NEW ZEALAND.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXX, Issue 9, 28 August 1914, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND.

WILD RUMORS OF DISASTER DENIED.

[Pan Pkess Association.]

Wellington, August 27

In the House of Representatives tonight, the Premier mentioned that wild rumors were being circulated as to disaster having overtaken the first Expeditionary Force. The rumors were totally unfounded. His Excellent cy the Governor was in communication with the force this morning, and the troops were well, and ready to give a good account of themselves when the opportunity offered. DOMINION FUNDS REACH OVER £113,000. Wellington, August 27.

Speaking of the Patriotic Fund in the House of Representatives to-night, the Right Hon. W. F. Massey (Prime Minister) stated that they had so far received £62,002 7s. There was promised a further £30,633 17s. Motorcars were given to the value of £6441 15s, horses to the value of £13,000, making a total of £113,000. Taking the other funds into consideration, he thought the total would shortly reach £150,000.

Sir Joseph Ward and Mr G. W. Russel expressed their warm appreciation of the splendid response by the people. “OFFICIAL” NEWS. The High Commissioner reports under date London, 27th (12.10 a.m.):— Reliable.—Four Russian armies are invading Germany and Austria. The first is in Eastern Prussia, the second in the direction of Posen, the third in Western Galicia, and the fourth in Eastern Galacia. The latter force has occupied Kopilsteza and Tarnapol.

MARTON MAN’S MARTIAL MUSIC SPLENDID PATRIOTISM.

Marton, August 28

Satherley Crozier, Marten composer, has composed and arranged for the band a patriotic march entitled “Our Empire Defenders,” which ho dedicated to the Expeditionary Forces and presented to the band accompanying the Second Contingent. Half the proceeds of the sales of the piano copies will the donated to the Patriotic Fund. JOTTINGS.

As the proceeds are to be devoted to the War Fund, there should ho a good attendance at the annual ball under the auspices bt’ the East-Road Sheep Dog Trial Club, to bo held at To Wera this evening.

A reminder is given of the two War Fund socials being given this evening—one in Mr Johnson’s barn, at Kahouri Bridge, and the other in the Tuna Schoolroom.

Several of the Temuka members of fhe expeditionary force for the front yore given an enthusiastic farewell at the ,railway istqU'W on Tuesday. Many mothers-a’lhl sisters wept (says the “Leader”), 'buffi there' was 1 one .who did not weep. \ She was the mother of Mr Dave Scott, the representative full-back footballer, one of the stalwarts ’of Winchester’s contingent. The dear old body kissed her son good-bye, and as the train was moving off she raised her arm, and looking at her son proudly, sho‘ called out: “Be a good fighter, Dave! Bo a good fighter!” Those who saw the incident and heard the brave British mother’s farewell are not likely to forget it; neither is Dave. At a meeting of the New Zealand Football Association Council, the Tauranga, Poverty Bay, Southland, and Otago Associations wrote supporting the offer of an ammunition wagon iu the expeditionary force. The Prime Minister also wrote thanking the Association for its offer.

The Taranaki Rugby Union decided last night to donate £lO to the XI. Regiment fund to provide little extras for our men in the expeditionary force. Stratford has definitely promised £25, and another £ls, if required. Taumarunui is remitting £l2 10s, and Patea guarantees its share of £l2 10s. This means that all the local committees are contributing, with the exception of New Plymouth, and £IOO will bo forwarded to-dav.

The Auckland citizens patriotic fund now totals just upon £40,000.

Aropeta Tarmumi, a farmer at Kai Iwi, has offered the use of a hundred acres of land for wheat-growing. The Wanganui Beautifying Society decided to accept the offer, and to advance £2OO for the purpose of sowing wheat, not proceeds to he devoted to the British Food Fund. The Brunner coal minors gave a day’s pay to the Patriotic Fund, and signified their intention of working on Sunday and. Saturday, if necessary, to provide coal for the Empire’s need.

The following additional officers have been appointed to the expeditionary force: —Captain W. Alderman, General Staff Officer, second grade; Captain Frank Hudson, Staff Officer, third grade; Captain M. W. B. Thoms, N.Z. Staff Corps, Deputy-As-sistant Adjutant: Lieut.-Col. J. J. Esson, Assistaht-Quartermaster-Gen-eral; Captain J. R. Henderson, No. 2 Staff Corps, Deputy-Assistant Quartermaster; Colonel W. J. Will, D.N.Z. Medical Corps, Assistant Director of Medical Services; Major A. R. Young, N.Z. Veterinary Services. The Toko Card Club unanimously decided to donate their credit balances of £3 to the Patriotic Fund, and the amount has been received by the secretary.