SENSATION IN WELLINGTON.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 151, 1 August 1914, Page 11

SENSATION IN WELLINGTON.

FORCE OF 5000 MEN.

HELP FOB THE MOTHERLAND.

[Prom our own Parliamentary Reporter.] WELLINGTON, August 1.

A great sensation has been .caused by the Dominion's offer of an expeditionary force for service in" Europe. When all the circumstances surrounding the offer are examined, it is perfectly plain that the Government has been approached by the Imperial authorities with a view to asceitaining what help the Motherland can rely upon from the Oversea Dominions in the case of a great international conflict.

In that respect the sentence in the Prime Minister's speech to the effect that "an understanding has been come to as to the number of men to fit in with requirements,' '' is very significant. It is freely rumoured to-day that the force will consist of some SGOO men. It is understood that the Prime Min- | ister had a conference yesterday with the heads of various shipping firms on the subject of obtaining transports. It will probably be necessary to have two large ships. ■ The R.N.Z.A. are manning the foits, and all leave has been stopped, Guards are also being placed at the wireless stations, ammunition stores, etc. These measures, it is explained however, are purely precautionary, and are taken on all occasions.of a threat of war, even when much less imminent than at present.