THE THIRTY-FIFTH REINFORCEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 October 1917, Page 1

THE THIRTY-FIFTH REINFORCEMENTS.

SEND-OFF AT TOWN HALL. ANOTHER GREAT GATHERING. The Town Hall was crowded to the outside dpor s last night,, with a very wi;nu and appreciative audience when the public solid-oil' to the doth Reinforcements. under the auspices of the Overseas Club, took place. The preenin',mo for the evenin'; was of a different nature to that usually held, fin this occasion including a recitative contest by scholars of Victoria State School. Proceedings opened with the National Anthem by the Overseas Orchestra, which then gave an overture from “William Tell.” and later in the evening another selection both being, splendidly given. -Mr. Lawn gave a pianoforte selection “Oh Alico Where Art Thou,” and to a vociferous encore played “The Marseillaise.” Miss Hatch and Mr. Gibbons, gave a very enjoyable instrumental duet (violin uid flute) Miss E. Daly being the accompanist. The recitative contest was: interspersed and each competitor acquitted themselves in excellent' style being rewarded with well earned rounds of applause, the audience being highly pleased with the very line performances of tile children. REV. PATOHETT’E ADDRESS. Rev.. Hatchett of Creymouth was the first to address the gathering. Mr Patch el t who was received with applause in his opening remarks said he would go back to Oreytnouth, to that city which was to be- the capital of the newly extended electorate of .'Westland (laughter) with new ideas of how to run a send-off to our boys. At Croymouth they were not unconcerned by the number of persons who assembled. It wa s a delightful thing to see such a large and enthusiastic gathering present. TTe wanted to express his appreciation of the convenors inviting him to take part in the send-off. He was always pleased to take part in any demonstration such as the present one. It wa s the desire of them all. he was sure, to give the men setting forth on their greatest ot all journeys, a fitting farewell. Me feel it is all we can do. to give'them pleasant memories when they are. far away doing their best for their King and Country.

He felt the people of Hokitika have done worthily in upholding the honor of the town by the worthy manner in which they;had sent their men off,, and also had received them home again. He was, gratified to find such' unanimity at thi> send-olf in the men who wore going to do their bit for their countrv.

He wa.s-almost overwhelmed at times when In l thought of the feeling of those who had to ‘go and of those who were '“ft behind. Tt is only when we realuse the great price we are paying by the greatness of the sacrifice. • that we can recognise what this great world war means. How our men whom we send forth are roadv to sacrifice

"h"t they are doing for the sake of what they hold dearer than life itself. r t is for these priceless gifts of honor, ml the integrity of the nation handed 'own bv our fathers that wo arc fighting. We might feel inclined to curse 'ar enemy, but we cannot but help ’•ecognise the chivalry of the men who ’’ave gone forth to fight the enemy who have broken all the pledges of nations. "To, was sorry, indeed, for the man •lm has not thrilled in -these days, when they could rightfully say that we belonged'to tile greatest Empire of this world, and we should be proud to be -itixens of this Empire. If wo were proud of lie!', in the times of peace we "hculd bo doubly proud in this time of •'nr. IVe have many noble traditions of the past, famous and glorious, but our sailors and soldiers are even surpassing the achievements of past generations.

No one could not have been stirred at the speech of General Smuts in Loudon recently. It was a wonderful expression that was given by our late enemy and a worthy foe, who stood in the heart of our Empire and gave out an inspiration to go on till the enemy was vanquished. This man, who wa.s formerly our enemy, recognised that we were fighting a fight for freedom. Then again why does the flag of America fly alongside that of the Allies. Why have they come into the war. Was it not because it is a righteous war. Surely we bad no reason to fear the outcome. Ho felt that the pressure on the front was a sure sign that the days of the enemy are numbered. Tie did not say that the war was won, but he did not say the German nation was beginning to learn its lesson by reason of the great blows that Britain and her Allies were smashing her with on the western front. To Hie men of the doth Reinforcements he would say that the experience they

are going to have in camp will hi' to their advantage.physically and if they are of the right sort mentally and spiritually as well, The West Consthad done magnificently to send, with the inclusion of the present reinforcement-, over 2.700 men. Tt was .a fine tribute to the loyalty o? our men and .they were of the best quality, as he could safely claim that the West Coast soldiers were equal to the best of New Zealand, and that was a high tribute in deed. Reference was made to the death of Lt. Col. Brown, and he regretted that news had been received that day of the death of Lt. Col. Winter Evans of Reefton. There were many others and he asked them to think of them and honor thorn that night. They had sent many fine men in the ranks, and one of them Sam I rickloton V. C. of Blackball (applause) lmd sot the- standard for the Coast, being one of tlie three- men from New Zea-

land honored. ■ For three rears our mSn hay© inarch-

ed away. Wo think of their fights at Gallipoli, in Mesopotamia-, in Egypt and in France. Honor - them for the work they have done. It will never bo eclipsed and never he forgotten for it will live in history. The host advice lie could give the men leaving was—keep yourself lit—and remember that anything that'makes you unfit is a disgrace to you. British soldiers are noted for their courage and chivalry. Noble in conduct and action is the true sense of the word and lie felt they would uphold it. British soldiers all held a very high name and men, we want you to add to tile glory of that: name. In conclusion ho wished to congratulate, them on the splendid, meeting, and on the progress of his young friends, and to congratulate the men going forth from the town, and to wish them God speed and a safe return homo again to tlioir friends (applause). ROYAL HUMANE SOCIETY. Mr. TT. L. Michel was the next speak er and said lie desired to thank Mi'. Evans and those associated with him, for the oportunity to make the presentation of {in award by the Royal Humane Society. Before doing so, lie joined with the previous speaker in expressing his best, wishes to the men going forward next day. God speed them away and God speed them back again. Mr Michel then referred to the objects of the Royal Humane Society. He called on William Mathers, a lad of 15 years, to receive the framed certificate oT the Society which set forth that it- was, given to William. Mathers for a gallant effort by which he saved 'the life of a comrade Patrick G. E.' Williams from drowning in the Hokitika river on the 2nd. November 1910. Tn asking acceptance Mr. Michel paid a well deserved tribute to the recipient for his very gallant action. Mr. Henry Williams, father of the lad Patrick Williams, whose life was saved by the recipient’s assistance, outlined the particulars of the action for which the presentation was made expressing his deep gratitude to the action that had undoubtedly saved his son’s life, an action which was splendidly carried out successfully, and he was glad to have the public opportunity of voicing his gratitude to the hoy for his noble action.

ST. JOHN’S AMBULANCE. Mr. TT. L. Michel also took the opportunity of presenting medals to mem I hers of the local branch of St. John’s Ambulance" Brigade for services rendered, referring to the excellent- work carried out- by this splendid organisation. The following members received medals:— Supt. E. AY. Thompson for 10 years service; Sooty. E. T). Bennett, for •o’, wars service ; Mr. J. Maunder, for 51 years service; Air. .T. Groufskv, for 51 years service; Mr. J. Fitzsimmons (on service in France) ; Airs -Wood, (Lady Supt.) for 10 years service. ; Miss K. Curley for 1 years service; Mrs A. Reynolds, For 4 years service: Miss E. Hoelinn, for 4 years service. ELOCUTIONARY CONTEST RESULTS. Rev. P. 15. Fraser kindly acted as judge ,of the’contest briefly announced the following results, stating the whole of the contestants were li.ighlv creditable, and he was sure their efforts met with the hearty approval of the audience. Standard ITT.—‘‘The Union Jack.”Lorna Kennedy 1, Samuel Rowe 2, George Batson 3. Standard IV.— “The Flag goes'by. —No rah Dawson 1. Mena Keller 2. Leigh Rutland 3. Standard V. and VT.—“The Frontier Line.” —Harold Lnwiv 1, Lottie ’Valentine 2, Edna Pierson 3, Eva Fowler 4.

Thei prize-winners were later presented with the prizes hv Mr. Evans. Air. L. F. le Berry then moved that a hearty vote of thanks be accorded to Rev. Fraser, for acting n's judge and Air. D. .T. Evans who bad donated the prizes . The motion was carried by hearty acclamation. REV. FRASER’S ADDRESS. Rev. P. B. Fraser after announcing the result of the contest said he would bat- briefly address them. He expressed his hearty sympathy and prayer that God would be with those men who were going to the front,. The struggle was wearing on. In the first year they had ‘‘Tipperary,’’ the third year had missed and had been one great drag, but now they were drawing towards the hour of victory, but a strenuous fight- would yet have Lo he fought. There will be much intense fighting' before the end comes. They cannot be' too thankful that the great American "Republic are with us. Now, they are in, their forces like those of Britain a't the commencement, of the war are not yet ready and tin* Allies have to hold on till the spring and then he honed they would he able to Hoi}) in lining the finishing work of the war. Right does not always conquer when it ought, but might is slowly but surely tolling on our side. Ac can see we must fight on till victory is ours. Tn speaking here we must not forgot that there is no value on our words, it is the men’s deeds that leoirnh Ho took the opportunity to express his sincere sympathy with the sorrowing families in our midst. Only the day before one respected family lin'd been sadly stricken and to them and others he extended his most sin-

cere sympathies.. Ho concluded by wishing the soldiers good wishes and a safe return.

TRAFALGAR DAY

Mr D. J. Evans, President of the Overseas Club i n ’ announcing the concluding item on the programme said a

.few words on the subject of the Overseas Club. It bad been founded to foster a national spirit, and tor this purpose national anniversaries were celebrated. ' ; Next Sunday was one of those special days, October 21st., Trafalgar Day. Every hoy and girl knew of the great signal of Lord Nelson. The spirit of Nelson still lived and there were many 'thrilling' incidents (luring the present war, -reference being made Ro the gallant action of the Broke am| Swift in the English Channel, when they gave what was termed a Nelson touch, by ramming one of their opponents. Ho asked them to JhiTuk of: the Britlish Nr.vy as our great bulwark-—it had saved England and the world. He earnestly desired them to give -their gallant navy a place in their thoughts and prayers on Sandy next, the day of the great anniversary. A TRIBUTE. Air. Evans then took the opportunity of referring to the work of the Overseas .Orchestra specially mentioning the great- assistance that had been given by Air. Charles Ross who was one of I here going forward next day. Air. Ross volunteered early . but had been turned down. Now he had been passed and was going, forward, and he cxtonod him and the other men liis hearty good wishes. The Orchestra, then played the final selection, concluding with a verse of the National Anthem, in which the audience joined, and a highly successful gathering concluded. Subsequently the soldiers friends and those taking part in the proceedings were entertained at supper at the Overseas Club. THE WESTLAND ATEN. Tile following are rife Westland men who went forward this moriVihg. Barker, Gordon, Awn-.-una. TMackiriun, Henry, A., Stafford. Cook, Charles, Kaniefi. Duncan, James, Hokitika. Fraser, Laurence, Ruatapu. George, Henry, Hari-Hari. Hondo, Peter George, Ross Hill, Richard, Koitcrangi. Honey, George IT. Callaghans. Johnson, AVm. Joseph Alnnnnui. AleGuigan, John James, Otirn. AleAlnllen, .Tames. A lan mini. Ale Nicol, David Weir, Ross. ATanslrip, George Daniel, , Hyiri-Han. Alasciorini, William Jules. , Hokitika. Aluir, Alfred, Ross. Ross. Charles, Bradlaugh, Hokitika. Rudkin, Edgar Ralph. Hokitika. Martini, John Fiied, Goldsborough. Thomson, George Joseph, Okarito. Tre vat Iran, Richard. Cummings, Bruce Bay. AYalsli, Edmund, AYia'ikowihai. AVoolliouse, Charles Turner, Ross.