REINFORCEMENTS DRAFT.

North Otago Times, Volume CV, Issue 13940, 25 July 1917, Page 3

REINFORCEMENTS DRAFT.

. SEND-OFF TO, LOCAL QUOTA. Th'o.'sond-off to the North Otago quota for the Thirty-second Reinforcements took place yesterday under very propitious circumstances, line, weather provailing and large crowds being in evidence, which sewed to brighten the spirits of tiie men, several of whom arrived by the north express and mustered with the local men at the Drill Hall at ] 1.-15 a.m., where the roll was called, and a particularly appropriate address was delivered by the Group Commander, Captain Redmond, He advised them' to make themselves acquainted with the standing orders on entering camp, thus avoiding many unpleasant, mistakes, Good counsel was imparled to the men on their approaching inevitable contact with many temptations in Wellington and elsewhere, ami he strongly advised moderation in the consumption of liquor, He advisejl- them to write home . to their relatives, and to cultivate the habit of continence and thrift, and to prepare for possible hardship on returning. Tlioy were going to uphold the sr honour of the Fiftlj and Tenth Regiincuts, many of the men of which had made for themselves imperishable glory and renown* lie was quite convinced that they would bear themselves as worthy members of their regiments. The luncheon. At 12.30 men were entertained at, luncheon in the Drill Hall by the County Council. The hall was, as usual, fittingly decorated for the occasion. The chairman of the County Council (Mr Geo, Livingstone) presided, and there were present comity councillors and their wives, the County and Town Clerks (Messrs G. A. Travis and C. W. Kent), Captain Redmond (group commander), and Captain Cowie (area officer), Lieutenant Kibblewhito, and th(< Defence Oilice Staff, the Rev. D. Jamjeson (chaplain to the Fifth Otago Mounted Regiment), and Mr and Mrs 0, R. Wise. Apologies were received from his Worship the Mayor, Mr and Mrs Kininmont, Mr T. A, Muuro, Mr and Mrs Nicolson, and the Rev. Father Foley. The chairman said he took pleasure in once more extending, on behalf of the County Council and others, a welcome, and hoped that they would all enjoy themselves, after which grace was offered by the Rev, Mr Jamieson. The loyal toast was Yionoured. In proposing the toast of the "Sol-

diers," the chairman mentioned that lengthy speeches would lie-abandoned to enable the men to spend more time with their friends, He expressed pleasure in the fact that the '.'boys'' were going to supplement the ranks of those gone before. The cry of "still fighting"

, was the truest sentiment, and lie endorsed the view of Sir F. D. Bell that New 'ZehlanderV'Slioiild'bc the first to set foot on German 1 soil, and lie had no patience 'wiWßiose' wlib''th'o'iight"they should cease sending their men away. The men going away were worthy of the

noble associations of which they were to soon become a part, and they all had every confidence that they would uphold the honour of their country. When they returned all would be proud to wel-

come them home. Captain Redmond,-replying on behalf of the men, once n|)re thanked the County Council and Vrndred bodies for their kindness, It helped the authorities considerably in keeping the men together, and provided a pleasant time that Would be otherwise dull for the men.. Life was made up of memories, pleasant or otherwise, and lie felt assured that the departing men would treasure the memory of the hour spent there. There would be times, too, when they would remember the blue-eyed damsels who had so willingly waited on them that day. He could assure tlicm it was a very pleasant memory. Regarding the nien, continued the captain, they were very fine, hardy specimens of manhood. Their going would be to preserve the women and children from harm, and to gain victory over the oppressors. He had no doubt that they would worthily uphold the honour of the members of the regiment who had gone before them, and of the North Otago military district. Every ipan

' was wanted, ami it was absolutely necessary that' the country continue to g send reinforcements. He .wished them all a pleasant time, good training, and the good luck to come back again. If otherwise, thev would have the satisfaction of knowing that they had died nobly, for nothing was morn glorious than to die in defence of country, The toast'"The Waitresses" was also honoured with acclamation. The singing of the Xatnnal concluded- tkc function. The catering TV'as- in thcifeient hands of Mrs Harvey.' Selections W music were supplied by an orchestra composed of Mr B A. dfi Lau&ur (violin), Miss- Rodgcrs (piano), and Bandmaster Fox (comet). March to the Station.

Shortly .after lunch the men were paraded, photos were taken, and the • draft, headed by the Tenth Regiment. Band, marched to the station, occasional eheers and outbursts of encouragement being given en route. Arrived at the station, the draft was addressed by the chairman of the County Council, who in a few brief remarks extended from all their hearty good wishes, God-speed and a safe return. Prayer was then offered by the' Ven, Archdeacon Russell, and • after an interval tlic 111011 were marched on to the station, there to await the arrival of the special troop train. Oil the train tutoring the station the band struck several enlivening times. The local draft left in charge of SergeantMajor Bpoth, and together with all the southern drafts totalled about 400 men, the whole under the command of Major Crowder,' Personnel of the Draft, Allan, Henry, Oaniaru. Allison, John, Ranfurly. i Blake, Alfred John, Palmerston. Brightling, Leonard, Kurow. :• . Beckingsale, John Herbert, Herbert. V Bycrs, Thomas, Hawea Flat. .V Berry, Thomas, Matakanui. i 'Boll, John M. W., Georgetown. Blair, Samuel, Ngapara.

Congalton, Krie J, W., Otiakc. " Carline, William, Alexandra, Donald, -Tames G., I'acrua. Drake, Charles' H., Qmakau. Edwards, William Geo., Kurow. ; "inlay, Louis C., Windsor, Davis, John 11., Giinmerlmrn, Finnic, Thomas Moonlight. French, Robert J., Kauroo Hill, Frame, Harolil C., Herbert. Grenfoll, George L., Oaniarui ifarrex, Harold 0., Becks. Harris, Robert J.-, Otiake. Holley, Samuel A., Oamaru. Hore, Lancelot, Naseby. ■ Keelev, James, Kakanni, Koruer, Alexander, Oturehua. Molloy, James P., Oamavu. Malcolm, William, Enfield. Magee, Bernard L., Onniaru, Mansell, Thomas M., Awanioa. Marshall, William 11., Earnsclcugh,, MeDouall, Gerald W., Oamaru, McLeod, Donald A., Ilillgvove. Nelson, George, Windsor. Oakden, Frank W. W., Ranfurly. O'Brien, William, Oamaru. Pullinger, George W., Maheno. Paton, Robert, Papakalo. Parsons, Frederick C. G., Oai'naru. Robertson, William E., Oamaru. Reid, Win., Pukeuri. Ronlstoh, Hector, Albertown. Simpson, Robert, Tokarahi. Shennan. Stuart R„ Patearoa. Smith, Hamilton C., Lindis Pass. Spencer, Lewis 11., Cromwell, Telfer, James, Oamaru. Todd, Edward, Oamaru. Winter, Guv, Waenga. Wallace, James, Clyde.