SEVENTEENTH REINFORCEMENTS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3247, 7 June 1916, Page 50

SEVENTEENTH REINFORCEMENTS.

FAREWELL SOCIAL. There was a large attendance at the Early Settlers’ Hall on May 20, on the occasion ol a farewell social to the fcjeventcemn Reinforcements by the Utago Women’s Patriotic Association. His Worship the Mayor (Air J. J. Clark) presided, and alter games of cards had been indulged in for a time he addressed the assemblage. Ho said that once again the V. omen’s Patriotic Association was entertaining the men who were leaving- to carry on the magnificent work of those who had already gone from tins city. These man, they wore all sure, would bo as bravo and valorous as the men of Anzac. —(Applause.) Mr ■George Fenwick, spoke a few words of appreciation of the men who wove going forth to reinforce the men who had already done so much to uphold the honour ot this country in the great struggle in which the Empire had become engaged. Tho Hon. Dr MTsab • aid that in the course of his public duties it had fallen to his lot on various occasions in different parts of tho dominion to say good-bye to young fellows who were offering the greatest gift that any man could oiler to his fellow man. Ho had never hesitated to avail himself of such an opportunity to show tho men that their sacrifice was appreciated. They wore going away to be trained until they went out to stand as anatural rampart against the supremacy of a nation literally known as tire “ Road Hogs” of Europe. Hq had not the slightest doubt that the Seventeenth Reimoroements would bo as brave as their predecessors, and that they would show th® same spirit as those men in everything that lay before them. Wo were pledged, and he renewed that pledge, that right up to the end of this terrible struggle we would become responsible that men would be sent month after month, for “ Heaven knows how long,” but until the end of the war. He could not think there was anything more noble for any man to-day who was between tho ages laid down by the military authorities to go to the front than to offer his services. Just now wc were contemplating a slight alteration in the law which would bring a little more pressure to bear upon tho man who had up to tho present not realised that it was his duty to serve his country. We all know what it would mean to us if wc were not successful in inis contest. If a peace were arranged without a decisive victory, it would mean that we would have to start right away and prepare for the next war. If Germany were not humbled she was going to do to the rest of the world what she did to France in 1370. Britain had been put to a tremendous expenditure in connection with this struggle, and would spend millions more, but "this would be nothing compared with what wo would have to spend if we had to start to prepare for another war. That was one point, he thought, which had to be considered No matter how much it would cost, we had bo win.--(Applause.) He conveyed to the men who were going out with the reinforcements the thanks of tho women of this country for the work they were going out to do.—(Loud applause.) During the evening songs were given by Mrs A. R. Power, Misses Lucy James and McDonald, and Messrs Green and MTConzie. Tho accompaniments were artistically played by Mr Andrew Martin, a member of _ the Seventeenth Reinforcements. The Bristol Orchestra also rendered a programme of ac- ' cogitable music. After dancing had been indulged in for a couple of hours, tho gathering dispersed, the singing of the National Anthem bringing it to a fitting conclusion. SHORTAGE ON REACHING CAMP. While tho local recruiting authorities wore congratulating themselves on Thursday on having sent away more than the full quota from Otago for the Seventeenth Reinforcements, when the men reached Trentham it was found that there wore 18 men short, the men having gone astray on tho journey from Oamaru to Trentham. Inquiries are being made as to the whereabouts of fclio missing men, but until they are found others will have to be sent on almost immediately, and the authorities are sending on the required number on Wednesday. Five gunners are required to leave here for Trentham on the same day, and any artillery men desiring to get away are requested to communicate with the group commander at the Kensington Drill Hall forthwith. GOOD RESPONSE IN CANTERBURY. CHRISTCHURCH, May 31. The Christchurch quota of the Seventeenth Reinforcements left for Trentham to-night 30 over strength, which, with the assistance given by the other areas in Canterbury military district, will greatly assist in wiping off the debit score marked against tho province in connection with the raising of previous reinforcements. The quota was one of the strongest numerically that has ever been despatched from Christchurch. AUCKLAND’S QUOTA AT FULL STRENGTH. A UCKLAND, May 30. The Auckland quota for tho Seventeenth Reinforcements left for camp to-day at full strength. GOING TO TH T FRONT. Mr John Cochrane, agent at Milton for the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, was tho recipient of a purse of sovereigns on Wednesday, 31st ult.„ from his fellow-officers on the occasion of his departure to join the forces. Mr Robert Stuart, who is going into camp this week, was the recipient of a gold wristlet watch and a safety razor from tlic residents of Mount Cargill. Mr Lockwood made the presentation, and spoke of the high esteem in which tho young soldier was held by all wiio knew him, and wished him seeeos.-i and a safe return. tin the occasion of his severing Ms connection with the Mosgiel School, Mr A. M'Laron was the recipient from fellowteachers ami pupils of his class of a beautiful luminou-'-faei-d wristlet watch. His good work as a teacher was referred to by tho acting rector and chairman of committee.

■ who, on behalf of all present, wished him future success and a safe return. Li returning thanks for tho useful gift, Mr M'Laren referred to tho goodwill existing between himself and other members of the staff. A farewell social and dance at Wangaloa on the 24th ult. was tendered to tho Boylan Pros. (Phil and Henry) prior to their leaving to join tho Reinforcements. Refreshments were provided, and several musical items were contributed by Kaifcangata visitors. 1