New Zealand

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 179, 7 January 1915, Page 8

New Zealand

AN UNIQUE OCCASION. 3LAOIU TROOPS' GALA DAY. IiELATIYJiti VISIT THEIR SOLDIER BOYS. By Telegraph.—Per Press Association. Auckland, Last Night. To-day was a gala day at the camp or the Alaori contingent a't Avondale. Invitations had been itfcuul to the relatives of the soldiers to be present to see what progress had been anade by the troops during their training under canvas, and to partake of a dinner cooked in tilie hangis. A large number of natives responded to the invatation, and shortly beforj noon the men were drawn up for parade by .Colonel Hume, commanding tho Auckland district. .The Colonef was accompanied by Major Bartcn.

Colon ;1 Hume said he wished, as tho officer commanling t'ho Auckland district, to extend a hearty welcome to the lriends and relatives of the troop 3, and he hoped they wo ild spend a happy Hay. "I think you will agree," lie continued, '"tiliat your relatives here are the picture of health, and that the training they liavo received has done thein a world of good. They are a credit to their race, and a credit to their country. It is needless for me to say that when the times comes for you to part witli them 'they will be a credit to the Empire of which they form a'part. They have much to show you to-day, to give you sonic idea of what tliev have learnt here. T'aa Minister for Defence lias agreed to supply them with "shorts," winch from my own personal knowledge is tile miost serviceable uniform for walking and activity in general. In my opinion it will be the forerunner of ail troops in the Dominion being similarly equipped. Not that tihe old uniform will he altogether discarded."

.Major I'eacock, the camp commandant, also extended, on behalf of his officers and himself, a hearty welcome to the relatives of 'the men. "The occasion is a unique one in fctre history, of the Maori race," Jie said. Captain Pitta, a native officer, also spofke, and Hari Wahanui, a chief from Otorohauga, replied on behalf of the and addressing the soldiers, delivered a stirring speech. "Greetings this Christmastide and New Year," his s-a;d. ''To those of you who are training to fight side by side with your white brethren it will be seen that Maoris all over New Zealand are of one opinion ill their desire to help. For the first time in the "History of the Maori race, all the tribes are united to fight together for the Empire. Even as late as 1880 there were dissensions among the tribes under British rule. We have learnt wisdom, and regret our former violence, ami we are now at last united to help to fight .'or our white brethren. Although this Maori representatives in Parliament are not present to-day, I am here to speak on their behalf."

Turning to the officers, the speaker continued: "'\\e have handed our men (•ver to you to be taught to be soldiers. Let tiiem be taught as soldiers, and not play at it. Y oil, soldiers, don't forget that we all originate from one common stock. \\[e worship one God. Be truthful, be honourable. You carry the honour of the Maori race in your hands. Be brave, and remember the flag you have Hying over your tents. With reference to your religious beliefs, don't fcrget that you aim for one "heaven. Fear God, read and study your bibles, pnd may the British reign over us for over." (Cheers.) Various military manoeuvres were then gone through to show tlio assembled relatives what a difference a few weeks' training had made to their boys. This work was done very creditably, and was heartily cheered, as was also an exhibition of physical drill by a large squad. A rush was then made to another part of the cam]), where a number of natives had prepared five .'hangis loaded with pork, beef, potatoes, eels, and other food. AUCKLAND'S LATEST MARTYR. GAUDLV'S SYMPATHISERS' AT WORK. Auckland, Last Night. At a meeting of the sympathisers with F. E. M. Gaudin to-night, resolutions were passed expressing the view that the sentence of five years' imprisonment was unjustified by the evidence as reported in the Press, and asking the Minister to furnish to tile Press of the Dominion at the earliest possible moment a full and complete account ot the proceedings at the trial, A committee was appointed in connection with tile matter.

MESSAGES TO THE TROOPERS. The Telegraph Department advises that week-end cable telegrams of social character for sodliers, sailors, or nurse", in the expeditionary forces in England, France, and Belgium will now be accepted for transmission via Pacific or eastern without a minimum at a charge of nincpence per word. Messages for France and Belgium will be posted free from London to the place of destination. Sucli telegrams must bear the indicator "E.F.M." in the instructions, but this will not be charged for. Senders should, as far as possible, supply complete address, including regimental number, rank, name of squadron, battery, company, regiment or other unit of the expeditionary force concerned. In ease the troops are not with the expeditionary forces at the front, the name of place where stationed. All messages are accepted at sender's risk, and no repetition or subsequent in quiry can be undertaken.

ENQUIRIES REGARDING OUR . WOUXDED. I'REK AMiAXCiKI) TELEGRAMS. The Telegraph Department advises that arranjr-mcnts have been made for (lie transmission f r ,, ( , „f c ], av; r C 0 f "«!Mial(.y Mrjrams inquiring eoneertiin;» members of uie expeditionary forces in England, France, British possessions (except Hon* Kong), Egypt and Persian Gulf ollicially reported to lie wounded, seiyoitsly wounded, or dangerously wounded (but not of persona slightly wounded). Persons ollicially reported sull'cring from disease will tiini'e within this category. Three sxieli in(|uiry telegrams only will be allowed, and the person presenting the"telegram must produce tin* official notification showing the person inquired for lias been wound" ed. This notification must be endorsed

by the Telegraph Department to show whether inquiry is first, second or third. Such telegrams presented in New Zealand are to be lully coded as Government messages, franked by the superintendent or postmaster accepting. The indicator ■'W.S.M." to be written in the instructions and addressed, ''Secretary, G.P.0., Wellington." The te'egram must he briefly worded but con::in lull information, which in turn ./ill be distributed from the G.P.O. on receipt. As inquiries regarding persons at seat of war m France and Belgium will require to he made by post from London, some time must ellipse before the information asked is available.

CONTRIBUTION TO PRINCE OF WALES' FUND. London, January C, Tile Red Cross acknowledges a further £53-27 for the Prince of Wales fund from New Zealand.