THE 44THS

Waikato Times, Volume 89, Issue 13814, 19 July 1918, Page 4

THE 44THS

LEAVE FOR CAMP. About 50 men, comprising the No. 4 Group quota of the 44th Reinforcements paraded at the Defence Oflice, Hamilton, at 5 o'clock last evening.

Mr .J. R. Fow, Deputy Mayor, read a telegram from Mr .1. A. Young, M.P., who was in Wellington, wishing the men God-speed and a safe return, on behalf of the people of the Waikato. Mr Young said they all recognised the great sacrifice the men were making, and felt sure that they would worthily uphold the reputation made by those who had gone before.

Mr Fow endorsed .Mr Young's good wishes. He said that never before had n war been taken up by the whole Em!>iie with such enthusiasm. Britain went into the struggle with clean hands, giving of her best for the small peo]>les of the world; and during the war she had kept her hands clean. In spito of Germany's 40 years of preparation we bail been able to hold our own, ml now the tide was on the turn and victory was in sight. Past contingents from the district had acquitted themselves well, and he trusted the men of the llths would be successful. They were just as loyal as those who had preceded them. "May tjie God 01 Matties he with you, and bring you

Mi'fely back to God's Own Country," concluded Mr Fow. Three hearty cheers were jjiven for the men of the 44ths, after which the ladies of the Patriotic Committee distributed packets of sweets, etc. The Hamilton Municipal Band was in attendance, and playing lively inarches, headed the procession to the railway station, where the men entrained for Frankton. Here they joined the special troop train for Wellington, a large crowd of relatives and friends being present to bid them "Av revoir." As the train pulled out, cheers were givjn and the band played "Auld Lang Svne." The 44ths left for camp with the good wishes of the whole comi;u:iiitv.