dear , Just a few lines before we go oh the move forward. I must thank you kindly for the beautiful big parcel I received a few days ago. By jove 1 it's a treat to get a parcel of that kind—'things I was really in need of.' 1 would like to mention that these parcels were made up, prepared, and posted to the front by the Otago Women's Patriotic Association, and I think a-word of praise is dua to these ladies, who are giving their best in making up articles of all descriptions, ready to be sent away. Help them hi then- great work in providing these comforts, and the more parcels they can send away the happier these ladies will be." OVERSEAS CLUB,- OAMARIL Since tho annual meeting, which was held early in March, the work of the women's branch has gone steadily forward. Articles of equipment and Lady Liverpool dominion parcels goods were forwarded to the Early Settlers' Hall on March 9, and again on April 13. The articles of equipment comprised 6 dozen each of the following: —pairs of hand-knitted socks, pairs of mittens, balaclavas, scarfs, handkerchiefs, and service bags. Tho dominion parcels goods, valued at £4O, included handJmitted bocks, handkerchiefs, muslin shirts, pencils, and Condensed milk. Two cases of goods donated by the Enfield Committee were forwarded, and contained milk, cocciy- dates, raisins, chocolate, etc /■ The following clipping from a Vetter just received from France will be of interest: "I have had quite a lot of par/els lately—two lots of Lady Liverpool parcels, both from Auckland, one for each man, and very good ones, too. Everyone was very pleased with them."

v RED CROSS SOCIETY. Saturday being the first anniversary of the Red Cross stall, a special effort was made by the ladies in charge, with the kind assistance of the Head Masters' Association and the co-operation of the school children of Dunedin and suburbs, which resulted in the sum of £llO 8s being raised, bringing the total for the year to something over £6so—a credit to all concerned. These ladies—Miss K. M'Lean, Mesdames M'Master, Black, Oldham, Cheeseman, Fairbairn, Misses Samson, Graham, and Campbell, assisted by Lieut.-colonel Strong and Mr R. Conn—have managed the Red Cross stall successfully for the past year, every penny made being handed over by them to aid our wounded soldiers. iSvery second Saturday in the month, wet or fine, these ladies are to be found at Jacobs's Corner working for the soldiers. The amount of work undertaken is immense—collecting goods, cooking, transport, selling, all undertaken smilingly and willingly by this small band of workers in a great causo. When asked on Saturday '. Aren't you tired of it?" they all replied as one "No! This is our bit to help win the war." A special word of praise is due to the school children who each contributed an egg to be sold for the benefit of our soldiers, the total number of eggs gathered together by them being 252 dozen. The thanks of the community are due to the children for their splendid effort. The committee in charge of the Red Cross stall desiro to offer their sincere thanks to all who have so generously given produce, flowers, etc., during the past year, and to the public who have supported tho stall so nobly; and to the many others who, by doing "their little bit," have helped to make the stall the success it has undoubtedly been._ 'The following money donations are included in the total:—Mr W. F. Edmond, £2O; Mrs F W. Mitchell, £5 ; Mrs Stuart Holmes, £1; Mr Stuart Holmes, £1; Mr H. R. Law, £lj Mrs George Roberts, £1; Mrs Lusk. £1; Mrs Colquhoun, £1; Mrs H. L. Ferguson, £1 j Mrs A. Jones, 2s 6d; Mrs Geo. Moffitt, 2s 6d.