The serious casualty lists spell disaster for us just now, but when we win through we shall, as time goes on, be repaid a hundredfold.
These serious casualties are bringing the best out of our men in New Zealand, and today we have no dearth of recruits; but we must continue our work, because all will be required, as far as we can judge today.
Now that various and vivid descriptions of the landing on Gallipoli Peninsula are coming to hand, we begin to realise the great task our men have been called upon to undertake, and also to realise how nobly they have fulfilled, and are still fulfilling, that task.
Nothing finer has been written of New Zealand, and, so long as the planet lasts, this history will remain as a great shining star.
We now realise what wonderful strength is possessed by the German nation, but, though the Allies have not been able to do all they would like to have done by now, we know that progress is being made, and, if it is slow, it is sure.
Who would not help in such a war as this, and in putting down such a nation as Germany has at last proved herself to be?
The Empire calls every one of its members to its help.
Some may have to perform that help at home, whilst others go forth to do battle and sacrifice their lives.
But one object is in view all the time, and that is - the saving of our Empire.
The Recruiting Committee confidently calls on all eligible men to come forward at once and register their names for service abroad, so that they may be utilised the moment the actual necessity arrives.
Every preparation must be made; but every man offering, whether it be in town or country, is urged not to leave his situation until called upon to leave for Trentham.
To do so means disorganisation, and also dissatisfaction and friction, which should be entirely absent when our Empire is in such grave danger.
• In the mutability of things there often comes something that presents the appearance of topsy-turveydom. One-time foes have become friends, both as regards the individual and the nation.
Precisely 100 years ago those now standing shoulder to shoulder with the British in the most steadfast manner possible, were then arrayed in all their strength and determination against them, and in another quarter, whence material assistance was the forthcoming, there is now bitterness and rancour, and a most strenuous effort to overcome and destroy.
Yesterday was the centenary of the great battle of Waterloo, and while the occasion was marked by a patriotic and commemorative concert in the evening, the city gave little outward sign that there was anything unusual about the day.
That was, no doubt, the wisest and most discreet, and, indeed, the most generous and in every way the best course to pursue, at the present juncture.
It is not that the citizens do not cherish a proud recollection of a victory for British arms, but rather that they felt the impropriety of any demonstrativeness.
And so the day, with its cold and wet, passed off without any other sign that the people of Dunedin were an industrious and peace-loving community, busily pursuing their usual vocations.
• Mr Ayson, of the Government Fisheries Department, is netting the Opihi and Temuka Rivers in connection with the annual stripping operations. The Opihi is yielding some fine fish, weighing up to 20lb, which are spawning in the lower reaches.
There are some good fish, also, in upcountry gorges, and the prospects for next season are considered very good. - ODT, 19.6.1915.
• COPIES OF PICTURE AVAILABLE FROM ODT FRONT OFFICE, LOWER STUART ST, OR WWW.OTAGOIMAGES.CO.NZ
