HONOURS TO HEROES.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 211, 6 September 1899, Page 3

HONOURS TO HEROES.

An interesting ceremony took place at New Plymouth on Sunday 27th ult., when the public were invited to witness the ceremony of unveiling four memorial hatchments placed in St. Mary's Church to the memory of those mci: of the Taranaki Militia and ;'crs, Royal Marine Light 1 • 70th Regiment, and 18th k Irish, who fell in the Maori wars'of 1860-70. The attendance (reports the local "Herald") was exceptionally large and the proceedings were of a very interesting nature. The assemblage was an impressive one. At the head of affairs were members of the different companies who had engaged in the native struggles—men who had borne the heat and burden of the day in the true sense of the expression, and who, now with the snow of many winters resting on them, pathetically gathered together to take part in a ceremony to perpetuate the memories of their old comrades. Before the hatchments were uncovered Archdeacon Govett paid an eloquent tribute to the heroI ism of those whom they memorialised. On many occasions, indeed, had it been his sad duty to consign to their last resting place one or more of those noble fellows, who were cut down in the prime of life, and buried in the absence of their friends and relatives to the strains of military music and volleys of musketry —men who but for that sad warfare might have lived out their days in peace and quietness. Those times would be sorrowfully remembered by many sitting in the church that day, while the greater number of those present had never known the miseries of war. It was well to recall those days, if only to thank God that we had been allowed to enjoy so many years of peace. The war began in 18C0. It was now 1809 —nearly a whole lifetime of peacefulness, quietness, and comfort. Then again it would not be well to forget those who had given their lives so readily for the benefit of the country. We were told to look forward to the time when war would be no more, but nt present there did not seem any probability of such an end, as there were signs and rumours of war, and men were prepared to risk their lives in defence of their country's rights. He still, however, hoped the time would come when "peace on earth and good-will to all men" would prevail.

The various hatchments were then formally unveiled. The covering of the 70tli (Surrey) Regiment was withdrawn by Sergeant William Appleyard, who joined the regiment in Manchester on Ist March, 1845. Colonel Stapp withdrew the Taranaki militia and volunteer hatchment; that of the second battalion by Col.Sergt. Ladd; and of the Royal Marine Light Infantry and Naval Brigade by Mr John Pyecroft.