OMATA'S FIGHTING FAMILIES.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 November 1917, Page 3

OMATA'S FIGHTING FAMILIES.

(From a Correspondent). It is with mixed feelings that the people of this district note the calling up of the first class of the Second Division. We feel that we must do our share in sending forth our men-folk, but cannot altogether suppress our sorow that these things must be. The first man in the district to be drawn is Mr. Alphonso Woods, an energetic and respected young farmer. Mr. Woods was born here, and has lived here all liis life. His'parents and grandparents also lived among us for Reveral years. Notwithstanding the fact that he is engaged in an essential industry and has home ties, Mr. Woods believes' it to be his duty to answer his country's call. Two of his brothers have made the supreme sacrifice, Percy being killed at the memorable landing at Gallipoli, and Newton haviiig recently died in France. Tlie third brother, Stanley, enlisted and was in camp at Trentham, but he became ,a victim of rheumatic fever, and could not be sent abroad, although he was keen to go. Mr. A. Woods' willingness in being ready to go (he hopes to dispose of his farm first) is to be commended to' the Second Division, and may be an incentive to others. Another family, who have constituted a record, is that of Mr. C. Henricksen. Mr. Henricksen was a farmer and contractor in this district for nearly thirty years, but lately has resided in Masterton. His family of six sons all went forward to do their bit, five of them being still "somewhere in France." The sixth son, Henry, was -invalided home some months ago. Omata has cause 'to be proud of these two families, and the "boys" with all others who have left this district, will receive a hearty welcome from us should they have the good luck to return.