DEPARTURE OF REINFORCEMENTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16542, 16 November 1915, Page 6

DEPARTURE OF REINFORCEMENTS.

STATEMENT BY MR ALLEN. (Pu o*tt*o Pbkss Association.) CHRISTGHTJRCH, November 15. A rumour has been current that tho 9tb Reinforcements are to leave from Auckland and the 10th from Dunedin, but the Minis--1 ier of Defence dismissed these this morning sa -wild rumours. "In all probability the Sth will go from Wellington," said the Minister. "We are bound down to a timetable for our transports. I should be pleased if I could let Auckland and Dunedin have the same privilege as Christchurch, but until I find out how the transport service is' going to -work nothing can be fixed." GOING TO, THE FRONT. Mr Ernest Drake, the popular tenor, and • his brother, Mr Frank Drake, 'cellist, have enlisted for tho front. A pleasant forgathering of the staff of Arthur Barnett (Ltd.) took place on Saturday in the furnishing department, the. occasion being a farewell to Mr J. H. Walkinshaw, who ■will leave on Thursday for Trentham. Mr Robinson spoke of the admiration all had for ths msn who Was j ready to do' his duty by his country, and, on behalf of the employees, presented Mr Walkinshaw with- a wristlet 'watch, case of

military brushes, and a safety razor. Mr Smith spoke of the good wishes that accompanied the gifts, and Mr Walkinshaw suitably responded. The recipient also received from 1 the firm a leather belt of sovereigns, and will draw half-pay while he is away. 'On Saturday, at the warehouse of Mr William Couston, Mr Bert Croxford, who •will leave for Trentham with the Tenth Reinforcements next Thursday, was presented ■with a luminous face watch and albert as a token of. esteem.

The Rov. Adam Maddill, of Whakatane, a Presbyterian minister, has resigned his charge and enlisted. He is now at Trentham, holding the rank of sergeant. Sergeant Maddill intends, _ )if his military career ends without mishap, to take a year's post-graduate course in Edinburgh, Scotland, before return! g to resume his duties as a pastor of the New Zealand congregations. The employees of Messrs Sooullar and Chisholm met on Saturday morning to wish good luck to Mr James M'Crorie, who will lea,ve for Trentham on Thursday. _Mr Sawell made the presentation (a wristlet •watch) from hie snopmates, wishing him good health and a safe return. The singing 'of " He's a ' Jolly Good Fellow" brought the proceedings to a close. • A pleasing function took 'place in the rooms of the Dunedin Photographic Society, ■when a few friends, representing the .ambulance section of the National Reserve, and the Photographic Society, assembled to bid good-bye to Sir Philip Beck, who will leave this morning # for the Palmerston North camp. All the 'speakers testified to the high esteem in which Mr Beck, was held, and joined >in wishing him God-speed and a safe return. A presentation of a 'developing tank for films was made, and ,was much appreciated by the recipient.