They Heard The Call!

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIII, Issue 35, 11 October 1915, Page 2

They Heard The Call!

five men from toko. h FAMEWELL function. A Complimentary Smoke Concert to -Messrs C. Mather, Marfell, H. Evans, J. Butler, and J. Grainger, who are about to leave for the tront, was held m the Coronation Hall, Toko, on Saturday night, under the auspices ol the Toko Football Club. Toko is proud of hersell, always. She feels that she conies second to no one in the methods adopted in.hei industries, her residents rejoice and are glad at being up to date; her institutions boast ol real live members ; and her patriotism and love ol country find substantial form in wealth, aye, and flesh and blood—the best that the district has produced—and, those who, perforce, must remain at home vie in friendly argument among themselves on the pros and eons of recruiting and the ethics of conscription for Now Zealand or the Empiie. Perhaps this is only as it should be, and perhaps, also, these characteristics of Britons find similar exemplification in other hamlets and towns on the Map, Where It Is Bed! But Toko is on her own. Nowhere else could be found another such Mr W. H. Were to have handled the meeting so adroitly? And the member for Stratford is a Tokoite, don’t forget. He. too, was there among the boys, eating peanuts and drinking—(toasts), and having heart-to-heart talks with the I toys who are going away, presently tieing watches (tokens ol Toko’s regard) upon their wrists. Toko also claims as her own. other public men, notably County Councillor Walter and Mr E. Marfell, the latter especially having a long and honorable career among local bodies t 0 h' s credit. These gentlemen sat round the festive board cheek by jowl with the boys who form a scrum on the football field, or, maybe, drive Dobbin to the factory every morning. Then, Toko has many admirers, and Stratford is a close one. Two motor cars ran out with loads from Broadway in the evening, and the voices of the occupants were raised in the meeting in song, or story, or speech, all cheerfully doing their bit towards the one and only object of the gatheiing—viz., a right royal send-off to Toko’s five soldier boys. It will, no doubt, have been gathered ere this that the concert was a great success. Starting shortly after eight o clock, a, very enjoyable programme was concluded just on midnight with the singing of Auld Lang Syne. the speeches. There were quite one hundred round the tables, at the head of which sat the chairman, Mr W. H. Were, surrounded by Toko’s latest enlistments as mentioned above,, all looking fit. and well enough to fight for a kingdom | —especially the British! Thy Chaiiman read apologies from Mr C. Bay 1} j (Toko) and Mr P. Skoghmd (Stratford) regretting their unavoidable absence. After the loyal toast of The King,” Mr D. Maxwell proposed “Our Brave Allies,” stressing in a capital speech the moral support which the Allies had received and deserved owing to their upright and humane methods throughout all their operations.—Mr E. Jackson (Stratford), in the response, paid a remarkable striking tribute to the Belgians (hut toi whom the outlook at the commencement of the war would have been too horrible even to contemplate), to the Italians and the other Allies, also mentioning at the close tho gallant efforts of the Maoris who were doing such fine work with their white brethren on Gallipoli Peninsula. “The Rugby Union,” was proposed by Mr J. Row© (Stratford), who mentioned in the course of his remarks that ho was an Auckland rep, at intervals between 1884 and 1892. The keynote of his speech was Honor to those who were going away.—Mr R. Masters (Stratford) reponded on liehalf of the Union. He said they were under a deep debt of gratitude to the Toko boys and‘all the others who were going to thy Front—going away piepared to give their lives in defence of the Freedom which we have so long enjoyed. He was pleased as the Union’s representative to see so many footballers at the front, and there was no doubt Now Zealand footballers had don© uncommonly well. He regretted so many had fallen, and ho would still regret them, hut Taranaki must feel proud of such men as Colonel Malone, Norkoy Dewar, Tom James, Marfell, and Fearon—(Applause). The characteristics of a good footballer, he considered, were those of a good soldier self-control, discipline, and determination. He felt that the football grounds of the Dominion was possibly on© of the finest recruiting agents they had. He was very pleased to think that football had gone on as usual, notwithstanding there were i some who considered sport should be stopped during the war. The football field had been a fine training ground for the soldiers at the Dardanelles. In conclusion, Mr Masters expressed the fervent wish that the guests rj f tho evening would return safe and sound to Toko again.—Mr G. Morrison, as an old footballer, said he know the benefit of being in good * t rim and knowing bow- to take a good 1 bump; that was th© reason why so ' many footballers who had gone to the front had done so well- There was a

i time when people had cried out against so much sport, but now they know that footballers turn out good soldiers. Speaking to “Local Industries/’ Mr E. Marfell asked “What are we doing for the State?” Most of what the people had given was out of their surplus owing to the war. but there some noble exceptions. “You all know,” said Mr Marfell, “what kind of a war I have had (referring to the death of a son at the front and another at home), but it is better that than to be like some who have given nothing—(Applause)—But there is something more we can do. We can back up the Nation, and we can do that by producing as much as we can.—(Applause). Mr E. Walter, in his response to the toast, said there were four things to be considered—The Army, the Navy. Commerce, and Local Industries, and they must study these, and back them up. Unless they did so. they would be traitors to the Army—(Applause). Hundreds were not helping the industries. The soldiers must be fed, and it was the lot of those who were left behind to keep up the industries. Mr Walter paid a tribute to the good sense of the farmers about Toko, who were the sort that was wanted. They did not go to the races, he said. Ho was pleased to be able to say that the men were now being well treated by the Government, and he was glad also for the sake of the guests of the evening, who were brought up in and belonged to Toko. —(Applause). Mr .1. T. Jones (Douglas) also responded to the toast, referring to “the kiddies” industry, and stating that the school children of to-day were the soldiers of the coming generation, and that they should receive a good education. “OUR GUESTS.” The Chairman, proposing this toast, said he felt rather proud of the boys from Toko. As a young man, he had hoped to be able to strike a blow for the Empire, but it was not to be. He had done fourteen years as a volun- ( teev, and he knew what it was to stand the jibes and jeers of “playing at soldiering.” The hardest work he had ever done was to help to man the guns in the artillery while he was at Christchurch. As to The Guests, they were physically fit, and he did not believe it would be possible to surpass them in gallantry, and they would be a credit and honor to the Empire.— (Applause). Mr A, Bbcpck (Toko Road) and Mr M. Geruhoefer spoke shortly to the toast. Mr E. Marfell said everyone of them were volunteers worthy of the name of a man, and he trusted they would come safe hack again, “i think, indeed L trust,” die said, “we can help idiem with our prayers. Perhaps you will excuse me speaking in this strain, but my advice is Work and Pray for them. You must all acknowledge there-is. a Supreme Being above us.— (Hear, hear). This has come hack to mo. veryi forcibly of late. \on will understand. J hope the boys ‘"'ill a H >I pome back' with stripes on their arms.” Mr W,NT. Lopdell (Stratford) said he specially admired the boys who were going, away how, as they knew what they were ‘ up against. They were indeed privileged in being able to go to uphold the prestige of the British Flag. Mr E. Walter, in a spirited speech, said he was sure the latest to go could not do better than those who had gone before. They had played the game well, and there were no such things as atrocities. It was hard to say Goodbye. He did not pity tbe parents of those men who had gone to the front. No, he pitied the parents whose sons would not go.—(Applause). Candidly, Mr Walter admitted, he was out for Conscription; he thought that if the Empire was worthy* of being defended, then such persons should get out of it.—(Applause). If it came to the darkest days, all the Old Buffers would he ready. He did not like to say Go; but would prefer to say, Come Along with Us. As td 1 the camps he had no doubt that there was room for improvement; he favored more camps. One man had said: “Ham the Red Tape; I am not going into harness.” Mr Walter, in conclusion, said: “We have got to win. and in this business, I will do all I can to hack you up.” Mr I). Maxwell, in the course of his remarks asked what they were doing to commemorate those who had gone and never came back. He throw out the suggestion that a memorial in the shape of a list posted in a public place bp erected so that every one who | went bv would see for themselves i

Toko's 801 lof Honor. He eulogised IMr -Marfell, who had already sent one sou, and bad lost him. but was sending another. Britain would never fall when they had men like that.— (Applause).—The Chairman said that the question of a memorial as suggested had been discussed in Toko, and they could rest assured it would not be lost sight of. All the Guests replied, and were accorded a great reception. Mr C. Mather thanked all for their kindly words. He said be knew what he was up against when be vouluteered, but he felt his time had come, lr might be bis good fortune to get through all right, but if not. he would die game for his King and Countrybe was prepared to die not only as a soldier, but as a man.—(Applause). ( Mr J. Grainger endorsed the remarks of his comrade. He said he felt it an honor to go to the front to f.gnt' for those who were r.ot ahle to go. It behoved the Toko hoys to avenge the death of their old mates. He hoped to see them all on his return.—Applause. Mr H. Evans and Mr .T. Butler also spoke.in a very fine spirit of their decision to fight for the Empire. Mr E. Marfell said he was going to do his bit too! THE MEMBER FOR STRATFORD. Mr Hine, referring to a gathering at Wellington recently of Rarotongans who bad volunteered and wer e proceed, irig to the front, said he believed that far greater results were achieved from a recruiting point of view by the scene than by anything that had been done in New'Zealand. What were the results, he asked. Very few had come forward in response to those who had gone round the country on a recruiting mission. Many people did not expect that New Zealand would stop at compulsory training. He believed that a volunteer was better than two pressed men. Parliament did not intend to put on conscription. Registration was the first step. Many were saying they would not go until they were forced. He did .hot agree with sending more men and still more men. There were more ways of assisting than putting men in the held. England was looking to the Colonies for her'supplies. titer could not send men and produce supplies also. Then they must not run away with the i'loa that the Nation was"up against a brick or stone wall; i t was only a human wall at the best. That was a dispiriting thing to put into the recruits' minds. They were as S ood as a German or Turk any time. Every man ought to volunteer; if not, be would be ashamed of himself in years to come. Further, he did not agree with the indiscriminate fashion of a camp here and there as Mr Walter had mentioned. The position was that the Government was forced to keep up a steady supply of recruits to fill the gaps (A Voice: "Taranaln is doing her best.") Yes, said Mr Hine that is so, but still there ifl, plenty of room M more nien, and more'must go. If necessary, Conniption will he put into force. In defence of the' Minister of Defence. Mr Hine •said" Mr Allen was a man long past his prime, and he had had no special training for the position, but he had done well. Certainly. Trentham Camp bad .rot him into a. pickle, but they should make allowances for any man in authority. There was a condition of things never previously experienced. As to the recruits before the meeting he believed they would be an honor to the district. He was satisfied a returned trooper was the best recruitin.' agent that could be got. He was quite sure that if he had been to the front he would have felt incltoed to run round and show himself, and it would appeal to the country. Production in the country was what was wanted; it was the true source of assistance. Again, he was of the opinion the hotels should be shut at six o'clock (Cries of No! Yes.) Also, tie recruiting officer should be on the racecourse; he would get 1000 easily. They should try and divert the energy of those men who were doing no good to the country. By National Registration they would be able to discriminate between the different in-» dustries ami find out which eoulu hest give support. Then it would he time to discuss Conscription, which would very probably be this time next year. The House would consider the matter properly, and if they thought necessary tbev would put it into lone. Mr Hi„e remarked that this meeting was the third all-night sitting in success, ion for him. "We work all night while you Fellows arc sleeping." he said. Mr Mine then presented the Guests with wristlet watches, saving u few words of eiicouragenicnt to each, the gathering applauding frequently, and at the conclusion heartily singing "K, • they are-Jolly Good Fellows." OTHER TOASTS. "The Army and Navy" was proposed by Mr A. Boeock, and responded to by Mr Cran Jackson and Lieutenant Cray: "The Press. - ' by Mr M. Corn- j hoefer and Mr C. L.' Grant; "The Ladies," Mr 0. .Morrison and Mr Bob , Binnie. The Chairman \va s congratu-1 lated'on his handling of such a fine gathering. During the evening, a varied programme was presented. Songs were Tun- bv Messrs A. S. Martin (Stratford). K. I). Milne fTokoL J. T. -Tones (Domdas). Donald Mclvor. H. Burgand Hob Bin.ne «|)och and Doris." Mr A. F. Wilson .Stratford) recited patriotic lines "I his own composition, being often called upon. Mr A. Piper also recited. \c.ld Lang Syne, and u Silent Toast f 01 * the P-ovs who bad fallen, together .with God Save the King concluded the. gathering.