THE EMPIRE'S CALL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3334, 6 February 1918, Page 38

THE EMPIRE'S CALL.

HEW ZEALAND'S RESPONSE

DEPARTURE OF THIRTYSIXTH REINFORCEMENTS. On the sth the Thirty-sixth Reinforcement draft left by special train for the training- camps in Wellington. The reservists from Group 16 (South Otago) paraded at Milton headquarters on tho 4th, and were entertained during the ovening at a social function by members of St. John's Club. The following is the nominal roll: Allan, M. H., Ratanui (ambulance). Andrew, D. A., Roxburgh. Atkinson, F. A., Tuapeka Mouth. Beattie, J. A. Tapanui. Bissett, J. F., Kaitangata. Brown, D., Crookston. Coghill, H. V. R, Milton. Brown, J., Raurekau. Cooper, W. D., "Waikoikoi. Crawford, S. N., Tapanui. Dallas, C, Te Houka. Dimmock, J. M., Lawrence. Donaldson, A.,. Roxburgh. Dunn, W. S. E., Kaitangata. Elliott, T. W., Balclutha. G-illiand, C. D. Miller's Flat. Heckler, W. M., Warepa. Houston, W., Roxburgh. Kirk, A., Heriot. Latta, S. R. L., Houipapa. Laverty, E., Taieri Beach. M'Donald,- R. J., Heriot. M'Ewen, J., Stirling. M'Leary, A., Popotunoa. Matheson, D., Balclutha. Melton, C. W., Clinton. Moncur, W. C. C,' Heriot.' Nichols, R 8., Lawrence. Powley, R., Clinton. Quin, P. V., Tapanui (ambulance). Rekowski, F., Raurekau. Robinson, A., Lovell'e Flat. Rogerson, H. T., Clinton. Russell, F. A., Waihola. Stapley, G. E., Clydevale. Setel, G. C, Kelso. Sutherland, G., Miller's Flat. Thomson, W. M., Kaitangata. "VVightman, C, Waitahuma Gully.

UNMARRIED MEN

ENTER CAMP IN FEBRUARY AND MARCH. WELLINGTON, January 30. The Defence authorities have decided that only unmarried men will go into camp during February and March. No married men of the Second Division will enter camp before April.

THE SECOND DIVISION

WELLINGTON, January 31. Now that the A men of the Second Division are called up the B men are naturally anxious to know when they are likely to be required. No definite information can be given to them, btit the Minister will make a statement on the .subject in the course of a day or two.

Tho policy of the department and the Minister regarding this and similar questions has been a wise one. They have preferred to keep silence rather than to tell tho Second Division men that they would not be needed by any date while there_ remained a possibility that this date might have to be advanced. In the statement that the Minister will make he will almost certainly follow the same conservative rule and mention a date which cannot be advanced, and which may be postponed. On the figures revealed it would appear that he may say that .the B men should be prepared to go into camp in August, but it is understood that there is more than a possibility that they may not be called into camp for a month or two later. It is explained that the arrangement to postpone the calling to camp of married men involves no discrimination between First and Second Division men. The position is that there are in hand married men of both First and Second Division. . None of these will be called up before April 4,_ and they may not all be required then, this depending upon the number of vacancies "to be filled.* If they are not all needed, the First Division men will be drawn upon before the Second Division men. The men affected include such Second Division men as had volunteered for service since October 29, and were under orders to go into camp before April, and a good number of married men who, by date of marriage, are technically First Divisioncrs. When found desirable to reduce the number mobilising the department has decided that it is best to cut out the married men as a. whole. This provided a very simple method of selection, and provision is made for those to go into camp who would be under hardship through postponement.

GOING TO THE FRONT

A very enjoyable basket social was tendered to Mr Wm. Morton by the residents of Mount Cargill on January 25 on the eve of his entering camp. Mr 0. Lockwood, on behalf of the residents, presented the guest of the evening with a wristlet watch, suitably inscribed, and wished him Godspeed and a safe and speedy return. Songs and recitations were contributed by Mrs Macdonald, Miss M'Callum (2), Green (2), Lockwood and Wright, Messrs Hyslop, Lockwood, Hall, Souquet, Kay, and Leckie.

FOR COMMISSIONS

TRAINING CAMP EXAMINATIONS. Following are the names of tho candidates who passed, and tho marks they obtained, at tho special examination for first appointment to commissions, held at Trenthara Camp in December last: — Thirty-third Infantry: C.S.M. A. E. Gibbons, 1125; Sergeant W. G. Walklcy, 1070; Sergeant C. Robertson. 980; Corporal W. J Smith, 1130; Sergeant J. H. S. Brce, 920; Sergeant R. W. J. Edwards, 1045; Sergeant T. M. Gcdclis, 1005; Corporal H. Hudson. 1040; C.S.M. T. D. Adams, 1110; Serjeant A. M. Hume, 1125; Corporal R. S Newcomb, 1020; Corporal K. Rose, 1015; Corporal J. R. H. Thorp. Thirty-third Specialists: Sergeant W. Gfaradus, 1130.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE BOARD.

WELLINGTON, February 2

Regulations will .bo gazetted shortly under which the limit of assistance that may bo given to individual soldiers and their dependents by tho Financial Assistance Board will bo increased from £lO4 to £152 per annum. The regulations give still greater powers to grant assistance in special circumstances that are outside the present definitions. It is found impracticable to grant assistance for the management of businesses, but power is now given to the board to cover other necessary or reasonable expenses outside of ordinary maintenance expenses or expenses incurred in the purchase of property.

CHAPLAINS FOR TRANSPORTS.

With a view to having a chaplain on each chartered transport conveying members of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force to and from the seat of war, the following has been approved:—Six chaplains will be appointed in New Zealand on the recommendations of the heads of the various churches, and one will be allotted to each chartered transport. These six chaplains will represent denominations as under: Church of England, 2; Presbyterian, 1; Roman Catholic, 1; Methodist, 1; Salvation Army, Congregational, Baptist, or Church of Christ, 1. On arrival in England or Egypt these " transport" chaplains will bo interchanged with chaplains of their respective churches who haTe served, or who may then be serving, at the front.

BACK FROM THE WAR

ARRIVAL OF ANOTHER DRAFT. AUCKLAND, January 31. A hospital ship arrived this morning with 388 invalided men, including 18 officers and ono nurse . There are twenty-eight cot cases in the contingent, reduced from 225 at the commencement of the voyage. Two hundred men sustained severe Igj and arm wounds, about twentv having lost the use of one limb. Ten have lost the use of one eye. Pulmonary afasea, totalling 40, predominate amongst the sick. Two deaths occurred on the .voyage Lieutenant H. Sanson (Royal Flying Corps) died on Januarv 11. His father resides in Hawke's Bay. Private G. Martin, of Temuka, died this morning. Both were buried at sea. . The men were welcomed by Sir J. G. Ward and the Mayor (Mr Gunson). The nominal roll of those returning contains the following- Otago and Southland names: Lieutenant William Wilkio Connor, carpenter (Mrs E. Connor, 78 Main road N.E. Valley). Sergeant Peter Stewart Anderson, law clerk (Mrs S.. Anderson, 32 Duke street, Dunedin). David Richard Archer, miner (Mrs Rosina Smith, 37 Gladstone road, North-East Valley). James Beck, horse trainer (Mr Jas. Beck, Wairio). Robert Burns Binning, shepherd (Mrs B. M. Binning, care Mrs Neil, 34- Forbury road, Dunedin). Douglas Percy Blaikie,, buttermaker (Mrs A. Blaikie, 156 Elles road, North Invercargill). Charles Arthur Brook, labourer (Mrs 11. Brook, Highcliff). Robert Buchanan, sawmiller (Mrs Jane Buchanan, 186 Esk street, Invercargill). Sergeant James Alex. Brown, labourer (Mr James Brown, Waianiwa). Sutherland Campbell, motorman (Mrs Mary M'Kenzio, Jessop street, S. Oamaru). William Cassin, horseman (Mrs J. Cassin, Dipton). Harry Coombe, farm labourer (Mrs H. Coombe. Wairio). John 'Cosgrove, chaffcutter (Mr Matthew Cosgrove, Lochiel). Hugh Craig, blacksmith (Mary Craig, Waitahuna). Robert Miller Davis, Sergeant Instructor (Mr W. A. Davis, Waronui). James John Dillon, farmer (Mrs S. Dillon. St. Bathans). William Duthie, farmer (Mrs P. Duthie, Mataura Island). Sergeant Hugh Osborne Findlay, chemist (Mr &. Findlay, 49 Gala street, Invercargill). John Donald Forbes, bookseller (Mr J. A. Forbes, Gore). John Somerville Fotheringham, farmer {Mr John Fotheringham, Lome). Roland George, gold miner (Mrs Elizabeth George, Home Valley, Naseby). James Francis Gilbert, draper (Mr Robt. Gilbert, Robinson street, Rockyside, Caversham). Alexander Gilmore, grocer (Mrs Hannah Gilmore, Mosgiel). Corporal Alan Douglas Gunion, clerk (Mrs E. Gunion. Maori Hill). Percv James Guyton, masseur (Mrs Emily Guyton, St. Clair). William Henderson, farmer (Mrs A. R. Henderson, Kennington). Alfred Harry Hogarth, draughtsman (Mr William Hogarth, Dipton). Lachlan Jamieson, soap worker (Mrs Sarah A. Jamieson, 67 Queen's drive, Dunedin). Richard Seddon Johnstone, coach driver (Mr W. E. Johnstone, carrier, Riverton). Robert Key, rouseabout (Mr H. G. Key, Lumsden). Arthur Little, farmhand (Mrs Grace Little. Outrani). William M'Clelland, miner (Mrs George, Winton). Angus M'Coll, motor mechanic (Mrs A. M'Coll, Pennant street, Kaikorai). Albert M'Donald, hairdresser (Mr J. M'Donald, Cromwell). Roderick James M'Donald, labourer (Mrs R. M'Donald, Clifton), Frederick G. M 'Knight, farmer (Mrs Donald Nicolson, jun., Glen Ida, Oturehua) . Charles William M'Noe, farmer (Mr J. M'Noe, Merino Downs.). John Shennan M'Phei-son, grocer (Mrs Mary M'Phcrson, Mosgiel). Thomas Francis Mackie, boatbuilder (Mrs E. Mackie, Carey's Bay). Robert George Marson, farmer (Mr G. Marson, Drummond). John Hercules Martin, labourer (Mrs H. Martin, Coal Creek Flat). Thomas Daniel Joseph Menzies, fireman (Mrs Hannah Menzies, Bannockburn). David Miller, labourer (Mr Bob Miller, 68 Stafford street, Dunedin). Edwin Mounteney, brass polisher (Mr L. Mountoney. 57 Hanover street, Dunedin). Albert Martin Murcott. railway cadet (Mrs Elizabeth Murcott. Hampden). Lance-corporal John Winter Nicolls, farmer (Mr J. Nicolls, Oamaru).

Francis Robert Noster, car mechanic E. Foster, Bathgato road, South Dunedin). John Charles O'Brien, machinist (Mrs A. O'Brien, George street, Dunedin). Patrick O'Connell, clerk (Mrs M. Ross, 3 Magnetic street. Port Chalmers). Lance-corporal William Alfred Orr, farmer (Mr Alfred Orr, Balfour). George M'Grcgor Pye, labourer (Mrs E. B. Page, 327 Leith street, Dunedin). James Joseph Randall, tailor (Mrs V. Randall, Milton). Arthur Reid, labourer (Mrs C. Reid, 82 Dundas street, Dunedin). Alexander Riddle, factory hand (Mr Hy. Riddle, Balclutha).

William Robson, surfaceman (Mr Win. Robson, Ribble street, Oamaru).

Andrew Sarginson, farmer (Mr J. Sarginson, W T aimahaka).

Francis Shanks, carpenter (Mrs M. A. Shanks, 407 Moray place, Dunedin). Thomas Alex. M'Donald Shearer, Salvation Ar/ny officer (Mr John C. Shearer, Waimatuku). Arthur George Smith, painter (Mr Wm. Smith, Country road, Kirkland Hill, Kaikorai Valley). Sergeant Reuben Stewart (Military Medal), compositor .(Mr James Stewart, Powana road, Georgetown, Invercargill). Forrester James Styles, labourer (Miss J. Styles, Mosgiel). Corporal Robert George Tall, miller (Mr A. Ij. Tall, 604 King street, Dunedin). John Taylor, labourer (Mr R. B. Taylor, Opoho road, North-East "Valley). William Stewart Taylor, labourer (Mrs K. Taylor, Otara, Fortrose). James Thomas, driver (Mrs S. Thomas, 22 Harrow street, Dunedin). Charles Turner Voight, engineer (Mr J. O. Voight, Pukerau). Vernon Waite, labourer (MrsW. R. Waits, Tapanui).

Corporal George Douglas Wakelin, clerk (G. Wakelin, 4 Dumblane street, Roslyn). Robert Alexander Wyllie, ironmoulde* (Mrs A. Wyllie, 416 Castle street, Dunedin).

HOSPITAL SHIP AT PORT CHALMERS.

The hospital ship which arrived in Auckland last week, bringing book a full load of invalided soldiers, reached Port Chalmers at an early hour yesterday morning, and~was berthed at the wharf at 6.30 a.m. Major Hiokev, Captain Myers, and Captain Dobson, of the local headquarters staff, and Captain Bone, of the St.-John Ambulance* Association, superintended the arrangements for disembarkation. There were 67 men altogether to be landed here, and, with the exception of tho few cot cases, they caught the 7.9 a.m. train from Port Chalmers, .i.nd the majority of them, were subsequently put aboard tho north and south expresses for their final destinations. Of the 19 men for Dunedin, Privates Shank 3 and Fol/herinpfham are cot cases, and Corporal Tall, Gunner Murcott, and Private Reid are in patisnts at the Hospital. There are two other cot cases —Private Robson and Rifleman Macdonald—for the Invercargill Hospital. Tho cot cases did not get away from Port Chalmers with the early train, but were brought on to town at noon. Tho others were met by motors to take them to whatever .part of the city they wished to go. On tho outward trin the patients generally benefited in health, the 250 cot cases taken on board in England being reduced to 25 by tho time the boat arrived in New Zealand. Two of the returning men, however, were unable to pull through, and succumbed. Lieutenant H. Simpson, R.F.S., died on January 12, and Private E. Marton on January 50, both being buried at sea. SOLDIERS SENTENCED. TWO TO HARD LABOUR. ♦ The findings of district courts-martial, hold at Trentham Camp on January 21, 22, 23, and 24, having been confirmed by the commandant, have been promulgated. Private L. Clark and Private D. M. Banks, found guilty of disobeying a lawful command of a superior officer, nave each been sentenced to two years' hard labour. For deserting his Majesty's service, Private F. G. Sheargold, F Company, 33rd Reinforcements, is sentenced to 60 days' detention; Private J. M'Colgan, Details (late . 31st Reinforcements), sentenced to 90 days' detention; deserting his Majesty's services and losing by neglect clothing, equipment, and necessaries, Private A. A. Walker, Details (late 31st Reinforcements), sentenced to 112 days' detention; Private J. R. Heap, Details (late 31st Reinforcements, sentenced to 140 days' detention; Private J. T. Moriarty, Details (late 32nd Reinforcements), sentenced to 90 days' detention; Private A. M. Adams, Details (Lite 32nd Reinforcements), sentenced to 60 days' detention; Private C. J Meehan, Details (late 31st Reinforcements), sentenced to 90 days' detention; Private H. E. Maddigan, Details( late 31st Reinforcements), sentenced to 112 days' detention. In cases where-the accused have been found guilty of losing equipment, stoppages of pay to meet deficiencies have also been, ordered. All sentences have been confirmed, but mitigated so that if accused embarks for active service beyond New Zealand, upon arrival at the overseas base the unexpired portion of his sentence shall be remitted. RED CROSS SOCIETY. The Red Cross rooms (Dunedin Centre) were reopened for business yesterday. The call is sounded forth afresh to the members and tho public to rally round and provide necessities and comforts for sick and wounded soldiers from New Zealand. Unfortunately, there is no slackening of effort in the trenches, and there must be none at home. /Is any effort too great that wo can make in trying to provide some compensation, some alleviation for our men for the sacrifices they have made and are daily making? Think, for Instance, of their being waist-deep in water in the trenches, to say nothing of their enduring all the other countless hardships and agonies of war In resuming work for 1918, the committee trusts to receive the same generous support during the coming year as has been accorded in the past. The Ladies' Guild will meet on Wednesday from 7 to 9.30, and it Is hoped there will be a full, attendance of - members.