OFF TO THE FRONT.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 March 1916, Page 6

OFF TO THE FRONT.

OKATO MEN FAREWELLED. There was a very large and representative gathering at a . social which was held in the Hejnpton Hall, Okato, to farewell four more troopers who are home on their final leave before departing for the front with the Eleventh Reinforcements. They were Privates Vernon Corbett, Carroll, Humphrey, David Wilson, and Clyde Putt, but the two latter were unable to be present. The evening was devoted to dancing, cards being provided for the non-dancers. Just prior to supper Rev, C. Addenbrooke introduced Mr. C. H. Poole, M.P.. for Auckland West, who is on a visit to tbe district, and asked him to make the presentation. Mr, Addcnbrooke saitl that Okato was proud of the men who were going to the front. He thought there were many who did not yet realise the seriousness of the conflict, and he wged all to consider whether they were doing enough. Mr. C. H. Poole expressed his appreciation at being called upon to make the presentation. He emphasised the fact that) Taranaki had something more to live for than the production of butter and cheese at this time. The district bad made some noble contributions to the cause of civilisation. Profesosr Rutherford's name in the world of science was one to conjure with, and now that this fierce war was upon 11s many notable achievements can be credited to the men of Taranki. A strange coincidence was that, while he was speaking, Lieutenant Jennings, a New Plymouth boy, who had given his life for his country, was being interred within a few miles of the speaker's homo tou'ii. Athlone, Ireland. These achievements were an eloquent call to many of the young men of tlie district who had not already offered their services to the call of civilisation and liberty. Members of the legislature were doing their best to avoid the necessity for conscription by holding recruiting meetings in various parts, and, as the Government was pledged to maintain tlie reinforcements month hv month, if the voluntary system of recruiting failed, then conscription would become a necessity. The splendid response of the overseas dependencies of tlie Empire had been a great inspiration to the Allies, but the greatest feature of the campaign was the remarkable devotion of parenthood in contributing its sons—the flower of the land —to the great cause of world freedom. Mr. Poole made a further appeal to the young men to "follow the gleam," and at the termination of an earnest address, embodying the necessity for unity o: action in the defeat of the Germans, he made the presentation' of wristlet watches to Privates Putt, Corbett and Humphrey, and a safety razor to Private D. Wilson. Mrs. Cill (referred to as the Mayoress of Okato) buckled on the watches, she being the mother of a returned South African soldier, and also of a present campaigner. The mothers of the departing troopers were then introduced to Mr. Poole, who was particularly enthusiastic in impressing on the young mon the necessity for handing in their names without delay, for now is the accepted time to secure honor without pressure. Privates V. Corbett and Carroll Humphrey blrefly replied. • Messrs J. Power and P. Corbett, as M's.C., kept the social moving merrily, and an enjoyable time was spent by all. Mr. Barnitt provided the dance music, Mrs. W. Clarke playing an extra. The following contributed to the musical portion of the programme:—Song. "A Soldier and a Man," Rev. 0. Addcnbrooke; song, "Queen of the Earth," Mr. Franks; cornet solo, "Asleep in the Deep," Mr, Thompson; recitation, "Dandy Fifth," Mr. Aroa. .Mr. Barnitt played the accompaniments. Supper dispensed by the ladies was much appreciated. Among those present were returned troopers Prim, Amos and Reynolds, and Privates R. E. Morris, F. Cowling, S. Goodin, and Quarrie, who are now on leave.