OUR VOLUNTEERS

Manawatu Times, Volume V, Issue 170, 2 November 1881, Page 2

OUR VOLUNTEERS

DEPARTURE FOR THE FRONT." ■"•'-■. :._ ■ +- / In our last issue we stated that pome tweuty-four men bad voluuteered their services for the front, since then numbers have come forward and" offered theraselves, and «onie ten or twelve more have ; been -enljsted^ On Saturday, the men headed by the Band,"*wfiicH "discouried snme capital marching tunes, and quite euli veiling the town, proceeded to Hokqwhitu, where , they were subjected to about three hours of skii nrishing, m .which they apparently acquitted them selves to the satisfaction of the officers iv charge, Lieuts. Marsh and Pirani. At seven o'clock m the evening, the corapuny again assembled for parade, after which, the recruits were d illed fora couple of bou a by Lieut. Mar«h. Several young mem whe hare a, desire for military honors have also decided upon * £pmg to the front, where they expect to join the ConttabuUry. The whole of the Volunteers displayed the m«st patriotic spirit, and eagerness to serve m , the cause for which the have been called upon to leave their homes, families, and employment. ' ' i At an eavly hour on Monday morning, people were aroused by *he sound of the bugle summoning the Volunteers to- muster, and very soon a large number of people assembled; to witness the departure* and to do honor to'the. Volunteers. Excitement ran Ligh, everyone apparently feeling a deep concern for the welfareof tbeir townsman. Whilst the roll was being called, and the arms &c, examined the Band played "Auld. Lung Syne,"" and ."God Savt the Queen," and >bet* therivn had taken their seats m the carriage, the cheering strain of " Girl I left behind me" was played with exquisite taste and precision. As the train mnved slowly off, the crowd gave three hearty cheers; which was returned by our volunteers; The Band sho wed ?their appreciation of the men's valor by accompanying them to Feilding, where they played the Fciliiug Volunteers to ■ the train. It is pleasing to state that 33 men including all the officers of that Company hava gone. It is more than probable that Lieutenant Pirani m command of another batcb will follow m a few days, as it is Palmerston has scot 32 men m all, and it ismost praiseworthy to note that many of" these are married men with families, who* are left behind ta shift foe. themselves m a manner of .speaking, so far, honor our volunteers. .We have not tbeleast doubt i that they will, m the event of a struggle,, give a good arc6unt of themselves.