GUARDING THE GATE.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2231, 18 August 1914, Page 6

GUARDING THE GATE.

! ' — / GARRISON GUNNERS AT THE FORTS From all accounts the Territorials on duty at the forts are having a cheerful, if somewhat strenuous, timo guarding tho gate of the City with their big guns leaded for instant . action. Most of the men of No. 9 Company, who were in camp at; Fort Ballance, have-been transferred to Fort Kellmrn, and the Potono gunners (No. 5 Company) are now stationed at Mahanga Boy. A number of frionds ,pf either company havo been pending along delicacies, which are greatly appreciated, and some of these delectablcs, from friends not aware of tho change of stations, have been jooeijed

(with joy) by other hands. Although the men had to go into camp on such short notice there is never a. a complaint. The camp is not without its lighter side. The "Society of tho Black Hand." 18 strong, soon sprang _ into existence. Rules were mode, and if anyone at all said 'anything to offend he was severely dealt with., "They were a wise orowd, these men," 6aya a chronicler. "Engine-drivers and electricians, and they knew a little too much. During peace one is compelled to keep the hair short and the face cleanshaven. When war is on, this is different and advantage is taken of the fact. One rule of the 'Black Hand' is that no man is allowed to shave unless he is going to town, and then the moustache must'be left. Already some of the men aro getting quite a beard. "It was decided to put electric light right through the barracks and quite a few of the men arranged light in their own bunks'. They have certainly made themselves. comfortable for some time, ivot being satisfied with these extensions they connected the door-handle, and their delight- was to see. the result when' an officer or anyone else, tried'to enter. The day eanle when the company had to divide, and those being 'transferred took their opportunity to deal a, final blow .to their friendly enemies. Feathers and straw were in great abundance, and it took a squad; of men some time to clean up the yard again., "Last Saturday a cake was left covered with small flags. The German and Austrian flags were stuck underneath and a not read: "I havo put the flags of Britain arid her allies on top, and those of our. enemies underneath, where we hope they will remain." , On the Island. . The guard of Territorials posted over tho German reservists who were interned at Somes Island after,their arrest as prisoners of war, desire.to express their grateful thanks to. citizens who have kindly 'sent over various articles to cheer them up In their isolated) citadel; "Wo havo received," writes one, "several parcels of cakes, books, papers, etc., from some of the citizens of Wellington, and we wish to. assure : those 'who have' sent them _of our hearty appreciation. They have helped in making tho leisure hours of our life hero more enjoyable." . Rifle Clubs' Reserve. '"The Rifle Clubs' Reserve Corps, which has been formed in Wellington, is already doing good work in one direction. The Garrison Artillery section, composed of men' who have had experience in the forts,, has gone out to assist in manning the guns at "Fort Ballance. and their work, being thoroughly efficient, is greatly appreciated. Speaking to a reporter yesterday President H.. Marshall, who is' m command of the corps, said that should the. : Defence authorities require it, the riflemen would be only too willing to instruct recruits in rifle shooting. At, present there did not'seem any need for, this, thanks to tho training tho voluntcers have already received. of the gunners at Fort GordonGminor Conliffo (the well-known "cricketer)—injured two of his fingers while at gun dnll the other day, and will not be nt for duty. for. some time. PRISONERS OF WAR CONDITIONS OF RELEASE. Following are tho ; conditions under which prisoners of war who -are satisfactorily vouched for by British subjeots will bo allowed, to return to their homes under parole :— (1) No prisoner of war released on parole shall by word or deed commit any hostile act against His Majesty . the King. The term "hostile act*' shall be interpreted in its widest sense. ■'.''■ (2) He shall confine himself strictly to his.,own.private affairs,'and shall not attend/any meetings or gatherings without the consent of the police. -(3) He shall surrender to tho police all firearms, ammunition, and explosives in his possession. . (4) Ho shall not leave the locality in which his residence, is'or where he usually residesi and is well, known without the permission of the police. ■ (5) He-ishnll report; himself to the police at such place and at such times as the police may direct. • The last clause of the conditions of parole reads:— ''■ •-■.'.' . "I thoroughly understand the condi-, tions under which I am released lon parole,- and also that any breach of them will render me liable to rearrest and to be dealt with summarily under military law." ; ■ ' "••; ' ON SOMES ISLAND, GERMAN RESERVISTS VISITED BY * THE CONSUL. Mr. Eb'erhardt Focke, the late Consul for Germany ' in Wellington, visited Somes Island on .Sunday by permission of tho military authorities. He explained to the German reservists there interned that the-New Zealand Government would allow them parole provided they had friends who would give satisfactory guarantees as to their good behaviour and future conduct. He translated the terms of the parole paper they would bo compelled to sign, and explained that they must do nothing hostile to the interests of the British Empire. Those who were f ranted parole would be conveyed to their . omes by tho Government, otherwise flheir dependents would be well cared for by the Government. Mr. Focko said that among the reservists were several sailors, who, being unable to obtain berths on vessels, would perforce have to remain on .the island. They complained of being' left idle; but that is to be altered by finding them some employment. They were nil quite satisfied with their quarters, which appeared tc be quite comfortable. '• They would, ■ 'however, be glad to receive any German books', or papers, and any periodicals or literature of any kind left at Mr, Focke's office in Harris Street will • be forwarded to the island. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) 1 . Christchurch, August 17. 1 The. police arrested a young German reservist in Christchurch to-day, who will bo sent ■ up to Wellington under military essort to-night.