IN THE DOMINION

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 144668, 30 April 1915, Page 3

IN THE DOMINION

MESSAGE FROM THE KING. AVELLIN.QiTON, April 80. His Excellency the Governor received the following message from liis'Majesty the King; “I heartily congratulate you upon the Splendid conduct ( and bravery displayed by the New Zealand troops in the o#fccations at the Dardanelles, who have proved themselves worthy sons of the Empire.” His Excellency replied as follows: “On behalf of myself, the Government and people of New Zealand, I desire especially to thank your Majesty for the most, gracious message. We are all‘proud of the manner in which the Now Zealand troops acquitted themselves and eagerly look forward to hearing further details of the operations at the Dardanelles.” [This message from the Governor entirely disposes of the allegation that the authorities in AVellington have news from the front- which has not been mad^public.] CELEBRATIONS IN DUNEDIN.

DUNEDIN,, April 29. The message from the Imperial Government congratulating New Zealand on the conduct, of the trqops created the liveliest satisfaction. rings, wore hoisted on many buildings, and a large crowd assembled at the Town Hall, where the Mavor (Mr. ShackloeU) and Mayor elect (Councillor Clark), delivered short speeches appropriate to the occas’ion. In the afternoon the employees at Hillside workshops marched into the town with banners flying and met the Hon. j.'Allen on his arrival from the North. A short address wag, delivered by Mr. Alien, in which ho stated ho knew nothing'about any casualties. All lie know was that every man had done his duty to the 'King, to his country, and New Zealand. Shortly after 5 p.m, a patriotic rally was held at the Town Hull 1 steps, where addresses were delivered by Mr. Shacklock and ,the Hon. J. Allen. In the course of his speech. Mr. Allen stated that about three weeks ago our infantry left Egypt for the-Dardanelles. That had to be kept a profound secret till now. Sir. Allen added: “We have men in Egypt to take the place of those who! might be. among the casualties'. • It is our duty to fill the ranks with two men for every one killed. Wo know our duty, and wo will perform it as New Zealanders should.” Speaking at the annual re-union of the Otago branch of the National Reserve to-night, Mr. Allen paid a high tribute to the work of the staff who had been training and organising the men for the expeditionary force. The fourth reinforcement went away from New Zealand more soldierlike, bettor trained, and better equipped, and with its transports more perfect in every detail than wats the case with any one of the previous bodies that wont away. ?,Ir. Allen eulogised the services of Colonel Robin (acting commandant), Colonel Gibbon (chief of the general and Colonel Rotten (camp commandant at Tre.ntham). When Parliament met an amendment to the Defence Act would be brought down, allowing the National Reserve to become a part of the reserve of the military system. Ho did not say that it could be made a compulsory reserve, and he thought it was hotter voluntary. When the time came to discuss terms of peace ho thought the overseas dominions would have some say, Ho hoped Iho time might come when a snh-eem-mittee of' the Committee of Defence might find a place in these southern seas, with representatives of the Mother Country and of the domipions fronting on these seas.

MESSAGE FROM CANADA. WELLINGTON. April 29. The following reply has been received by the Prime Minister from the Prime Minister of Canada : “On .behalf of tho Government and people of Canada I desire to express the deepest appreciation for the message. Canada is thrilled with mingled pride and sorrow, pride in tho valorous deeds of her gallant sons, and sorrow for those who have fallen in the fight for liberty and democracy. Wp earnestly reciprocate your wish that Canadians, may yob fight side by. side

■with their New Zeskmd brothers for the, integrity of the Bmpipe, and for <rf fevinstitufions ancP'ftb- ■ Terties. (Signed). Borden.”

AN ASHBURTON FETE. ASI£fW3RTON, April :r 2o. The ’Ashburton County Belgian fete, 'organised in aid of the relief innd,.attracted about 10.000 people from all parts of central Canterbury, and. though still in progress, mayl be.stated to be a brilliant success. It was comthis morning with a raopsker procession, which included many,'f£pe spectacular displays and humorous tableaux, and which took thirty, minutes to pass a given point. Many interesting and amusing competitions were hold. Cattle, horses, etc., which had been donated to the fund, auctioned and realised over £2OOO. ' Great Hntje*est centred in the Queen,.of the Carnival competition! which had been, in progress for some weeks past, and which closed amidst • great excitement. At 3,30 the result was announced, as follows: Miss M. Harrison (Rafiaia. district candidate), 163,229 vote?;'Miss D. Wilson (Methvcn district), 150.32-1; Miss D. Keith (sports clubs'),' 101,269; Miss H. Baird (auctioneersy 89,600; Miss M. Farrell (Hinds and Mayfield districts), 83,531; Miss 'E. Fletcher (retailers of Ashburton), 45,607. Tlje total votes were 633,560, representing oyer £7900, of which Votes.representing £2700 odd were put in during tße Ta£t few minutes prior to the closing "of tlje poll. •The fete is being continued in the Domain to-night, when the crowning of the queen and a grand, concert will eventuate. It is confidently'anticipated that the total net proceeds will reach £14,000. The fete is, under the royal patronage of King 'Albert of the Belgians.

A; NEW ZEALANDER’S DEATH. ' AUCKLAND, April 29.' News has been,received in Auckland of the death of Captain H. J. J. Walker, son of Mr, and Mrs. Henry. G. H. Walker, of Eemuera. The text of. the telegram from the' Secretary "of State for War is as follows:—“I deeply regret that Captain Walker, Ist Royal Warwickshire Regiment, was kilted in action on April 23. Lord Kitchener expresses sympathy.” Advice was' received on January 22 that Lieutenant AVaiker had been promoted to the rank of captain. His name, was mentioned in dispatches the following mpnth for. “gallantry and distinguished service in the'field.” Captain.AYalker was 25 years.of age. DEARTH OF~A TROOPER. - WELLINGTON, April 30. The Defence authorities haye been advised of the death of Private Eugene Tangney, 86th Southland Company, Otago Infantry Battalion; main .hqdy' of the.’expeditionary force, qh:'April 2b, from pneumonia. His next or kin is Miss Mary Tangney, of - Good Shepherd Convent, Mt. Mardela, Hallsweß, Christchurch.' He was 25 years of age. ’ , CONVALESCENT HOMES AVAILABLE. ‘ DUNEDIN, April 80. Rhodes informed a reporter today that there would be no difficulty in the'matter of providing adequate accommodation for convalescent, troopers who may return from the front in the near future, the Government, having received several offers of private residences." ' ■ ' "d" ’"' Jl