THE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

King Country Chronicle, Volume VIII, Issue 694, 15 August 1914, Page 6

THE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

TE KUITI CONTINGENT FAREWEtL SOCIAL The call.for volunteers for the Dominion expeditionary fore met with a prompt response throughout the whole country, and in no • district was greater enthusiasm shown than in 4 he King Country. ■ The statement that the force was being drawn from the Territorials was the cause of keen disappointment lo many, and numerous applications wer9 received from highly suitable aspirants. In the majority of cases the applicants offered to provide their . own horses It is gratifying to know that several of the.Be applications have been entertained, and the men proceeded to Hamilton on Thursday morning fur inspection. It was announced un Wednesday morning that the first contingsi.t from Te Kuiti would leave un Thursday morning for Auckland, and a farewell social was organised by the citizens for thetpurpose of bidding Godspeed to the first King County draft. The Municipal Hall waa crowded at eight o'clock and Mr Mostvn Jones was voted to the chair. In referring to the occasion,,Mr Jones commended the patriotic spirit which animated the gathering and pointed out the necessity of sacrifice in the interests of the Empire. „ The toast list included the following:—Navy, \rrny, and Auxiliary Forces, Dr Mcßae—Sergt.Major Moohey; Our Guests, the'chairman—Lieut Weatmasott; Our Allies. Mr E. Martin—Mr E. J. Quinlan; Those Who Would Like to go ana Can't, Sergt. Warwick —Messrs NC. Matthew, Hockley and Rev. Houchen;. Sweethearts and Wives, Mr A. Fryer—Messrs Grant and Macdonald. During the evening songs were contributed by Messrs Blackman, Conway, Lusk, Davy, Macdonald, Snadden, and the Rev... Houchen. Cheers w§re given for the departing Boldiers, and the gathering concluded by singing the, National Anthem.