THE WORK OF DISCIPLINE

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2624, 20 November 1915, Page 13

THE WORK OF DISCIPLINE

HON. J. r ALLEN PRAISES THE "EIGHTHS." 'A' representative of the "Press" had a talk with the Hon. J. Allen after the men of the Eighth Reinforcements had re-embarked at Lyttelton on Sunday, and the Minister expressed the greatest pleasure at' the way everything had gone off. "I .think one of the outstanding points that the parade brought to light was the cxoellent discipline of the troops," Colonel Allen said, "and it proves what discipline can do for a body of men. They were very steady, and never broke their ranks, although they had plenty of opportunity to do so, _ The men embarked in excellent fashion, and when the roll was called only two were missing. These' men were accounted for, however, one being a man who had been suddenly taken ill with appendicitis, and another with a complaint which has not yet' been, diagnosed. The first man has already been successfully operated upon, and both are now in the Christchuroh Hospital. t was impressed with the good nature of the large crowd that assembled to greet the men, and there is no doubt in my mind that the visit will have an inspiring effect. The Eighth are a fine body of men—one of the best all-round lots that have gone—and it does seem a pity that" such fine fellows have, to leave the Dominion, but it cannot bo helped, wo must do our duty. J. hope the.people of the city have enjoyed and appreciated the visit, and I also hope that, though it - was unfortunately_ a short one, they will realise that it is not at all a small order, bringing; a big body of men down like this. lhere are the two embarkations, and a disembarkation and two journeys by train to go through, and when everything is taken into consideration, it will be seen that it is by no means a light task. At all events, the Ohnstchuroh people have had a chamoG to see their boys again, and I, hop© the visit will live in their memories and do a- great deal of good."