OFF TO THE FRONT.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 67, 16 October 1916, Page 5

OFF TO THE FRONT.

_.—->-. J —- Among those on final leave and who left by the mail train this morning were Privates C. T. Fearon, J. J. Davis, J. S. Reid, D. Law, E. and F Miers, 0. James and Lance-Cor-poral L. Marchant. All Were given rousing cheers as the boys left the station. ; Before the Stratford contingent oi the 22nd Reinforcements left by the mail train this morning, a big crowd gathered to. wish them good-bye. Those who left for camp were:— L. Rogers. A. Curd. R. A. Stewart. W. F Lehmann. - Hagan. Mr J. Masters, Chairman of the Stratford Recruiting Board, delivered a fitting speech. He said he regarded it a great honour to address "our brave soldier boys" now going into camp. They were making a sacrifice which they had never before been called upon to make—they were wanted at the front and out of loyalty to their King and country they were leaving Stratford. They had heard the call-" Come over and help us," and were responding to that call. Better still, said Mr Masters, thev were volunteers: th'y had not waited for the whip of the Conscription Bill to round them up. Many of us would like to go, but are too old, but we feel grateful to you boys' who are going to fight our battles for King and country. I say to you: Uphold the honor of New Zealand. Phvsical courage and strength is not all you require—moral courage is needed, and you will at times come in contact with temptations which have never before crossed your path, and you will need to withstand these. Bear this too in mind: You are going for a set purpose—to win this war, and at times you may get into a corner when your last ounce oi strength is .needed, then will you do your best. In saying an revoir, Mr Masters prayed that the great Architect of the Universe would direct their movements and bring them all safe back to New Zealand. The Rev. J. C. Madill said he felt they were all going to do ho»or_for their country as many from Stratford had done before, and he hoped they would uphold the worthiest of traditions. He trusted they would all seek to maintain truth and upnghteousness in the fight for this Empire ' which they all loved, and that they would be a credit to their country and return safely home again. The Mayor then called for three cheers, which were heartily given Before leaving for camp the Mayoress (Mrs J. W. Boon) presented each man with a hold-all and outfit.