ON ACTIVE SERVICE.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 11250, 15 April 1908, Page 6

ON ACTIVE SERVICE.

DEPARTURE OF THE VOLUNTEERS

The scene at the wharf this afternoon, the preparations for the departure of the'] local volunteers to participate in the Easter manoeuvres, revived many memories of the outbursts of patriotic enthusiasm associated with the send-off accorded pur representatives during the South African Avar. The operations the local men have set off to engage ill are, the biggest thing in the volunteering line fur tnany years. The troopship Toroa was berthed at the new wharf, by the stockyard, and the work of embarkation proceeded without a hitch under the supervision of the embarkation officer," Lieut. Q. H. Evans. At 3 o'clock nearly alt the homes were safely aboard, being plarc'd in a double row in the forward hold. Quite a crowd of interested • spec-tators-watched the operations. At 4.30 the Toroa cast off, and proceeded to, an anchorage off the breakwater to await the arrival of several of the volunteers, who were •■ unable to obtain leave until this evening, and to suit the convenience of several others. These are to be taken, aboard by a special launch at 6.15, when the troopship will at onco proceed to, Napier. The officers are to be acpommodated in tho saloon, whilst' the infantry will be given quarters iu the after hold, which has been made as comfortable as possible. The men of the Mounted Riiles will spend their first night on active service camping on the bridge deck. ' i