AU REVOIR

Waikato Times, Volume 89, Issue 13886, 11 October 1918, Page 4

AU REVOIR

TO THE 47ths. About GO men, comprising the No. \ Group guota of the 47th Reinforcements, paraded at the Defence Ollice, Hamilton, last evening. The .Mayor (Mr .1. R. Fovv), on behalf of the pfople of Hamilton, wished the men God-speed and a safe return. He said that those remaining behind recognised the sacrifice the departing men were making, and appreciated their patriotism in following in the footsteps of those who had gone before. He was sure they would worthily uphold the good name set up by their predecessors. A better day had dawned, and they were Gearing the end of the great struggle for Right against Might. He hoped the ini'n would be spared to return to their loved ones. Mr J. A. Young, M.P 4 , added his good wishes on behalf ,of the wider district which he represented. The war was being wag"d in defence of those principles which hail made their nation free. The foe's unprincipled tactics inspired them to fight until the military tyrant was crushed, and the freedom of the world assured. He hoped that peace would be declared before another year had passed, but until that glad day there must be no slackening of effort. On behalf of the people of Waikato he wished the men of the departing draft every success and a safe return. Cheers were given for the men of the 47th draft, anil they were presented by the members of the Ladies' Patriotic Society with boxes of dainties. For this kindness the Ladies were heartily cheered. The men then fell in, and, headed by the lGth (Waikato) Regimental Rand, marched to the Hamilton railway station, where they entrained for Frankton. Here they joined the special troop train for Wellington, en route to camp. "Auld Lang Syne" was played by the band as the train pulled out, and thus another draft left to prepare to take their part in the great world struggle.