THE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE LEAVES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 163, 15 August 1914, Page 7

THE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE LEAVES.

A woman .correspondent writes:— Wednesday was one of Wellington's —or rather New Zealand's—z-ed letter days, when for the second time in the colony's history their men answered the Empire's call to arms, and the first Expeditionary Force embarked for an unknown destination. From an early hour the barracks were a magnet to relations and other less interested onlookers, and there was all the busy preparations. The troopers were most orderly and quiet, and looked a splendidly fit company of men. The Aucklanders, who arrived with full equipment, after very short notice, were especially fit and in excellent spirits. Trdops assembled at 9 a.m., and additions came along until 11. a.m., when orders to march came. ■ The nurses followed the regiment in cars. The men went off at a good swinging walk in teaming showers of cold rain. The discipline was excellent and the spirits of the men unquenchable. Although no definite time was stated for the men to march, the streets were lined with people, and cheer after cheer followed the brave fellows. The nurses came in for an ovation, their grey workmanlike uniforms with scarlet bands and simple grey bonnets rousing the onlookers. "Take care of our boys," and "Bring them all home safely, ; ' came from many corners. Hundreds of people lined the wharf, and again the regiment was loudly

cheered. Embarkation was effected in splendid order, the force being divided, one half leaving by the Moeraki and the other by the Monowai. Final business and preparations went on briskly all day, and there was much of interest to watch. The scout boys did, excellent work both here and at the barracks as reliable messengers. Gradually the friends took leave. Mothers waved farewell to their sons, and by 6 p.m. preparations were complete. It was dark when the ships moved from the wharf, but the faithful public cheered again and again, and quickly the crowd was reinforced with hundreds of others, and the regiment was accorded an imposing farewell. "God Save the King" rang out from the men as the troopships gently swung out into the stream, where they remained for the night.