In New Zealand.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 99, 22 September 1914, Page 8

In New Zealand.

CAKE OF OU'.i HEX AT HOME. DEPUTATION" TO TIIE PREMIER. MATTER RECEIVING CONSIDERATION. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. A deputation comprising representatives of a number of district patriotic fund committees, headed by Mr. J. Nash, Mayor of Palmerston North, waited on the Prime Minister (Rt. Hon. W. F. MasBey) this evening, with reference to care of wounded New Zcalanders at Home. The foilowinZg delegates were present: Mr. J. P. Luke {Mayor of Wellington), Mr. G. Cray (Tiraaru), Dr. Gabitea (Timaru), Mr. 0. M. Spence (Blenheim), Dr. Willis (Feilding), Mr. Byron Brown (Otaki), Mr. A.'Lever (Westport), Mr. 11. Morrison (Wairaripa), Mr. 11. Burnett (Woodville), Mr. J. N. Simmonda (Taumarunui), Mr. T. B. Williams (Wanganui), Mr. A. Conroy (Ilawera), Mr. P. S. (loldingham (PiJinerston) and Mr. T. K. Y. Seddon, M.P (Hokitika). The delegates brought before the Government the following resolutions which were passed at a conference held prior to waiting upon Mr. Massey:—"That tins conference of delegates, representing various patriotic committees, reso ves to ask the Government— (1) To agree to a Dominion Civilian Fund being established for the care of New Zealand invalided or wounded soldiers and other emergencies at Home; (2) that the Government subsidise the same £ for £ from moneys already paid in from the patriotic eommittees; (3) that a first call, equt.l to 10s per man of the force, be made over the whole Dominion; (4) that the Government agree to "the appointment of a civilian (honorary, if possible) to administer the fund under the control of the High Commissioner's office in London."

The Prime Minister sard that tlie ti<.vernment had already given th<? matter some consideration, but had not arrived at any definite conclusion upon it. They fully realised, however, that something must be done in the direction suggested. They bad thought oE instructing the lligh Commissioner to detail as many ollicials of his staff as might be necessary to look after those matters that the deputation had in mind. With regard to the finance of the proposal, he was not sure that the Government could use any of the moneys in the patriotic fund for this purpose, because that money had been subscribed for tie equipment of the force. He would like to consult with his colleagues and with General Codlcy on the proposal, but the deputation could be assured that the Government were fully alive to the necessity of appointing someone, and fcfce appoinUe a civilian, to look after tha interests of the men at Home.

IRKSOME TO TttlE SKIPPER.

Wellington, September 21. At P2.30 this morning the Bteamor Xgakuta, whiio entering port, was twice fired upon by the fort. The first shot was blank, tout the shell from the second crossed her bows. The captain stated that in response to the signal he hoisted tlio proper lights. He protested that the steamer was not a tramear and cou'd not bo stopped immediately.

DEFENCE FUND.

COOK ISLANDS CONTRIBUTE.

Wellington:, Last Night. The Prime Minister received word today that the Europeans and Natives ot the Cook Islands have subscribed £l-0 (u the Empire Defence Fund. THE INTERNED GERMANS. Wellington, Last Xight. TII3 total number of Germans at present held as prisoners of war on Somes Island is 112. Another six are to oe sent over this week. The first batch which went over numbered 115, and although a fairly large number have been released on parole and report themselves once every twenty-four hours to the police, their places have been taken by other Germans sent in from different parts of the Dominion.

Allairs at the camp go oh smoothly, no complaints as to treatment being forthcoming.

WESTPORT COAL. Westport, Last Night. Ihfi Harbor Board has decided, in view of the interest Attaching to the fort of Westport during the present '■war, to ask tho Government to tiring under the notice of the Admiralty tho known coal-befcriiu; areas of Blackburn and Capo Fonlwind, cWne to Wcatport. so that an area may be reserved, or -'i),00!0 to 50,(W0 tons of co.il stored, on f he Admiralty paying subvention to the Board.