HIS MOTHER'S SACRIFICE.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 4, Issue 87, 24 September 1915, Page 4 (Supplement)

HIS MOTHER'S SACRIFICE.

An amusing incident is ivlat.'d in Skipton of a strapping lad who was anxious to light for his country, even though his birth ha.d occurred some what late to satisfy the military requirements. His height and girth were all in his favour, and few people wouid have s.i-pected that he was still in his early teens.

Feeling sure he would pass muster, he confidently faced' the recruiting officer, who was delighted to welcome such a line specimen ot manhood. He measured him up, and found everything as he had expected—satisfactory. iuen came the question, " How old are youf' •'Nineteen, sir," was the quick re-

spon.se. There was a twinkle in the eye ot the sergeant, but the lad maintained his ground. Unfortunately, at the critical moment a lady entered the hall. "Where's my lad?" she anxiously inquired. "Why, there's no lad here," replied the sergeant, "but I've got a man," and lie pointed to the budding recruit. "Wliv, that's him," the mother exclaimed. "He is no man. How old does he say he is?" The sergeant once more put the all-important question to the recruit. "Nineteen, sir," again came the stoic rep'y. "What do you say to that, lady? - ' asked the sergeant. For a moment the lad's hopes trembled in the balance; and then the mother, remembering the Country* need, gallantly answered, "Nay, he's reiglit, if he says soa.'" The lad is serving his King and Country to-day in a well-known Yorkshire regiment.