EIGHTH REINFORCEMENTS AT CHRISTCHURCH

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2621, 17 November 1915, Page 6

EIGHTH REINFORCEMENTS AT CHRISTCHURCH

GREAT ENTHUSIASM. . TlTy; Telegraph.—Special Correspondent.) Christchurch, November 16. The brief.Press Association message describing the visit of the Eighth Reinforcements to Christchurch givos a lamentably inadequate .idea' of the great success and enthusiasm attending tho visit. There must have been about thirty thousand people along tho stroets and in Oranmer Squaro. One result of the visit was that fifty men registered yesterday, an unusually large number.

Tho visit of tho Hon. J. Allen has had a wonderfully beneficial effect on Christchurch opinion. For some time past there has been growing up a feeling strongly antagonistic to the Minister, concerning whom some of his stoutest party friends have been sharply critical. He cat® into a thoroughly hostile atmosphere, but the hostility has now completely dissipated Yestdrday he addressed a meeting of employers, urging them to do their part by encouraging single employees to enlist, giving them the assurance that -their iobs would be kept for them. The meeting was strikingly enthusiastic, and the friendly appreciation stimulated Mr. Allen .to make a very good speech. At the end of the speech, Mr. Alpers, a local lawyer, . who has taken a prominent part in recruiting, and who the other day made a very strong attack on Mr. Allen's policy in connection with the local camp domand l moved a vote of thanks, and said lie hoped Mr. Allen would put some of his duties on to the shoulders ,of his colleagues, so that he could talk to tho people of New Zealand • moro frequently than he did. Tho earnest and convincing speech he had made that day should be repeated to a larger audience' in New Zealand. Though' thoy had all been in earnest on the local camp questiou, they had received tho Minister's dictum and would honestly and loyally submit to his wishes, and back him up in his efforts. This complete conversion of Mr. Alpers is significant of public opinion generally. Tho "Press" this morning explains that Christchiirch's sharply critical attitude was due to the fact that Christchurch people had not had visible evidence of the fine work tho Minister was doing. "His chief business is to manufacture and furnish good soldiers for tho Emniro in great numbers, and how splendidly that business is being done was brought home to us in a way wo shall none of us forget by tho parade of troops 'on Sunday." says the "Press." There is no doubt that Mr. Allen's visit has been a great success, and has had a wholo»ome effect.