WHO PAYS?

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 163, 15 August 1914, Page 12

WHO PAYS?

EQUIPMENT OF FORCE. TAX ON TROOPS. IS IT PAIE. A position which suggests some injustice has arisen in connection with the equipment of the Canterbury Contingent of the Expeditionary Force. Briefly stated, it is that the members of the contingent are being obliged to draw on their own financial resources for the equipment which they must possess. DISTRICT ORDER. : . According to a Special District Order issued by Colonel Chaffey, a copy of ,?yrhich was courteously supplied to a representative by the Colonel the men coining into camp were instructed •i;o bring the articles detailed below: To be worn: "Complete service uniform, service boots, accoutrements, . arms, water-bottle 'filled with cold tea or water, strong pocket knife, about two yards strong cord, matches and to*bacco for smokers, haversack containing sufficient cooked rations, etc., for twenty-four hours, overcoat rolled — worn if wet. As baggage, rolled in waterproof ■sheet in as small a space as possible: One double or two single blankets, dubbing for boots, empty pillow-slip, of underclothing and a shirt, pair socks, towel and soap, brush and comb, shaving material for those who shave, cleaning material for arms, few needles, pins, and strong thread, fork, spoon, plate, pannikin if no mess-tin on issue, distinctly labelled with name, company, regiment, and destination. Mounted Rifles, in addition, will parWe • with horse, saddlery complete, strong head-stall and rope, horse-clean-ing gear, nose-bag containing two short feeds, and horse-blanket. A FORMIDABLE LIST.

This is a list which impresses one as , "being extremely formidable, and if it rwere rigidly insisted on the contingent •would probably be deprived of the services of a considerable number of efficient and enthusiastic men. Though "the order is not rigidly enforced, the fact remains that it has been adhered to "by quite a large proportion of the men. have borne the cost of their own turnouts, ajid not a few liave strained - their financial resources in order to comply with the order. THE FUNDS. The multiplicity of funds—each of -which has a very commendable end to serve —may have been responsible for the neglect to appoint any committee -\yliich would attend to details of the equipment of the contingent. ■ The Patriotic Fund initiated by the Mayor distinctly not an equipment fund. The attitude of the Mayor and the Executive Committee has been that the whole cost of the equipment and dis- ' -natch of the contingent should be borne : by the Government, and that the Patriotic Fund should "be used to ensure that wounded or disabled men, and the '* dependents of men going to the- front, 'should not suffer hardship through fin- " aftcial stress. '«»»« THE EMPIRE FUND. ' '"Possibly in the first days of the receipt of funds the distinction between the War Fund and the Patriotic Fund was not sufficiently defined. The Mayor ./received instructions to pay amounts donated for equipment, etc., into the account of the Defence Department, but ljy some fatality the fund has not been V available for Colonel Chaffey to draw on, when it would be of most use. M!any of the districts are sending their men away fully equipped, free of cost to the Government and the' men themselves. .Large sums have been donated in Canterbury for this purpose, and they ought to be used in providing equipment ** for Canterbury men. Under present conditions Colonel Chaffey has to apply to : "Wellington, for authority to spend • money even for the purchase of horses. V If the fund were in charge of a local I committee it would be instanaly availj able, and could be used at the dis- £ cretion of the committee. Application ; could be made to the Department for ■ the refund of the amounts paid into its credit from Canterbury for equipment - purposes. : THE LIVERPOOL FUND. . -It will be noticed that the troopers ■ are required to find for themselves some of the articles which the ladies of Canterbury have so enthusiastically undertaken to provide. The ladies, ' however, need not be discouraged, as . their contributions are to be destributed on board the troopships, and will form a very necessary reserve / supply. > AN EQUIPMENT "COMMITTEE. •? There is a distinct need for an Equipment Committee. It could still help some of the men, and it might refund to others part at least of what they have spent. IN CASE OF UNEMPLOYMENT. LABOUR DEPARTMENT'S SCHEME.

The Department of Labour has notified the officer in charge of the local office asking him to approach the Mayor, the secretary of the Employers' Association, and representatives of the workers, for the purpose of forming a committee to endeavour to find suitable employment for any workers unemployed because of the war. It is also suggested that if such a committee already exists the local branches of the department should co-operate. In cases where local employment is not immediately available, or when any employers' needs are not adequately met locally, the application for workers is to be sent to the main office for distribution in other centres. Particular attention is requested to be given to those cases where temporary vacancies have been caused by workers having joined the Expeditionary Force, as in s-Jcli cases it should be possible to find employment for a time for applicants. The department is endeavouring to obtain a list from the Defence Department of the members of the Expeditionary Porce with their occupations, places of residence, and, if possible, the names of their employers. Employers of labour who have vacancies on their staffs are asked to notify the department, and applicants for work are invited to record their names, with particulars, at the branch offices. KAIAPOI. ' A PATRIOTIC GATHERING. A monstrous patriotic meeting was held last night, the purpose of which Was to organise committees for the col-

lection of money and gifts in aid of the Empire Defence Fund. At 7.15 p.m. a muster of the Territorials, Volunteers for the Expeditionary Force, Senior Cadets, Fire Brigade (in uniform), the members of the Kaiapoi Defence Rifle Club formed a procession, and, headed by the Kaiapoi Brass Band, marched through the principal streets of the town, and returned to the hall, where the largest audience Kaiapoi has ever mustered was assembled. The chair was taken by the Mayor, and the programme opened by the singing of the National Anthem, which was followed by three cheers for his Majesty. The chairman appealed to everybody to do what they could in this time of need. Addresses were given by Father Hyland and Lieutenant-Colonel Cossgrove and Captain Conlan. Nearly forty men, it was stated, had presented themselyes that afternoon for examination as applicants to be enrolled in the first contingent to be sent to the seat of war. The men selected were the cream of the applicants, and had not a blemish in them. Professor Malaquin gave a stirring address, which greatly interested the audience, and concluded by singing the "Marseillaise," the audience giving three cheers for the French. A resolution was moved by Mr J. H. Blackwell, seconded by Mr R. Wylie: "That Kaiapoi appreciates the attitude taken by Great Britain, and pledges itself to do its best to defend the Empire.'' Mr Blackwell announced that £69 6/had been promised in the audience, and altogether over £3OO was promised throughout the district. He had every hope that they would raise uie desired sum of between £SOO and £6OO. The meeting was brought to a close by the singing of the National Anthem. During the evening several patriotic numbers were rendered. A large number of citizens, headed by the Mayor (Mr J. W. Barnard) assembled to say farewell to the fifteen infantry volunteers from Kaiapoi who left yesterday for Rangiora to join the Thirteenth Regiment. The Mayor wished the men God speed and a safe return, and the train steamed t>ut amid a salvo of cheering. NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITIONARY FORCE. At a meeting of the citizens of Wellington, held in the Town Hall on Tuesday evening last, August 11, to consider the matter of providing gifts for the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, Sir Joseph Ward, as patron of the International Correspondence Schools Students' Association, intimated that the New Zealand staff and New Zealand students of the International Correspondence Schools, had requested him to offer on their behalf a 1914 model "Matchless" motor cycle, 3$ h.p. He referred to the fact that when he was in England last year he was present at a function at which the Empire students of the International Correspondence Schools • presented a Bleriot aeroplane to the British War Office. A very large number of I.C.S. students in various parts of New Zealand have joined the Expeditionary Force. THE SALVATION ARMY, The relations of many returning delegates from the Salvation Army London Congress have, in common with many others, had an anxious time. The delegates are coming back in small parties, and by various routes; some are on a German liner. The first party, numbering twenty, are due in Wellington on Wednesday, August 19. ■ The Christchurch delegates are being given a welcome tea on Thursday, August 20. In the public meeting following the tea the delegates will present their report. Prayer will be made in all Army services on Sunday for the welfare of their troops, that the war may cease, and an honourable peace secured. On Sun-1 day night, Staff-Captain Gunn will j specially refer to the Army's attitude! at this time. | PIONEER MOTOR CYCLISTS' CORPS, j Final arrangements have now been made in connection -Rath the dispatch corps formed by the Pioneer Motor Cyclists' Club. The distinctive disc to be placed on the front mud-guard of each motor cycle is now ready, and will be obtained by members at the meeting to be held in the club rooms tonight. Sample discs have been handed to the Defence authorities, and the system of dispatch work so inaugurated by the club will commence on Monday next. Each member on whose cycle the disc is attached will be at the call of the Defence authorities to convey any urgent message, or, if he has a side chair attached, to convey such Defence representative to his destination. The adoption of a specially designed disc, numbered consecutively, has been found necessary instead of simply attaching a small flag to the front of the cycle as was first proposed, owing to the club having guaranteed to the authorities tliat all members to whom a disc is issued will be reliable and capable. Colonel Cooper has already, on several occasions, requisitioned the services of the dispatch riders, and when the camp starts at Addington the motorists will be of great assistance in connection therewith. To assist in augmenting the War Fund the club are holding a monster opening day next Saturday, when the members will place their machines at the disposal of the public by giving pleasure rides, the proceeds to go to the fund. Applications to join the corps must be made to the secretary, or to Mr Angus Donaldson, Chancery Lane. In connection with the Expeditionary Force leaving the Dominion, Messrs F. N. Adams, Ltd., have donated to the authorities a Triumph motor cycle. BANKS PENINSULA. A meeting of the residents of the Akaroa County was held this afternoon at the County Council Chambers, the County Chairman (Mr J. D. Bruce) presiding over a fair attendance. The meeting was called for the purpose of collecting funds.for the Expeditionary Force. Mr Armstrong stated that the sum of £IBO and three horses had been collected in Akaroa, and that the ladies had collected £SO. Collectors were appointed to canvass the county for subscriptions. Messrs G. Armstrong and ,1. D. Bruce were appointed trustees for the moneys to be collected. A resolution was passed in favour of using the balance of moneys held from the 11 .M.S. New Zealand Fund for expenses of the Expeditionary Force. GIFTS. YESTERDAY'S LIST. Colonel Richardson, in command of the 13th Regiment, aod treasurer of Hie fund that is being raised in connection with the Expeditionary .E'orce, de-

sires to acknowledge the following promises of'contributions: — Zealandia Soap and Candle Company, Ltd., 50 boxes Velvet soap, valued at £4O. W. A. Simpson, Hillmorton Butchery, 6 hams for the rank and file. James Deans, Homebusli, 5 tons chaff and a consignment of sheep for killing purposes. W. Watson, Coalgate, 5 tons chaff. Mr Bennett, Bennett's Junction, 1 ton potatoes. W. A. Scaife, Culverden, 30 bags potatoes. Department of Agriculture, 110 bushels oats, 21 bushels barley. Meredith and Co., Waimate, 500 bales straw. The Defence Department desires that all gifts of produce intended for the use of the Expeditionary Force should be consigned to Messrs H. Matson and Co.'s Stores, Addington, the firm having generously placed their commodious premises at the disposal of the Department. Mr L. G. Blackwell, 196, Cashel Street, has placed his office at the disposal . of Colonel Richardson, whose headquarters will be there for some time to come, and all communications in connection with gifts should be forwarded to that address. SPREYDON'S ASSISTANCE. At a meeting of Spreydon residents held in the Beckenham Hall last night and presided over by the Mayor (Mr G. R. Whiting), the best means of financially assisting in the preparations for war were discussed. It was decided that the meeting should form itself into a committee for collecting funds for the alleviation of distress either at home or abroad, and for the assistance of every organisation raising funds or materials for the forces. The chairman arranged to convene future meetings of residents, and a committee consisting of Messrs Rudd, Hayes, Manhire, Sykes, Thomson and Hatfield was appointed to make all arrangements for holding a patriotic service in the Addington school grounds on August 22. Messrs W. H. Joyce and M. Woodfield were appointed honorary secretary and treasurer. KAIAPOI SUBSCRIPTIONS. In addition to the sums already reported, the following have been received at Kaiapoi:—E. E. Papprill £lO, D. Heney £5, A. G. Ashby £5, H. Mellor £5, and W. E. Parnliam £5. The Kaiapoi Working Men's Club has put up a notice of motion to give £25. Mr F. Chamberlain has undertaken to attend to the teeth of the men offering for the front, also their wives and children. A letter has been received from the Hon. R. Moore, M.L.C., regretting that he was unable to be present at the meeting an Thursday evening, and enclosing a donation to the fund of £lO. At the patriotic meeting on Thursday night, the committee elected was: —The Mayor, Town Clerk, Cr H. C. Revell, Messrs T. R. Leithead, R. Evans, H. Dixon, E. C. Pateman, E. Lord, T. Hassall, sen., James Wright, R. Evans, R. Mcintosh, W. Tait, E. E. Papprill, R. Wylie, J. H. Blackwell, J. L. Conlan, Revs. Dean Hyland, J. Holland, P. W. Fairclough, A. Laishley, Captain Hewson (Salvation Army), and Pastor J. Jones, with power to add to their number. The committee will meet on Monday at 7.30 p.m., for general business and the appointment of a secretary and treasurer. SUMNER PATRIOTIC FUND. The ladies of Sumner and Redcliffs who are working for the Liverpool Fund had their second committee meeting on Wednesday at 4 p.m. It was decided to make 60 shirts, 60 holdalls, 60 housewives, 60 handkerchiefs, and 60 cholera belts. Mr Vaughan, from Beath and Co., very kindly cut out all the shirts, and a large number are already finished. All the material for the above has been bought and paid for, and a good surplus is in the hands of the treasurer. Mrs J. D. Lawrence has given a treadle sewing machine for the working party, which is to be sold and the money given to the fund. Anyone who wishes may send donations of any kind to the treasurer, Mrs E. G. Rawnsley, Hayland Street, and the same will be acknowledged in THE SUN. The sum of £55 has been collected during this week. Miss Richards sold 16/- worth of badges at the for the deaf, and that amount has been handed in to the treasurer. The following further donations have been received: Mrs E. W. Pidgeon £2, Miss Fowler 3/-, Mrs Lee 10/-, Mrs Morley £l, Mrs McLean 10/-, Mrs Tait 10/-, Mr and Mrs P. Hill £1 1/-, Master Cowper 10/-, Mrs Inwood £1 1/-, Mrs Mullock 10/-, Mrs van Ash £l, Miss van Ash 10/-, Mrs Allen 5/-, Mrs Barber 5/-, Mrs Barlow £1 1/-, Miss 'Campbell 3/-, Mr Dorman £5. The Mayor of Sumner (Mr G. W. C. Smithson) requests the residents of Sumner and Redcliffs who are desirous of contributing to the Empire Defence Fund or the Patriotic Provident Fund to send their donations to the Sumner Borough Council office.