MEN AND THE CALL.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 August 1916, Page 7

MEN AND THE CALL.

TWENTIEH REINFORCEMENTS. LEAVE FOR TRENTHAM Despite the. very unfavorable weather prevailing there was a fairly large crowd at t'lie -New Plymouth railway station yesterday to farewell the district's quota to the 20th Reinforcements. After the. men had mustered together they proceeded to the rooms of the Women's Patriotic Committee, where the Mayoress very kindly supplied them with a cup of tea and sandwiches, and they were also presented with hold-alls. The men subsequently marched across to the railway station, where the Mavor (Mr, C. H. Burgess), on behalf of the town and district, wished them Godspeed and a safe return, The Mayor referred to the Compulsory Service Bill, which conies into operation on September 1. Under this Bill every man would have to register, in the first or second division. The voluntary system would not be done away with altogether, but under the new conditions each district would have to make up its own quota. He referred to the Soldiers' Club which had just been opened in New Plymouth, and reminded the men that when they return to New Plymouth on leave at any itime they could always spend their spare time at the club. On behalf of .the own and districts from which they lino, his Worship wished the men goodibye, God-speed, and a safe return. Cheers were then given for the men, %nd tlie Citizens' Band, under the confuctorship of Bandmaster McLeod, rendered a number of patriotic selections until the time of departure, and the train iteamed out of the station to the strains if "Auhl "Lang Syne," and amid the 'heers of the crowd and the emmto l '- L'heers of the men.' i