REINFORCEMENTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LII, Issue 115, 21 May 1918, Page 6

REINFORCEMENTS

DEPARTURE OF THE 42nd DRAFT

The 42nd draft of Nelson men left here by the Pateena this morning. The vessel "was advertised to leave here at 6.45, but did not get away until 25 minutes later, having a large cargo to discharge. Notwithstanding the early hour "there was a large number of people on the wharf to give the departing soldiers a hearty send-off. The men mustered at the Drill Hall, and marched to the wharf, headed by the 12th Regiment Band, which played en route, and also on the wharf. Short farewell speeches were made by the Mayors of "Motueka and "Nelson from the deck of the Pateqna, and as the steamer moved away cheers wei-e exchanged. Mr J. A. Wallace (Mayor of Motueka). said that in bidding farewell to the 42nd Reinforcements, they were realising that a different phase of the war was being entered upon. The present draft included single and married men, some of whom were from his own district. They all hoped and trusted that before their "course of training was gone through the war would be over. The responsibilities and interests of the married men were very great, and citizens at home must look "after their businesses and see that their interests did not suffer. He wished them all God speed and a safe return. Mr W. W. Snodgrass (Mayor of Nelson), said that we were now sending awav married men, and it was a source of pride and satisfaction to know that they had responded to the call. Our sympathy went with them, and it was hoped tliat the cause for which we were *o worthily fighting would outweigh the dangers they would have to go through. He hoped flags would be waving and tin* war brought to a close before thev were called upon to do their share of"the work at the front. They wree going to take their place in the great fighting army to win the war. He wished them God speed and a safe return The names of the men who left this morning are: E. R. Alexander. A. W. Bell. I. L. Bartlett. W. D. Barnett. C. J. Batchelor. W. H. Beatson. L. S. Black. J.. G. Bud den H. C. Bulla-.-d C. M. Burnett G. A. Carrutht-fti H. W. Chisnali. S. R. Collins. T. A. Cropp. P. CunninghamG. A. Dayman. L. E. Dixon. E. T. Dron. W. V. Eustace. D. L. Evans. B. W. F. Falconer. G. W. Fawcett. L. H. Frost. G. L. Fair. W. N. L. Forster. E. E. F. Grimmett. C. E. Gibbs. C. L. Grant. W. H. Greenwood. R. N. Harley. C .A. N>. Hamilton. A. L. Hammond. W. M. Heath. R. J. Holmes. H. Macnamara. I A. McCauley. A. G. McPherson. I CM. Manssen. J. Maxwell. W. H. Moxeyl J. H. D. Oakley. F. J. O'Connor. L. F. Powell. E C. Riordan. C. J. Stollery. T. Scott. C Sharland. H. F. S. Silcock. T. W. M. Silcock. H. J. Smith. W. L. F. Stilwell. R. H- "Windleborn. A. C. Youngman-

The results of the medical examination o*" Second Division balloted men up to the middle of last week are shown in the following figures -. — Class A. Class B. Tota- examined 12,028 3,053 Passed fit 3,957 1,133 Unfit -.. 8,071 1,920 Percentage fit ... 32.89 37.11 Percentage unfit When these figures were prepared there were 1284 Class A men and 6764 Class B men still to be examined, and the percentage of fit recruits among the B men may be modified by the later examinations'. The proportion of fit men (including men classe<* CI) among the balloted First Division reservist? was about 45 per cent. The examination then was riot as stringent as it 1a at the present time.

ORDERLY SENDOFF AT .CANTERBURY, (United Press Association.) CRRTSTCHXTRCH, May 20. By far the largest draft of reservists to go north for some time assembled at the K\»g Edward Barracks this afternoon, the men consisting largely of Second Division reservists. Admission to the barracks was limited strictlv to the men going away. There was a very large attendance of police, in caee of trouble. The public "gathered in force outside the barracks: bnt, although there were rumour* of a demonstration, the unpatriotic element was not -very much in evidence. Shortly after 3 o'clock the roll call was taken in the barracks. The men were a very good class of reservists, among whom conld be noticed many former citizens holding responsible positions. The march of the men to the railway station was witnessed by great crowds in the streets. There were many affecting scenes at the I railway station." There was not the slightest sign of disorder or unpatriotic demonstration anywhere throughout the afternoon.