New Zealand

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXX, Issue 46, 29 May 1916, Page 8

New Zealand

THE WiLLOCHRA RELEASED. probable despatch of TROOPS TO-MORROW. Feb Feuss Association. 4 .Dunedin ( May 29. Drs. Valiutine and Hope Lewis visited the Vvillochra on Saturday afternoon, and as 'result of their inspection, the vessel, with about forty memheis of the old crew, left at midday yesterday for ’Wellington. Unless there are any fresh developments, the troops on the Quarantine Island will probably be despatched to their homes to-mor-row. 17th REINFORCEMENTS. Despite the inclemency of the weather, a large number of people assembled on the railway station this induing to bid farewell to the members of the 17th Reinforcements who left for camp by the mail train. Ahi||r the men had been assembled, Mr T. Richardson said that the Mayoress, on behalf of the Ladies’ Patriotic Committee, would present each man with a hold-all and a housewife. This little ceremony the Mayoress (.Mrs Boon) then graciously carried out.

His Worship the Mayor in a short speech, wished the men farewell on behalf of the citizens of Stratford. He said lie was pleased, though with mixed feelings, to see them, as representatives of the people, come forward to light for their Country. He had no doubt as to the ultimate outcome of the wafr, but the ranks needed keeping up to their original strength. Ho felt proud of the fact that Stratford had supplied its quota and extra men besides. Stratford’s quota for* the last Rciufoicements was If), hut ‘26 left the district;‘for the 15th Reinforcements the quota was 16, and tlie district supplied 22 men; and the number for the 17 th Reinforcements exceeded the 'quota. A young man who had received notice to entrain had been detained I because be was under 20 years of age lT;e military authorities were very strict in not allowing men under 20 years to leave with the Reinforcements. Now that summer was approaching, the people could expect to hear news of great battles on the Continent. Ho was pleased to see that the New Zealanders wore lighting; alongside the French and British soldiers. The holdalls and housewives, distributed on behalf of tne Ladies’ Patriotic Committee, wore made by the members and young ladies in Stratlord. In conclusion, ho wished the men God speed and a ! safe return. The speaker called for three cheers for the men, which were given in a very hearty manner. The following men left for Camp: INFANTRY. I I), H. Yetton, Stratford. H. A. Corbett, Whanga. J. J. Reynolds, Toko. T. E. Bennett, Stratford. P. Butler, Toko. E. F. Lacey, Midhirst. G. R. Lyford, Huihga.« A. H. Chard, Stratford. J. Groshinski, Tuna. W. C. Hamblyn, Lowgnrth. E. A. Jackson, Huinga. W, T. Cutton, Stratford. J. O’Connell, Toko. E. J. Flynn, Te Worn. H. Hanson, Stratford. INFANTRY—N.C.O. G. W. D. ‘ Rogers. Cardiff.