NEW ZEALAND NEWS.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 8, Issue 85, 8 April 1916, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND NEWS.

N.Z. ANTHEM WANTED. J CHRISTCHURCH, April 7. ! Mr. Henry Hay wand announced to- | night that he is offering £SO for a Ne\%; 1 Zealand National Anthem. ' . j THE 15TH REINFORCEMENTS. NEARLY 500 SHORT. WELLINGTON, April 7. The shortage in the 15th Reinforcements, mobilised this week, has been increased by the arrival of the Southern drafts below their proper strength. Canterbury and Otago, like Auckland and Wellington, have failed to find their fulfl quotas, and the net shortage appears likely to reach a total of nearly 500 men. The present shortages in infantry are approximately as follows:' —Auckland 74, Wellington 255, Canterbury 84, Otago 58; total 471. This total is expected to be increased by about 16 when the. West Coast section anrives to-morrow. The chief factor in; producing the Canterbury shortage was the failure of the group (Christehuroh City and Suburbs) to provide its quota. Christchurch sent in its infantry 65 men short. Otago draft went into camp to-day and was found to lack 58 men in the infantry section. All other branches were full in the case of both Canterbury and Otago. The Defence •headquarters has asked the military districts to make up their shortage in the 15th Reinforcements infantny by Friday next.

CAPTURE OF RITA. GISBORNE, April 7. The Gisborne section of the police force which operated against Ena arrived home to-day. Sub-Inpector Johnston says the Gisborneites arrived at Maunga Pohutu some time before the main body. Rua was found to be quite friendly. "When he went up." said the Sub-Inspector., "he shook hands with Constable Doyle, and gave us a welcome. I was introduced to him, and we were chatting some time. The Auckland and Rotorua force arrived at about 1 o'clock. There was no show of fight until this, and I don't know what made Rua attempt to bolt. The Commissioner, 'on arrivina:, asked me where Rua was, and-1 pointed him out. We him:;to come.; out,;,but be would not, smT.went over to bring him along and introduce -him. Rua came along all right fori a few yards, and then started running, so I chased him. As he ran, Rua kept calling out in Maori to shoot. We had a rough and tumble. In the struggle I pulHed his shirt-sleeve off, which I have as a memento. Well, that started the affray, and t.hej§'fight, .was V: al)v,over in twenty minutest "The ""Maoris bolted for the bush when the firing: commenced."

In response to other; inquiries, SubInspector Johnston said no further trouble is anticipated from the natives, who, after the excitement had passed, displayed no signs of bearing any grievance. All guns and ammunition thehy possessed were gathered up, and the latter was destroved.