Some 1200 or 1300 of this particular class of animal were required (says the Wellington Post), but, thanks to the magnificent response of the farmers, practically from the North Cape to the Bluff, what threatened to be a very serious problem was eventually surmounted.
The trouble arose from the fact that there was no surplus supply of such horses, and farmers who owned likely animals required them for their own use.
Mr E. C. Jack, dominion secretary of the New Zealand Farmers' Union, sent out telegrams to over a hundred farmers, drawing attention to the urgent necessity for horses for the guns, and urging co-operation with the Defence Department, and the response was extremely gratifying - indeed, remarkable.
Some of the men on the land, in the midst of a busy lambing season, left their work and travelled 20 or 30 miles to districts where they knew there were suitable animals, and brought them in to the Government officers.
In one instance a farmer brought in 25 horses, while another brought in 40.
One farmer was so anxious to make a gift of a horse that he went all over his district trying to exchange a fine animal of his own, which, unfortunately, was of the wrong colour.
He was unable to do so, but, not to be thwarted in his patriotic intention, he purchased a horse of the right shade, and handed it over to the authorities. - Sentry.
• The Dunedin Women's Association has shown a great deal of activity during the past few weeks, and has accomplished a great deal of very useful work that will doubtless be appreciated to the full by the members of the Expeditionary Force, in whose interests it has been carried out.
The women of Dunedin, true to the best traditions of their sex, have worked with a zeal born of a spirit of practical patriotism, and the reward of their labours lies in the splendid results they have achieved, which must be eminently satisfactory to all who have been connected with the association.
A very important stage in the ladies' work has now reached its end.
The figures are interesting and speak volumes for the energy and enthusiasm of the members of the association.
The report stated that 1511 full kits had been issued, and, in addition, a number of articles were supplied to complete other kits. The contents of each kit were as follows:- 2 pairs of braces, 2 pairs socks, 1 hold-all, 1 service bag, 1 chest protector, muffler, 2 shirts, 2 pairs underpants, 2 singlets, 1 housewife, 1 Balaclava cap, 2 cholera belts, 2 towels, and 2 handkerchiefs. The report continues:- ''It may be of interest to know how many articles were sent in to the Lady Liverpool Fund Committee or provided by the monetary donations sent in, and a list has been compiled as follows (this does not include the Mosgiel Company's donation of woollen goods sent to the Defence Office, and then forwarded to the Early Settlers' Hall, nor the articles sent from the defence authorities):- 2431 shirts, 2283 Balaclavas, 1875 cholera belts, 2100 hold-alls, 1943 housewives, 562 scarves, 5000 handkerchiefs (donations and many made in the hall), 893 chest protectors, 1728 singlets, 566 underpants, 5561 socks, 1500 cardigans, 2433 cuffs, 1200 towels, 2350 service bags:- total, 32,425 articles.
This list does not include miscellaneous articles, such as soap, liquorice, knives, forks, spoons, and many other things which were used in the filling of the hold-alls, along with a few blankets, shoes, boots, etc.''
- ODT, 9.9.1914.
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