He was in a position to say now that in all probability the services of the Expeditionary Force would be required, though he could not say what would be its probable destination. Later in the day he said it was now certain that our Expeditionary Force would be required.
''I cannot say anything about the destination of the force or go into details except that we shall require about 3000 horses. A portion of these will be required for mounted infantry and a portion for artillery purposes.
"If there are patriotic citizens - and I think there are thousands of them - who own horses suitable for these purposes the Government will be glad to receive them as soon as possible. We have already received offers from quite a number of people. During yesterday and to-day we have received offers of 200 or 300 horses but we shall require a great many more.''
Some particulars of the kind of assistance that will be welcomed by the Defence Department in connection with the despatch of the Expeditionary Force were given by the Minister of Defence (the Hon. J. Allen) in an interview.
Mr Allen said that the public had already come forward with gifts of horses, etc. Amongst the number of horses still required were artillery, draught, and pack horses, of which a total of about 1200 were needed - about 1000 half-draught, about 120 three-quarter draught, and about 600 pack horses.
Other necessities included small arm ammunition carts, a number of which were being made, and the cost of which was about £30 each.
If any patriotic citizen chose to give the price of one or more of these, or of any of the other articles subsequently enumerated, the Government would be very thankful. Among other needs were limber and general service carts for transport waggons, which might be obtained without being specially made. Some water carts would have to be made, and some ambulance wagons would have to be improvised.
Forage and Maltese carts and light spring-carts for engineers would likewise be needed, as well as veterinary and medical equipments, and saddlery and harness for the riding, half-draught, and three-quarter draught horses, with the exception perhaps of the saddles for the riding horses, which must be as near to the standard pattern as possible.
• There is probably no town in the dominion where the inhabitants have evinced a keener and more healthy interest in its defenders than Port Chalmers.
For years past the achievements of ''the Port Navals'' have roused the residents to enthusiasm, and the warm interest displayed by the townspeople in the doings of the officers and men in their big gun competitions and social functions has proved a healthy and well deserved stimulus to those who have in the past upheld the honour of their corps.
At the present time a large proportion of the local men comprising the coast defence territorials have been posted for duty at Taiaroa Heads and the Central Battery, with the result that several tradesmen have been inconvenienced to some extent. In one instance the proprietor has gone on duty himself, leaving an employee in charge of his business, and in another shop the proprietor was left to run his business without any assistance.
In other ways the community has already felt the effects of the war, although fortunately to a small extent. However, the position has been freely accepted in a proper spirit, and those most concerned have cheerfully responded to the call. - ODT, 8.8.1914.
