TAIHAPE RECRUITS.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 7, Issue 226, 14 June 1915, Page 4

TAIHAPE RECRUITS.

ENTHUSIASTIC SEND-OFF. This morning there was a fairiy large gathering of townspeople on the railway platform to say good-bye to some sixteen young men from this district who were leaving by the 6 a.m. train for Trentham camp to undergo training preparatory to joining our other New Zealand lads at the front. After a good breakfast gratuitously provided by Mr Ninnes, of the Railway Refreshment Rooms, the men fell in and the roll was called by SergeantMajor Bell all responding excepting those that were to be picked up at stations a little farther on the line. The names were: M. N. McLaughlan, W. K. Donovan, J. McDonnell, A. Harvey, S. H. Little, F. S. Bull,, J. L. R.' J. Cook, L. W. Decide, S. Laurenson, J. Tyler, A. Harper, J. C. Davis, J. F. Munro, W. Hibbird and McGovern.

Mr R. W. Smith, M.P., on behalf of the Patriotic Committe, addressed a few words to the men. He congratulated them on the course they were taking. He regretted that time did not permit of something more being done, but h e assured them that this send-off was just as hearty and sincere as any that could have been given, and perhaps, it was more in keeping with their enlistment and manly action. They were stepping into their places in line with the other brave fellows who had gone ,and they were going away with the intention of doing their just duty, and eysryone here knew they would do that duty just as bravely and nobly as- those that had gone before them, and do it to the end. (Applause). Every man could not go to the front to tak e part in the fighting, but there were important duties for those to do who were left behind. The people of Taihape were anxious to show their appreciation of the men’s intention to do the part they had decided upon, and now that all restrictions on the publication of numbers going to the front had been removed by the Defence Department, an effort would be made for- all our Taihape recruits to get their leave at the same time so that they could give them all a send-off more in accordance with their feelings In the short time at disposal Mr Ninnes, of the Refreshment Rooms, had sot a good lead, and lik 6 our soldiers, he said nothing about it. The people, would all be glad to have them back together if it could be arranged. (Applause). Mr Smith called for three cheers for the men, and there was no mistaking the heartiness, vigour, and vcciferousncss of the response. Tho men immediately boarded the train and left amid cheers.