LORD KITCHENER.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 299, 27 January 1910, Page 5

LORD KITCHENER.

GOIXC4 THE ROUND OF AUSTRALIA RAILWAY EXTENSION URGED. By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyrighi Perth, January 2<j. Lord Kitchener, speaking at a Stat< banquet, said lie had almost gone th( round of Australia. It seemed to Inn that the one great need was a system atic statesmanlike railway extension Trunk lines opening up and developing the fertile interior would stimulate population and increase the means ol defence. At present Australian expen diture on railway construction appeareo to be spasmodic as well as unduly in lluenced by purely local conditions. THE WELLINGTON MOBILISATION FOUR THOUSAND EXPECTED UNDER CANVAS. By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright Wellington, Last Night. The defence forces of the Wellington district will be mobilised at Johnsonville for inspection by Lord Aitchencr. Subject to the necessary permission he ing obtained, the site ciiosen is near the railway station. This will be convenient for the troops arriving and leaving. It is expected about 4000 men will be undei canvas. The number includes a contingent of 800 from the West Coast and Nelson, wko made special application foi permission to take part in the manoeuvres. They will be brought to Wellington by one of the Government steamers, Owing to the distance from the mooilisation centre it is still uncertain whether the Poverty Bay and Wairoa men will be able to attend eamp. In the case of the former, the cost of conveying the men from Gisborne to Napiei to take train to Johnsonville will be about £4OO, an expenditure that has' not yet been authorised. Wairoa men would have a rough ride of CO miles before they could reach a railway. The camp will be Tun on the same lines as to mobilisation, allowance, etc., as the xisual Easier encampment, the place of which it will take this year. The necessary train arrangements will be made at an early date. Care is tc taken regarding equipment, which must be complete in every particular. Applications for s'nch articles as haversacks, water-bottles and straps are to be made by the officers in sufficient time to ensure every man being provided.