ELEVENTH REINFORCEMENTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16570, 18 December 1915, Page 10

ELEVENTH REINFORCEMENTS.

PRTME MINISTER'S STIRRING APPEAL. (Peb United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, December 17.

An appeal to young men to .give up the pleasures of the festive season for the more lasting joy of duty, well done is made by the Prime Minister in the following statement, made to-night:—

"I saw between 200 and 300 young fellows march past Parliamentary Buildings this morning. They were recruits just joined, not yet in uniform, and on their way to the railway station, there to take train for the Trentham camp. They had ■given up their Christmas holidays, and all the joys which go with the festive season, in to respond in the only practical way to the call which has gone forth asking them at once to take up their duties as soldiers of tho Empire. There was no hesitation about them as they swung , cheerfully along, without blast of trumpet or beat of drum. They were satisfied that they were doing right, and they looked it. I venture to say they got more satisfaction out of the fact that they bad taken the first step on the long , road to tho front— that, with other brave men, they had taken up the combined duty and privilege of assisting to defend their country in its hour of danger—than if they had remained for the present with their friends and relatives j and enjoyed tho jolliest Christmas of their experience. With their mothers, they have given up the joy of having their sons with them for the Christmas season; but, like another matron (ono of many who have been heard of during the war), they will be able to thank God, who 'has given them men for sons. " The Eleventh Reinforcement is still incomplete, and it is a matter of honour with our dominion that it should be up to its full strength before the holidays commence; and I now make a final appeal to the manhood of the country, especially to those who have already given their names to the military authorities, to do as < those young men did this morning—go into camp at once. It has been well said that there can be no nobler opportunity than that of serving one'e country when its very existence is at stake, and when its cause is just and right. That is the actual position to-day. Let our young men tako the opportunity that offers, for it should not be neglected. Let, them prove themselves worthy sons of Britieh stock, and, even in this matter, show their appreciation of their comrades who fared oyerwlrelmiuß , odds_ on the hillsides of Gallipoli and nrver flinched, and I am confident that they will never regret their action.' .