RELIEF OF LADYSMITH.

Clutha Leader, Volume XXVI, Issue 1381, 6 March 1900, Page 3

RELIEF OF LADYSMITH.

BALCLIiTHA'S REJOICINGS.

In the way of demonstration, Balclutha, thanks to the efforts of his Worship the Mayor, madf. a brave show. A procession started at the south end of. Clyde street, headed by Mr John M'Kenzie on the bagpipes. The Oddfellows with their banner led the gathering, which comprised a considerable crowd on foot, six or eight spring vans loaded with juveniles, and about 20 cyclists (ladies and gentlemen). Between the skirl of patriotic and other airs on the bagpipes, the beating of drums, the ringing of bicycle bells, and the singing of patriotic choruses, plenty of enthusiasm was shown. The procession, which was marshalled by Mr John Dunne, marched over the bridge and gathered at the Borough Chambers, where the careerings of a few stragglers from a mob of sheep that passed created considerable amusement.

The Mayor (Mr. M'Neil)) ascending the platform at the Borough Council Chambers, intimated that there was no set programme, and cordially invited all who wished to address a few words to come on to the verandah, and also singers who were willing to lead off in a few patriotic songs. He was pleased to see such a large gathering, showing as it did that we were not wanting in loyalty and patriotism. We were rejoicing at the relief of our brave fellow men who had been cooped up in Ladysmith. — (Loud cheers.) If it was not an occasion for rejoicing he did not know what was. — (Hear, hear.) We honoured a brave handfull of men who had stood manfully amid great privations— living on horseflesh and a handful of meal per day. — (Cheers.) We in the Clutha were proud that we had men at the front in South Africa, particularly proud of the brave act of Trooper W. Johnston, of which they had read. (Loud cheers. "Three cheers for Trooper Johnston," and "For he's a jolly good fellow.") When our men came back we would give them a reception that would show we were proud ofthem.--(Cheers) He woM call for three cheers for all our Generals in South Africa. They were all brave men and some of them had been subjected to a lot of criticism by unqualified persons.— (Loud cheers, repeated. A Voice—" Three cheers for the other officers and men."— Cbeer3 again.) The MayorThree cheers for the fourth contingent about to sail. — (Cheers.)

Canon Dodd had great pleasure in being there, and in rejoicing that we were part of the Great Empire that extends round the world.— (Cheers). He did not think ministers should be out of it on these rejoicings. At the patriotic meeting, they were— well, crushed out.— (Laughter.) We must not forget through it all that the Lord God of Hosts was the God of Battles. Our successes should lead us above rejoicing in the success of mere muscular strens.t'i. We had had a long, and weary wait — and many disappointments— -for the turn of the tide, but it had now come. — (Cheers.) We had men from our own district in the field of battle, but, thank God, the losses on the field did not come close home to us yet. Let us remember to be Christians first and Britons afterwards. — (Loud cheers.) Mr Dunne thought the Mayor was deserving of- their thanks for getting up that demonstration.—(Cheers.) He was glad to see such a large gathering, and to see so many ladies present,— (Hear, hear.) The women had as much interest in the war as the men, and had not been behind with their mite. — (Applause.) Demonstrations like these showed we were a united people. As a Scotchman would say— "We were a' John Tamson's bairns." — (Cheers, and a voice : " We are a' John Tamson's bairns.") He pointed out that we were not yet in Boer territory. The Boers were in ours. When we got them in their own territory they would vanish before us like &now in the sunshine.— (Cheers.) Mr J. W. Wilson said they were met to celebrate one of the greatest events in the British Empire— (Cheers.)— our success in a war which was to decide whether the British Nation was to reign supreme or degenerate into a second or third-rate power. — (Loud applause.) . Personally, he abhored war, but the war had been forced upon them. We had had many an anxious time, but the tide had turned, and he was glad to see. these rejoicings in our successes. — (Cheers.) No matter wbat the cost or the sacrifices may be Britain was bound to win in the end.— (Loud cheering.) . They could look forward now, he hoped, for a speedy and successful termination of the war. — (Applause.) Mr Keene sang " The Briton and the Boer" in good style, but unfortunately the song was new to the audience, and they could not take up the chorus. ;

This did not apply to "The sons of the sea," which was sung by Mr M'Kenzie, assisted by Mr Wilson, and taken up in great spirit by the audience.

Mr John Findlay, who was seated in a trap close by, and whose enthusiasm knew no bounds, sang a couple of verses of a patriotic song popular 40 years ago in great style, and called forth loud cheering. Mr Deaker sang " Soldiers of the Queen," and the swinging chorous was taken up •by the gathering, and constituted a very successful item.

Mr P. A. Bell recited in a spirited manner "Our boys in buff."

On the call of Mr Dunne, cheers were given to the Mayor for arranging the gathering. '• God save the Queen " was sung by the crowd, which then gradually dispersed up Clyde street to the skirl of bagpipes, beat of drum, blowing of tin whistles, and ringing of bells, interluded at times by the singing of some popular chorus led by a band of school children in a grocer's cart.