THE COUNTRY CENTRES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15685, 12 August 1914, Page 9

THE COUNTRY CENTRES.

PATRIOTIC ZEAL.

MEN FOR THE FRONT.

New Zealand's call to arms has reached every corner of the Dominion and the enrolling of men for the expeditionary force is proceeding apace. Almost every country town in the Auckland province is contributing its quota of men and horses and the departure of the men for the centres is creating intense enthusiasm.

The first batch of Waihi members ol the expeditionary force left for Auckland yesterday.. Despite the early hour of departure several hundreds of townspeople assembled on the railway platform. The scene on the platform was one of marked enthusiasm leavened with a measure of sadness. The Mayor, Mr. M. G. Power, addressed the little band, complimenting them upon their prompt response to the call to arms ,and expressing the belief that they would do their duty to the Empire even if in so doing it meant the sacrifice of their lives. Cheers having been called and responded to with great heartiness the men embarked and the train moved off leaving i behind not a few sad hearts and tear-stained eyes.

The names of the Waihi contingent, are as follows:—Clave Swears, R. J. Clarko, H. Passfield, R. V. Hollis, W. McCauley, C. J. Omits, H T. Ford, A. P. Grant, F R Ardcn, W. G. Hutchinson, F. A. Fugill, A A. Delaney, W. G. Waugh, F. M, O'Shea, W. Young, N. Clark, J. IIKeven, A. C. Cooper, F. Eddleston, J. B. Kitto, Morpeth, T. Murray, J. S. Lee, G. J. Silcock, P. J. Stevens, M. S. Sullivan, E. A. J. Draffin, J. H. Pattulo, J. L. Reeve, W. A Price, W. G. Carvesetto, J. N. Williams.

Th© officers of the Ham-aid detachment of the expeditionary force are: Captain

Clarko (Thames), Lieutenant Sinel (Auckland), Lieutenant Algie (Rotorua), Lieu-

tenant Malfroy (Thames), Lieutenant Flower (Waihi).

Tho members cf the permanent 6taff who are to go aro Staff-Sergeanfc-Major*

Robertson, Notley, Moncrieff, and Cosgrove.

An enthusiastic public meeting was held at Pacroa to consider the raising of funds

towards the cost of the expeditionary forco, I Mr. H. Poland, M.P., being to the chair. It was announced that a transport lorry, valued at £35, would be given by the Thames Valley Dairying Company, and over £50 in cash was donated at tho meeting. Lady Liverpool's appeal in connection with tho expeditionary force is meeting with a very hearty response in Taumaninui. The Mayor is making a collection, and has already secured a considerable sum. Some 20 local territorials leave here tomorrow to join the expeditionary force. Much enthusiasm was manifested at a mooting held at Raglan in connection with tho movoment to provide funds towards tho equipment of the expeditionary force. A number of horses has been promised, and the sum of £60 subscribed.

GOVERNMENT'S AMBITION.

FIRST TO DESPATCH TROOPS.

fjlY. TELEGEAPH—SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.

Wellington, Tuesday.

Speaking at tho Town Hall to-night, the Prime Minister said that it was one of the ambitions of the Government that New Zealand should be the first of the British overseas dominions to despatch a force lo the assistance of the British Empire. "Wo have," he added, "between 1200 and 1300 men afloat in tho Wellington Harbour to-night. I cannot say when theyi will go, but I believe that New Zealand l will be tho first to get troopa away,"-