A PATRIOTIC FAMILY

Taranaki Daily News, 1 April 1918, Page 4

A PATRIOTIC FAMILY

FIVE SONS VOLUNTARILY ENLISTED. A ease worthy of special inentioji concerning a patriotic family of the Waimate Plains came u,ider' the notice of the First Military -Service Board in Haivera on Monday. Mr. William Cpnningham, Manaia, had an application set down for the return of his son, Private W D. Cunningham, from the front, where he has been for 2.1 years. When the case was culled on Mr. Bennett solicitor, said there would be no appearance of Mr. Cunningham, who wished the application withdrawn, as he considered at the present time his son's services would be of more value at the front.

Captain Walker, the Military roprfs scntative, remarked Hint Mr. Cunningham hail five, sons at the front, one of whom had died of illness. All the five sons had volunteered their services. Private Cunningham went away with thr> Cth Reinforcements, in August. 191 ."i. with his eldest brother (who had since died). In October of the same year a third son left with the Now Zealand Hide Brigade, and was serving in France, 'bile the remaining two single bovj left j* ith the 2lith lieinforcments now serving in I'.gypt. Thk ivs« certainly !i;fine record, and one of wliieH any familjmight be proud. He might add that Private CwiiMii'rhni!! had hern wounded three times, and had lately rejoined hi" regiment. The father was 77 years of age, and in the interests of his country van endeavoring to carry on his farm the best he could tinder the circumstances; bis age and the labor difficulty had compelled h:m to make the application,, which he now decided to withdraw. The chairman (Mr. D. G. A. Cooper, snid the Board appreciated tin action of the parents. and it desired to congratulate the family upmi their loyal tv and patriotic spirit.—Star.