CAPTURE OF NEW GUINEA.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2265, 26 September 1914, Page 8

CAPTURE OF NEW GUINEA.

VICTORIA'S PART. Victoria lias a personal interest in -the Expeditionary Forco which captured New". Guinea (the "Argus remarks), as a large proportion of tlio naval section oi ! it was drawn from this State, Commander J. B. Stevenson, director oftlie Willianistowu depot, being the '■ officer in charge. In all, the force included 500 bluejackets and 1000 citizen soldier volunteers. Tho infantry unit was recruited and oquippedin New South Wales, and the State commandant (Colonel Wallack) was commended by the Minister:of Defenco (Mr, E. D. •Millon) for the speed and thoroughness that had been displayed. Colonel Holmes was appointed to the command, and he instilled his enthusiasm into the men who were to act under his dixecTiie expedition moved away from Sydney -three weeks ago, marching through the streets before joining the transport Berrima, which bad been chartered by the Commonwealth Government. The Victorian quota was conveyed from Melbourne by special train. Although, the force embarked hurriedly, the high presbTiro was not maintained, and some time was epent along the Queensland. coast waiting while the New Zealand expedition should tako possession of Samoa. The latest news received in, Melbourne showed that the Uerrima was anchored off Eclipse Island, with two Australian warships standing by. There was no idleness, however, every available, moment being used for training ashore, in preparation for <.'be real work ahead.