Reinforcements farewelled at Nelson

Local men about to join the 9th Reinforcements for the New Zealand Expeditionary Force at their official farewell on 12 October 1915 at the foot of Nelson’s church steps. Following addresses from the local mayor, C.J. Harley, and Bishop Sadlier, and the singing of the national anthem, the men marched to the port and boarded the Arahura en route to training at Trentham camp. Many other farewells and welcome-home functions were held at the same spot.