TROOPS FOR CAMP

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20058, 3 October 1939, Page 6

TROOPS FOR CAMP

WELLINGTON MARCH SPECIAL FORCE DRAFT CROWDS CHEER MEN (P«r Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. 'Large crowds lined the streets this morning when the first main draft of recruits for the special force marched from the district headquarters to the railway station to entrain for Trcntham. v . Though for the most part not in uniform, they made an impressive sight as they marched in order of threes to a number of nearly 400, preceded by the military band of the Ist Battalion of the Wellington Regiment, City of Wellington’s Own. There were bursts of cheering all along the route and the obvious splendid spirits of the men were reechoed 'by the onlookers while remarks on their fine physique were heard on all sides. Staffs of business premises were collected outside doors or crowded at windows and on balconies, and most seemed to be acquainted with some of the men forming the column. Greetings were quiet but were more hearty and appreciative at the station. The platform was closed, but a number of people, mostly women, found their way in 'before the train left, sweethearts and wives taking temporary farewell of their menfolk. On reaching camp, the men were taken over, uniforms issued, and the men established in what will be their quarters for the next three months.

DUNEDIN CONTINGENT

(Per PrnSH Association.) DUNEDIN, this day. The first draft of 110 for the special military force left by the second express this morning for camp. The men were farewelled by a large crowd at Queen's Gardens and, headed by the military band of the Otago Regiment, marched to the station, where they were addressed by the Mayor.