THE SOLDIERS' NIGHT.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVII, Issue 24, 28 May 1915, Page 7

THE SOLDIERS' NIGHT.

STRATFORD RECRUITS FARE* WELLED. i A very pleasant i unction took place last evening at the Fgmont Club’s rooms, when the recruits who left this morning were farewelled by the Home Defence Corps, members of the Club, 'and the Stratford Patriotic Committee. About 80 people were present, including His Worship the Mayor (Mr J. W. Boon), and Mr J. B. Hine, M.P. Great enthusiasm was manifested, and the music and supper were both good; indeed, nothing that could be desired was lacking. This is the first function of its kind to be held in Stratford, and it showed that if necessity arises this , town can rise to such an occasion. Those of the recruits who attended will surely remember for long days to come the farewell tendered them by “the men they left behind them.” Naturally, Britishers are slow to show their patriotism by any outward manifestation, such as is shown by other nations, but only when the British patriotism is at its apex some slight outward sign reveals it. Thus it was last evening. Great credit is due to those who were responsible for the arrangements, and especially, to the Fgmont Club who generously threw open their rooms for the evening. Mr J. McAllister, President, in a neat speech invited all present to make use of the card tables and billiard tables, and the whole premises, and trusted that they would enjoy the evening and would bear pleasant memories thereof. The Club’s orchestra, under the able baton of Mr R. Cottier, delighted all with a select and wellplayed programme Billiards and cards were indulged in by many until about ten o’clock, when full justice was done Ito a sumptuous supper, after which IMr J. W. McMillan favored the gathering with a well-sung song. His Worship the Mayor, in the course of a few remarks, said that he was glad to rub shoulders with the young men "who had rallied to the Cause of Freedom. He was sure that Stratford was holding her own regarding recruiting. There was not and ,would not he lack of men in this district, as the men had volunteered not because it was fashionable, hut because Duty called them to Britain’s aid in seeing the thing through. A strong patriotic committee had been formed locally to look after the interests of our men. Stratford had made 'a splendid response to the Hospital .Ship .Fund, the list at noon on Thursday l>eing at £SOO 13s sd. He was 'proud of those who had left Stratford and were now either at the Dardanelles, on their way there, or in training ; and if these were not sufficient every man in the room would go. He wished every success to the guests of the evening, Godspeed, and a safe return.

Mr N. Templar sang “Three for Jack” in good style. Mr J. B Hine, M.P., said that we in New Zealand thoroughly realised that the Motherland’s quarrels are our own, and that was why New Zealand has answered so nobly to the call.

The British Empire stands for unity, freedom, and strength; the British Empire is not lighting for new lands 'or for more wealth, but she fights to .defend the defenceless. Nero was a 'great criminal, hut the Kaiser is the King of criminals, whose death knell .the whole world is going to sound bojforo very long. The men leaving were a further batch from Stratford, but ' not the last. He advised them to first of all think of their God, their King, their country, and their native place, and to go forward and obey. Mr B, Malone sang, “Hello there, Little Tommy’ Atkins,” Mr W. P. Kirkwood, speaking on behalf of the Patriotic Committee, pointed out that although Stratford rarely held demonstrations of any j kind, this absence of demonstrations ( did not imply that nothing was being (lone to help the cause. His committee’s motto was,: “Deeds, not words.” The British were not demonstrative, hut still they never failed to answer the call. He considered that we in New Zealand were left too much in the dark regarding casualty lists. The people in England get full lists and bear their losses with equanimity. New Zealanders were as British as Englishmen, and should therefore get full information, which would be received equally as well. The question of providing for the troops on their return was just as important as the question of recruiting. The Government should arrange something definite,and then perhaps recruiting :would he brisker. A man going away to the front would go more readily if ho knew that in ease of disablement he would he well provided for by his country. The usual pension would not be sufficient, and something further should he done. He wished those leaving for the front the best fortunes of war and a safe return.

A musical progrernme then followed, together with recitations by Mr Howarth, all of which were heartily applauded. When the National Anthem had been sung in fine patriotic spirit, the gathering brbke up after a most enjoyable and memorable evening.