FROM PEACE TO WAR

Evening Star, Issue 15606, 24 September 1914, Page 5

FROM PEACE TO WAR

IXPGOmONARY FORCE FAREWELLED, THE GLORY OF SAONE§S. [From Otjp. Pariumektahv Eevomkh.] WELLINGTON. September 24. It is only of the human aspect of the Jnal farewell to the Expeditionary Force ;hat one may write. The military side moat be forgotten for the tune, and forgotten in the'interests of our soldiers —lads of fine mettle who are rapidly hardening to efficient niarihccd : lads who are giving to their cotintrv and to all tho scattered I«nds of their fathers the golden days of their years. Perhaps it will be tetter for all who remain in peace at" home to read of the sjlory oftho sadness of the last farowell than* to dwell too much upon the glory of war abroad, it is impossible, inaeeti, for anyone in Wellington to-day to be otherwise "than proudly Kid. Hour after hour for more than a day one ha,s seen and heard the gear of (ships quietly lifting horses into strange stablea. Then there has been the stir m the city for days, culminating in a. fever of restlessness and excitement. Tho city is like a garrison town, where the shuffling citiaen discovers his defects in a glimpse at the-fitness of soldiers. The first stir this morning was near the waterfront, where hundreds of cadets marched to guard the many entrances. Only relatives and thoso ■ with special pauses were permitted to pass the youthful guard:!. Once passed, one learned quickly that it was hardly the place for inquisitive idlers and "'Peeping Toms." The occasion was sacred.

Yet it was good to eso and hear how cheerful were the soldiers in their final hours 01 freedom and in their tender fareivells to their "ain folk." Then, just as one'a heart "filled, one would hear a group of soldiers on a. boat in the quiet harbor .sing jailv "It's a Long Way to Tipperary.' They nad said their farewells a day 'or two before, and were now practising to via with tho British Tommy in the spirit that wins <iji the end. The publi'J farewell at Newtown Park took piuco in tho afternoon. Close on 5.000 cojdiers participated in the inspiring muster... From the moment they left the waterfront until they reached, the rendezvous by divers ways all the tortuous thoroughfares in the city were full :>f tilir and movement. .Vine instrumental kinds wcto present, and music relieved the tension and sadness 01 the occasion. The ceremony was simple and effective, and touched with a genuine acknowledgment of the need of spiritual power in the greatest war in history. , Of many interesting features arid facts concerning the .Expeditionary Force one dare not write at present. Perhaps one may say that tho Otago and Southland zxA. Canterbury eectiona were in tire liartor. No ©W2 need bo anxious about the. iiiial departure, and ako the gtiardiantbip of our soldiers at sea. Sooner or later thousands of folk in New Zealand will remember and imderstand the temW meaning of Tennyeon's lines: And the stately ships go on to their haven under the hill; But, oh, for the touch of a. vanished hand ard the sound of a voice that is *.till! AN IMPRESSIVE SCENE. [Peu United Prkss Association.] WELLINGTON, .September 24. The Wellington section of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force and the national units which have assembled hero from all parts 01 New Zealand ax - e being officially iarewelled at Newtown Park this afternoon. The whole of the schools are closed, aiul most of the business places are observing a half-holiday, with the result that the attendance of the public is very large. The weather is dull and threatening. The scene is a very impressive, one.