OUR FIGHTING FORCES.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 February 1917, Page 6

OUR FIGHTING FORCES.

20TH REINFORCEMENTS. FAREWELL TO LOCAL DRAFT. Amid the strains of "Auld Lang Syne" and the farewells of a large crowd of friends, the New Plymouth draft of the •26th Reinforcements left yesterday morning for camp. The members of the Patriotic Committee and the Citizens' Band were present. On their way to the station the members of the draft were entertained by the Women's Patriotic league and given gift parcels. The Mayor (Mr. C. 11. Burgess), in fart-welling the men, Raid few thought at the commencement of the war that New Zealand would call up 28 reinforcements to support the main body that left these shores in .1914. There was very little sign of peace at the present time, and in his opinion the worst of the war had yet to come. With men leaving every month there was a strong call to young people to do patriotic work at home. The Mayor wished the departing soldier,? God-speed and a safe return. He felt sure they would acquit themselves with credit and bring honor to the country tiiat had sent them. Three ringing cheers were given for the recruits, who entrained to the accompaniment of music rendered by the band. The names of the recruits, who were in charge of Sergeant-Major Crompton, are as follows:—A. Barr, H. R. Bruce. H. G. Ff.rmer, T. B. Mathieson, L. H. [fart. N. A. Follett, A. Hay, A. E. Hav, A. Coleman, H. Smith, R. Hawkins, E. K. Wells, A. J. Smith, E. J. Bell, C. Henrickson, (J. Praee, J. Orr, D. W. Longsley, N. Blair.