THE TWELFTH REINFORCEMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16591, 14 January 1916, Page 2

THE TWELFTH REINFORCEMENTS

DEPARTURE FOR CAMP. ENTHUSIASTIC SEND-OFF. OTAGO QUOTA EXCEEDED. Tho Ota go quota for tho 12th Reinforcements left yesterday for Trontham Camp. Tho Dunedin men paraded at tho Kensington Drill Hall at 11 a.m., and inarched to tho railway station, headed by the Kaikorai Band, via. Anderson Bay road, Princes street, and Stuart street. The Invercargill and Milton men also arrived in Dunedin shortly before 11 a.m., and were entertained at lucohoon by the Otago Women's Patriotic Association at the Early Settlers' Hall. Before leaving tho Drill Hall the members of tho Dunedin quota were addressed briefly by Colonel K. 11. Smith. Ho reminded them tftat they were going as volunteers. They knew that thoir biothers in New Zealand and their cousins in Australia had made absolutely the highest record in the world, and the people liei'o knew that the men who were going into camp were " chjps of tho same block," and vnu confident that they would uphold the uplendid name won by tho men at the front. Tho principal object of the soldier's training was to make him physically fit, mentally superior and physically superior to his opponent. He hoped that the war would bo over long before they got to the front, but if it was not, that they would be so well trained that they woujd be abb to prove themselves better soldiers than the enemy, not in one, but in many cases. The Government would seo that the ranks were kept filled, if not by the voluntary system, then by some other method. On behalf of the Otago Military District he wished them "Good-bye and good luck."' The men then marched through the city and wero greeted by many hearty cheers en route. Their physique and general appearance was excellent, and with their three months' polish in camp and the improvement that the training never fails to effect they should be as fir.e a body of soldiers as any when their time comes to leave New Zealand. FAREWELL ADDRESSES. The town was dccorated with bunting, and business people responded, freely to the Mayor's appeal to allow their employees an hour's freedom, so that there was a iarge crowd at the railway station steps when the farewell ceremony commenced, at about half-past 11. The troops were marched into the centre of the ring, and on a iorry, temporarily converted into a platform, were tho Mayor (Mr J. J. Clark) in his robes of office, Chaplain-major Dutton, and a number of prominent citizens. Heavy rain set in just after the arrival of the Southland men in the ring, but it cleared olf again in a few minutes, so that the farewell function could be proceeded with under reasonable weather oonditions. The National A i. them having been sung, Mr Clark made a short farewell speech. "Onco again," ho said, "we have met to bid good-bye to a band of our heroic men who are going to fight for their King and country, and for us. These men wo are Rending away to-day are fighting for us just as much as if tho Huns were hammering at tho gates of the city If the Empire falls, wo fall also in thi6 country. These men we arc honouring to-day are going to keep the foe from us, and all honour to them. They have made their sacrifice, and it is up to every one of us to make his or hers. Our gilts of money seem insignificant beside their offering. We can best show our gratitude and appreciation of the men by doing our best for the Empire ourselves. Let them realise that, while they are avay fighting for us, we at home are fighting also with our money, our skill, and everything we possess, for them_ and for the Empire. It is no use shutting our eyes to tie fact that we are apt to become callous in regard to the war, now that the first shock has passed away. But I realise ho.v everyone must make the utmost sacrifice if we are to keep the flag of freedom flying. These men whom we are sending away to-day are an inspiration to us, end we can honour them best by serving the Empire. We are delighted to know that the men who are going away have supplied tho full quota for Otago.— (Applause.) Thuy have shown that they aro not shirkers, and have not cold feet, but are willing to abandon their jobs and give up everything for the cause of the Empire and for the cause of our land. I think we should ehow we do appreciate them by giving them three cheers." The cheers were heartily given. "Men of Otago and Southland." said the Mayor, addressing the men again, "we are sending you away with our heartfelt good wishes, and with the proudest title that any man can win—that of ' volunteer.' You are not going as ' dumb driven cattle,' forced to serve your country, but of your own free will, to take your part in the greatest war the world has ever seen. That is to your honour and our pride. We ate proud of the magnificent work your comrades have already done on tho heights of Gallipoli. 'Iho heroic task set them—almost an impossible one—they carried out in such a way as to win the admiration of the whole world, and we are confident that you will worthily uphold their laurels and will not do anything to detract from their great record, but will, on the contrary, bring fresh laurels to your land and to the Empire. May tho day soon come when we shall welcome you back to our land, crowned with honour and glory, to receive the welcome of a grateful and admiring people. We send you forth in God's name, and we realise that you are fighting for the cause of righteousness, of lustice, and of God himself. We are confident that you will fight in the spirit of the knights of old. and never turn your backs on the foe. While von $re away doing your part, we who are behind will try to do our best for you and for those you leave behind you. We are sending you forth in the utmost confidence that you will uphold tho honour of the men of this land. There could be no greater standard for your attainment than that which the men who have gone already have set up, and we are confident that you will uphold thoir honour."—(Applause.) " I wish I were as young as you are," said Chaplain-captain Dutton to the men, in commencing a very short address, whioh struck exactly the rignt note. " I congratulate you. You are lucky beggars, and I am euro you will do your duty as nobly as those who have gone before, and as faithfully. God bless you all! I hope His presence will be with you right through, and we shall have tne privilege of welcoming you back again when your work is done. We will all feel gay ' when Johnny comes marching home,' and I hope I 6hall bo here to welcome you."—(Applause and cheers.) Chaplain-major Dutton then offered up a short prayer for the soldiers. _ He asked that the benediction of the Almighty might bo with the lads, that they might be helped in the time of danger, and in tho hour of temptation, that the wir might soon come to an end with a true and permanent peace, and that the men might be strengthened to do their duty, whatever it might be. When he finally wished them " good luck, all the way through," they cheered him heartily. The crowd gave three cheers for the soldiers, who in their turn cheered the crowd and the speakers. During the function appropriate patriotic airs were played by the band. , The men were then marched on to the platform and entrained smartly, the wise exclusion of the public preventing confusion. The train left shortly before midday, amid a chorus of cheers, while the band played " Tipperary." QUOTA FIGURES. The numbers which went forward from the different groups were as follow:— Dunedin.—Mounted rifles, 21; infantry, 97; field artillery, 17; field engineers, 12; Signal Company, 2; Army Service Corps, 4-; field ambulance, 3;— total, 156. Invercargill.—Mounted rifles, 21; infantry, 84-; field artillery, 6; engineers, 3; Army Service Corps, 2; field ambulance, 1; —total, 117. Oamaru. —Mounted rifles, 16; infantry, 29; field artillery,. 3; engineers, 1; field ambulance, 3; —total, 52. Milton.—Mounted rifles, 15; infantry, 30; field artillery, 2; engineers, 3; Signal Company, 1; Army Service Corps, I;—total, 52. Grand total, 377. The total quota that Otago was supposed to send was 375, from the various districts, as follows: —Dunedin, 119; Invercargill 109; Oamaru, 84; Milton, 63. It will thus be seen that tho Otago quota was filled with two men over. But this was due to the fact that there was a superabundance of men in certain arms and a shortage in others. Thus more men than were demanded were sent away for the mounted rifles, the Army Service Corps, and the engineers, but there was an actual shortage of seven infantry and one signaller. Dunedin, however, sent more than her quota in all branches, sending 97 infantry instead of 75. the fixed quota. Invercargill sent 84 infantry, though its quota was only 77. It is a regrettable fact that six members of tho infantry from Dunedin and one member of the ambulance failed to tarn up at the last

moment. Too ambulance man was replaced at Oamarik The position in regard to recruiting now is that seven infantry and on® signaller aro wanted to completo tho Twelfth Reinforcements. 'Hiirty-soven infantry for the Eleventh aro also wanted, to leave on Monday. ROLL CALL. Tho following- is a list of the name® of the men who wont forward from tho Dotted in group: — SIGNAL CORPS. Albert Cantwell. Leonard John Mew. ARMY SERVICE CORPS. Thomas John Bradshaw. Frederick George Hilliker. William Aubury Redmond Fleming. Earl Clifford Whyte. AMBULANCE. Thomas Cairney. Leslie Boyes Dawson. John Bauchop Kaye. ENGINEERS. Herbert Thompson. Kenneth M'Kenzie Gunn. William Thomson. Thomas Nicholas Mooney (fitter). John William Huggins (surveyor). James Athol Clements (clerk). David M'Gregor (blacksmith). Thomas Donaldson (electrician). Leonard Glover Newall (carpenter). • Allan Gordon Stewart (fitter). Charles Edward Brown (driver). Robert James Brown (driver). ARTILLERY. Douglas Somervillo Binnie. William Brown. John Rcnton Cameron. James Muir Eraser. James Taylor Gibson. Percy Hudson Instone. Herbert John Johnson. Reginald Lockstone. Henry Oliver Rosevear. John Slight. George Henry Sturgess. Maloolm Stark Tyson. Philip William Hellyer. Richard Simpson. Bruce Alexander Thomson. MOUNTED RIFLES. Territorials. Frederick Turnbull Anderson. Frank Cumming. Raymond Stanley Cormick. Alexander Dick. James Watson Davidson. Samuel Cuthbert Gourley. Leslie Arthur Fleury. John Harrison. David Leonard Leathley. Harry North Lawrence St. Vincent Morder. Andrew Miller. David Alexander Marr. Richard Leopold Mooro Colin Alexander M'Kenzie. Alexander M'Cloy. Civilians. William Black Anderson. Alexander Douglas Henderson. James Fleming. David James Moores. John Real. INFANTRY. TEBBITORIAL3. William Aitken. David Allan Aitken. John Allen. Peter John Anderson. John Wilson Arthur. Alfred David Brown. Charles Barclay. Clement Christie Brownie. Thomas iSeaton Beadle. Francis Foley Clark. John Alfred Currie. James Cunningham. William Cousins. William Robert Coats. George Lyall Coombes. Harry Coster. a Joseph Vernon Crithfield. George Christopher Harvey Connor. John Gilchrist Darling. Charles Albert Eaxles. Harry Fieldwick. William Grey Grigg. Frederick Hugh Gerbes. Leonard Isaac Gibbs. Vivian Glanville. Ronald Gemmell. William Holt. George Graham Hayward. Percy Duman Harwood. Albert Hudson. Charles Field Jeffrey. David Llewellyn Lloyd. Emil Lipert. Stephen George Mulrooney. John Slamuel M'Combe. John. Norman M'Leod. Robert M'lntyre. Samuel Robert M'Dowell. Robert Leslie Pettitt. Francis James Roy. Robert Watkineon Reid. William Henry Reay. William Henry Rishworth. James Handle. John Simpson. Robert Patrick Skinner.Vivian Arthur D. Thomson. George Ernest Tapp. Alfred Charles Varney. Major Augustus Warman. Robert Wilson. Frederick Clarence Young. John Simms. Civilians. George Ernest Aitcheson. , Robert Arnott. Robert Birrell. Alfred Brown. John Bradley. David Christie. Charles William Lanchlan Campbell. Herbert William Gladstone Dowland. Fenwick Robert Darling. William Edward John Earl. Charles John Fox. Frederick Georgo Gates. Alexander Gunn. John Geoffrey. Thomas Hodgson. Archibald Thomson Hill. William Henry Murdock. Francis Mason. David William Murphy. George W. P. M'Kenzie. Charles Neil MT,aron. Joseph M'Laren. Lewis Popham. Ernest John Painter. Daniel Rodgers. Max Ritchie. Ernest Edward Swete. Edward Sains bury. William Dainton Smethurst. Thomas Brown Henderson Wilson. William White Walton. Edwards Griffiths. Charles Granville Owen Osborne. William Ruane. FOURTEENTH REINFORCEMENTS. NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. The following non-commissioned officers for tho Fourteenth Reinforcements left with the troop train carrying the Ota go ouota of tho Twelfth Reinforcements yesterday: — ARTILLERY. George Ralph Ansell. MOUNTED RIFLES. Denis Murphy. ENGINEERS. Harold Litchfield Green. INFANTRY. Harold Edward Barns. Maurice Weldon Champneys Clark. Robert Trendham Carlyon. Albert Leslie Emerson. David Park Heatley. Charles Thomas Munro. Robert Vivian Parker. Francis Raper. DEPARTURE FROM MILLON T&e volunteers from Group XVI area (South Otago), nuixbering 53, and comprising 29 infantry, '3 mounted rifles, four noncommissioned officers for the 14th Reinforcements, and lesser numbers of men for the various units of tho 12th Reinforcements, took their departure by this morning's express (writes our Milton correspondent). The majority of the volunteers paraded on Wednesday evening to answer the roll-call, and were entertained at social functions by the Milton branch of the Y.M.C.A. and members of the St. John's Club. Headed by the 14th Regimental Band, the volunteers paraded to the railway station yesterday morning, and were accorded a most enthusiastic farewell by a large gathering of residents. The following is a list of those who took their departure:— NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS FOR THE 14TH REINFORCEMENTS. Sergeant Chas. 11. Keen an (Tuapeka Mouth). Sergeant Alex. J. Sutherland (Waitahuna). Corporal W. H. Landreth (Owaka). Corporal D. White (Catlins). FIELD ARTILLERY. E. A Goodwin (Mataura). Geo. D. Wills (Greenfield). FIELD ENGINEERS. A. M. Hart (Heriot). E. Hooper (BaJolutha). Malcolm M'Neill (Roxburgh). SIGNAL SERVICE. F. A. Kroning (Gore). ARMY SERVICE CORPS. Wm. H Roso (Beiclutha).

MOUNTED RIFLES. A. F. Allen (Awamang.i). W. H. Craig (Awam-angu). Arch. Hyslop (Greenfield). Robert Hyslop (Greenfield) A. Ramsay (Greenfield). Jno. Broderiok (Lawrence). Andrew Hunter (Whenuakoa). R. A. Cavanagh (Tuapelca Flat). Jno. T. M'Oaw (Waitahuna). Geo. M'Corkindale (Manuka, Creek). A. G. Naismith (Gore). > Jno. CDonnell (Konini). Francis D. Slater (Ratanui). INFANTRY. Alex. Branigan (Wyndham). James J. Finch (Milburn). David Ewart (Riversdale). J. 0. Bristow (Mataura). L. C. Ballard (Mataura). R. A. Dickie (Mataura). Jonathan Lancaster (Mataura). D. L. F. Rankin (Mataura). O. G. Scott (Mataura). D. E. C. Taylor (Milton). Arthur Tough (Milton). Jno. G. Greene (Menziee Ferry). S. Lsmare (Menzies Ferry). A. H. Harliwieh (Pomahaka). Henry R. Heath (Dunrobin). Jno. Hewson (Tahatika). T. J. Hornsby (Moa Flat). Sydney H. Jetie (Heriot). Wm. J. M'Donald (Pukiawa). Jas. Lamb (Roxburgh). Jas. A. M'Kinney (Kaitangata). Thos. M'Kinney (KaitingataJ). David Wells (Kaitarigata). Jno. M'Mullan (Gore). Gordon Parker (Awamangu). Vivian E. Sanders (Pakerau). i Charles Sincliir (Tapanui). S. Throp (Balclutha). G. W. Gamble (Beaumont).