THE REINFORCEMENTS

Grey River Argus, 15 February 1915, Page 2

THE REINFORCEMENTS

FIFTH DRAFT.

FAREWELLED AT DRILL HALL.

Although very short intimation was given the public that the fifth draft of Reinforcements leaving Greymouth would be farewelled at the Drill Hall on Friday, there was a fair attendance of the public. The roll-call took place shortly after 7 o'clock, and between 35 and 40 volunteers answered their names and fell into line. They were a line lot of men, of good physical appearance, and quite up to former batches in this respect. They were also a hearty lot, jovial to a degree, and if one or two in their general appearance and military bearing did not snow a finish in their move ments it was nevertheless apparent that they are of the material from which good soldiers are made, and a three months' course of training at Trentham, together with the fact that they were at a comparative disadvantage last night in being in mufti, will make all the difference from a military standpoint. After, the roll call, Captain C'olclough called upon Mr. H. F. Doogan to address the men. Mr. H. F. Doogan (acting-Mayor), on behalf of the citizens, congratulated the mem on their . determination to answer their country's calL As they were well aware, when the present trouble arose John Bull, Junior, leaped in. They had the honour to represent John Bull, Junior, and he had not the slightest doubt but they would do their duty well and honourably. He would remind them that they were going on an expedition in which they would come into temptations they would not otherwise be exposed to. He hoped that when these were met they would conduct themselves so as to uphold the best traditions of the British Army. While it could be fairly said that they were all good men who had volunteered in the Dominion, it may be that one per cent-, would at times act thoughtlessly and foolishly, and it behoved the ninety-nine to check the unruly spirit from doing anything that would bring discredit on their good name. Tlo wished them God-speed, good luck, and just as the people of the Dominion took an especial interest in the doings of the troops leaving New Zealand, so the people of the West Coast would watch with particular interest the doings of the West Coast men abroad. They all knew with what pvide Ihey. had read in the papers of the brilliant part played in nava) engae:r?nents by the battleship New Zealand ; the same interest would be takem in- the deeds of the New Zealanders and the people they left behind hoped to meet them again after the- war, after the German Emperor had been put in his place, and give j them a right good hearty welcome, and be able to heartily sing, "See the Conquerinrr Heroes Come." Mr. Doogan called for cheers for the King, which were heartily given. Captain Colclough gave orders for the men to assemble at the drill hall at 8 a.m. next day, from whence they would march to the railway station and proceed overland to Christchurch in charge of Lieut. Mills. Any of the men leaving the tram at Moana would be left behind. "There, is an hotel there and we want you to keep away from it for your own good," added the captain. When they got to Christchurch they would get fresh 1 ' orders. For [he present reinforcement draft ihe West Coast was two, or perhaps three men short. Other districts, however, showed a bigger shortage, and when it was remembered thai; the West Coast had already provided additional men to make up a deficiency elsewhere, the shortage was not a shortage in reality so far as the West. Coast's quota was concerned. Still he hoped to have the other two men very soon as there were still volunteers forthcoming. The captain concluded by saying, "Now, break-ofr. and see your friends." Three cheers were then given for "The boys," and the men were dismissed .-it 7.40. .