The British Lion Roused

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 90, 6 August 1914, Page 5

The British Lion Roused

MDIDLV SUPPORTED BV TOE COBS | ‘ i*?; — '-J-;,v :-V ) : . ■ ' ' ' . . Exciting Movements of Fleet Units :.• v - pip* *' f V*' v> ’; i BELGIUM STOUTLY RESISTS GERMANY »>-U. ,l - -} f . ’ . /. Partial Mobilisation In Dominion

GERMANY’S ULTIMATUM. FRENCH INVASION OF GERMANY ALLEGED. [By Electric Telegraph—Copyright] [United Press Association.] ("Received 8.55 a.m.) London, August 4. Germany’s ultimatum promises Belgium, if bor wishes be granted, to maintain the independence of Belgium and her possessions. The Daily Mail sees in this an implied threat to seize the Congo in the event of refusal. Count Licbnowsky has been authorised to state that the German invasion of Franco was incorrect, am} that on the contrary French troops crossed into Germany. Lord Kitchener embarked on a Calais steamer but was recalled by telegram and returned to London. The Chronicle says: “Germany’s theory of war is to make plans years ahead and have nothing left for improvisation, Probably the plan of crossing Belgium was made years ago when Anglo-German hostility was an axiom.” ' ; THE FRENCH MINISTRY. " . : ' • • . ALTERATIONS OF PORTFOLIOS ANNOUNCED. (Received 8.30 a.m.) Paris, August 5. M. Doumergue relieves M. Viviani as Foreign Minister. M, Augagneu will be Minister of Marine. A decree removes the prohibition against the introduction, of fresh meat of foreign origin. GERMAN DIRIGIBLES. . , : _ EXPLORE BELGIAN DISTRICTS. Brussels, August 5. Three German dirigibles are over the Brussels district. The military authorities announce that aviators from Liege explored the regions which it was stated had been invested, but they found no trace of invaders. NEUTRALITY OF NETHERLANDS. The Hague, August 5. The German Minister gives his positive assurance that Germany will respect the neutrality of the Netherlands provided it is strictly observed, —, GERMAN WHITE BOOK. EFFORTS AT MEDIATION CONTINUED UP TO THE LAST. THE CZAR AND THE KAISER. (Received 8.30 a.m.) Berlin, August 5. A White Book which has been issued refers to the last stages of the negotiations by the Government, and states:— “We worked shoulder to shoulder with England in mediation. To Vienna we forwarded the British proposal that as Austria ought after the invasion of Servia to dictate her conditions there, we had assured Russia we would accept this basis, Yet while efforts for mediation were being supprted by British diplomacy, there came constantly increasing news of Russia’s mobilisation. This was in full progress, though it was repeatedly and solemnly denied. The Kaiser called the Czar’s attention - to the menacing character of Russia’s action.” The Czar replied“l thank thee from the bottom of my heart for thy mediation, which leaves a gleam of hope that even now the act may end peacefully. It is technically impossible to discontinue military operations owing to Austria’s mobilisation, but the troops will not take provocative action while negotiations continue. I give thee my word.” The Kaiser replied: “Your mobilisation rendered mobilisation by us compulsory, but I continued negotiations, and now I am compelled to take retaliatory measures. Tt still lies in thy power to avert a world calamity. ’ Russia could well wait the result of my mediation.”

PATRIOTIC CANADA. TO THE LAST DROP OF BLOOD. Ottawa, August 4. Cabinet is contemplating the purchase of three Dreadnoughts now being completed in England for foreign countries and presenting them to Britain. ■ Mr Hughes, Militia Minister, announced at Vancouver that the Niagara is detained, and will not sail for Auckland. Parliament has been summoned—an extraordinary session—to vote war supplies. It is practically certain that Canada will purchase the Dreadnoughts. A wave of patriotic enthusiasm is sweeping over Canada, unapproached at any time in the country’s history. Bonfires were lighted in prairie towns when the announcement of war was made. Thousands of volunteers am offering their services daily. Patriotic associations are meeting and passing resolutions promising the Government every support on any action it may take to assist the Mother Country. Crowds of French-Canadians are parading Quebec and Montreal with Union Jacks and Tri-colors, cheering alternately the King and 31. Poincare. The Canadian Club’s annual Canada Convention at Vancouver sent a message to/ the King assuring him of Canada’s loyalty to the last drop of her blood.

OFF TO THE FRONT. IMPRESSIVE SCENES AT THE RAILWAY STATIONS. ARREST OF ALLEGED SPY. London, August 4. Admiralty control has been established over wireless, and provides that all vessels must dismantle their installations on arrival. All private wireless stations except those engaged in public business will be closed. A proclamation has been issued authorising the requisition of merchantmen for naval purposes. Impressive scenes occurred at all railway stations in the Kingdom when the regulars, territorials, and naval reservists entrained for various parts. There was tremendous enthusiasm at Bristol, where thousands farewelled the naval reservists. It is alleged a foreign spy has been arrested at the Admiralty wireless station near Grimsby, he is supposed to be a German officer. In the struggle, Private Tilbert was bayonettod in the leg. SUSPENSION OF RACING. (Received 9.0 a.m.) London, August 4. The jockey club is considering the suspension of racing. GERMAN ACTIVITY, CHASING FOODSTUFFS ON THE HIGH SEAS. (Received 8.30 a.m.) A Gorman cruiser is pursuing the Norwegian steamer Tungus, which is conveying foodstuffs to Vladivostock. Germans detained the British steamer Nihgpo at Thingtoo, Kiaochow. TROOPS FOR GERMANY. THE EMPEROR AS SUPREME WAR LORD. Berlin, August 4. Army chaplains held an open-air service for the soldiers in their marching kit around the Bismarck monument. There whs a huge attendance of the public, all joining in the Lord’s Prayer. The Kings of Bavaria, Saxony and Wurtemberg have placed their armies under the Emperor as Supreme 3Vai Lord. The Grand Duke of Mecklenburg and the Duke of Brunswick are taking the field. \ AUSTRALIAN POLITICS. DISPENSING WITH PARTY FOR THE COMMON GOOD. (Received 9.20 a.m.) Sydney, August 6. The executive of the Political Labor League has agreed to the withdrawal of their candidate for Parramatta, and devote the funds to relief. Regarding the necessity of contesting the election at the present junc-ture,-Mr Hughes suggests the speedy constitution of Parliament without awaiting the elections by withdrawing the candidates who are opposing the sitting members, or that Parliament he resuscitated by 'withdrawing the proclamation of dissolution, ratifying with a short British Act. has called out the naval Preserve. in the Assembly. Mr Holman (Premier) said that owing to the war crisis the Government proposed not to proceed with their contentions programrntk.hut would deal only with business arising but of the state of war, and with the security of the public safety and wellbeing. In conjunction with the Leader of the Opposition, the Government intended to discuss an amendment of the industrial awards under circumstances which may arise, and he asked for the co-operation of all parts of the House. Mr Wade pledged the loyal support of the Opposition in making the Government’s way smooth. The speeches of the leader of the House were punctuated hy much cheering, and subsequently, after a consultation between the Government and Mr Wade, a bill was introduced to amend the Arbitration Act to meet the situation created by the wftl’

CANADA ON THE ALERT. OFFERS FROMTHE DAUGHTERS , OF EMPIRE. STRANDED TRAVELLERS. Ottawa, August 4. The Canadian order of the Daughters of the Empire decided to offer a hospital ship to the British Empire. The prices of foodstuffs for retail are already rising throughout Canada. The Canadian Parliament has been summoned to meet on the 18th. The censorship from Canada is very severe. All cables to the London newspapers have been stopped, lest they should give details of the Canadian war preparations. Washington,' August 4. The United States is chartering all vessels possible to carry 20,000 Americans who are stranded in Europe home. Vancouver, August 4. Owing to the cancellation of f the sailings of the Niagara scores of Australians and New Zealanders are unable to leave Canada. THE COCKPIT OF WAR. DENMARK WILL PRESERVE HER NEUTRALITY. THE GERMAN FLEET. London, August 5. The Express at Copenhagen states that a part of the German Baltic fleet passed out of the Kiel Canal and massed in the North Sea off Jutland. German Dreadnoughts bar the Great Belt and the Fehmarn Belt. Denmark fears her territory ft the cockpit of war, and is making Every effort bo preserve her neutrality! THE PLIGHT OF BELO^Be MANY KILLED AND WOjBeO. (Received 9 a.m.)!%\% London. An*is»s. Reuter’s correspondent at Nish states that the official bombardment of Belgrade continues and much damage has been done to public and private buildings, including the Foreign Legations, Many were killed and wounded, there being no time for the women and children to evacuate. Rervia protests against Austria not respecting international law.

PROGLAM AT! QMS OF WAR. ! WHEAT AND FLOUR AND SHIPS. [By Electric Telegraph—Copyright] Times and Sydney Sun Services. London, August 4. A proclamation has been gazetted prohibiting the export of articles of machinery comprising warlike stores. In response to the Loudon Corn Trade Association the Government guarantees war risks on the wheat and Hour shipped # aud to be slopped from Atlantic and Canadian ports to Britain under existing contracts. A proclamation lias been issued requiring ships to dismantle their wireless apparatus, and another giving tho Admiralty the right to requisition any ships for transport in Danish and German waters. SWITZERLAND MOBILISED. Berne, August 4. The mobilisation is complete and every able-bodied man has been placed on military duty. The authorities are confident they will prevent the combatants crossing the frontier. AMERICA’S OFFER TO GERMANY Washington, August 4. The Government has agreed to take charge of the German Embassies in any countries with which Germany is at war, provided such action does no. prevent similar action if asked by another country. NEW YORK FINANCE. Xew York, August 4. Bankers suggest that twenty millions of gold which is deposited i. London should be used to facilitate trade between Britain and America. The savings banks announce that GO days’ notice will be required before withdrawals can be made.

“WE ARE PREPARED. ’’ THE FOREIGN SECRETARY SPEAKS TO THE PEOPLE. 'BECAUSE OF HONOR.” London, August 3. 4u the House of Commons, Sir Edward Grey spoke for ninety minutes. He declared that when ho was asked if armed support could be given he replied that he could promise nothing unless he received the whole-hearted support of public opinion, but lie told the French and German Ambassadors that if war were forced on France public opinion would rally towards Franco. “My own opinion,” he said, “is that if a foreign fleet came and battered the undefended coasts of France, we could not stand by, with arms folded, dispassionately doing nothing.” After detailing the negotiations with Germany, lie added: “I have said enough to show that we must he prepared, and we are prepared.” (Cheers, lasting for over a minute). “Messrs Asquith and Winston Churchill,” he continued, “gave no doubt of the readiness and efficiency of the forces. There was only one way in which Britain can make certain of keeping outside war, and that would he the issue immediately of a proclamation of unconditional- neutrality. We cannot- do that. If v. >■* stand aside we sacrifice our respect and good name throughout the world. We are going to suffer terr’bly by this war. Our foreign trade is going to stop, not because the routes are closed, but because there will be no trade.” He concluded by saying that if the situation developed as seemed probable, Britain would face it. He believed that when the country realised what was at stake, it would support the Government’s determination with resolution and endurance. (Loud cheers.) Mr Redmond said that in times past, when the Empire was engaged in terrible enterprises, the sympathy of the Nationalists in Ireland had been estranged. But recent years had altered, the situation, and a wider knowledge of the. real Irish history had altered the view of the British democracy towards Ireland. He honestly believed that the Irish democracy would turn with the utmost anxiety and sympathy to Britain in every trial and danger. Possibly the history of 1778 would be repeated, when a hundred thousand volunteers sprang into existence to defend Ireland against invasion. He would gainsay Tvfr Ramsay MacDonald, when he said thSit if the Government confined the question to that of Belgian neutrality, the ' Labor Party would support them. “We were brought into the Crimean War because of honor; rushed into the South African war because of honor; and Sir Edward Grey has appealed to us to-day because of honor.”

THE BRITISH FLEET. GERMANS UNSUCCESSFULLY CHASE A BRITISH CRUISER. London, August 4. Vice-Admiral Sir J. 11. Jellicoe, Second Sen Lord, lias assumed command of the Home fleets, with RearAdmiral C. E. Madden as Chief of Staff. The proclamation mobilising the army was read at the Royal Exchange, amidst great enthusiasm. The streets adjoining the Atlantic Shipping offices in the West End are packed with Americans, frantically anxious to return. Fabulous' prices are offered for berths. German ships chased the cruiser Pathfinder, which eluded her pursuers. The Government has taken over control of the railways to ensure movements of troops, stores and food. The Admiralty has taken over two battleships ordered for Turkey and two destroyers ordered for Chili. The former have been re-named Agincourt and Erin. Lady Dudley has started an Australian voluntary field hospital. Some Australians have promised liberal help. An anonymous donor has given £2500.

AMERICA’S NEUTRALITY. LEGISLATION PASSED TO DEAL WITH ALIENS. Washington, August 5. The United States has issued a formal proclamation of neutrality. A Bill to exclude all aliens who leave the United States at any port for the field of war has been introduced. The President states that the financial situation is perfectly sound. New York, August 4. The Kron Prinzessin Cecilie has returned to. Bar Harbour, Maine, the captain fearing -capture. The steamer had been disguised as a British steamer but a wireless message informed her that Briteish warships were waiting. The captain thereupon refused 1o proceed. All lights were concealed.

MESSAGES FROM! DURBAN. , Durban, August 4. The German wireless station at Swakopmind is sending messages foi the purpose of drawing messages from British stations. German steamers at African ports will not return to Europe but will proceed to South America. UNSATISFACTORY. BELGIUM’S NEUTRALITY. [By Electric Telegraph—Copyright l [United Press Association.] ' ' ■' .cv,, . fcfc# London;' August 4. In the House, of Commons, Mr Ascpiitli read a telegram from Herr von dagow, German Secretary for Foreign Affairs, repeating his formal assurance that Germany would riot annex Belgian territory. (Derisive laughter). GorMuily had 'unimpeachable information that France intended to attack her across Belgium, hence iier disregard of neutrality. Mr Asquith added: “This explanation is unsatisfactory.” , Brussels, April 4. One hundred and fifty thousand have been mobilised to defend neutrality. A strategical line from Malmeny to Liege is guarded on both the German and Belgian sides, and twenty-six thousand are engaged in digging trenches between the forts.

PATRIOTIC FERVOR. CALM, BUT DETERMINED. London, August 4. A meeting of American visitors stranded in London appointed committees to render assistance. The Bank of England printers are working twelve hours a day, producing vast quantities of five-pound notes, ag tho issue of pound notes is regarded as impracticable. The populace is wonderfully calm and self-restrained, but there is a spirit of resolute determination among all classes. The cancellation of Bank Holiday excursions caused huge crowds in the streets, and the war specials were eagerly devoured. As it became manifest that England was entangled, patriotic fervor deepened, concourses singing patriotic songs.

GERMAN OCCUPATION CONFIRMED. London, August 5. Mr Asquith, continuing, said: “Simultaneously we received a telegram from the Belgian Foreign Minister, announcing that the Belgian territory had been violated at Gemmench, near Aix-la-Chapelle, and had penetrated still further elsewhere.” Mr Asquith read Herr von Jagow’s telegram; “We will not annex Belgian territory, which is borne out by the fact that we have solemnly pledged our word to Holland to respect strictly their neutrality. It is obvious that we could not profitably annex Belgian territory without making territorial acquisitions at Holland’s expense.” Mr Asquith said: “We repeated our request, made last week, that Germany give us the same assurance in regard to Belgium’s neutrality as wa s given us and Belgium by Franco.” VOTING SUPPLIES. London, August 4. < The Bank Holiday will be prolong'd over Thursday. The House of Commons passed all the outstanding votes of supply, amounting to a hundred millions, in ten minutes. It is rumored that Mr Masterman has resigned his seat in the Cabinet. Eighty-five per cent, is being paid at Lloyd’.; to insure against war between Britain and Germany for throe months. '• A supposed spy at Grimsby has been released. HOLLAND MOBILISING. AND IS PREPARED TO FLOOD THE COUNTRY. Amsterdam, August 3. Mobilisation is progressing smoothly. The authorities are prepared to open the sluices and submerge the country west to Rotterdam and south to Utrecht and Nidi,

UNEASINESS IN JAPAN. Tokio, August o. There is much uneasiness in Japan. BELGIANS RESISTING. HEAVY FIGHTING AGAINST THE GERMANS. (Received 10.10 a.m.) Brussels, August 4. Belgium is offering unexpected resistance, and there is heavy lighting against tho German advance along the Meuso. “GOD SAVE THE KINGS” THE KING AND QUEEN AT THE PALACE, “SEE THE OLD COUNTRY THROUGH.” London, August 1. Thousands joined in . a demonstration at Buckingham Palace. Tim King, Queen an dPriuccss Mary appeared on the balcony, and wore given on ovation. A group of Liberal members met in the House of Commons after hearing Sir Edward Grey, and carried a resolution that insufficient reason exists at present for intervention,’' and strongly urged him to conotinue negotiations with Germany, with a view to maintaining Britain’s neutrality. Mr Will Crooks, speaking at Woolwich. urged the meeting to sunport the Government, and at all costse to see the Old Country through. Since Mr Redmond's declaration there lias been a significant fraternising of Nationalist ami English Unionist mwalws.

RUSSIAN MANIFESTO. "GERMANY SUDDENLY DECLARED WAR. RUSSIA WILL NEVER MAKE PEACE. Sfc. Petersburg, August 4. Troops leaving for the front were drawn up all day outside the churches and received the blessings of the clergy. The Czar, in a maniftso, says:— “Russia is related by faith and by blood to the Slav people, and has never regarded their fate with indifference, but fraternal sentiment was awakened with extraordinary force when Austria addressed Servia with claims which could not be accepted by an independent State. When we took the necessary iheasures in precaution, Germany demanded immediate cessation, and, on being rebuffed, suddenly declared war. We believe that all faithful subjects will rise with unanimity to repulse the insolent attack.” I The churches are packed with people praying for the success of the army. Schoolboys are offering for service as trench-diggers and for similar work, devoting their wages to the support of the reservists’ families'. A prominent Liberal organ voluntarily ceased publication, on the ground of the - necessity for a united Russia. A thousand women are replacing the men called to arms as factory workers and tramway conductors. The Grand Duke Nicholas’ appointment is welcomed. He contributed much to the recent military revival. He is a man of iron constitution and will, and a born cavalry leader. The Czar, addressing a crowd before the Palace, said: “We will never make peace until the enemy’s last soldier has left Russian territory.” Thousands demonstrated outside the British Embassy. Sir G. W. Buchanan, the British Ambassador, was frantically cheered on his declaring that England is in perfect sympathy with Russia. A RUSSIAN DENIAL. St. Petersburg, August 5. Russia officially contradicts the report of the destruction of the cruiser Lilian. ‘Only a few shots were fired, and no casualties were reported.

THE FOOD SUPPLIES. GOVERNMENT GUARANTEEING CARGOES AT WAR RISKS. (Received 8.30 a.m.) Loudon, August 4. A proclamation prohibits the exportation of articles useful for uavul and military purposes. The Government announce that they will guarantee at war risks cargoes of wheat and Hour shipped at Atlantic and Canadian ports under existing contracts, a list of which is supplied within 48 hours. The premiums will bo paid by the importer and charged against the eventual receiver. It is understood that this step was taken to secure sixty-four million bushels of Canadian wheat. A White Paper has been issued continuing the report of the sub-commit-tee on Imperial Defence on the insurance »f shipping at war time. It recommends the State to re-in sure up to eighty per cent, of the risks.

AUSTRALIAN NEWS. EXCITEMENT IN MELBOURNE. Melbourne, August 6. The North-German Lloyd steamer Pfalz escaped from Port Phillip today. Upon arrival at the Heads, the vessel ignored the examination signals and a shot was fired across her hows. This was likewise disregarded, and the vessel went full speed ahead and left the port without her clearance papers. The Pfalz returned to port. The company states that the vessel had her clearance papers. The first intimation of war received was a shot across her bows. The captain put back to port immediately he realised the situation. Excited crowds paraded the main streets until an early hour this morning. A moh of three hundred then attacked Deutsche Turn Nerien, on Victoria Parade, and smashed the windows. They lit a piece of rag to represent the German flag, and stamped on the ashes. A force of police used their batons freely, and drove off the mob. A crowd of three thousand gathered in Collins street and sang patriotic songs. The mounted police were called out to maintain order. Further attempts to attack the German Club and the Viennese Oaf© were frustrated by strong police guards. GERMAN LINER CAPTURED. Sydney, August 6. Special editions report that th© Australian crpiser Paramatta captured the Seydlitz, a German liner, which sailed from Sydney on Monday. The report is confirmed. THOUSANDS OFFERING FOR THE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE. (Received 10.50 a.m.) Sydney, August 6. There is a great rush of volunteers for the proposed expeditionary force, thousands offering in all parts of the Comommy ealth. As a precautionary measure a complete brigade of infantry is being mobilised to act as a mobile reserve to support the Sydney coast defences. A general mobilisation is not anticipated, at present at any rate. Ex-gunner Bellchambers, who visited the barracks, on hearing that war was declared dropped dead from-heart failure. The censors are using every possible means to minimise the effect of the censorship, and additional officers haVe been appointed. Every fort along the coast is fully manned. The Council of the Rifle Association lias offered the military authorities its services in training volunteers for the expeditionary force in the use of the rifle. Sir Gerald Strickaud, the Governor, in a speech at a banquet to the High Court Judges, said it was no secret that the Power with whom we *xe at war had been seeking domination by aggression for years. The incidents of the past few days would seem to combine to give sure relief to the Powers which were seeking developments of their interests, progress and commerce by fair means as against a Power which sought advancement by the aid of the iron mailed fist and with no consideration for international law or any other law. After a reference to the solidarity of the Empire, he added that he looked forward to this war ushering in long days of peace. The pressure on the Government Savings Bank has practically disappeared, and hanking business is generally about normal. The Musicians’ Union has offered the Government two thousand trained men for defence purposes, within Australia.

ENGLAND v. GERMANY. AUSTRALIAN PRESS COMMENT. (Received 10.15 a.m.) Sydney, August 6. The “Herald,” in a leader, says:— “Germany stands before the world discredited—a breaker of treaties and an assailant of< weaker nations. This has given Britain a dominant position at the very beginning of hostilities. She is thrice armed with a just quarrel. She has gathered her Empire together in such solid array that each part will give and suffer to the last, and she has vindicated every step taken in the path which threatened to run with blood before the end was reached. It remains for us to possess our souls in patience, while making - the necessary contributions of time, means and men. It is our baptism of fire.” The “Telegraph” declares; “Up to the very verge of disloyalty to her partners of the Triple Entente Britain went before resorting on the grim arbitrament of swords. At that point the limit of forbearance was reached.. When it came to a direct question of standing by her allies there was only one thinkable course, and the declaration of war' followed without further hesitation.” The “Telegraph” charges Germany with a deliberately calculated rupture with England. CUTTING UP THE GERMAN FLAG. A regrettable incident occurred aboard the steamer Germanic. Several men boarded her and hauled down, trampled ou and cut up the German Hag. As a result of the incident a police patrol lias been provided for all German vessels at the various ports.

SOUTH OF BELGRADE. MONTENEGRO v. AUSTRIA. [BxKIJSOTBIO lEbKGRAPa—OcrtIUGHTJ [United Press Association.] ' ,n:i jijaßerlin, August 5, .An oftgageXuent is reported.;at Val-jc-yo, iitty;aniJea. south of- Belgrade. Jt , vepdrtsdi > that the Montenegrins are bombarding Cattaro, a seaport town, of Austria, on ’.the narrow neck of land cutting off Montenegro from the sea. I Ui> -K- ?! *• , TWO FRENCH. ARMY CORPS INVADE GERMANY. t■' * ■ • Paris, August 4. _ France has despatched two army corps, each fifty thousand strong, and heav yartillery to invade Germany near Lachencht. rJ . SWISS GUARDS RETURN HOME. Rome, August o. The Pope has sanctioned the return of the Swiss Guards to Switzerland. THE SHIPPING COMPANIES. Sydney August fl. The superintendent of the Peninsular and Oriental Company says they intend to maintain the mail service if possible. Only .circumstances absolutely beyond the control of the company will be allowed to interfere. The’ Orient Company intend, unless developments interfere, to despatch vessels to time-table. The Orsova left Melbourne yesterday oh schedule time. A seaman aboard the warship Ans-. tralia arranged a marriage ashore but leave was not allowed. The fiancee and the. officiating minister came aboard and the ceremony was performed.

FEELING THE EFFECTS ALREADY Already the effects of the war are "being felt on the labor market, a nuyher of firms reducing hands. GENERAL ENTHUSIASM. THE CROWDS IN CARTERTON. •’ ' ' [Pita Prim* Association.! Carterton, August 6. The announcement that war had heen declared was received with great enthusiasm here. In the evening crowds assembled outside the “Daily News” windows, where the band played patriotic airs and the National Anthem. Cheers for the King followed, and a dozen applications were received at the War Office from young men desirous of volunteering for active service. s HAWKE’S BAY MOTOR CYCLISTS’ OFFER. Hastings, August 6. ■ At a social reunion of the Hfnrkr*t? Bay Motor Cycle Club last night it was decided to send the following, telegram to the Prime Minister this morning; “Hawke’s Bay Clubs, representing Hastings and Napier, have the honor and pleasure of offering to the Government the services of- 100 men and motor cycles for dispatch riding, scouting or any service that may be 1 of benefit to- the Empire in the present hour of need.”

THE DEFENCE DEPARTMENT. ■ * . .. Wellington.- August 6. The Defence Department has issued a notice calling for applications to join tko force for home defence from the artillery, staff corps, permanent staff, Territorials, and Territorial reserve also those with prfH vions military experience. The Minister for Defence stated that iti was not intended to mobilise the whole Territorial force. Approximately, eight thousand would lie called out.

‘ OUR PARLIAMENT. THE BUDGET TD BE DROUGHT DOWN. TO-MICKT. [Pka Pufm AMoouTioJf. J Wellington, ■ August 6. It is definitely announced that the Budget, will ha brought down at 7.H0 to-night. PRESS INSTRUCTIONS. Wellington, August 6. The Defence Department this morning requested the Association to circulate the following: Press telegrams emanating from the theatre of war which have been passed oy the naval and military authorities will not he stopped in transit except for very urgent reasons, the case being reported 'by the censor immediately to the chief censor in London. The censors will automatically pass anything that is marked as already having been censored before reaching them. It is requested- that newspapers will assist the Defence Department by. refraining from giving information concerning any British naval movements in the Pacific, any movements of ocean steamers, any special coaling arrangements or hire of colliers, any references to mercantile traffic routes; also the destination of the possible expeditionary, ‘force or the time of its departure, though the despatch of the force is not at present contemplated- ft is, also, desired that no information should lie sent out of the country about the strength ,of our Territorial forces. It is undesirable that the position of ships in the Dominion trade should be stated, and, .shippinig intelligence should,; he restricted to movements of coastal .vessels.

A DAY OF PRAYER. T T * NEXT SUNDAY TO BE SPECIALLY OBSERVED. .. : V - [Fu PrEB» ASBOOJATIoN.] Christchurch, August 6. The Moderator of the Presbyterian I General Assembly, at the instance of the Assembly’s international peace 'committee, has urged all ministers and congregations to observe next Sunday with prayers for peace, both publicly and privately. THE PEOPLE’S MONEY. Wellington, August 6. The Bon. R. H. Rhodes, Postmast-er-General, saj's there is no excessive desire apparent on the part of depositors to withdraw money from the Savings Banks, and he points out that there isi no cause to do so. Deposits are being guaranteed by the Government, and are as safe as possible. The Government has power to require seven, days’ notice of withdrawal and to prevent hurried and needless action instructions have been given that for amounts of more than two pounds per week this notice must he given. Mr Rhodes says that this is really in the initerests of depositors themselves. He is aware that in times of excitement money is sometimes nervously withdrawn, put in a stockinfi or a hole in the ground, and frequently lost.

NOTES LEGAL TENDER. The, Prime Minister wired last night the text of a proclamation issued yesterda yto the effect that bank notes of’all the banks doing business in the Dominion are “a good and legal tender of money to the ‘ amount therein expressed to be payable,” as from today (August 6). AUCKLAND STOCK EXCHANGE. Auckland, August 6. This morning at the Stock Exchange the chairman, Mr Buttle, expressed the opinion that there was io need to suspend business. He urged members to use their best •{forts to calm any fears of timid diareholders. His remarks were followed by the singing of the National Anthem and hearty cheers. AMBULANCE VOLUNTEERS. MEASURES IN STRATFORD. In connection with, New Zealand preparations, Lieutenant Furby has received the following telegram, from Xlth Regiment headquarters: Cornnonce enrolling Territorials for service, must not. be under 20 years of ige;” Lieutenant Furby will receive applications at the Defence Office. Stratford, at 7• o’clock to-night. Sergt .-Major Bonar has received in-, '.tructions covering the matter of volunteers for the ambulance section. Applications will he received from members of the Fourth Field Ambulance. , Territorials serving in the XTth Regiment or the Second Mounted Rifles will not be permitted to volunteer, but applications from mem-' bers of the General Training Section will be entertained. Applicants for places in the fighting force who are not serving as Territorials are reminded that they should apply to the Defence Office.

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