DRUIDIC SOLDIERS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXV, Issue 8273, 19 October 1915, Page 3

DRUIDIC SOLDIERS.

ASHBURTON LODGE'S RECORD

SCROLL OF HONOUR UNVEILED. The Star of Ashburton Lodge, i United Ancient Order of Druids, No. '14, lias a record as regards the men i it has sent to the front of which any ! similar body might be Last j evening a meeting was held for tiie purpose of unveiling a scroll of honour inscribed with the names of the lodge's members who have gone to the front. Bro. H. C. Shrimpton, P.T., presided i over a large attendance of members and others, including representatives of other lodges. N < Apologies for absence were received from the Mayor (Mr R. Galbraith), Mr W. Nosworthy, M.P., the Rev. J. It. Burgin, Private F. O'Connor, D.C.M., and the Timaru Lodge. In his opening remarks (Bro. Shrimpton said that during the past 18 months the world had been cast into a great and terrible war. The response of the Order of Druids throughout the world had been , splendid: The flower and hope of many of the lodges had responded to the call of duty. Of the men eligible for service in the lodge, 18 (or 25 per cent.) had enlisted and were now at the front or in training. This was a record that tho Druids could be proud of. He expressed sympathy with the relatives of Privotes Rogers and E. C. Baker, who had been wounded. He then called upon Mrs Galbraith, assisted by Captain-Quartermaster G. D. H. Hefford, to unveil the scroll of honour.

Mrs Galbraith said it gave her great pleasure to-unveil the scroll of honour. She hoped that it would be long preserved to pay testimony to the honour and bravery of the younsr men who j had crone to the front. She trusted that God would spare them and watch over them until they came back. Captain Hefford then read the inscription and names on the scroll as follows: — | United Ancient Order of Druids. Star of Ashburtpn Lodge, No. 14. Members Fighting for the/Empire, Groat War, 1914 to 19—. T. Black, E. C. Baker, J. Barbour, P. E. Butler, I). P. Breen, G. D. ■ Crum. A. W. Clai-idge,' G. L. .Higlit, C.T. Mutton. N. Rodgers, A. Smith, J. Shepherd, C. Suttnn, F. Tutty, J. A. Harris. J. Mcßae, W. Tilley, H. Hyde.

Captain Hefford went on to say that the roll of honour bore names of the men who stepped to help the Empire in its time of stress. The British nation had for many years been the leading nation in civilisation. It had helped smaller nations, -and had fostered trade and commerce. Tho British nation had a reputation for fair-dealing, straightforwardness, and honesty. A nation- with that standing was not going to be crushed. It behoved us at the present time to show our full strength. Though we had not yet done so, he believed we were on the eve of a great upheaval, which would result in success. Ho trusted that before long we could look forward to a great victory and to peace for all time.

The Rev. G. Miller said he believed the fame of the British name was undying. Looking back, we could say the men who 1 had made the nation had been strong men —strong "to the heart's core. Everywhere—north, south, east, and west —there had been a magnificent response to the call of duty. It had been said that patriotism was mutual suffering as well as mutual success. There had been a steady response from men and women to the call of duty. It was very gratifying to know this. He spoke of the magnificent bravery of the men who were fighting for iis at the front. Tha man who was a shirker and proved himself a coward had no. chance at home, and had no chance at the front. He trusted God would bless the boys whose names were on the scroll.

The Rev. W. J. Elliott also briefly addressed the meeting. He said hn was pleased to see present Sergeant F. C. R. Upton and Privates L. Fowke, P. Smith, and Hooper, who had returned from, the front. (Applause.)

Sergeant Upton responded on behalf of Ihe soldiers. The following vocal nnd musical programme was contributed during the' I evening-:—Songs, Bros. Loftus. Tillejr, | and J-.3 Williams; recitations, Miss Mnrsden and Bro. K. G. Shrimpton. At the conclusion of the proceedings votes of thanks were passed to the Mayoress and Captain-Quartermaster G. D. H. Hefford and to all those who had assisted. Supper was dispensed, and the meeting closed with the'singing of the National Anthem.