SIX HUNDRED FIGHTING MEN

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 3, Issue 281, 10 March 1941, Page 4

SIX HUNDRED FIGHTING MEN

FROM within the confines of its boundaries, the Whaka.tane County has produced no ; less than 600 fighting men. This proud achievement is something which makes for gratifying reflection, but we also take pride in the fact that the material supplied for the forces has been classed by those qualified to give an opinion as ranking with the finest in the Dominion. The thought of this magnificent record from so limited an area and population is brought home more forcibly upon the occasion of public farewells such as have been taking place throughout the county during the past ten days. It is the story of the Great War all over again furnishing a tale of romance and patriotism that will never die. From every conc*3ivable profession, trade and occupation they have rallied to the flag, realising that the need is greater to-day than ever before. The challenge to individual , freedom is a blow to an Englishman's birthright and these / -splendid young fellows of ours are in the van, infusing the forces of Empire with their own unconquerable spirit. Men from the Bay of Plenty have in the past built up a record of service and bravery on thie field which will we are certain be carried, on with fresh laurels added to it by the modern young soldiers of to-day. From the farm, from the bush, from the shop, froip. the office they have flocked to fill the khaki ranks that are destined to crush the monster known as Nazism. Our splendid young fighting men have set their hand to the task which the Empire could not avoid taking up. Fresh and vigorous they will go overseas with a new enthusiasm which will add materially to the growing forces of freedom. With them will go our own sincere wishes of goodwill, good luck and a safe return home to the fairest land of all. The release of the second Military Service ballot brings a further batch of prospective fighting men into prominence. One hundred andi ten new men from this district will be eligible for overseas service, though the number is likely to suffer a heavy decrease following the medical examination and other procedures which make for exemption. But the mounting figure makes us wonder just what the final tally from this area will be. In the early stages a speaker at a public gathering gave his estimation at one thousand men! This appears to be now well within reach, though at the time the suggestion was laughed at. Whatever the figure, we are proud to-day to think that our young men have responded so well and that even with the introduction of conscription, there will still .be those who will go willingly and gladly, considering as they do that it is the fairest and most democratic method of enlistment.