["Excitement at Carnarvon", The West Australian, Friday 07 August 1914, page 8]
EXCITEMENT AT CARNARVON.
DEFENCE ARRANGEMENTS.
Carnarvon, Aug. 6.
The Mayor (Mr. J. Von Bibra) convened a public meeting last evening to consider the best steps to be taken to defend the port in the event of an attack. The theatre was packed, and great enthusiasm prevailed throughout the proceedings. After the local brass band had played patriotic airs the Mayor opened the meeting and explained the reasons for calling the people together. Stirring speeches were then delivered by Messrs. D. N. MacLeod, A. Gilchrist, E. H. Angelo. F. C. Bishop, E. G. Heiden, P. Ayliffe, and C. T. Fletcher. At the conclusion of the speeches 150 men enrolled themselves for training. It was decided to telegraph to the military authorities asking them to immediately send sufficient rifles and ammunition for 200 men. A number of those enrolled stated their willingness to serve abroad if called upon. Several ladies offered to serve as nurses. "Rule Britannia" and the National Anthem were sung at the conclusion of the meeting.
A further public meeting was held this afternoon, and it was unanimously decided to form a local defence force. A defence committee was appointed under the chairmanship of D. Gordon. Application is being made to the military authorities for immediate recognition and for a supply of rifles to come by the first boat. The force will muster at noon to-morrow, and it is expected that 200 will fall in. Mr. Boor has offered his theatre as a hospital in the event of hostilities. A company of ladies is being enrolled under Mrs. Gordon for instructions in nursing. Arrangements have been completed in the event of an alarm for all women and children to muster and be conveyed to a given point some miles out of town.
