DEMONSTRATION IN WELLINGTON.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 154, 5 August 1914, Page 8

DEMONSTRATION IN WELLINGTON.

A MARCH TO PARLIAMENT. PATRIOTIC FERVOUR. (Suk Special.) WELLINGTON, August 4. The patriotic fervour of several hundred youths of the Territorial age broke out into demonstration action in the city last night, and resulted in a march through the streets, and a serenading of the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition. The gathering of the crowd did not take long. Some Victoria College youths, headed by the Union Jack mounted on a lengthy pole, soon attracted others of similar age, and about 9 o'clock they marched, some 800 to "1000 strong, to the front entrance of Parliament Buildings. Here

a halt was called, and the leader demanded the presence of the Prime Minister. SPEECH BY PEEMIEE. Mr Massey, followed by several memof the Ministry, soon appeared. Cheers greeted Mr Massey, who said he was glad to address the gathering. "This is a non-political meeting," shouted one of the front rankers. Mr Massey: Yes; this is not the time for talk. * It ; is a time for action. (Cheers.) A voice: Yes; we are here. Mr Massey: Yes; and New Zealand is here, and New Zealanders will, be there. (Loud and prolonged cheering.) "There has been a rumour this afternoon," said Mr Massey, "that war has been declared between Britain and Germany. We have had as yet no official statement to that effect. Voices: How did the American papers get it? THE "JACK" ON TOP. Mr Massey: "I don't know, but," added the Prime Minister, significantly, "I would just like to say this: that in my opinion you will not have to wait long for a declaration of war. Mind you, I am not speaking officially, but just expressing my own personal opinion.—(Cheers and shouts of "Down with Germany!") —"And let me tell you this," said Mr Massey, "if war is declared I have not the slightest ♦doubt about the "result. —(Cheers.) —I don't want to indulge in jingoism nor 'high' falutin', but I have absolute confidence in the Empire to which we belong, while, so far as New Zealand is concerned, it may be my duty as head of the Government to ask, in the next few days, New Zealanders-to do their duty, not only in the defence of the Dominion, but to assist the Empire. —(Cheers.) —Let me say also, I have no doubt New Zealanders will be prepared to do their duty by going to the front, or anywhere they may be required to act, and will ask no questions. —(Cheers.)- —Let me say further that I am absolutely certain that whatever happens the grand old Union Jack will come out on top." This announcement was followed by a tremendous burst of eheering, and a verse of the National Anthem was sung. THE OPPOSITION LEADEE. One of the crowd, acting as spokesman, then addressed them. '' We would respectfully suggest that the Leader of His Majesty's Opposition also address the crowd." This request was enthusiastically taken up by the assemblage, and there were cries of "We want Joey," "Where's Joe?" and similar exhortings. The Prime Minister, when he was able to make himself heard, shouted an assurance that in this matter there was no such thing as party. "We are all staunch Imperialists," he said, "and party is dropped for the time being." • Messengers were hastily dispatched for Sir Joseph Ward, who, it was found, had left for his hotel some time previously. Upon this being made known, a verse of '' Eule Britannia'' was sung, and there was more cheering. The crowd immediately left the Parliamentary grounds and marched through the city to the Eoyal Oak Hotel and loudly demanded that Sir Joseph Ward should speak to them. Loud and prolonged cheering greeted the Liberal Leader when he appeared on the balcony, and a verse of the National Anthem was sung by the gathering, which had now swelled, to upwards of 2000. "TO THE LAST MAN." Sir Joseph Ward spoke briefly to the crowd, saying that, although they had had no official declaration of war it seemed impossible now to think that Britain could not be involved in the struggle. He referred, amidst loud cheering, to the splendid sinking of differences in the Old Land, and said that the Prime Ministers and leaders of the Opposition in all the Dominions were standing together as one man to uphold and assist the Empire. That magnificent spirit was the one to win for the Empire. (Cheers.) "New Zealand, '< added Sir Joseph,' "will do her part in assisting the Empire cheerfully and well, as she nas done in the past. (Loud cheers.) She will do it to the last man, and the last shilling, if she is called upon to do so." There was another patriotic demonstration when Sir Joseph concluded. Cheers were given for the King, Sir Joseph Ward, and Lady. Ward (who was present), and for the French. After singing a verse of the National Anthem, the gathering, with more cheering, moved on.