DEPARTING SOLDIERS.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 November 1917, Page 6

DEPARTING SOLDIERS.

BALANCE OF 35th REINFORCEMENTS

There was a good gathering on the railway platform yesterday -morning to farewell the balance of the 35th Reinforcements. His Worship the Mayor (Mr. C. 11. Burgess), Archdeacon and Mrs. P. G. Evans, the Rev. W. A. Sinclair, members of the Patriotic Committee and friends and well-wishers of the men attended. The junior hand, in practically full strength, under Bandmaster McLeod, made its' first, appearance in public, playing several selections and appropriate airs. Tile departing men were entertained at tiie Women's Patriotic Rooms and provided with light refreshments. Each was also the recipient of a hold-all nnd tobacco. In I'arewelling tiie men the Mayor said that the draft was the smallest, that had so far been farcwclled from New .Plymouth, but that made no difference, for one man or a hundred going out to do his duty for bis country had the best wishes of the people of New Plymouth, At this lime last year everyone had hoped that tiie last reinforcement had been sent, and lie sincerely hoped that no more would be sent this year, and that next year there would be no further drafts to farewell. The outlook was not very bright, just at present, but there were still a few men left, and when the eligibles had gone those remaining could do something even though they could not light, riis Worship called for three cheers as the train pulled out, and the band struck up "Aiild Lang Syne." The men who entrained at Xew Plymouth were:lf. S. Brewer, J. G. Brash, ,T. ,T. Birmingham and J. S. .Toll. Other Taranaki men were picked up at stations along the line a* far as Waitota.ra.

Several of the men who were to have entrained have been granted extensions of lcace. Others who failed to put in an appearance are to be called to account. After the farewell the Mayor thanked the Junior Band for their attendance! and congratulated them and tlieir conductor on the progress made. Three hearty cheers were given for the boys.