New Zealand

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVII, Issue 23, 27 May 1915, Page 7

New Zealand

"FOLLOW THE KING!" Per Press Association. Auckland, May 120. The annual provincial conference of the Auckland Farmers' Union decided to-day by a substantial majority to follow the'King's example, and abstain from liquor during the war. Opposition to the motion came only from members who did not wish their arrangements for the annual dinner tomorrow night to lie upset. The conference very fully discussed the various war tax proposals, and finally approved of the system of higher taxes on land and incomes, and on certain classes of imports.

WAR GOSSIP CASE. Christchurch, May 26. The hearing of the charge against Wm. Sigglekow of circulating reports calculated to prejudicially affect recruiting of his Majesty's forces, including the New Zealand defence forces, was concluded to-day. In giving judgment the Magistrate said that Sigglekow acted a little more extravagantly than he admitted he did. His words should have been used with more caution or be might have said more than he thought he did. His Worship thought that whatever Sigglekow did say was addressed to his wife only, and was not intended for other people. The charge was dismissed.

MEAT FOR THE ARMY

Wellington, May 2G

In the period 3rd March to 24th Ms>y the Imperial Meat Supply Department has purchased for the Imperial authorities 72,942,7731b0f meat at a total cost of £l, 613. 036 16% lid. Of this quantity the purchases in the North Island amounted to 44,498,572 lb., at a cost of £953,680 0s 4d; and in the South Island 28,444,2011 b., at a cost of £655,956 16s 7d.

FOOTBALL AND THE WAR.

Auckland, May 26

Active steps are at present being taken by the Auckland Rugby Union with a view to making sure that all footballers under its auspices are doing their share in the war crisis, and the following circular letter has been is-ued by the secretary of the Union (.Mr C. V. Langsidrd) to all clubs which are under the jurisdiction of the Union:— "Acting on the suggestion of Colonel Major, I shall be glad if you will kindly let me have as early as possible the number of players in training in any of the following :—(i) senior cadets, (2) territorials, (3) national reserve. I need hardly point out the necessity for all to do their I utmost to become as efficient as posLsible, and while we have every reason Ito feel more than gratified with the ready response of our players to take their share in the defence of our Empire, one cannot help thinking that there are still numbers* of us who, though not able for various reasons to go to the front, are not taking our share of the burden and fitting ourselves for the defence of our Dominion should the necessity arise. I therefore ask you to let me have as soon as possible the information asked for, so that with that before us we may then Consider the position with a view to calling the clubs together and see in what way we can assist in this cause. I trust tiiat you will make this request urgent and let me have the information , asked for as early as possible."

IN MEMORY OF WILDING. Wellington, May 26. Steps are to be taken to establish a memorial to the late Captain Anthony Wilding. The council of the New Zealand Tennis Association lias instructed the management committee to inaugurate a shilling fund among tennis players, part to he spent on a memorial in Christehurch, Wilding's birthplace, and the balance on Anthony Wilding trophies for the New Zealand championship singles. MONEY FROM FOOTBALLERS. Wellington, May 26. The New Zealand Rugby Union tonight decided that on the establishment of a national fund it would vote £IOO for the relief of wounded New Zealand soldiers and sailors and tho dependents of those who fall. AUCKLAND'S EFFORT. Auckland, May 26. Although Auckland was only officially advised this morning that its share of tlio cash contribution towards the equipment of the hospital ship would 'be .€6250, that amount had already been more than subscribed. The Town Hall list to-night amounts to £3300, (and the New Zealand Herald list to I £3791, all collected since Friday morning.