THE EMPIRE'S CALL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3335, 13 February 1918, Page 38

THE EMPIRE'S CALL.

HEW ZEALAND'S RESPONSE

THIRTY-SIXTH REINFORCEMENTS. ' NOW BECOME THE TIIIRTYSEVENTH. Owing to the reduction in the percentage ©f the Reinforcement drafts (announced at the end of last /year), it has been found that with the number of men in camp it is possible to form the 36th Reinforcements. The men now concentrating, who wore to have constituted the 36th draft, will thus bo formed into the 37th, and will be known by that designation accordingly. The 37th draft, which will complete its mobilisation this week, will receive the normal four months' training.

COMING BALLOT

ENSURING CORRECT CLASSIFICATION. NOTIFYING CLASS B MEN. Special stops ore being taken by the GoVwnment Statistician (Mr Malcolm Fraser) ' to ensure the correct classification of- Class B of the Second Division of the Expeditionary Force Reserve, in view of the approaching ballot. Experience with Class A men without children) has showy %hat many reservists, notwithstanding all previous notifications, have failed to supply particulars as to the relationship of their dependents (whether children or otherwise) and changes that have taken place since they filled in their original cards under the National Registration Act over two years ago. ... ,i Now the Government in the hope of obviating this, is circularising every man at Dresent classified in Class B requesting "a reply as to whether the recipient's classification is correct. Xne notice is being sent out as a postcard upon which is printed tne following information for the benefit of the _ reservist:—Class of the Second Division: Class A—Married men without children. Class B—Married men with one child. Class C—Married men with two children. Class D—Married men with thrae children. Class E—Married men with four children. Class F—Married men with more than four children. Definition of children: The children whom a reservist is entitled to count for the purposes of his classification are the following:—(1) His own legitimate children of any age; (2) his illegitimate children if ho has married their mother before May 1, 1S15; (3) children legally adopted by him befdrc May 1, 1915; (4) his step-children if he married their mother before May 1, 1915; (5) a son who has died during tht> present war whilo a member of any of hi 3 Majestv's military or naval forces engaged in uiat war. He is not entitled, however, k> count any child who has been legally a#op*#d by' any • other person nor a "_«f«j**Tted " child. Tfn» total number of reservists now classified • in Class B of the lSecoi:d Division is 20,3''j0. Printed rolls of the Second iCivision now being availably * at aIV pos'r offices, police stations., defence offices, and local bodies offices, reservists A:' who are in doubt as to how they have be.'U classified, have the means of testing thi? by examination, the rolls being open for inspection for this purpose. The letter '.' A," " B," or " C." etc., opposite each name signifies the class in which the reservist has been placed. Those men classed " B" who fail to notify changes will be kept in this class, and will have their names drawn accordingly. FIRST BALLOT FOR CLASS B. WELLINGTON, February 6. Sir James Allen announces that it is • anticipated that the various sources of supply of reinforcements, including A Class of the Second Division, will provide sufficient for the 40th to 44th Reinforcements (inclusive). These drafts will be mobilising in camp up to September next. If tliis official estimate is correct, then the first draft of B Class of the Second Division will not bo ■required to concentrate in camp until October. It has therefore been decided to hold tho first ballot for Class B reservists of the Second Division in June next. EXPEDITIONARY FORCES. NUMBER OF MEN WHO HAVE RETURNED. On Saturday night, Sir James Allen (Min- - jster of Defence) supplied our representative with the following statement with reference to the position of the officers, non-commi-sioued officers, and men who had returned to New Zealand up to January 31: Returned as at December 31; 1917 14,141 Returned during January 1,997 Total 16,138 Gazetted out and discharged, as at December 31, 1917 ~ 11,675 • Gazetted out during January, including one nurse 29 Discharged during January, Main Body and reinforcements ... ... 980 Discharged during January, Sainoan 6 Returned to duty as at December 31, 1917 1,362 Return*-:] to duty during January (57. less 3 since discharged and 1 diedj ... 53 Awaiting discbarge 309 Awaiting return to duty 67 Under treatment in hospital 287 Und--r treatment in convalescent homes 353 Under private treatment 1 Under treatment as out-patients ... 758 Sick leave 126 Special leave 0 1 Deceased as at December 31, 1917 50 Deceased during January 4 Deserted 4 In prison 3 Total " . . 16,138 1 iACK FROM PALESTINE. WELLINGTON, February 6. A draft, of 104 rnon from New Zealand forces in Palestine arrived hero to-day. Tho

forces in Palestine arrived here to-day Most of the men are for Auckland.

Out of 104 men, belonging to the New Zealand Forces in Palestine, who reached Wellington on tho 6th, 11 are for Otago and Southland. Most of the, others have their homes in Auckland. Following is a list of the Otago and Southland men: John Blair Couper, farrier, Mosgiel. Thomas F. B. Cran, hosiery worker, Glenross street, Kaikorai Valley, Robert C. Gourley, 37 Canongatc, Dunedin. Walter C. Hall, porter, Ravensbourne. David H. S. Inglis, farm hand, 45 Blacks road, North-East Valley. Eric Rouse, engineer, Port Chalmers. Thomas S. Wingfield, butcher, Mosgiel. Frank Wilfred Nicol, saddler, Saddle Hill". James N. Morton, farmer, Gorge Road. Charles L. Humphries, farmer, Tuturau. Patrick J. Dougherty, farmer, Gimmcrburn. The 11 returned soldiers whoso names appear above arrived at Port Chalmers from the north on tho Bth instant. Two of hem. whose condition of health is not good, were brought up to Dunedin by motor ambulance, and were taken to the Hospital. The remaining men, who were met at Port Chalmers by Captain Myers, came on by train, and reached Dunedin about 9.30 p.m. SEPARATION ALLOWANCE. WELLINGTON, February 11. Military General Orders state that the separation allowance for members of the Now Zealand Expeditionary Force is ablo from April" 6, 1917, to wives residing in the United States. SOLDIERS SENTENCED. Two soldiers at Trentham camp, having been found guilty by District Court-martial oi disobeying lawful commands given by their superior officers, have been sentenced to imprisonment with hard labour for two years. Their names are: —Private W. White, Details, Trentham camp; Private E. H Dowoet't, Details, Trentham camp. Another soldier, found guilty by District Court-martial of absenting himself without leave and losing by neglect his equipment, etc., has been sentenced to 21 clays' detention and to stoppages of pay. In Trentham camp orders it is announced that Private D. Hay, Details, Trentham camp, having been found guilty by District Court-martial of (1) deserting his Majesty's service; and (2) losing by neglect his equipment, clothing, and regimental necessaries, has been sentenced to imprisonment with hard labour for six months, and to stoppages of pay for deficiencies in kit amounting to £6 9s 6d. Two other soldiers found guilty of desertion and another of absenting himself without leave have been sentenced to 40 and 60 days' detention. In each of these cases, however, the sentence has been mitigated, so that if the accused embarks for active service outside of. New Zealand, then, upon arrival at the final port of disembarkation, the unexpired portion of his sentence (if any) shall be remitted, and his New Zealanu records shall be endorsed accordingly. - *Bfc OTAGO WOMEN'S ASSOCIA-' TION. Work ha 3 been resumed at the Early Settlers' Hall, and workers will be welcomed daily, except Saturday, from 10.30 a.m. There is greater need than ever for providing comforts for the soldiers who are fighting our battles, and donations of mono/ ami goods will be thankfully received. < PATRIOTIC FUNDS. BALANCES IN LONDON. - The following cablegram has been received from the High Commissioner, showing i?h,3 state of the patriotic funds controlled in London for the . benefit of New Zealand soldiers: "January 31, balances 'n hand: High Commissioner's Comforts Fund, £6232 6s 4d; London Committee, Now Zealand Red Cross Society, £30,887 18s 2d; New Zealand War Contingent Association, General Fund, Comforts £2622 3s 6d; special objects. £1059 3s 9d; Red Cross Fund, £136 14s; -it men account, £llO3 lis 7d." TAIERI WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION. The monthly meeting of the Taieri Women's Patriotic Association was held in the Council Chambers on the sth. The president (Mrs Queleh) spoke a few words of welcome to the_ members. One of tho vice-presidents having resigned, Mrs Gow was elected in her place. A large quantity of socks were handed in, representing the good work done by the mjpmbers during the holidays. It was decided to continue to donate the usual £lO to tho Dominion Parcol Fund, "and also to contribute £2O to tho Salvation Army War Fund. Numerous letters were read from tho Taieri boj's who had received the Christmas parcels which were away in August. The parcels arrived in good condition, and were very mnich appreciated. Members we're pleased to hear this, as it was their first independent effort. A donation of £2 was received for the Red Cross and £6 9s was handed in from tihree collectors. Tho meeting was brought, to a close by the packing of two parcels for tho Early Settlers' Hall. JOTTINGS. The Governor-general has directed tho enrolment of the First Division of the Native Expeditionary Force Reserve. ' A draft of 68 01 men from" Otago left for the north on the 12th s by tho express, their destination being Feathers-ton, where thoy will go into camp for training. The Taieri -Colli-D Club Committee met at Mosgiel on Saturday. 3rd, to welcome back one of its members from the front— Sub-lieutenant John Gow, son of Mr James Gow, Wingatui. The women of the Waikouaiti Patriotic Society again urge old members and tho women of Waikouaiti to assist them in their fourth year of work for the soldiers. Having secured more .-owing machines extra assistants and fresh knitters are required. Wool will be supplied on application. News has been received by a recent mail that Captain Randal Woodhouso, M.C.. N.Z.M.C. has been awarded a bar to his Military Cross for services rendered at the front in France. Captain Woodhouso, who joined the R.A.M.C. at the beginning of tho war, and has been attached for" the last two years to the Ist Battalion, Irish Guards, has been three times mentioned in despatches and thrice wounded. Private advice has been received in Ashburton that Corporal Donald V. Thcaias,

youngest son of Mrs David Thomas, Cartor's terrace, Tinwald, has been selected for a commission in the Indian army. Corporal Thomas enlisted on attaining the age of 20 years, and left with the Twenty-ninth Reinforcements. On arriving in France he was detailed to go through a special course of bombing. Corporal Thomas was educated at the Ashburton High School and Christ's College, representing the latter at swimming, orioket, and football. An absentee from Trentham Camp was arrested by the Auckland police late on the 2nd inst. in a house in Hobson street. Their first search m the rooms failed to reveal any trace of the man, but the constables were convinced that he was in the building, and they made a more careful investigation. Finally they pulled away a screen which was covering a fireplace, and by so doing disclosed a pair of feet. The soldier had secreted himself in the chimney, but evidently had been unable to pull his feet up out of sight. He was handed over to the military authorities, who sent him tinder escort to one of the forts He again made a sensational escape from his cell by bonding the stout iron bars outside 'the window. This feat of strength is considered remarkable.

PERSONAL

Mr J. E. Kennedy, of Patearoa. has received 'word that his youngest son, Gunner D. J. Kennedy, who left New Zealand with the i3th Reinforcements, has been admitted to a hospital in France with a gunshot wound in the left hand and a severe gunshot wound in the back. Flags were flown at half-mast at Port Chalmers on the 7th as a mark of respect to the memory of Private John Perry, youngest son of Mrs A. Perry, who died from wounds on January 21. Deceased was invalided, home from Gallipoli, and had enlisted a second time. He served his sailmaker's ax> prenticeship with the Union -Company at Port Chalmers. His brother is, also at the front. - Sergeant John Gilks, e'cler son of Mr and Mrs J. Gilks. Montgomery avenue, Dunedin, died from wounds somewhere in France on January 21. He was educated at the Alb?ny Street School, and) was dux in 1910. He also attended the Otago Boys' High School. After leaving school and up to the time of hs enlistment he was in the employ of Messrs H. L. Tapley aind Co. He went into camp with the Tw< nty-first Reinforcements, and left New Zealand with the Twenty-fifth Eeinfotcement3 on April 28, 1917. For a short period he was drill instructor in Sling camp. His application to be drafted over t'o France was granted, and he was drafted to the front on October 17, attached to tho ]st Otago Infantry Battalion. The deceased) was 20 years and 7 months old. The Rev. R. S. Gray has received official advice that his son (Second Lieutenant Gray) has boon awarded the Military Cross. Lieutenant Gray, who formerly secured the Military Modal, was wounded a second time on December 3, and it was probably' on that occasion that he gained his second military award. He was_ formerly in the Artillery, but is now serving in a lino regiment. Mr Gray received word recently thai his son was, on the Bth January, severely wounded, and admitted _to a hospital in France, and has not since received any word as to how he is progressing. In this case, however, no news is probably good news. ANGLICAN MILITARY •AFFAIRS COMMITTEE. The Primate, .who is unable to attend a special meeting of the Military Affairs Committee of the Church of England in New Zealand, to be held in Wellington on Friday, sends us the following summary of the_ work accomplished by the committee, which is now making a further appeal for funds:— The Church of England in Now Zealand has, through this committee, since the beginning of the war built institutes for the soldiers' use and benefit at Trentham, Featherston, Tauherenikau, and Awapuni camps, at a cost exceeding £4500; and spent £IOOO in furnishing and equipping the same. Considerable additions are now in pr-ogresa at Trentham and Tauherenikau ~to further add to the comfort and for the benefit of men in camp. Already the sum of nearly £IOOO has been" spent in supplying writing materials, books, magazines, games, and amusements for the. men in camps.

The committee supports and pays an assistant chaplain at Trentham, a Native chaplain at the Maori camp at Narrow Neck, and a lay representative (authorised by the Defence Department) who is working amongst the con-valescent soldiers at Ro'torua. Owing to the large number of sick and wounded now constantly returning, the committee has appointed the Rev. J, R. Burgin as chaplain to returned soldiers in the Auckland diocese. Chaplain Burgin, who recently returned from the front, will devote his time to looking after rpturned soldiers, visiting them in hospital, looking after their interests, and assisting them in every way. The committee has supplied the men leaving for the front with Testaments and Prayer Books at a cost of £350, and over £420 has been granted to chaplains on transports to bo spent on comforts for the men during the voyage. Two thousand eight hundred and fifty pounds has been remitted to England for providing recreation huts and other purposes to benefit New Zealand soldier 3 at Sling camp, at Brockenhurst, Hornchurch, and Walton-on-Thames Hospitals, and at Etaples, the ba3e camp in .France. These funds are disbursed by the London representatives of this committee. The Church Army in England snent last year £400,000 on bur soldiers,_ £30,000 of this amount being in the provision of freo stationery for the men using its huts on every front. A FINE RECORD. " In placing 'this case before the board I think it is one of the finest examples of self-sacrifice they will ever have had before them, and it is certainly the best I have heard," said Mr Eustace at the Military Service Board sitting at Invcrcargill on" Thursday, when urging 'the case of Harry Leslie Barnes, of Invercargill. In a written statement appellant said that he was 30 years ' of age. single, and had been a farm hand in the Otago district for six years. His father was 67 years of age, and resided in Victoria. He had five brothers, all of whom enlisted voluntarily—four from Australia and one from New Zealand. Of these, four of his brothers had been killed in action —namely, Privates Herbert Barnes, George Barnes, John Barnes, and Edward Barnes. His remaining brother (Alfred Barnes) was still at the front. He also had three stepbrothers, of whom two had voluntarily en-

listed, and one of whom (Peter Fulwood) was accidentally killed at tho first port of call on his way to the front. The other (Private Joseph Fulwood) was wounded, aud the appellant was uncertain whether ho had yet returned to the firing line. Ho had one remaining step-brother (William Fulwood), who was a married man with a family living in Melbourne. He himself voluntarily enlisted as a member of the 7th Reinforcements, and was turned down by one doctor, then went to seo another doctor, and was passed. However, he _• took ill, and was compelled to withdraw his enlistment. He was drawn in the sixth ballot, classed as C2, was medically re-ex-amined by the C2 Special Medical Board in December last, and classed CI. It is his father's wish that he should appeal owing to tho great sacrifice 'the family has made. A copy of the Melbourne Herald of April 24, 1916, was produced in' support of his statements. The chairman of the board (Mr H. T. Widdowson, S.M.) said that the record of tho family was a magnificent one, and he had much pleasure in congratulating Mr Barnes on behalf of himself and the board. The appeal was adjourned sine die.

AWARDS AND DECORATIONS.

NURSES DECORATED. (Fbom Oob Own Correspondent.) LONDON, October 30. The services of the following New Zealand nurses and V.A.D. workers in Great Britain have been brought to the notice of the Secretary of State for War:— No. 1 New Zealand General Hospital, Broekcnhurst.—Sisters R. G. Fanning, S. J. Harris, A. C. Inglis. and E. M. Livesey, Staff Nurse L. R. Gordon-Boyd, Miss A. M. Herbert, Mrs E. W. Stewart. No. 2 Now Zealand General Hospital, Walton-on-Thames.—Sisters G. Calder, M. L. Christinas, E. B. Young, Staff Nurse E. G. Hanan, Mrs M. Bayly, Miss D. Bowden, Miss L. Jamieson (probationer), Miss L. Monckton, Miss E Nicholls, Miss J. Thomson. No. 3 New Zealand General Hospital, Codford.—Staff Nurses J. Brown and M. Wright, Miss M. Welsh. New Zealand Convalescent Camp,.Hornchurch.—Sister T. Butler, Mrs M. Buck, Miss M. Mendelssohn. A day or two later the following decorations were announced: Royal Red Cross, First Class.—Miss Hester Maclean, matron-in-chief, N.Z.A.N.S. Associates) Royal Red Cross, Second Class. —Convalescent Hospital, Hornchurch: Miss Oprah B. Anderson, matron. No. 1 New Zealand General Hospital, Brockonhurst: Miss Isabella Scott, sistcr-in-charge,. No. 2 section. No. 2 New Zealand General Hospital, Walton-on-Thames: Sister Mary B. Benwick, Sister Louise M. Bird, Miss May Chalmers (sister-in-charge_, Oatlands section),' Sister Mary Grigor,. Sister Isabella M. M'Rae (assistant matron), Sister Gladys M. Me'therell, Sister Edith Poppelwell, Sister Edith L. Wilkin, Sister Kate E. WrightNo. 3 New Zealand General Hospital, Codford : Sister Edna Pengelly. In addition, Miss Winifred L. Fry (Auckland), who has been at the 2nd Northern General at Leeds for two years past, and Sister Kathleen E. Wallis (Gisborne), who has been at the Ist London General for two years, are awarded the Royal Red Cross, Second Class. The following arc the acts for which the officers mentioned were awarded the Military Cross: Second Lieutenant Norman Fenwick Little, Infantry.—" For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in leading his platoon. Though he had a very short time in which to make his arrangements, his coolness and quick grasp of the situation enabled him to carry out his allotted task with efficiency and complete success. He maintained excellent control over his men, and set them a very fine example of courage and leadership. He personally killed several of the enemy, and obtained identifications." Captain Henry Dolphus M'Hugh, Cycle Corps: —"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when constructing a tractor. He completed his work with the utmost efficiency and thoroughness, afterwards giving valuable assistance to another officer. His exceptional coolness under fire set a splendid example to the whole of his battalion." Second Lieutenant Cuthbert Hargreaves Taylor, Infantry.—" For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. lie led his patrol with exceptional ability, and completed the task entrusted to him with thoroughness and rapidity. He has «n all occasions shown himself tb be a leader of men, and by his coolness and vigorous energy has set a splendid example to hif) platoon, especially at times when casualties were heavy and their task a difficult one." Second Lieutenant Thomas Lindsay Ward, Infantry.—" For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. With a comrade, he crossed a river by a damaged enemy pontoon, entered a villago occupied by the enemy, reconnoitred, and then entered ail enemy dug-out, where he captured three prisoners and brought them back to our lines. The same night he led a patrol along the river bank, and brought back a valuable report upon the state of the bridges. The extreme fearlessness and initiative which he displayed during both of these operations were responsible for llTuph valuable information being obtained." Second Lieutenant Edwin Royden Wells, Mounted Rifles: —"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in loading his party through heavy shell-fire in an attempt to gain information. Finding it impossible to take his men further owing to. machine gun f\re, he went forward alone, gaining valuable information, and by his fine leadership and good judgment finally withdrawing his troops with very few casualties."

The Distinguished Conduct Medal was awarded to Sergeant C. N. Devery, 10/1466: "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in leading his company in an attack. Ho established two posts and defended them against counter-attack in overwhelming force. Just before withdrawing ha successfully made his way through heavy barrage with an order from his Company Commander to the supports. He set a brilliant cxa-mple of gallantry and determination." Private M. Vestey, Infantry, 10/4215, received the Distinguished Conduct Medal: — " For . conspicuous gallawtry and devotion to duty in charge of a Lewis gun team. Left alone with the gun. ho dispersed an enemy attack single-handed, inflicting many casualties upon them. By hi* coolness and great gallantry ho undoubtedly saved the lives of his comrades, besides most effectively holding up a counter-attack at a critical moment. Ho set a splendid example of devoSSq to duty,,'*

The D.O.M. has been awarded to a New Zealander serving in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers—No. 18999, Sergeant W. A. Thomas; also to the following members of the N.Z.E.F.:—Sergeant J. A. Barr, Cavalry, No. 7/659; Sergeant J. Cusack, Infantry, 24/1635; Lance-sergeant S. C. Foot, Infantry, 10/2878; Squadron Sergeant-major A. Martin, Mounted Rides, 7/90; C.S.M. W. M'Kean, Infantry, 11/1570- Private D. Murphy, Infantry, No. 29449; Sergeant S. S. Pennefnthcr, Infantry, 10/1318; Private J. E. Ryan, Infantry. 10/3994; Sergeant L. Strachan, Mounted Rifle Regiment, 11/557. The following New Zcalanders have received their decorations from the King, at Buckingham Palace :—CM.G. and D. 5.0.: Lieutenant-colonel F. Symon, N.Z.F.A. M. 0.: Major William Aitken, N.Z.M.8.; Major Aubrey Short, N.Z.M.C.; Major W. Wray, Infantry; Captain J. Martin, Captain G. Bailey, Lieutenant Stanley Natusch, all N.Z. Infantry; Lieutenant W. W. Cook, N.Z.E.F. and KF.C.

THE ROLL OF HONOUR, (Fbom Oub Own Cobbesfondbnt.) LONDON, October 30. Lieutenant Oliver Wakefield, of the Household Battalion, who was killed 'in action on October 12, was a son of Mr E. Wakefield (formerly a member of Parliament in New Zoaland and nephew of Edward Gibbon Wakefield). Lieutenant Wakefield was killed in the attack near Poelcapelle. After an awful night the battalion went over the top, and were advancing with very little opposition. Lieutenant Wakefield and Captain Cazalet were' discussing the situation and getting the men together when a heavy German shell came over. Lieutenant Wakefield remarked: " It's got me,'' and then fell over, and never regained consciousness, his steel helmet having been pierced and his head crushed. His battalion commander, writing to Mr Wakefield, says: —"Your son was one of the bravest men I ever met, and a great example to others. We feel his loss enormously, and his men were devoted to nim." His company commander says: —"lt was indeed a privilege'for me to have in my company one who, in every respect, was the personification of the highest type of English gentleman. As young as I am, I was able to appreciate his exceedingly great unselfishness, combined with a tremendous sense of humour." His adjutant says: "He was quite the straightest person I have ever met, utterly fearless, and loved by officers and men alike." Mr Wakefield has also received a letter of sympathy from the King and Queen. Lieutenant Wakefield was born in Wellington, and received his first education at Wellington College. He served in the Boer war with the C.1.V., and was very badly wounded. Returning to civil life, he studied for the Church, and before the war was for three years one of the Archbishop of Canterbury's commissaries in Western Canada. When the war broke out he offered his services as a soldier, and received his commission in the 7th Hussars, from which he was transferred to the Life Guards; and later to the Household Battalion, which lost 600 men in the battle of Arras, in which Lieutenant Wakefield was wounded. The death took place on October 16, on service, of Lieutenant Malcolm B. Beattie, Royal Berks Regiment, son of Mr Cyril R. Beattie, of Palmerston North, and nephew of Mrs George Hines. Lieutenant Beattie, who was 21 years of age, was educated at Huntley School, Marton, and Wanganui, and he came to England to take his medical course at St. George's Hospital. He was commissioned to the Royal Berks last March, and in August he received the Belgian honour of Chevalier de l'Ordre du Couronne. During his career at Wanganui Lieutenant Beattie was a keen cricketer and footballer. Second lieutenant C. E. Collins Morgan, M.C., N.Z. Infantry, Napier, who died from wounds received on October 5, had only recently gone back to France after shortleave, during which he had married Miss Lilla Smeeton, younger daughter of Mr and Mrs J. Smeeton, Sheen Park. Lieutenant O. D. Nichols, East Surrey Regiment (Oamaru), who had been attached to a trench mortar battery for a long while, was hurt on October 8. His dug-out was shelled, and collapsed, and he sustained injury to his ankle. Lieutenant Nichols is in London, and is able to be out now. Captain P. R. Woodhouse, M.C., R.A.M.C. (Dunedin and Wellington), has been "wounded while on duty, with the Irish Guards, to which ho became attached last March. Captain Woodhouse has seen considerable war service, and was mentioned in Sir D. Haig's despatches of June, 1916. In the early days of tho war he served with a field ambulance. Captain A. C. H. Millar, M.C., of the "Yorkshire Regiment, is reported killed; Ho arrived in England to offer his services in July, 1915, and was awarded, the Military Cross in June last. Miss Ella Kate Cooke, an Auckland nurse, who has, been on military duty with the Q.A.I.M.N.S. for two yca»s and a-half, is reported to have been instantaneously killed at Alexandria, Egypt, while on active service. Miss Cooke was the youngest daujrhter of tho late Henry Cooke, of Auckland, and was on the staff of tho Napier Hospital before leaving- for tho war. She served for some time in France before going to Egypt.