FOR THE FRONT

Waipa Post, Volume VII, Issue 340, 14 August 1914, Page 4

FOR THE FRONT

Te Awamutu Men.

About thirty-five people as-, sembled at the Te Awamutu Hotel on Tuesday last for the purpose of bidding farewell to the first batch of troopers to go from this district to join New Zealand’s expeditionary force. After luncheon had been partaken of and the toast “The King” drunk with musical honours, Mr H. Y. Collins proposed the health of “ The Troopers.” In doing so he stated that Europe was now face to face with a war that had been threatened for years. It was the opinion of military experts that the war would be short though very sharp. The high efficiency of the machines of war would seem to indicate that this opinion is not illfounded. That day troops were assembling from all parts of the Dominion, and he was pleased to see that Te Awamutu was to be well represented. It was not the first time that New Zealand had sent her sons into active service. On this occasion, as in the past, he was sure that the boys would acquit themselves with credit. (Applause). The expeditionary force was ordered abroad, and although the actual destination is not known, it was a rather significant fact that they had been ordered to take their horses with them. Our boys will be pitted against the best European troops, but the best there will find the best colonials against them. (Applause). He felt sure that the New Zealand forces would uphold the good name of their predecessors. (Applause). The toast was drunk with musical honours.

Capt. A. C. Bluck, in response, said that although he had not received definite orders he felt sure that when the time arrived he would go in command of the Te Awamutu troops. The residents may rest assured that the name ofTe Awamutu would be quite safe in the hands of the boys they were sending. (Applause).

Trooper Melville Innes Jones said that he considered it a high honour to be one of the members of the expeditionary force. Those they were leaving behind may rest assured that they would do their best to uphold the good name of the nation they were honoured to represent (applause). We will have good officers to command us, and we hope not to return until our work is finished. When peace was restored they would come back to a land of prosperity at Te Awamutu. (Applause). Trooper C. F. Seaward endorsed the remarks of the former speaker. They would do their very best to uphold the good name that had been gained by previous New Zealand boys when in actual warfare (applause). Sergt. H. A. Collins expressed the opinion that they could not help but do their very level best to uphold the good name of New Zealand. They went from a good country, and a country of which they were proud, and would not return until they had done their honourable duty as men. “We have a job to do this time,” he said “ and we are going to do it.” (Applause).

Trooper W. Briscoe briefly returned thanks and endorsed all that had been said.

Trooper Mossman, who hailed from the King Country, was proud to have found a place with the Te Awamutu troops. They were out to do their very best, and to go wherever their superiors directed. (Applause). Trooper Evan Innes Joner after supporting what previous speakers had said, expressed the hope that Captain Bluck would command them. “If he did they would follow him through thick and thin.” (Applause). Mr H. Innes-Jones in fitting terms proposed the health of the “Army and Navy,” to which Rev. F. W. Clarke and Mr W. Jeffery responded. Immediately before the party rose Mr A. S. Wallace, as chairman of the Town Board, desired to wish “the boys ” the very best of good luck. All were proud of the fact that Te Awamutu was to be represented. After an appropriate speech he assured the troopers that upon their return they would get as hearty a reception as was ever given anybody at Te Awamutu. (Loud applause).

About an hour later the troopers were assembled at the post office, and under the command of Sergeant Collins they set out in the direction of Hamilton. A large crowd assembled, and the troopers were given a fitting send-off. The National Anthem was sung and hearty cheers given as the mounted men moved off.