FOR THE FRONT.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 June 1917, Page 5

FOR THE FRONT.

TARAXAKH? QUOTA OF 31st REINFORCEMENTS. . Taranaki's quota of the 81st Reinforcements entrained yesterday by the mail train for camp, and were given enthusiastic farewells at the varioui stations along the line. At the New Plymouth station there was a large gath. ering of the public to farewell the men, who, previous to entraining, wore entertained by the Ladies' Patriotic Committee to a cup of tea and were presented with a hold-all on behalf of the Committee and cigarettes by the Mayoress, whilst the General Patriotic Committee supplied fruit for the train journey. Prior to the departure of the train, the Mayor, in a brief speech, said that since the last occasion on which they had met there had been a great battle, und the long lists of casualties brought home strikingly'to ail the fact that the nation was at war. It was thought by some that it was about time tlmt New Zealand's reinforcements were cut down. That ivaa a grave question. There were 110 countries in the world so interested in seeing the war fouorht to a finish as wero New Zealand and" Australia. It was Rtated that Canada intended to send 10 per cent, of its population, and some thought that New Zealand should do likewise. In case of war, however. Canada.had 11 great population, and alongside it was a great nation who eould comrt to its -assistance. South Africa, too, had the call on a large population of ' black races, who vei-fc great, fighters. Australia antl lfaw; Zenland were far mviiy at the'end of the world, and but for the British Navy could be easily cut out. It was Btated that 30 steamers .were required to curry our produce, mit for the navy no produce, could be got away. It was also stated that too many men were 'being taken to enable labor to be carried on satisfactorily. He would not go into this question but ho was satisfied that suffix cieist men were left behind to carry.cm with the assistance of the women. It we who stopped at home were prepared to malco sacrifices as great as those who went away, then we could and would carry on. Women could -do & let of work. Why was it that the, English were able to turn, out 800,000 shells in two hours? Simply because the women wore prepared to vor.k in tho munition, factories in order that the men at the front might be kept_ well supplied with munitions. We must do the same here, and bo prepared to make sacrifices as were the men at the front. The New Plymouth contingent, who were in charge of Corporal A. 1/. 'Humphries, comprised:—l*. G. Andrews, Tj. J. Hellringer, F. Bielflwski, T. H. Brnnssreve, J. W. Chadwick, W. J. Crompton, YV. .1. Gilmer, J. Guseott, K James, S. C. Beauchamp, E. liidiwell, W. C, J' on >' face, E. W. Busing, J. H. Clarke, H. H. Fisher, L. C. Goldsworthy, L 8. Julian, K. Julian, J. Morrison, L. Reilly, W. C. Reillv, C. E. Thompson, E. P. Knight, W. McCoard, L. J. V. Newman, C. 11. >'• Shirle" J. Thompson, P. J. Manning, V. S. McMurray, R. H. riiillips, I. Stohr, M. \V Howard, J. G- Martin