WAR LECTURE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 1987, 7 June 1919, Page 3

WAR LECTURE.

The Mayor (Mr Chrystall) occupied the chair at the Town Hall on Thursday night, when Captain G. J. Adams, N.Z.M.C., delivered a lecture on the life of the soldiers, both at the training camp and at tho front. In opening the meeting, the • Mayor welcomed Captain Adams back to Foxton, and assured him that his patriotism in serving throughout the whole war was much appreciated. Captain Adams, who was received with applause, said that as no doubt all present had heard and read so much of the actual war happeneings he would confine his lecture more particularly to the life of the soldier in the training camps and at the front. lie first dealt with the period about the end of July, and the first few days of August, pior lo the declaration of war, referring to the great excitement that prevailed throughout the British Isles at that time, and particularly in Loudon. When war was declared, the populace were wild with excitement, and the scenes he witnessed at this time would never he forgotten. He dealt with the despatching of the “Old Contomptibles” to France, and also to tho mobilisation of Kitchener's first army of 100,000. Although at this lime Kitchener knew it would ho necessary to raise a huge array, ho could not call for more than 100,000 volunteers at this stage, owing to there not being sufficient capable men to train them. The lecturer outlined the exciting scenes in connection with (he mobilisation of this first 100,000, and gave the audience an idea of the camping arrangements and training. Captain Adams was attached to one of the battalions I 'of Kitchener's Army, and told his audience of the movements prior to embarkation for France, of the great secrecy in connection with the movements of the troops that was observed on account of (he German spy system. He detailed their trip to France, the enthusiastic manner in which they were received by (he French people, their progress right on until they reached the front lines, and gave a verv in-

lorestiug account of life in (lie front line trenches. Altogether the lecture Avas a most interesting one,

denting as it did Avith a phase of the Avar so far untouched as far as lectures in Foxton are concerned. After listening to Captain Adams, one has a fairly good idea of lint life of the soldier right from the time he enters camp until he again reaches home. At the conclusion of the address the lecturer Avas accorded a very hearty vole of thanks, on the moll* on of the Mayor, seconded by (he Rev. W. Raine. in aeknoAvledging the vole of thanks, Captain Adams said lie desired to express his sincere (hanks for the manner in Avhich lie had been Aveleomed back by the people of this district, lie could assure them that he appreciated their Avann Avcd-t come very much.