The achievement of the Australasians is eulogised in all the newspapers. The Evening Standard says: ''The news thrills us with a large family joy. A young country had a military reputations to make, and the deeds on the Gallipoli Peninsula have established that reputation.
''The sons of Australia have proved that they can fight with a scorn of death and the spirit that animated the gallant fellows at Neuve Chapelle, who the Germans confess taught them that the new British army is not composed of hopeless ragamuffins.
''It is the privilege of Britons who have the habit of canting that the country is grown old and tottery, to salute them.''
Mr Ashmead Bartlett, representative of the British press, continues his graphic narrative of the landing of the Australasians at Gabe Tepe: ''Throughout the night of the 26th the Turks harassed our lines, creeping up and endeavouring to snipe the Australasians in their sheltered trenches, but never daring to press the attack, although they were in overwhelming numbers.
''The Turks paid dearly for their temerity, one section of the New Zealanders charging them with the bayonet and driving them off in disorder. It was obvious in the morning of the 27th that the Turks had not recovered from their terrible hammering on the 26th, and they had no stomach for another big attack.''
''The entrenchments were now firmly established in a semi circle along the whole front of the foreshore which was being used for the disembarkation of the troops, supplies, guns, and ammunition.
''The colonials' position was also immeasurably improved by landing field guns and several Indian mountain batteries.''
''The Turks evidently intended to drive the Australasians into the sea on the 26th by a great concentration of infantry and unceasing shrapnel fire, expecting to find the line thinly held by men exhausted by their losses and exertions during landing.
''They were soon disillusioned. These Australasians were determined to die to a man rather than surrender ground so dearly won. Every man knew that.''
• The fortnightly outing of the Dunedin Field Club was held on Saturday. The party numbered 14, several of whom were new members.
A pleasant and profitable afternoon was spent on Signal Hill, where ample opportunity was found not only for the discovery and collecting of native plants, but also for observing cloud and mist effects, and for admiring the exquisite views around this favoured town.
- ODT, 11.5.1915.
