THE PATRIOTIC FUND.

Evening Star, Issue 11147, 24 January 1900, Page 4

THE PATRIOTIC FUND.

CONCERT AT SEACLIFF, The residents of Ssacliff were last night given an opportunity of contributing towards the Patriotic Fund, a concert for that purpose being given in the commodious hall in the asylum buildings. The stage was tastefully decorated for the occasion, flags and evergreens having been advantageously used. Mr John Duncan, of Cherry Farm, presided, and there were about 250 present. The prsceedings opened with the National Anthem, played by an orchestra and sung by the audience, after which Mr James Jago sang ‘ Rule Britannia, 5 the audience joining lustily in the chorus. Patriotic speeches were delivered by the chairman and Dr Trnby SMg. Mr Jago sang ‘The absentminded beggar 5 in a manner that drew forth practical responses in the shape of coin of the realm, the sum of 25a being thrown on the stage. Mr Jago also sang ‘Sons of the Empire 5 and ‘The old flag. 5 Mr C. Morton sang ‘ Sons of the sea 5 and ‘ Soldiers of the Queen, 5 having the assistance of a chorus in each. Miss Williams sang ‘ The flight of ages. 5 Mr Lovell gave a mouth organ solo, and Dr Hay contributed a recitation. Mr D. Cooke played several of the accompaniments, and also assisted in the orchestra. The concert was a success in every way, and was followed by an enjoyable dance. The total proceeds amounted to £55, which must be considered highly satisfactory. The visitors were received by Dr King, who hospitably entertained them during their stay at the asylum. The general treasurers fund to-day stands at £5,529, The latest receipts include £l7 IBs 7d from the Evansdale concert, and £6 2j 7d, the proceeds of Dr WaddelTs lecture at Evansdale. A patriotic concert at Otakou (Otago Heads) last week was the means of raising a substantial sum, Mr E. G. Allen, M.H.R , presided. Two little girls—Ncllie Leyland and Annie Smith—have handed us 3s 4d as a result of an entertainment they held in their own home. Mr William Wills writes: “ In your final remarks on the floral fete you do me an honor and give me credit for that which I am not entitled to. The arrangements were under the supervision of our chairman (Mr C. W. Rattray) and secretary (Mr C. R. Smith), and how efficient their services were is admitted on all hands. My duties were confined to the small part of supervising the judging. 55 Wangaloa has contributed £l6. THE NEED OF MOUNTED MEN. Mr G. G. Stead writes to the Christchurch papers:—“lt is generally conceded that more mounted men are urgently needed to assist the infantry in South Africa. The Government in New Zealand, although willing, are unable to send more men at present, as the cost of the Second Contingent has exhausted all the funds that were available. Various centres in New Zealand, however, have collected large earns towards patriotic funds, horse funds, etc. What mote patriotic nso can these funds bo put to than by each centre equipping units of a troop to form the Third Contingent? England does not require money, but sadly requires mounted troops. What is the use of our remitting money to England which is nob required, when it could be well spent here in assisting to provide men and horses, which are required. Cabling money to England is a wasted effort. Bending mounted men is rendering invaluable assistance. 55 A LETTER OF CONDOLENCE. His Worship the Mayor has forwarded the following letter to the Hon. Mr Gourley ; - Mayor’s Office, Dunedin, January 22,1800 The Hon. Hugh Gourley, Dunedin. Dear Mr Gourley,— A day or two ago I wrote you expressing my own deep sympathy with you in the loss of your boy in South Africa. Since then there has been a generally-expressed wmh by the cilixens that I should, on their behalf, tender to you their heartfelt sympathy and condolence on the nows of your brave son’s death in the battlefield in South Africa. It is not too much to say that when we heard the news onr hearts swelled within us. I feel confident that when the details of how your son met his death arrive, while lamenting that the apparently bright career of one of our gallant soldiers has been so quickly cut short, we shall learn that the barren sands of the south African veldt has drunk afresh the blood of an heroic soaL—l am, etc., R. CmsHotM, Mayor. CONTINGENT RELIEF FUND. His Worship the Mayor has received a communication as follows from Mr J. W. Rail, manager of the National Mutual Life Association in South Africa, dated Cape Town, December 18 “ I am instructed to advise you that the Australian and New Zealand residents in Cape Town have formed a fund for the relief and benefit of the contingents now in South Africa, especially the wounded. It is desired that this fact be communicated to the various centres in your colony, so that any donation in this connection may be forwarded here to be properly applied, and it is respectfully requested that you will kindly take the necessary steps to make the fact widely known. 55 The following form the Committee Messrs F. A. Lcannoath (manager Manchester Fire

Company, Maritime and Triton Marine Com panics), H. C. Pilcher (manager South British Insurance Company), John W. Rail (manager National Mutual Life Associa’tiou), Thoe. Swain (manager Colonial Insurance - Company), Malcolm J. Smith (manager New Zealand Insurance Company). J. A. Maoarthur (Australian merchant), Frank Hudaod (importer), E. G. Glass (commission agent). PRESENT TO MAJOR ROBIN. Major Robin writes to his father:— 11 There are no end of wire fences where we are just now. This kindly note explains a gift of a pair of wire-cutters.” The note reads ns follows :—“ Dear Major Robin, — Herewith a pair of wire-cutters like mine, whioh I hops yon will accept.—Yours sincerely, Douglas Haio. Arundel, 18/12/99.’ The Canterbury subscriptions in aid of the fund for sending nurses to South Africa now. amount to £SOO. Six nurses left by the Lincolnshire on Saturday night. The Mayor of Christchurch baa received the following telegram from Mrs Williamson, Wanganui: “Women here desirous to equip and pay passage of trained nurse to front. Could you Include one from Wanganui. Premier refers me to you.” His Worship replied that the Canterbury nurses had already gone, but that, as there was a probability' of others going, he would advise application to Wellington. SATURDAY’S NATIONAL DEMONSTRATION. VARIOUS NOTES AND INCIDENTS. [Special to the Stak.] WELLINGTON, January 25. J he, Auckland volunteer district was represented at the send-off by Captain Clements (Auckland Naval Artillery). Captain Mayer (Auckland College Rilles),"Captain MTntlish (Onehunga Rifles), and Captain Abbott (Victoria Rifles). Amongst the spectators at the rotunda was Mr Samuel Atkins, formerly a colorsergeant an the 78th Highlanders. .Mr Atkins, who wore the Persian and Lucknow (relief and defence) medals, and also a medal lor long service and good conduct, was complimented by Colonel Pcutoii on his services on behalf of the. Empire. A peculiar surprise awaited the Christchurch members of the Contingent when they went down to their berths on board the troopship. Some of the “girls thev left behind them.” being unable to come to Wellington to say farewell onee more, had gone to Lyttelton before the Waiwera sailed for Wellington, and, getting some idea of where their boys would be quartered, had written their “ love letters ’’ upon the ends of the bunks. The girls were not ashamed of their messages either, for besides being addressed to particular boys, the missives "were signed, much to the defight of the fortunate lovers.

Within :in hour of the arrival of the G!onlingent in front of the rotunda on Saturday an enterprising Finn had photographs displayed in their vestibule of the scene. Smart work that.

The Mayor of Kaitangata (Mr F. G. Boole! sent tins message to the Premier: \our wire arrived too late for (he concert, but I assure yon that the Kaitangata, people are proud of their Premier, and hack his sentiments to (he letter re mounted troops. God-speed the Second Contingent, and if more men are wanted the Liberals of Kailangata will assist as loyal British subjects.’’ Never before has there been such a gathering of visiting Pressmen as there was in Wellington ’on Saturday. Amongst those who came were the' Hon. H. Feldwick (‘Southland Daily News’), Messrs A. L. Muir (‘Poverty ‘Bay Herald’), E. w' Knowles (Napier ‘Daily Telegraph’). A. E. Cohen (Dunedin ‘Star’). MTntosh (‘Taranaki News ), Drew (‘ Ma-nawatu Daily Times'), F. Marshall (‘Maslerton Star'). M. Maxton (‘Woirarapa Observer'), Hanbv, jun. (‘Nelson Mail’), Gilmour, jun. (‘Southland Times'), Jones (‘Manawatu Fanner’), C. G. Howard (‘ Marlborough Express ’). The ‘Auckland Weekly News’ sent Mr Beattie, the ‘ Christchurch Weekly Press ’ Mr Burke, and the ‘Canterbury Times’ Mr Hughes to take special views o'f the scenes. The only member of the Cabinet who was unable to take part in the send-off was the Minister of Lands (the Hon. J. M'Kenzie), who was detained in the South. On Saturday morning Mr M'Kenzie telegraphed to the Premier regretting his inability to be present, and wishing the Contingent Godspeed and a safe return.

Before leaving by the Waiwera Captain Hutson, who is a prominent member of the Hope of Wellington Tent of Reehabites, was presented by Bro. the Hon. F. H. Fraser (secretary of the lodge) with a gold medal and letters of introduction to the principal Rcchabito Tents in South Africa.

Mr J. G. f!o\v, of Dunedin, wired to the Premier wishing “ success to our boys. May they gang forward with the motto of Johnny Armstrong ‘Ready, aye, ready.’” Captain Hodge, of Port Chalmers, telegraphed to the Hon. Mr Seddon :—‘‘We congratulate you on the large-hearted way in which you have despatched the Second Contingent. It will enhance our credit the world over.” In answer to his message, to Sir Alfred Milner, offering to the Cape Government the services of trained railway hands for the Cape, the Minister of Railways has been informed that it w’as probable such men would he welcome, and promising to communicate further on the subject later on. In the meantime, employes in all parts of this colony are offering their services if required.