DEMONSTRATION IN WELLINGTON.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 275, 30 April 1915, Page 5

DEMONSTRATION IN WELLINGTON.

STIRRING SPEECH BY THE PREMIER. Wellington, April 20. When tlie message to the Governor was received a demonstration was hastily organised in the Parliamentary gro-mds. Despite the short notice there were four or five thousand people present. The Premier, however, had nothing to add to what was contained in the brief announcement to His Excellency. After mentioning he had yesterday congratulated the Canadians and little thought then that it would be our turii to-day, he added: "We have sent out on active service 17,000 men, the best and brightest in this community. I include the native contingent and'men at Samoa. Tn a few months if the war lasts, and I believe it will last because the end does not appear to be in sight, New Zealand will have 25,000 men on the other side of the world fighting for their King, for Empire, and for their country. (Great cheers.) I feel absolutely certain of this, that if another 25,000 men are required from New Zealand (and they may be required) they will be forthcoming from the manhood of this country. (Renewed cheers.) In addition r,o the 17,000 men we have sent, we have 4500 good men and true in camp at Trcntham preparing to take their part when the time comes, and now I want to say to you, and I speak more particularly to young New Zealanders, I hope that what has been done during the last few days on the other side of the world will stimulate your enthusiasm, and that thousands more will be forthcoming because they are wanted. (Applause.) No sacrifice on our part is too great to keep the old, flag flying, with -ill that it means to us in the way of liberty and freedom.

"Now, let me give you another point. Within the last few days the Government lias been in communication with the Imperial Government with regard to the difficulty that has been experienced in England in the way of producing war munitions, and the New Zealand Government has offered to send a number of mechanics from the Dominion to assist in producing those munitions, (Applause.) Although we have not received official reply to our olfer, I may tell you that numbers of men have already come to us expressing their willingness to go to the other side of the world for the purpose I have mentioned, I believe our offer will be accepted." Mr. Massey added that the total expenditure up'to March 31 on account of war expense was £2,151,835. Towards that expenditure the public of New Zealand had contributed in cash the sum of £15(1,137 Sir Joseph Ward also spoke, briefly expressing his pleasure at the news. For oiie thing, it showed where our men were, a matter about which there had been some doubt. Ho hoped to see at the end of the war the German navy handed over or destroyed. —(cheers)—so that never again would the cloud be allowed which had been hanging over Europe for the past fifteen or twenty years. The following reply has been received by the Prime Minister from the Prime Minister of Canada: "On behalf of the Government and people of Canada I desire to express the deepest appreciation for the message. Canada is thrilled with mingled pride and sorrow, pride in the valorous deeds of hei- gallant sons, and sorrow for those who have fallen in the fight for liberty and democracy. We earnestly reciprocate your wish that Canadians may yet fight side by side with their New Zealand brothers for the integrity of the Empire, and for preservation of its institutions and liberties. (Signed) Borden."

"WE KNOW OUR DUTY." ADDRESS BY MINISTER FOR DEFENCE. TWO MORE MEN FOR EVERY OXR KILLED. Dunedin, Last Night. The message from the Imperial Government congratulating New Zealand on the conduct of the troops created the liveliest satisfaction. Flags were hoisted on many buildings, and a large crowd assembled at the Town Hall, where the Mayor (M/. Shaekloek) and Mayor elect (O. Clark), delivered short speeches appropriate to the occasion.

In the afternoon the employees lit Hillside workshops marched into the town with banners flying and met the Hon. J. Allen on his arrival from the North. A short address was delivered by Mr. Allen, in which he stated he knew nothing about any casualties. All he knew was that every man had done his duty to the King, to his country, and New Zealand.

Shortly after 5 p.m. a patriotic rallv was held at the Town Hall steps, where addresses were delivered by Mr. Sliaeklock and the Hon. J. Allen. In th? course of his speech, Mr. Allen stated that about three weeks ago our infantry left Egypt for the Dardanelles. That had to be kept a profound secret till now.

Mr. Allen added: "We have men in Egypt to take the place of those who might be among the casualties. It is our duty to fill the ranks with two men for every one killed. We know our duty, and we will perform it as New Zoalanders should."

Speaking at the annual ninion of the Otago branch (if the National Reserve to-night, Mr. Allen paid a high tribute to the work of the stall' who had been training and organising the men for the expeditionary force. The fourth rcini'on'( ment went away from New Zealand more soldierlike, better trained, and better equipped, and with its transports more perfect in every detail than was the ease with any one of the previous bodies that went away. Mr. Allen eulogised the services of Vol. Robin (acting commandant), Col. Gibbon (chief of general stall'), and Cot Potter (camp commandant at Trentham). When Parliament met an amendment to the Defence Act would be brought down, allowing the National Reserve to become a part of the reserve of the military system. He did not say that it could be made a compulsory reserve, and he thought it was better voluntary. When the time came to discuss terms of peace lie .thought the overseas dominions would have some say. He hoped the time might come when a subcommittee of the Committee of Defence might find a place in these (Southern seas, with representatives of the Mother Country and of the dominions fronting on these seas.