AN INTERESTING STATEMENT

New Zealand Tablet, 22 April 1915, Page 47

AN INTERESTING STATEMENT

As indicating the extent of (lie assistance given to Belgium by the Dominion, the Hon. R. H, Rhodes stated in Christchurch on Saturday that practically since the beginning of tho war the total cash sent amounted to £132,972, and the value of goods and produce was £65,000, so that up to the present New Zealand had sent cash and goods and produce equal to £30,000 per month. For the poor of Great Britain and Ireland the cash sent totalled £38,295, and the goods and produce were valued at £IOO,OOO. 1 Some discussion lias arisen,’ the Minister continued, 4 us to whether New Zealand is sending sufficient men. The Dominion Government is in constant touch with the Imperial authorities with reference not only to its requirements, but also as to the position of affairs generally. Beyond what was arranged for at first we have sent 17 extra units, and we are just on the point of sending away another three. Furthermore, at the start, there was an understanding that we should despatch 5 per cent, of reinforcements, but this has been increased to 10 per cent, of mounted men and 15 per cent, of infantry. At present we are arranging for the equipment of a stationary hospital, which will comprise a. staff of eight medical officers and 100 men. It is more than likely that the despatch of additional troops will be arranged for. lam saying this in no boastful spirit, but simply for the purpose of showing that on a, population basis the number of men sent from New Zealand compares favorably with the number sent from the other Dominions. In the cases of Canada and Australia there has been a publication of the number of troops sent and about to be despatched. I regret that so far the Imperial authorities have not released the embargo placed on us in this respect.’