THIRTEENTH REINFORCEMENTS

Evening Star, Issue 16033, 9 February 1916, Page 8

THIRTEENTH REINFORCEMENTS

ENTERTAINED BAi OTAGO WOMEN. Tho _Em ly Settlers’ Hall was crowded last night with Otago members of the Thirteenth Reinforcements (who leave Dunedin 10-morrow) ar.d their friends, who had assembled at the imitation of the Otago Women’s Patriotic Association. The ladies had arranged everything in their usual thorough manner, and their guests were pleasantly entertained with music, cards, and dancing. After refreshments had been served Miss Downie Stewart took the opportunity of saying a few words on behalf of the association, of which she is chairwoman, to the men w-ho were leaving with “ the thirteenth.” The women, said Mis-. -,i. were proud of the volunteers who were going to defend the Empire, it . ■ to send them away, but when one knew what their going meant to the wearied troops at tho front it heartened them for the parting. For all they were going to do for us the women thanked them from their hearts. “We wish you to know,” went on Miss Stewart, “that you will ho followed daily in our thoughts'and in our prayers. If there is anything you want, send us a letter, and we will help you in any way we can. Every member of the association wishes you "‘God-speed’ and ‘an rovoir.’” Alisa" Stewart read a telegram sent by the Alavor (Air J. J. Clark), in which he regretted his inability to attend, and expressed his good wishes for the success ot the evening and to the lads of the Thirteenth Reinforcements. Someone called for “ Three cheers for Miss Stewart,” and these were given with hearty good-will. Chaplain-major Dutton, after eulogising the work done by Aliss Stewart, said that there was one thing tho lads in Egypt and on the Peninsula had appreciated, and that was the kindly sympathy and practical help of the Otago Women’s Association. Thee© lads who were going as reinforcements Were in a very happy, position indeed, and what amazed him was that every young fellow' who had tho opportunity of becoming a recruit should not eagerly grasp that opportunity. One young soldier (an Englishman), who had made the supreme sacrifice at Gallipoli, had said to him just. before he passed away: “ Thank Gcd that I fought with the New Zealanders—New Zealanders every time.” Chaplain-major Dutton said he wanted to remind his hearers that the lads out there were a very jolly lot, who frequently found a light side even in war —things to joke about and to raise a : hearty laugh. The speaker went on to j pay a tribute to the heroes of Gallipoli, j and concluded by urging the men who I were going into camp to “ take to their ’ work as a duck takes to water,” and to do their utmost to render the service required of them.