EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

Southland Times, Issue 17763, 23 September 1914, Page 6

EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

OTAGO AND SOUTHLAND SECTIONS. LEFT PORT CHALMERS YESTERDAY (Special to the Times.) DUNEDIN, September 22. The departure of the Otago section of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force is now an open secret, and the men by this (7 p.m.) are out on the ocean. The mounted section left Tali una Park shortly before daybreak this morning, there being no fuss, and the only sound distinguishable for any distance was the call of the bugle, which rang out clearly in the morning air. There were few people to witness the departure of the men, but there were one or two, including ladles, and these, together with a few of the comrades in arms of the departing Expeditioners. gave hearty cheers which floated out on the breeze like the sound of a Clarion, it was an inspiring sight and one which would have done hundreds of people the utmost good to witness. The knowledge that the men were starting upon tin important mission was thrilling, and as they received the parting greeting of any one on the wayside with a cheery smile one could not help feeling a little touched when thinking that perhaps some of these brave young men—the pride of New Zealand manhood— might not return to their native shore. However. they went, and arrived at Port Chalmers early in the forenoon when their horses were promptly shipped with all possible despatch. Rain fell early in the morning, but cleared off later. The infantry were trained to Port Chalmers. the last train leaving Tahuna Bark shortly after 10 a.m.. going right through to Port Chalmers without a stoic There was uo formal farewell ceremony at Fort Chalmers; nevertheless the town was given an opportunity to sai' an revoir to the departing troopers. At the invitation of Colonel Baucliop. the .Mayor (Mr T. Scollay). with his councillors and members of the local Patriotic committee, went on board the troopships and wished the Expeditionary Force bon voyage.

.Mr Scollay, addressing the troops, said; "Soldiers of the King, it is unnecessary to review the circumstances that have led up to 'your going to Europe to fight a barbarian enemy, who, by rapine and assassination, is fouling the history of civilisation. It is unnecessary to state that it was impossible for the British people to ignore the. claims of honourable obligations, and that in consequence thereof our Empire is at war with a’ despotic militarism which started its warlike operations beseeming the honourable obligations of neutrality, and then proceeded with a programme of murder, outrage, and assassination, in comparison with which crude cannibalism is but as a child’s pastime on a summer’s day. Could Britishers tolerate such barbarian brutality? Could the Mistress of the Seas turn a deaf car to the call for help? Emphatically' no. We should be unworthy of the traditions of our race did wo do otherwise than fight to maintain the liberty and civilisation that our forefathers bequeathed us. It is unnecessary to tell our fighting men of iiie.se things. We only came here to say au revoir. . . Port Chalmers is proud to have vixen of her best in this Expeditionary Force Colonel Banchop is a Port Chalmers boy. Sergeant Montgomery is a Port Chalmers boy. and u number of other Port boys are in the ranks. Port Chalmers lias faith in her bays that they will acquit themselves worthily. We have a special interest in the Port hoys because we know them personally, but we are also proud of ail the members of the Expeditionary Force."

.MKSSAGK FROM SOUTHLANDERS. A number of Pouthlanders who have been in camp here for some time, Including Captain Raddon, were s.-een by a pressman lie fore embarking. and they, in a general ojnversalion which followed expressed themselves as being greatly pleased and doubly satisfied with the treatment meted out to them from first to last. “You can tell tlie Southland people,” stud Captain Paddon, “that we will never forget the kindness they have bestowed -upon us, and that In times of adversity and success alike we will ever remember the good folk we are leaving behind. "We hope to come back again when the war is over, and it makes our hearts glad to think of t>. >-. reception that will be awaiting us. However, we are going to do our best for the Umpire and that is all. VTe thank everyone for the goodness of heart that has prompted them to so lavishly shower their good things upon ns. Om parting message to them is ‘Good luck to all.’ " The men were all in high spirits and anxious to reach their destination.