New Zealand

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 253, 5 April 1915, Page 5

New Zealand

THE EXPEDITIONARY FORCES.

MINISTERIAL COMMENDATION.

Dunedin, April 3. The Hon. J. Allen stated to a reporter that ilk' latest reports showed that the training of the expeditionary force has been very severe. The men stood up to it with excellent spirit and keenness, and certainly there is nothing to fear as regards comparisons. As to the probabilities of important service in the ne:;r future, it was necessary to observe perfect secrecy. Regarding Dominion finance for the \ear ended March, it was probable that receipts and expenditure would show an equal balance. If that resulted it would be satisfactory considering the deeliin in Customs revenue and the Dominion's war expenditure, which averaged approximately .000,000 monthly. Plans and specifications for a camp hospital at Trentliam are just about ready. The building will cost about ii'soo and the equipment will he all given. .

THE NEW ZEALAND HOSPITAL.

Dnncdin, April ,'i.

Concerning military matters Mr. Allen states that a hundred men will form the staff of t'le stationary hospital offered by New Zca'aml and accepted by the Army Council, the complement comprising eight medical men under charge of a lieutenant-colonel, warrant-officer, non-commissioned officer and ambulance men. The oll'icers will be selected from the New Zealand army medical service, preference being given to those with experience as territorial officers. Fifty nurses will leave Wellington next Thursday for England. Twelve who left for Australia proceeded to the base hospital in France which is connected with the Australian forces.

OATS AND CHAFF FOR AUSTRALIA,

Wellington, April 3,

The Commonwealth Government has made application to New Zealand for SOflO =acks of oat.i and a quantity of oaten sheaf chaff for defence purposes. The Premier states that the Government intends to grant the. request.