The actual start in the movement in Otago to raise funds for the benefit of the dependents of our dead and wounded soldiers, and for the wounded soldiers themselves - this quite apart from the Government war pensions - was made on June 7, on which date the books of 2d voting tickets were first issued for sale.
The original idea was that the supporters of each queen section should dispose of these 2d tickets, each ticket representing one vote for the particular queen.
This method, however, of obtaining funds was soon superseded, and other more or less familiar methods were adopted. Shortly after half-past 7 the crowd was so great in the downstairs portion of the building that there was great difficulty in getting from one stall to another.
The gallery was also filled with people, who had come early to enable them to get seats, and were quite prepared to wait patiently till the results of the polling might become known.
It was 8.30 before the crowds pressing in at the main entrance began to diminish to any extent.
The people, however, found plenty to amuse them while awaiting for the final figures to be posted, and musical items were played by the 4th Regimental and the Kaikorai Bands.
When the figures were all tallied, the 12 queens representing different sections of the community raised 126,134.
This huge amount is purely money allotted to one or other of the queens, and does not include 559 10s 8d cash takings at doors and tea rooms at the Drill Hall.
To the total again has to be added a sum of 15,381 already held by the Otago Patriotic Association for soldiers and dependents, the income from the coronation ceremonies tomorrow and Saturday, and considerable amounts from other sources.
The grand total now to the credit of the Otago Patriotic Association for the wounded soldiers is now 142,074 11s 3d, and it will probably reach 145,000 shortly.
The Government Tourist Agent at Christchurch has received a telegram to the effect that a motor car, with four passengers, had made the trip from Hokitika to the Franz Josef Glacier.
This is the first occasion on which a motor car has done the trip on its own power.
A small car went through previously, but had to be towed through the small rivers, which are unbridged. In suitable weather this brings the Franz Josef within two days' travelling of Christchurch.
The South Otago quota of the Eighth Reinforcements stayed at Milton on Monday night, and the Milton Y.M.C.A., following the procedure adopted on previous occasions, placed its rooms at the disposal of the men.
It entertained them at games, shooting, and other amusements, and, judging by the interest shown, all present enjoyed themselves.
Through the kindness of lady friends, all present enjoyed a splendid supper, which was highly appreciated. Before dispersing the Rev. Mr Orr addressed the gathering, giving an encouraging and stirring speech, which was highly appreciated.- ODT, 26.8.1915
