New Zealand

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 73, 29 March 1915, Page 5

New Zealand

SAMOAN RELIEF FORCE.

Per Press Association.

Wellington, March 28.

Yesterday the Samoan relief force, under Major G. W. Crockcroft, 9th (Hawke’s Bay) Regiment, officer •■commanding, made its first appearance in the city of Wellington, when it marched through the principal streets. The men comprising the force are all from 40 to 47 years of age, and have been enrolled in . order to replace a portion of the original garrison at Samoa, made up of younger men, thus enabling them to get away to the front n Europe. Forming up in column of route at Lambton Station, the force marched past his Excellency the Governor (Lord Liverpool) *at Government Buildings, at 2 p.m., being headed by the Trentham Band. The sth (Wellington) Regiment was also in the procession.

As a Belgian Relief Fund procession was passing along the same streets soon afterwards on the way to Newtown Park, there was a large crowd of spectators to witness both events. The thoroughfares in portions were crowded. Thfe Samoans, as they marched along in their drill khaki uniform and big helmets presented an imposing spectacle, and came in for the hearty acclamations of the people. They were certainly a fine body of men, considering' that they were all 40 years of age and over, and deserved the words of praise that were passed upon them.

NURSES WANTED BY AUSTRALIA

Christchurch, March 28.

It is understood that tlie Commonwealth Defence authorities have informed the New Zealand Defence authorities that they require more nurses, two sisters and ten other nurses. The number will be selected from nurses on the reserve list throughout the Dominion, and it is probable that three will be selected from Canterbury. When selected the twelve nurses will leave for Australia next Wednesday.

MISCELLANEOUS.

Wellington, March 28

A patriotic demonstration in aid of the Belgian Fund yesterday was a great success. Already over £l4O has been received, but two thirds of the collecting boxes have yet to come in.

It is announced that the Railway Department will permite a further draft of employees to enlist for the front, in place of men returned from active service who have resumed-work.

OUR CEREAL SUPPLIES.

FARMERS URGED TO SOW MORE BARLEY.

Peb Press Association. Wellington, March 29. The Department of Agriculture has | already brought under the notice of farmers the effect of the war on the J supply of wheat and oats, and the | urged the , desirableness of increasing as largely as possible the area unde; those crops, but it is now in receipt of information as to the market prospects . for barley, which will be of interest to growers in New Zealand. In a review of the situation, a British firm of importres points out that the war has cut off the supplies of barley which were usually received from European countries, and even if the war were to terminate before the next European harvest, it is considered by those in the trade who are best able to judge that the supplies next year will be short. Apart from the areas under military occupation, the drainage of men from all the combatant countries is bound to very seriously affect the area grown. If the hostilities are continued, and the Dardanelles remain closed, the position will be more serious still. During November and December the prices of all classes of barley advanced considerably on the British market, the rise being as much as 5s per quarter in two months. The importers are looking anxiously for other sources of supply, and would be pleased to get into touch with firms in countries which are in a position to export. The opinion is very definitely expressed that New Zealand growers of bailey would find it extremely profitable to grow larger areas.

In bringing this matter under notice, the Department desires to mention that if later New Zealand is in a position tc export information as to the names of British firms desiring to obtain supplies can be given to inquirers. Application should be made to the Director of the Fields Division, Department of Agriculture, Wellington.

DEATHS OF TWO NEW ZEALANDERS. Wellington, March 29. Two further deaths of members of the Xew Zealand Expeditionary For-s’ ees are reported by the Defence Authorities. No. 10-1084, Private Joseph Stanley Remnant, Wellington Infantry Battalion (main body) died at Albany on the 19th iust, from complications following pneumonia. Next of kin, Mrs W. Remnant, Te Matai, Palmerston Xorth. Xo, 12-1072, Private Duncan Gordon Mackay, A. (Auckland) Company, 3rd Reinforcements, died at sea on 14th March from heart apoplexy. His father, Mr Duncan Mackay, resides at Waipua.