100 YEARS AGO
FROM OUR ARCHIVES
Australian achievements
THERE is a feeling amongst the Australasian troops in London that English newspapers and the public do not fully realise the part the Australasians have taken in the recent fighting. It is claimed on their behalf that credit can be taken for the successful offensive policy commencing on the 8th of August, which changed the Allied defensive policy into an offensive, paving the way for the big advance, which is still progressing. They made the first serious breach in the Hindenburg line, and during the six months’
fightingfrom March to October-captured 251 square miles of territory, recaptured 16 towns and villages and many other strong points. They took 28,655 prisoners and 332 guns. They met and defeated an equivalent to 73 German divisions, including those reappearing the second time. The Australians’ losses are much less than the number of prisoners captured.
Mt Domett climbed
On Sunday a party of Alpine enthusiasts, who had motored from Oamaru, climbed Mount Domett, in the teeth of a wind which at times robbed them of breath (reports the Mail). They were surprised at the extent and depth of the snow still lying at levels which at this time of the year are usually clear and feed producing, and they saw a vast expanse of snow on all the higher levels stretching away to the Lindis. The cold is so intense that the snow is frozen solid underneath to a form of ice pack, and they found spots where the boot left no
impression at midday, and where it was necessary to cut steps. In the gullies the drifts are many feet deep, frozen solid, and they predict that snow will be still on the higher levels in December, if it is not there all the summer. The sun scarcely affects it, and only a warm rain would remove it.
Overseas Club opened
The official opening of the newly acquired premises of the Overseas Club (Dunedin branch) took place last evening in the presence of a large number of members and invited guests. The hall is on the top flat of the Security Buildings, in Stuart street, and is a spacious and brilliantly lighted apartment, and thoroughly well suited to the purposes for which it is intended to be used; that is social gatherings, etc.
The necessary alterations have been carried out by Messrs Fletcher Bros., who have not only met the club in every possible way, but have generously donated the curtain for the
stage. Last evening the hall presented a very bright and attractive appearance.. The formal declaration of its opening was done by the president (Mr W. R. Don), which he did in the briefest possible manner. Mr Don, later in the evening, extended a hearty welcome to those present.
Otago band in Britain
In the course of a letter to a relative in Dunedin, a New Zealander, who is at present in Sling Camp, states: ‘‘One thing I like about Sling is Otago’s pipe band. There are 12 pipers and three drummers, and they are just A1. Otago’s parade ground is only about 30 yards from my cubicle, so I get the full benefit of the band. The big drummer is the cutest man with his sticks I have ever seen. The antics that man gets up to are marvellous. Every night at ‘retreat’ (8 o’clock) the band plays a nice tune in waltz time, and then marches round the parade ground, playing a good swinging march.’’ — ODT, 17.10.1918.