Practically all the field ambulance came from Otago and were sent north, so men were sent south to make up the quota. At first there may not have been so much keenness as elsewhere, but now they are as keen there as anywhere.
The Otago officers for the next lot of reinforcements had been secured, and already the southern quota was assured. In all about 3000 men would go into camp during the next three weeks.
The officers and non-commissioned officers selected had gone or were going into camp for special training. Practically all required were now available. There was no need to force the matter. Enrolment was proceeding.
The first lot was practically completed, and men were offering for the second batch of reinforcements. It had been decided to bring back men from Samoa and give them an opportunity of volunteering for the front.
A force of 500 men between the ages of 40 and 47 would be enrolled for garrison duty in Samoa. They were enrolling in Dunedin already.
• In connection with the statements contained in cable messages that the Germans have adopted the practice of moving troops backwards and forwards on the railways in order to give the appearance of large numbers, a Hawera resident has pointed out (says the Auckland Herald) that the Maoris, at the commencement of the war in 1860, endeavoured to mislead the Imperial commander at Waitara by a somewhat similar ruse.
This was during the attack on the L Pa - so named because it was built in the shape of the letter ''L''. A force of Maoris would come out from one part of the pa, and, with a great warlike show, make for an entrance at another part, hidden from the view of the troops.
This was repeated many times, with the result that the British commander and his men were led to believe that a large party of Waikatos had come down to assist the Waitara Natives.
It is a well-known fact that the troops suffered considerable loss at this engagement, and it was said at the time that the Maori ruse had largely contributed to the defeat of our men, because it was thought the numbers against them were double or treble what they really were.
• By the death of Mrs Mason, at her residence in High Street, the community loses a colonist of long standing and a most highly esteemed citizen.
The late Mrs Mason was predeceased some years ago by her husband, the late Mr William Mason, of the firm of Mason and Wales and the first Mayor of this city. After his retirement from business Mr and Mrs Mason took up their residence at Paradise, Lake Wakatipu, and there Mrs Mason continued to reside for the greater part of her time until comparatively recently.
She made several visits of late years to the Home Country, with which she always kept in touch, but her allegiance to New Zealand and Otago always brought her back to these shores.
Those who had the privilege of her intimate acquaintance recognised and admired her as a woman of exceptional parts - one who combined in the happiest manner qualities intellectual and humanitarian.
Mrs Mason was a cultured conversationalist, a reader of the best literature, and was keenly interested in art and natural history. The late Mrs Mason was a zealous member of the Anglican community, which, in the Lake district in particular, owed much to her interest and assistance.
- ODT, 1.12.1914.
