NEW ZEALAND.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 66, 6 August 1914, Page 8

NEW ZEALAND.

Partial Mobilisation EXCITEMENT IN WELLINGTON. PROCLAMATION READ. MESSAGES FROM THE KING. THE DECLARATION OP WAR. Wullington, Last Night. An announcement made this morning that the Governor would read a proclamation from the steps of the old Parliament Buildings at 3 o'clock brought together a crowd numbering several thousands, Who extended over the spacious grounds and into the neighboring streets. The porch of the Vuilding was crowded with members of Parliament and Government officials, and punctually at the appointed hour his Excellency arrived, accompanied by the Prime Minister, other Ministers being in close attendance. The crowd lustily cheered the Governor, who, advancing to the edge of the steps, announced that he had received the following message from the King:— "I desire to express to my people of the oversea dominions with what appreciation and pride I have received the messages from their respective Governments during the last few days. These spontaneous assurances ox their fullest support recall to me the generous sclfsacrilieing help given by them in the past to the Mother Country. I shall be strengthened in the discharge of the great responsibilities which rest upon me. by the confident belief that in this time of trial that my Empire will stand united, calm anil resolute, trusting in God." (Signed) George, R.I. To this he hail sent the following r.\ply:—"New Zealand desires me to acknowledge your Majesty's gracious message and to say that, come good or ill, she, in company with the dominions and other dependencies of the Crown, is prepared to make any sacrifice to maintain her heritage and her birthright." (Signed) Liverpool, Governor. Tins reading of tnese messages provoked expressions of genuine enthusiasm, hut a feeling of intense expectancy came over the vast assembly a3 his Excellency proceeded to rend yet another document, which proved to lie a cable from the Secretary of State for the Colonies: WAR HAS BROKEN OUT .WITH GERMANY.—(Signed) Ilarcourt. No sooner was this announcement made than a wild burst of cheering broke out, a verse of -the National Anthem was sung, and cheers followed cheers for several hiinutes. When quiet was restored, the crowd Mas addressed by the Prime Minister, who was greeted with cheers. He said: "After tile very startling announcement

'.vhjrii lias been made !i.v Ms Excellency, [ trust that we lire all of one way of [thinking, tliiit (lie British people ' and (he Kmpire are to-day face to face with Hie most serious crisis ever experienced in the history of the Empire, and we are confident that we shall come through |-uccessfiilly. (Lou,! chocr-O, We miist I take notice of the very earnest advice | contained in the last announcement of iilie message from his Majesl\ tin; King. We must stand together, calm, united and resolute, trusting in (!od, and J am glad to sav that no) .".v. 1 , n. A*,;;.- .'.'.•■..- land docs this reeling of eonfidenco-exist. hut it m'itains throughout every part of tin' Kmpire. The whole British peo]i!e are to-day able to present an united front to our enemies. We have don.? our duty on every occasion in the past when tic Empire required assistance, and we will do our duty on tins present 0,-asii-u in a whole-hearted manner. That we will he (ailed upon to make sacrifices «wi without marine;, hut I am coiili I. ill thai. rww.' sacrifices 'will l>e made. iii.!i\ii!ualiy m.,1 collectively, willingly and in » mani'v in accord with the highest traditions ei nur ra.'c and the Empire to which w- helon,'.'. We must do everything nnssihle to protect our countn. and at th- same time to assist the Empire. When we have done all that mortal man can do, the rest must he left to the Higher Power of Him Who watches over Israel and slumbers not nor sleeps. My advice at this most trying moment is (o keep coul, stand fast, and do your duty to Ncw Zealand and to the Empire.' 1

"We will do that," replied many voices in tin- crowd. ••r am sure yon will," answered lue Prime Minister, earnestly. (Cheers). Sir .Joseph Wan] tlieii spoke as follow.-,:-" I want to sav that I believe linnly that out of evil good will arise. Everyone recognise* tile horrors of war. A time arrives in the affairs of nations, as of individuals, when they must fight in defence of honor and for their existence: when the blessings of pea;:-! have to be foregone, and all the grief (hat the sacrifice of human life entails ha.; to be borne with fortitude and n--ignation. The loss of treasure will be stupendous, but that is a secondary consideration. The TSritisli Empire 'is entering upon the greatest crisis in liur history. Wer rulers have done nothing to provoke or precipitate war. (In th" contrary, they have done nil that was humanly possible to avert it. but it is impossible, in my opinion, for Croat Britain to st I aside and to let powettul friendly nations go down without her taking part. To have done, would have been an act of cowardice—a thin-' unknown to Britishers. People in <d] parts of the Empire at this grave juncture will .stand united, and with' .undoubted courage ami indexible determination to leave nothing undone to defeat the enemy, which I earnestly prRV, under the guidance of Divine Provideiiee may soon !>e brought about, and that the outcome of this unprecedented struggle may ensure lasting peace through centuries to come. My motto is: 'For Kinoand Country.' and it will he fervently oreathed by the loyal people of this Dominion, as it will be throughout onr widely scattered Empire. May Cod j'le-s and protect the British forces on land and sea. and makj them victorio'i-= i* my earnest prayer."

These sentiments were greeted with another outburst of cheering, and again fcho National Anthem was sung, the crowd slowly dispersing, evidently impressed with tlio seriousness 02 the intelligence just conveyed to them. TO DEI ; END NEW ZEALAND. WHAT IS BEING DONEtv THE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE. STATEMENT BY THE COMMANDANT. Wellington, Lust Night. Major-Gencrajl 6ir Alexander Godley, General' ClViccr comimandiug the New Zealand forces, informed a press%an this evening of the s'teps being taken to defend !h e Dominion in the event of a German -.aid.. "The full strength of the Garrison Artillery,'-' he said, "has been called out and mobilised. The men are now in the forts. Volunteers from the coast defence infantry are being eal.'ed out to protect vulnerable points. Th.' proportion of the Territorial force which the Government considers necessary fodefensive purposes at this juncture Ims been called out as a Volunteer force. The partial mobi.isation that the Government has decided upon involves calling up at each district headquarters of nien repaired from various arms wli ■ > will be j ecepted on the understanding ll'.ht till sy volunteer for service abroad and will be prepared to be utilised for that puipose should their services be required later on. Men must voluntcc: for the i'riii of the service to which they now beilong, Or have belonged. Preference will be given to those who I)C' long to* the Territorials, or those with irililary experience, in the order named. The ages must be 'between twenty and thirty-live years 1 . "Large numbers of applications,'' .said the Commandant, "are being received for service in the New Zealand expedi tiin.irv fmce bv tile Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, and by Defeat" t'oadquarter.-... These are cuu-ing an enormous amount of additional werk. They ca.moi, be dealt with by this oii'ice. Oilers of acsistanei: shou d be eoniiiiiuniccted direct to the ell'icer commanding the district. "Num.'.'oil:, inquiries have been made as to tli; direction in which help and .\t.sistan.\> to the (government can best be given ia the event of a licw Zealand force going abroad. As these offers of a&istaa/e made by the pub'i l: will no doubt increase, it mav be us„,'nl to have 'it made ki own that the following gifts are ■most suitable: —Horses: Itid.ng, 01 half or three-quarter draught; motor bicycles; a considerable number of ordinary bicycles; motor cars (a few will he required) ;>addlcry; draught harness g.ocmmg kits; blankets; stout service able bo rts Qf regulation pattern; strong leather b'.aces and belts; canvas shoe:-; underclothing; socks; llaniicl shirts; cardigan vests; towels; handkerchiefs, hold-alls (knife, fork and speou) shaving oiltdU: hook'acos; "housewives' (with thread, buttons, needles, etc.); ln.ir brushes and combs; soap; clasi) knives with lanyards, and field glasses. APPLICATIONS IN\ 1TK1). Captain MaeDounell telegraphed last night asking us to publish the following :- Application.- for the New Zealand ex peditioouy force will be received from Milliliters under the fo.lowng categories : Territorials now serving, over 211 Mars of age including those on the unattached li.,i A and D and the Territorial reserve. Failin .j, the supply of volunteers l'ro.u tl-ese sources, applications from' o'fl'h-rs with previous military experience between ili and HO years of age wi.l b.entertained. All vohu beers are to understand the conditio is of the agroeanent which is to serve abroad out of New Z'ea.'and for the duration of the war. or for such st orter riiod n< is required u, eunvov the trolls home. No one to be included in thy force who has noL reached the age of lilt vears. I'nfercnee is to be given to single -nen .Modioli examination.—All ranks will he required to undergo medical examination before signing the form. Nobedy will be aiu'l'ted who-e height is under sft 4in. and whose weight exceeds 12 stone. Allowance: Pay and al''<>■„ a necs will be the ''ate paid to New Zealand Terri ti rial Force.- wlueu in camp.

Jlors-is.— Each mounted volunteer will bring his own horse which wi.l be inspected by a board as to its litmws. All rppliea-icii, for volunteers will be 'inade by those wh-hing to volunteer through wnuiilron i l.d eempany commanders. All in.', n th it l:uvc seen -ei'vice ami ail civili; lis that with to go will apply to the Group fiffici i at llawera. AT! MY COMMISSIONS FOR NEW ZKAEANDERS. AX UNUSfAIi OITORTUNITY. Captain A. ('. Stevens, Croup Commander at llawera. received last night tin' following telegram, offering remarkable opportunities for young N'e\r Zcalanders:

"Fifteen direct commissions offered in British Army to New Zealand. Conditions and qualifications are: Over twenty and under twenty-live nt date of examination, unmarried; passing qualifying theoretical examinations at Wellington, and medical examinations at Hawera; previous military experience, not essential, but desirable. Candidates must be suitable in every respect, and be recommended by you as likely to make a suitable officer. Passing the examination will not guarantee commission. Detailed instructions follow by post. Forward names of approved ap*plicants immediately. Recommendation to be accompanied by certificates as to moral character by' clergyman, headmaster. Please communicate this to Press." Captain Stevens points out that this is an unusual opportunity for men to secure British Army commissions, with prospects of immediate active servi.-. Application should, wherever possible, he supplemented by a personal interview with Captain Stevens lit Tlawera, and