The Daily News. MONDAY, MAY 31, 1915. STIMUATING RECRUTING.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 302, 31 May 1915, Page 4

The Daily News. MONDAY, MAY 31, 1915. STIMUATING RECRUTING.

So far as Taranaki jsi concerned there is no question that the patriotic spirit lias got a strong grip of the community, and the Young men are coming forward in good numbers to offer their services in the v cause of the Empire. If any evidence of this very fitting feeling -were necessary it was amply demonstrated in connection with the departure of the recruits in the province who left on Friday for the training camp at Trentliam. At Inglewood, Stratford, Eltham and llawera the men were all entertained on Thursday evening, leading citizens and members of Parliament taking part in the proceedings, while the scenes at the respective railway stations on Friday morning were as hearty as they were enthusiastic. There is no question that our people are awakening to, the gravity, of the issues involved in the war, and that they are thrilled with an overwhelming desire to do their utmost to convince the young men of tile Bominion that in joining the ranks of the Allies they are. performing a great service to their own country, and averting a possible disaster the full meaning and extent of which is only now being realised. That is the main reason for the enthusiasm that is being displayed over the embryo heroes who arc going forth to light for the 'predominance of the Old Flag and all that it stands for. It is not a case' in which a passing wave of sentiment stirs up the people to hysterical excitement, but a deeply-rooted love of the Empire, and a natural anxiety for its safety, especially of that portion which constitutes the Dominion of Xew Zealand. The remarkable exhibition of feeling exhibited throughout Taranaki can readily be understood, and it should certainly infect those of our young men who lmvo not yet enrolled. Tlie latest news from'the Dardanelles to the effect that a British submarine torpedoed the arsenal at Constantinople should also have an inspiring effect on those who have hitherto been hanging back. Such an exhibition of daring and pluck may well fire the martial spirit of every true Britisher. There are great risks and dangers to be faced, but these are just the factors which bring to light the true lighting sipirit that has made Taranaki the most prosperous portion of the Dominion. It is the. privilege as well as the duty to every able citizen to do his quota in maintaining and linmliivr down 1,, posterity the. heritage he l:r, -. ■wived as a citizen of the Empire. Jl u ;y {he services of our defenders are appreciated was fittingly shown at the splendid sendoff given to our latest recruits last week. It was in every case thoroughly worthy of the occasion, and did credit to Taranaki's loyalty and patriotism. In the past there was almost a coldness shown to our lads departing I'm- the front. It was not meant, of course, but the public failed to realise the significance of it all—that the lads were going out to Mo their bit" to maintain I the integrity of the Umpire, the cause of liberty and democracy, and, if need be, to pay the price. It. was only when the extent of the pii,-e w made known by the casualty li-.'s ;i pp,.,irin" from day to day that the public became conscious of the -aeriiice our voieig inert were making. We would be filing in our duty to them did we h- n:r n, in every way and send them fr,,i,i our midst with marked and sincere expressions of our respect and "rafihulr.