The call to arms has been enthusiastic cally responded to in all parts of the country. The War Office would have no difficulty in obtaining three times the nam-yr of volunteers they require. A most severe medical test is, however, supplied and an extraordinarily larsze proporti of the applicants are. rejected. standard of marksmanship and efficiency is also insisted upon; but in spite of all these there is no difficulty in filling the comand no one doubts that our volun-Will render an excellent_account_of themselves, Nor is there any falling off in the contributions to the funds the nided soldiers, and for the families of all dependent on those who for us. This morning comes an offer from an anonymous benefactor to equip and send out a complete hospital for! the field forces; and another hospital ship is to he equipped and sent out by Glasgow. During the Christmas holidays the wives and families of the soldiers have not been forgotten, an admirable example having been set by her Majesty, who invited all those in Winsor and the district. xround to un entertainment in St, George's at the Castle on Boxing Day, The beautiful hall was decorated as splendidly as a rent Royal gathering tee party for the adults, and a gorgeous Christ. bias tree for the children ests were welcomed by the Queen and waited on by the Royal Princess,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.