RETURNED TROOPERS' RECEPTION.

Clutha Leader, Volume XXIX, Issue 1554, 19 September 1902, Page 4

RETURNED TROOPERS' RECEPTION.

\ SUCCESSFUL FUNCTION.

The weather on Wednesday was unfortunately exceedingly unfavourable. It rained heavily from Monday night till Wednesday morning, while on Wednesday itself heavy showers fall at intervals. The committee on Tuesday afternoon decided to out the military manoeuvres on Clutha Park out of the programme and adopted the alternative programme sketched in our issue of Tuesday. The weather of oourse interfered greatly vith the attendance of the country people. The Owaka train did not fetch in more than two dozen people, including some half dozen of the Owaka Rifles, while the other country districts were all poorly represented. The people of Balclutha observed a general holiday. The amended programme was, however, carried out with great success. The attendance of retained troopers was highly satisfactory, almost every available man in the distriots embracing Lovells Flat Clinton being present. Punctually at 11.49, the Lunch Committee met at the Harvey Hall, ;and the work of handing them over to their respective hosts, was set about. There was at this time a poor muster of country volunteers. The hosts numbered 37, and represented 124 invitees. A number of troopers had practically made arrangements to dine with their frieuds, and the result was that many hosts who applied for as many as six had to be satisfied with one, while a few got none at all. With this exception, the whole proceedings passed off most successfully. The utmost enthusiasm was shown, and the entire proceedings passed off without a hitoh. The committee, from the head downwards, had their work well in hand, and were indefatigable in the discharge of their duties. Thay are to be heartily congratulated on the sucooss of the function—quite a unique one in the history of the district. therollTallFirst Contingent (sailed Troopship Waiwera, from Wellington, October 21, 1899) — Troopers G. Arnold (Hlllend), W. Buntan (Balclutha), G. Mitchell (Balclutha, Eegt. QiM.-sergt. in Eighth Contingent), W. Renton (Stirling), Fred Wilson (Balclutha) .. 5 Second Contingent (Waiwera, from Wellington, January 20, 1900) .. .. 0 Third Contingent (Knight Templar, from Lyttelton, February 17,1900) .. .. 0 Fourth Contingent (Monowai, from Port Chalmers, March 24, 1900) —Troopers 0. D. Burgess (Balclutha, Farrier-major in the Tenth), T. J. Moreton (Owaka) ~ .. 2 Fifth Contingent (Gymeric, from Lyttelton, Maroh 31, 1900) Troopers W, C. Adam (Owaka), M. T. Francis (Clinton), J. Y. Moir (Ratanui), J. Mackay (Clinten) .. 4 Sixth Contingent (Cornwall, from Wellington, January 31, 1901) Corporal J. Lyall (Stirling), Troopers H. Harvey (Lovells Flat), W. J. M'Donald (Stirling), W. Mitchell" (Balolutha), J. J. Simpson (Lovella Flat), C. Stark (Kiitangata, Reg. Q.M.-Sergt. in Tenth). .. ~ ~ 6 Seventh Contingent (Gulf of Toronto, from Wellington, April R, 1901) Farrier W. M. Clark (Balclutha), Corporal lan Smith (Balclutha), Lance-corporals A. R. Ledingham (Romahapa), C. Hadfield (Greenfield),Troopers A.i. Campboll (Owaka), J. D. Cunningham (Port Molyneux), W. Wright (Port Molyneux), Crawford (Owaka).

Eighth Contingent (Cornwall, from Lyttelton, February 8, 1902) Troopera A. C. M'Lelland (Kaitangata), W. Scott (Stirling], J. Laughton (Owaka), W. Third (Balolutha) W. H.Jamns (Lovells Flat), W. R. Ewart (Owaka) .. .. ~ 6 Niiith Contingent (Kent, from Port Chalmers, March 8, 1902) Sergt. John Duff (Balelutba), Saddler-sergt. G. Low (Balelutha), Corp. R. Robaon (Lovells Flat), Lanoocorp3. A. Adam (Owaka) John Darling (Kaitangata), Troopers A. Twaddh (Waitapeka), J. W. Parker and It. F. Duckworth (Stirling) A. G. Blackie (Lochindorh), A. Kennedy (Owaka), 11. Chimside (Balcluthi) .. 11 Tenth Contingent (Norfolk, from Lyttelton. April 19th, 1902) Major W. 8. Pennycook (Balolutba), Corp. T. M'Kny (Clinton), Troopers T. Patersan (Lovells Flat), W. Davidson, J. Fnllowfiold, W. E. Fox (Baloluthd), I!I. Almond (Kaibiku), G. Richardson, I'. Baird (Stirling), R. Smith (Inch Clutha) .. .. ..10 Total 52 Parabk State. 1 Major. 2 Reg. Q.M.Sargts. 1 Farrier-major, 1 Sergt. 1 Farrier-sorgt. 1 Saddler-sergt. 4 Corporals 4 Lance-corps. 37 Privates. 52 StIMSURY. Went from districts, Lovells Flat—Clinton, Firat Contingent .. ..9 Second „ ■ .. .. 3 Third 0 Fourth „ .. ..17 Fifth 7 Sixth „ .. ..1!) Seventh ~ .. .. 13 Eighth ,11 Ninth 17 Tenth 22 Joined in South Africa .. 2 114 Deaths 4 Weot more than once .. 7 Not in colony .. .. 10 Left district, sick, eto., .. 41 Present 52 Total .. 1M

Clotha Mounted Rifles—Lieutenant Commanding P. A. Watt, 1 lieutenant and S3 non-ooms and men. Clntba Rifles—Capt. Hogg, 2 lieutenants, and 48 non-eoms and men. Owaka Rifles—Four non-coms and men. THE PROCESSIONPunctually at half-past 1 o'clock the re- • turned trooper* and the Volunteers fell-in in their respective parade grounds. The troopers were supplied with horses in George street, opposite the Presbyterian Church. The Hofre Committee had plenty of horses in readiness. The men were taken charge of by Major Pennycook. They were arranged according to th ■ i arious contingents, three horse's lengths between each butch. The men were of fine physique, and looked fit and well. By 2 o'clock the procession moved off from the Borough Chambers. The order was —Pipers, Band, Returned Troopers, Clutha Mounted Rifles, Ciutha Rifles, Owubi Rifles. By this time a large crowd gathered in the streets, and considerable enthusiasm prevailed. THE COJIOERT. By the hour appointed for the concert the Oddfellows' Hali was packed to the doors. The ohair was occupied by the Chairman of the Reception Committee (Mr R. R. Grigor), who announced that apologies had been received from Messrs J. W. Thomson, James Allen and T. Mackenzie, M.E.R.'s; Revs. Blair, Macallister, Wingfield, and Frazer; Captains Stewart, Richardson, and Mackie, and Mr Jos. Mosley. A capital musical programme was provided. The Black Family proved a host in themselves and were warmly received, Mrs Labatt contributed a vocul item with marked appreciation, and the Rev. A. Mitchell was encored for " The Deathless Army." Messrs Muir and Burley's gramophone formed an agreeable interlude. The j pipers and band also contributed items. The proceedings whioh lasted about two hours, concluded with " God save the King." THE SPEECHES. Mr Grigor said: It may be said that the day for patriotic speeches is over. Probably no nation is less exuberant than the British as regards display of feelings. Of couree if the occasion warrants, the bulldog feeling is | roused there is no lack, of exhibition of that feeling, but, as a rule, very soon matters Bettle down into a characteristic calm aud apparent indifference. Nevertheless, after a series of events such as we have lately passed through, there is always one duty left, and that is to show our recognition and express our appreciation of those who throughout these events have borne the heat and harden of the day, and it is for this purpose that to-day's proceedings have been carried through; to honour and pay a tribute to those who from our own district have outwardly manifested the patriotism that is within ns all by volunteering and going on active service to South Africa. It will be three years next month since the First Contingent—onr pioneer soldiers—sailed, and daring the period from October, 1899, till the declaration of pence there was scarcely ever more than a month or two passed without further contingents being mobilised and despatched to the front and still there were boundless resources. Indeed we are led to think that it was no idle boast which was made by our Imperialistic Premier when he said that if necessity called the regular Army elsewhere, the colonies could furnish sufficient forces to end the war.—(Applause). In welcoming home you, our representatives ! in the Imperialistic Army, I say we are proud of you, proud of the work you and your fellow colonials have performed aod j even selfishly proud of the manner in which you have placed our colony in the van among ! the colonies of the Empire.—(Applause). It is through your sacrifice of comfort, your readiness to endure privations, your willingness to expose your lives, and if need be lose them, that the tremendous solidarity and latent power of the nation have been detnonstrated. We recognise yonr sucriSoe and we recognise your bravery, and it is from no insular pride I say this, for the recognition of both qualities has been world wide. Apart altogether from the encomiums which have been passed upon you by your leaders, and they have been honestly given and honestly earned, I will aßk you to listen to what might be termsd the historian's tribute. Thus, Sir Conan Doyle: " It is the misfortune of the historian whin dealing with these contingents that, as a rule, by their very nature they were employed in detached parties in fulfilling the duties which fall to the lot of scouts and light cavalryduties which fill the casualty lists but not the pages of the chronicler. Be it said however, once for all, that throughout tbe whole African army there was nothing but the utmost admiration for the dash and spirit of the hard-riding, straight-shoot-ing sons of Australia and New Zealand. In a host which held many brave men there were none braver than they." This is, as I said, the historian's tribute and as such, is the estimation in which you will be held through all fges, The far-reaching effect of that work which you have accomplished, not only by fighting but by the spirit and motive which led you to fight was perhaps not immediately in your mind's eye when you left your homes, but with sueh impulses behind you who can say where tbe end or final result is. Again let me quote from the same historian : " The man who could look at these splendid soldiers, and doubt that the spirit of the race burned now as brightly as ever, must be devoid of judgment and sympathy. The real glories of the British race lie in the future not in the past. The Empire walks, and may still walk, with an uncertain st<-p, but with every year its tread will be firmer, for its weakness is that of waxing youth aid not of waning age. . . . Through da.k days which brought out the virtues of our race as nothing has done in our generation we struggled grimly on until the light had fully broken once again. And of all gifts that God has given to Britain there is none to oompare With those days of Borrow, for it was la them

that the nation was assured oi its unity, and learned lor all* time that blood is stronger to bind than salt water is to part. The only difference in the point oi view ot the Briton from Britain and the Briton from the ends of the earth was that the latter with the energy of youth was more whole-souled in the Imperial cause. Who has seen that army and can forget it—its spirit, its pioturesqueness—above all, what it stands for in the future history of the world ?" Truly, what does it stand for in the history of the world ? Of one thing I am sure, it will formulate a policy among our Continental friends, whose chief note will be to " let sleeping dogs lie." And your actions have not only been a warning to the world at large to beware of the strength it dares when threatening our nation, but they have taught a lesson to the Old Country that not in foreign alliances, but selfcontained within her own dependencies the only truly strong alliance lies.—(Applause.) You have done your duty, with the result common enough with duty performed, that you have done a greater thing than yon thought, for you have raised a new force to be reckoned with in the administration of the world's affairs. I cannot welcome you home without reference to those whom it would have delighted us to welcome with you. Considering the hazardous nature of your undertaking it was not to be expected tbat all would return. A soldier's death has overtaken four who might be said to belong to us. They are Capt. Harvey, Capt. Tubman, Troopers Ashmore and Laing. Of these we ean say, as it might have been said of any of you—if I may use figurative language—that they have entered their names with their life's blood on the record of an epoch in Imperial history, and with blood - red seals have set tbeir bands to the renewed compact between our own and the Motherland. We sympathise with their relatives in their sorrow, and honour them likewise for their sacrifice. These men lie by the veldt and kopje in the majestic simplicity of a soldier's grave, and nowhere can we leave them with greater honour. To return to those with us, we are glad you are home ■ most of you strong and well. Once more you have taken up your citizenship with us, and if you only prove as trusty and honourable in your citizenship as you have done in your soldiership, then I have no hesitation in saying there is a bright future before our fair colony. You have gained new and wider experience, have learned the virtus of obedience, and have felt the exultation of leaving all behind you to fight your country's battles. We tbank you that through you and those endued with your spirit we are now happily at peace under the protection of our grand old flag of liberty and freedom, that flag which you have not only assisted, but will assist, to keep aloft, but also to jnfuri over new realms.—(Applause.) And, finally, I say that if we as a nation recognise our responsibility for the right governing of these new colonies, and do our duty by them as well as you have done yours in the field, then truly you are entitled to rank amongst those who have been foremost io promoting the progress of the world. On behalf of the Be ception Committee, whiob represents the local Volunteer corps and the oitizens, I welcome you back, and extend to you onr heartiest wishes that you may have long life, health, and happiness to wear the laurels you baxe won.—(Loud applause.) His Worship the Mayor (Mr Stewart) said it [was his very pleasant duty on behalf of the townspeople of Balelutha to give the returned troopers the very sincere and hearty welcome they deserved ; and to congratulate them on the splendid reputation they had earned for themselves in South Africa, and on their safe return to their native land in spite of all the dangers of flood and field through which they have passed. . After the very excellent eulogy on their work in South Africa, contained in the Chairman's address, the thought of trying to add to it, recalled Shakespeare's lines about the futility of gilding refined gold or painting the lily. Besides, the incidents of the late war in in which our troopers spesially distinguished themselves were now as familiar to us all as household words, and it to enumerate them or refnr to them specially on the present occasion. We could all remember, with what pleasure and pride we read in the newspapers the glowing accounts of the pluck, rpsourcefulness, and skill displayed by the New Zealandors in the many actions in which they took part from their first appearance in the field right through to the declaration of peace. The passage in Conan Doyle's book on the war, quoted by the Chairman, in which he says that throughout the whole African Army there was nothing but the utmost admiration for the dash and spirit of the sons uf Australia and New Zealand merely puts into words the opinion held not only by the Generals who commanded our boys, and the war correspondents, but of every one, friends and enemies alike, who had opportunities of seeing them in action. In addition to the valuable services rendered to Great Britain by helping her in her time of need and so proving to the whole world the unity of the Empire, our boys had done our own little colony very special service in making it well and favourably known in other lands. He was very much impressed by this fsct during his last visit to the United States. When he first visited the States 10 years ago he was surprised and disappointed to find that New Zealand was practically an unknown land to the Americans. The uneducated Americans knew nothing about us, while the knowledge of the educated classes hardly extended beyond the fact tbat it was a British eolony somewhere in the South seas, On his second visit to the States, some months after the war had begun, be was astonished to Srd a coirplete change—everybody had learned that New Zealand was the most goahead of the British Colonies, and that her sons were exceptionally plucky young fellows, who had done yeoman service in fighting for the Motherland. This excellent reputationwas earned for our colony solely by the excellent qualities displayed by the young men we sent io South Afrioa. The troopers had

done their duty, and ha.4 done it we'll; and now that the war was ever, and thsy had-re-turned to their homes again, he hoped and believed that they would settle down to their ordinary life work, and put into it the same loyalty, energy, and enthusiasm which they had put into their military duties. If they wanted a good example to follow, they could hardly find a better one than that of Garibaldi, the Italian patriot, who left his plough to assist his countrymen in their fight for independence, and who, after leading his army to victory and securing the independence and freedom of his native land, returned again to his plough. He (the speaker) had no doubt the returned troopers would act in a similar way, and show that they are as good, honourable, and useful citizens as they have proved themselves to be brave and honourable soldiers. —(Loud applause.)

Mr J. W. Wilson said it was difficult to say anything fresh about returned troopers. Some people 3aid they were sick of patriotism; but we were all very patriotic when we sent our boys away to fight our battles and uphold the honour of the Empire, and it behoved us to give them a hearty welcome home again.—(Applause). In welcoming those who had returned we must remember those who had given their lives for their country, and who in doing so had shown the world that those who tackled the Mother Country had to reckon with all her colonies. When Mr D. T. Fleming and he stood on Wellington wharf and saw the Ist Contingent sail off in the Waiwera they felt they had said good-bye to 200 young men they could hardly expect to see again. It could hardly be believed that between maxims, pom-poms, shells, and mausers, so many could come back alive. But how different had been the anticipation to the reality. Some bad gone who had never been in action, but he made no difference between them. Had occasion required, there was no doubt from the blood that was in their veins they would have done their duty.—Loud applause. Major Pennycook thanked those present for the splendid reeeption they had given to the returned men. The Clutha had always been to the fore in these matters, and as the men had coma home, singly or in batches, they had been warmly welcomed. Now they had given all the returned men a combined welcome. He was glad to think they considered the men had done their duty in the field. Personally, he was in the unfortunate position of belonging to one of the three" contingents which had not got under fire, but he could tell them that the Naw Zealanders who had been in action had a good name in South Africa. Acaording to the daily papers, some people would make out that his contingent (10th) had done a bit of rioting at Newcastle. He could tell them that the roll-call on that particular nighrt only showed three absentees, and he would like to know whare the m6n got the stirrupirons from, which they were supposed to have ÜBed as weapons, the saddlery having all been handed in some days before the ooesrrence. The whole affair was very *uck exaggerated. He again thanked them on behalf of the returned men for their excellent reception. Regimental Q.M.'Sergts. G. Mitchell and C. Stark also briefly returned thaiaks, tha fovmsr referring to the solidarity of the Empire, and the willingness of tha returned men to again volunteer if occasion demanded.

THE AFTERNOON TEA This was served iu the Harvey Hall. A committee of 10 ladies left no stone unturned to make their particular function a success, and met with a gratifying result. They had provided an excellent and abunddant variety of delicacies, and dispensed afternoon tea to a very large number. THE DANGEIn the evening a dance was held in honor of the returned troopsrs, and this was without doubt the most enjoyable of the day's proceedings. The Oddfellows' Hall was crowded to its utmost holding capacity, and it is estimated that fully 200 couples were presnnt. There was only one inconvenience —viz., the dust, which made its presence ever felt, but the dancers bore this grievance with smiling faces, Dancing was kept up with great vigor until I a.m. The music was very efficiently rendered by Messrs M'Kny, Mitchell (iviolins), M'Neil (cornet), J. P. Walls (piano), assisted by Oorp. Lilburne (piano and violin), while Piper Jas. Morrison also played for some of the dances. The duties of M.C. chiefly devolved upon Mr J. P. Anderson, who carried out his work in a manner worthy of emulation by other M.C.'s; he was assisted by Messrs Lattimer and Mackay. Refreshments provided by the ladies were handed round. During an interval in the proceedings Miss Morrison gracefully executed a Highland fling.