The declaration of war on the 4th August marked the beginning of the first world war for the Brtish Empire. In Raglan the loyal citizens met and by the 12th August had formed the Raglan Patriotic Fund Committee.
The NZ Herald reported that, “Much enthusiasm was manifested at a meeting held at Raglan in connection with the movement to provide funds towards the equipment of the expeditionary force. A number of horses has been promised, and the sum of £60 subscribed.”
The committee continued with its fund-raising and by 21st August had contributed 125 pounds to THE PATRIOTIC FUND that the Prime Minister had just set up. The Raglan County Council was also active collecting contributions, making a first instalment of 100 pounds followed quickly by a second instalment of horses and 224 pounds.
Recruits for the Dominion Expeditionary Force at first came from volunteers who were already serving in the territorial force, with the 2,000 required for the Auckland quota mentioned as coming from North Cape to Te Kuiti and East Cape to Raglan.
Meanwhile life in Raglan continued normally with the 291 ton steamship Arapawa calling in on its way from Waitara and Kawhia up to Onehunga.