THE EMPIRE'S CALL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3304, 11 July 1917, Page 39

THE EMPIRE'S CALL.

NEW ZEALAND'S iESPOUSE

COMPULSORY SERVICE. NEW ZEALAND'S DUTY. WARNING AGAINST WEAKENING. FUKEKOHE, July 9. In alluding to the question of compulsory service at a reception to-day, Mr .Massey said that America and Canada had followed the example of New Zealand. He believed that Australia would follow that lead, in spite of the unfortunate referendum last year. Australia had done very_ well. Tie had gained considerable inside information, and without giving away any secrets, he could say that the enemy powers were weakening, both from the military and the financial point of view. They, however, had not yet reached the point of collapse, and they would last at least until the next European winter set in. "As to ourselves,'' he continued, "I hope that there will be no weakening and no slackening. Our chitto go right ahead and not - to look behind, but to press forward until a decisive victo-v and permanent peace are assured." .There would be no brighter page in British history than that which would tell of ihe magnificent response of the overseas dominions to the call of Empire in the time of her need and peril.—(Applause.) We would have to go on until the power of evil was taken away from Germany and her Allies. Anything "published in this country or in any other British dominion that could possibly bo used to influence _ the people of Germany was circulated in the Kaiser's country, and what would the German people say if they heard that the New Zealand people were slackening and desiring to with draw from the war? He knew there was no possibility of such a thing, but care should be taken to avoid: even the creation of the impression that such was the case?. In touching on the same subject at a banquet to-night Mr Massey said: "We have to go on till the end: comes. We have to see that we do not break faith with those men who have died for their King, country, and Empire." Sir Jas. Allen, also speaking at the reception, said he did not believe that there would be any slackening in the prosecution of the war, either in New Zealand or in any other portion of the Empire. America, the giant peace country, and Canada had followed New Zealand's lead in regard to conscription, and he believed Australia would also do so. Mr Massey and Sir Jas. Allen left by tonight's train for Wellington. EARL OF LIVERPOOL'S OWN. BASELESS BTTMOTT-r CONCERNING WELFARE. (FbOSI OUB Own ConRKRPONDENT.) WELLINGTON, July 8. Late on Friday afternoon an alarming rumour that the Earl of Liverpool's Own (the New Zealand Rifle Brigade) had, been very badly cut up on the Western front, for some reason or other, gamed considerable currency. The Prime Minister, however, when asked bv a New Zealand Times representative whether there was any foundation for the rumour, replied: "No! Why, my son is in the brigade. They have had their share of losses, but nothing of the sort you mention. We have no information whatever of the kind." BRAVERY REWARDED. HONOURS FOR NEW ZEALANDERS. SEQUEL TO MESSINES BATTLE. (Special from . the Official New" Zealand War Correspondent.) July 1. After the Messines battle the Field Marshal Commanding-in-Chief, under authority granted by his Majesty the King, awarded decorations to the undermentioned officers and other ranks : Distinguished Service Order—Major A. Digby Smith, Lieutenant-colonel A. Winter Evans, Lieutenant-colonel R. C. Allen, Major R. D. Hardie, Lieutenant-colonel (temporary colonel) D. J. M'Gavin. Military Cross.—Lieutenant C. Harrison, Lieutenant W. M'K. Geddes, Second Lieutenant G. R. Park, Captain E. A. Harding, Second Lieutenant R. C. Abernethy, Lieutenant F. F. Greennish, Lieutenant F. G. Massey, Lieutenant E. F. Reeves, Second Lieutenant E. Ziesler, Captain (temporary major) O. W. Williams, Lieutenant A. L. M'Dowell, Second Lieutenant (temporary Lieutenant) D. Kennedy, Second Lieutenant E. E. Lewer, Captain C. L. Knight, Lieutenant W. P. Gray, Second Lieutenant F. E. Mackenzie, Lieutenant (temporary captain) W. Watson, Lieutenant S. Natusch, Second Lieutenant J. M. Barton, Lieutenant (temporary captain) J, C. Davidson, Lieutenant I. A. Bristol. Captain O. W. Free, Captain M. J. Morrison, Captain G. C. Dailey, Captain E. F. Se-bv, Lieutenant E. V. Freed, Captain F. N, Whitmore, Lieutenant F. J. R. Earl, Lieutenant G. W. Swan, Second Lieutenant (temporary captain) G. R. Rogers, Second Lieutenant A. R. MTsaac, Lieutenant A. Melles, Lieutenant P. C. Ashby, Lieutenant A. J. Manson, Lieutenant B. Parlmes, Captain A. S. Addison, Captain W. Aitken (Medical Corps), Captain J. G. Crawford (Medical Corps), Captain A. D. Nelson, Second Lieutenant J. H. Catchpole, Second Lieutenant K. Scott, Rev. S. Parr. Bar Added to Distinguished Conduct Medal.—Sergeant H. Anderson. Distinguished Conduct Medal.—Sergeant V. R. Daw, Corporal A. E. Andrews, Cor?oral H. Muir, Corporal H. J. Jeffery, 'rivate L. S.. Williams, Sergeant Ft. T. Latimer, Company Sergeant-major F. H. Davis, Sergeant W. J. Williamson, Corporal C. Williams, Private A. Dunthorno, Company Sergeant-major T. J. Gordon, Sergeant H. Page, Lanco-corporal G. Hewitt. Sergeant J. J. Mackall, Serfoant -T H. O'Brien, Corporal D. P. Lloyd, •riva! \. J. Hammondj Private F. White, Private C. A. Fitzpatrick, Company Ser-geant-major J. C. Fothergill, Private T. Beck, Sergeant R. Corkilie, Private J. A. Dee, Private H. L. Hall.

Military Medal.— Lance-corporal J. W. Nicolas, Lance-corporal R. Potts. Major Digby-Smith is an ex-resident of Dunedin. He was employed by tho Customs Department on the wharves. It was recently cabled that ho was wounded at Messines. Captain Cuthbert W. Free is a son of Captain Free, representative on tho Otago No. 1 Military Board, and was reading for tho law when ho joined the Main Body Expeditionary Forco as lieutenant. Lieutenant" F. G. Massey is the younger son of the Prime Minister, and hadi commenced tho pactice of the law when he enlisted and left with tho Rifle Brigade as lieutenant. Second-lieutenant R. 0. Abernethy is the son of tho Rev. Mr Abernethy, of Woodvnle - . , i -r, Lieutenant G. R. Park is the son of Professor Park, Director of the Otago School of Mines. GOING TO THE FRONT. On Thursday night the people of Green Island Bush met to bid farewell to Private E, Hewitt, who is down on final leave. On behalf of the residents, Mr J. Kalie presented Private Hewitt with a wristlet watch and a set of pipes. When down on final leave before leaving for the front Privates Alf. Birchall, Wm. Stedman. and Ernest Currie were tendered a farewell at Maungatua. The chair was occupied by Mr Wm. Leask, who presented each of the departing soldiers with a safety razor as a token of esteem and to remind them" of home. The chairman wished them God-speed, a pleasant journey "to the seat of war, and a safe return to their native land. THE SECOND DIVISION. FINAL CLASSIFICATION. WELLINGTON, July 4.\ The final classification of the Second Division of the Expeditionary Force Reserve was notified in tho form of a Gazette extraordinary, which was issued this afternoon. The division is divided-into - six classes, according to the number of children, as previously announced, with the important addition of the phrase >'" for the time being." In other words, provision is made for altering the classification of the reservist in accordance with any increase in the number of his children or depletion by death. Tho Gazette also defines the position of the reservist in relation to illegitmato children, and directs that any reservist who has lost a son as a result of service in his Majesty's naval or military forces during the present war, shall have that son counted as if he had still been living. Another Gazette extraordinary was issued at the same time, making it compulsory for Second Division reservists to notify any change in condition according to the number of children. The object of this is to enable the Government Statistician to determine the classes to 'which reservists belong for the time being. DEATH OF A SOLDIER. Private William Anderson, aged 22 years,' died at the Dunedin Hospital early on Sunday morning. The deceased soldier, who was the son of Mr J. Anderson, of Ashley Downs, Waiwera, enlisted in the 28th Reinforcements, and was down on final leave at the time of his death. He left Featherston on Monday, July 2, and on his arrival at Dunedin on Tuesday night was taken ill, but feeling better on the Wednesday, be went to his home. On Friday his condition became serious, and he was brought to the Hospital. FROM THE FRONT. THE OTAGO MEN. A vessel which arrived in Auckland on the 6th inst. had on board 258 wounded and invalided soldiers. A special train left Auckland at 2.50 p.m. with the southern men, and those for Dunedin should reach here by the express on Monday night. The following are the Otago men who have reached New Zealand: Heselwood, Ernest (Mrs De Norville, Eden street, Oamaru). Grigor, Robert Renton, Lieutenantcolonel (Mrs Martha Grigor, Balclutha). Fraser. Norris Napier, Second Lieutenant (Mrs E. Fraser, Normanßy street, Musselburgh, Dunedin). m " Ibbotson. Walter, Second Lieutenant (Walter Ibbotson, Pine Hill terrace, DunJones. Victor George, Second Lieutenant (Mrs Violet A. Jones, Melbourne street, South Dunedin). Russell. Wm., Second Lieutenant 'Mrs L. Walker, Brighton street, Roslyn). Ahlfold, Albert (Adolph Ahlfeld, Dowling street, Dunedin). Ashmore, Robert Henry Wm. (Joseph Ashmoro, Owaka). Austin, Percy Campbell (D. Strang, Church street, Green Island). Begbie, Cyril (Mrs M. Begbie, Old Caledonian Hotel, Dunedin) Buchanan, John David (Mrs Agnes Buchanan, Lawrence). Fahey, Edmund Wm. (Miss _ Catherine Fahey, Waverley street, Dunedin). Gafian, James Nelson (Mrs J. N. Gallan, Preston crescent, Belleknowes, Dunedin). Gibson, Robert Charles (John Gibson. Walter street, Mornington, Dunedin). Graham, Chas. (Mrs Susan Graham, Te Kuiti, Milton, Otago). Heads, Michael (Mrs Cameron, Fox street, South Dunedin). Hill, Edward Thos. (Mrs Annie Hill, Moray place, Dunedin). Inder, Alfred (Miss Ellen Inder, Blackstone Hill, Otago). Kay, Stanley Isitt (John Kay, Castle street, Dunedin). ■ m Keith, Allan (Mrs J. Keith, North road, Oamaru). King, Thos. Miss Pearl King, Lawrence Mornington, Dunedin). Lockhart. Allan Rae (Mrs C. Lockhart, Sandymount, Peninsula, Dunedin) M'Arthur, Thos. Marr (John W Arthur, Prendergast street. South Dunedin). M'Cumm. Alex. Douglas (Mrs Neil Campbell, Beaumont, Otago). Orr Alex. (A. Orr, Ngapara, Otago). Phillips, John (Mrs T. Phillips, Evans street. Opoho, Dunedin). Sinclair, Gerald Owen (J. Sinclair, Clyde 6treet, Balclutha). Sinclair, Wm. Gordon (John Sinclair, Balclutha). , „ rt , _ , , Thomson, Boyd, Sergeant (Mrs Isabel Thomson, Belgrade orescent, Roslyn, Dunedin). THE MEN WELCOMED. AUCKLAND, July 6. Returned soldiers to tho numbeg of 258

were- welcomed by the Deputy Mayor this morning.

WAR REGULATIONS. IMPORTANT AMENDMENTS. WELLINGTON, July 9. A Gazette Extraordinary notifies that the war regulations prohibiting the publication of matter likely to interfere with recruiting or with the effective conduct of the war have been extended to tho Cook Islands. It also notifies that the regulations made on June 18 for the home service branch of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force have been amended by the cancellation of paragraph 5 and tho" substitution of the follow ing:—"Until the Minister of Defence shall otherwise direct, soldiers in the home service branch who are required for actual home service shall bo called up from those only who volunteer for such actual home service, but any person who. being liable for service under ' The Military Service Act, 1916,' has committed an offence under the said Act or the Army Act, and who may subsequently bo transferred from the foreign service branch to the home service branch of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force under paragraph 2 (b) of these regulations, may be compulsorily employed on actual home service. Volunteers belonging to such trades or occupations as may from time to time be specified by the Minister of. Defence shall not be accepted for actual home service."

ESSENTIAL INDUSTRIES. WELLINGTON, July 5. In a Gazette Extraordinary issued tonight, the manufacture and supply of coal gas for the manufacture or supply of electricity for light or power or to supply water for domestic or industrial purposes, are declared, under " The War Regulations Act, 1914," and amendments thereof, relating to seditious strikes and lockouts, to bo industries essential for public welfare. MILITARY SERVICE BOARD. AUCKLAND, July 5. Before the Military Service Board, John Anton Book, window-dresser, appealed on the ground that he was the son of imnaturaiised German parents. He was 20 years of ago, and was drawn in the June ballot. Ho was born in Ballarat, and by birth was a British subject, but naturally sympathised with his parents. He objected to perform any service against his people. The father of appellant said he was a German, and was never naturalised. Asked why he stayed in this country, he replied: " Because they won't let me out." The board decided that the appellant was a British subject. He could proceed to the camp, where the military authorities could decide what should be done with him. TWO BROTHERS ARRESTED. Two brothers, named Donald and Hugh Baxter, of Green Island, were arrested at the instance of the military authorities on Saturday night, one for failing to concentrate, and the other for failing to report for medical, examination. The men will be taken north under escort this morning. DEALING WITH SHIRKERS. WELINGTON, July 4. According to Sir James Allen, further powers are under consideration for dealing with shirkers under the Military Service Act, who fail to fulfil their obligations to their country by refusing to report _ for military duty on the dates specified by either the military authorities or the appeal boards, or who disappear from the military districts in which they reside. PROMOTION m THE EIELD. Mr Widdowson, resident engineer, Public Works Department, Nelson, has received word that his elder son, Lieutenant William H S. Widdowson, has been promoted to the rank of captain, and is in command of a trench mortar battery attached to the New Zealand Forces. He has been m France since April, 1916, at which time he was promoted to first lieutenant. He was awarded the Military Cross for conspicuous work and conduct in the battle of the Somme. His younger son, Norman Widdowson. has recovered from serious wounds, and is employed at the N.Z.E.F. Base, London, until he has fully regained his strength and is able to take up his duties at the front again. MILITARY DEFAULTERS. ORDERED TO PARADE. By Gazette Extraordinary just published the following reservists- who have been selected by ballot under the provisions of the Military Service Act for service with the Defence Forces are ordered to present themselves to the military authorities for medical examination, otherwise they will be held liable as deserters, and subjected to a charge of absenting themselves without leave: —• Bass. William Henry, marine fireman, Wharf Hotel, Dunedin. Cameron, Henry Charles, labourer, 95 Forth street, Dunedin. CampbelL Harry, cook, care of Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin. Day, Duncan, labourer, Dunedin. Donovan, John, fireman, care of Union Steam Ship Company, Port Chalmers. Findlater, Walter Ernest, painter, Elgin street, Mornington. Fowler, John, ship steward, s.s. Manuka, care of Union Steam Ship Co., Dunedin. Hollands, Charles William, cheesemaker, 102 St. Andrew street, Dunedin. Jack, David Thomas, graphophone dealer* 392 Cumberland street, Dunedin. Jamieson, Robert John, labourer, 51 Helena street, Dunedin. Johnstone, William, 21 Maclaggan street, Dunedin. Kane, Owen, marine fireman, s.s. Marama, care of Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin. Lamont, Leonard, farm labourer, care of A. Ford, jun.. Pine Hill. M'Dermott, Peter, driver, care of H. Waklin, contractor, Dunedin. M'Kearney, Michael Patrick, labourer, 21 Maclaggan street, Dunedin. M'Namara, Henry, fireman, care of Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin. Meyer, John Frederick Herman, dock labourer, 112 Moray place, Dunedin (sometime of Port Chalmers). Mills. Gordon Keith, seaman, Masonic Hotel. Dunedin. O'Donnell, James Robert, labourer, 407 Cumberland street, Dunedin

Slade, Arthur, waterside worker, 2 Broughton street, Dunedin. Wawn, William, steward, s.s. Mokoia, care of Union Steam. Ship Co., Duncdin. SOUTHLAND. Anderson, William Robert, trucker, Kaitangata. Blanks, Kenneth, fireman, Lime Hills. Bradley, Jas., fanner, Eerndalo. Cameron, Henry John, shepherd, Invercargill. Campbell, Chas., fisherman, Invercargill. Cleary, Andrew, labourer, Clyde. Creighton, Alfred Lenard, fiaxmill hano", Gorge Road. Ellis, Edwd., station hand, Avondale Station, Apio. Ellis, Fredk., labourer, Ayr street, Invercargill. Fisher, Laurie, Southland Hospital, Invercargill. Fleming, Joseph Michael, seaman, care of Huddart-Parker Company, Bluff. Fountain, Stanley Fredk., care of T. M'Kenzie, Mount Barker, Pembroke. Harvey, Christopher, labourer, Cecil Peak Station, Queenstown. Johnstone, Chas., labourer, Invercargill. Jowsey, Hughie Teruki, labourer, Ruapuke Island. Kennedy, Edwd. Joseph, asphalter, Greenvale Estate, Gore. Kirkpatrick, Thos., farmer, Wairio. Logan, Samuel Forsaith, farmer, Awarua. M'Coy. Joseph, horse driver, Lochiel. M'Donald, Alex., ploughman, East Chalton. Mackay, Dugald S'., labourer. Redan, Wynclham. M'Laren, Jas., flaxmiller, Mokoreta. M'Leod, Trevor, engineer, Invercargill. M'Millan. Henry, carter, Carriers' Arms Hotel, Dee street, Invercargill. Miller, John, mercantile clerk, 73 Bowmont street. Invercargill. Pearco, Henry, shearer, Redan. Quinn, Hugh, labourer, South Hillend. Reeves. Richard Wm., labourer. Invercargill. Taylor, John Beck, groom, Wrey's Bush. Thomson, Alex. Michael, farmer, Brydone. Wallen, Gustavus, clothier. Gore. Williams, Alfred, station hand, Mount Barker, near Pembroke. Wilson, Jas. Low. labourer, Aparima. NORTH OTAGO. Baxter, John, farm labourer, Tiroiti, Waihemo. Hore, Reuben. Stanley, miner, Naseby. Johnston. Sholtow, North road, Oamaru. Lagan. Matthew, farm labourer, Kauroo Hill. Renshaw, Wm. (Jefferson Jackson), jun., painter, Cromwell. Reid, John, farm labourer. Island Cliff. Russell. Harold John, painter, Oamaru. Sharkey, Arthur John, farmer, Gimmerburn.

SOUTH OTA GO. Anderson, Alex., sawmiller, Hinahina. Little Thos. Win., labourer, Forsyth. Phillips, Alfred, deck hand, s.s. Clyde, Balciutha. Sheath, John, farm labourer, Tapanui. The same Gazette notifies that Ernest Albert Nettleford's name was inserted by mistake in the list of April 26. The names of 16 others are included in error, some having gone into camp, and in one case the man has been on active service for about 12 months, and was killed in action about a month ago. BAG DAY. SOME REMARKABLE FIGURES. At a special meeting on Saturday gratifying reports from the different committees were handed in. The Collecting Committee mentions the following gifts : —Two thousand filled bags from one softgoods warehouse and a thousand from another; fourteen hundred - each from two well-known generous givers; a thousand from a wholesale druggist ; six others of a thousand each : enamel bath, basins, arid pumps, all to be put into bags, from a large firm of ironfounders ; large quantities of tea from Bond street; and a hearty response from all business people throughout Dunedin and suburbs. Bag Day is assuming large proportions, and Saturday. July 21, should prove memorable. The total proceeds will go to the Women's Patriotic Association. JOTTINGS. Three youths belonging to the Dunedin. military district signed on lately for active service, and have been proved to be under age. They are, as a consequence, to be court-martialled, the charge against them, being that they ma do a fake declaration. Forty-three pairs of socks were sent last week to Miss Dovvnie Stewart from the employees of the Roslyn Woollen Mills as their fifteenth monthly contribution to the Dominion Gift Parcels. Numerous letters are received every mail from the soldiers at the front acknowledging these gifts.

In connection with the formation of a branch of the Red Cross at Maungatua, a concert was held in the local schoolhouso. The attendance was splendid, and Mr R. J. Sparks presided. The programme opened with a violin and piano duet excellently rendered by Miss Ruby Harraway and Mr F. Appleby. This was followed by songs, duets, etc., by Messrs S. G. Angell, Chas. Scott, and T. R.itchie, while Mr George Mearns provided no end of entertainment with his humorous Scotch songs. Ail the performers had to respond to encores. Miss A. George and Miss Ruby Harraway proved most efficient accompanists. A dance followed the concert in Mr James Miller's barn. It is reported from The Hague that Anton Lang, who personified Christ in the Passion Vlay, has been drafted into the Bavarian army. Mr Powell, of Port Chalmers, has received word that his grandson was on board the Otaki when she was attacked and sunk by the German raider Moewe,' and that the lad is now interned in Germany. Captain Smith, of the Otaki. who was killed < in the action with the raider, was the boy's stepfather, and had taken him for a trip on the ill-fated steamer.