OPUNAKE.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXIX, Issue LXIX, 29 May 1915, Page 4

OPUNAKE.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

SEND-OFF TO RECRUITS.

On Thursday night, during the interval of the pictures, an opportunity wa» taken to bid farewell to our boys who are going lorward h> tne front. In tha absence of tne chairman of the County of Egmont Patriotic League (Mr W. C. Dudiey) Mr Kneii was i.*ked to say a. few words to the recruits. Mr Kneil said that owing to the short notice given by the Defence Department,, tho* citizens were unable to &ive the biuve lads a big farewell, but be assured them that if it could be arranged that they all could return for a few days before their departure from New Zealand, they would give them a- right royal reception. Although only given a couple of days' notice to prepare for ' their departure, he felt sure that every lad was ready and anxiously waiting; the time when he should meet the> enemy face to face. He honed the citizens would be present in the morning at 7 o'clock to see tlie lads off.

Three cheers were then given for all those going forth to fight for King and 'country:

♦Mr Tinsley was then called upon tosay a few farewell words. He said his one regret was that he was not at liberty to don the khaki and go with th» recruits. He felt sure tbat wherever they might be they would always tiDheld the bondr and dignity of the British flag: and the greatness of the Christ tian calling. On behalf of the Patriotic League he wished them God-speed, a rattling good fight, and a safe return to and the loved ones. .

The recruits were afterwards entertained by some of tbe o;+ize*?B to a. smoke concert in Mrs Niccol's tearooms, where a very enjoyable evening was spent.

A -large crowd gathered in the p*veHi on Friday morning to bid farewell to t^>e bo^s. r^d three lioa^y "hpa-rt, -fin-^ given for them as they took their departure.