SIR IAN HAMILTON

Evening Star, Issue 15480, 30 April 1914, Page 2

SIR IAN HAMILTON

CIVIC RECEPTION. Since his arrival in Dunedin Sir lan Hamilton has been almost exclusively engaged as a military officer, investigating matters of defence and inspecting our soldiery, and the citizens have had no opportunity of gaining a knowledge of the man." This opportunity, however, was given them last night at the Art Gallery Hall, where a civic reception was tendered to the distinguished visitor. There was a large attendance of representative citizens,, who quickly realised that the general has not been hardened by his numerous campaigns and military training, but is possessed of a genial temperament, and able to take a sympathetic interest in civic affairs. The hall and platform were tastefully decorated, the flags of Scotland and New Zealand and the Union Jack being prominent. But the chairs and lounges >n the hall were scarcely sufficient to accommodate all those who attended. Sir lan, wearing the -kilts, arrived shortlv after nine o'clock, attended by His Worship the Mayor and party, and was played up to the platform steps by two pipers of the Dunedin Pipe Band, who had been playing outside the hall. On the platform with the guest of the evening were His Worship the Mayor, the Mavoress (Miss Stewart), a number of city councillors, church dignitaries, and other prominent citizens. The Mayor said that they had gathered together to welcome a very distinguished visitor, Sir lan Hamilton. (Applause.) Doubtless most of those present were' aware that Sir lan was not only a great soldier, but also a distinguished author. His visit to the Dominion was one of the greatest importance from a military standpoint, and his progress through New Zealand would be followed with interest. With regard to the encampment, His Worship remarked that those who had been fortunate enough to visit it that day must have realised that no man in New Zealand had better cause for pride than General Godley, the result of whose efforts, often made under great disadvantages, in a comparatively. short period was remarkably satisfactory. He would take the opportunity of congratulating General Godley, on behalf of the citizens of Dunedin, on the result of his workReverting to Sir lan Hamilton, His Worship said that everyone regret-ted the shortness of the General's stay, but Sir lan possessed the great gift of making himself at home, and was anxious to meet as many citizens as possible that evening. His Worship concluded by wishing the General a successful journey, and good fortune in his future career.

On rising to speak Sir lan Hamilton was accorded a splendid reception. He referred to His Worship's remark regard- I ing making oneself at home, a remark with j which he heartily agreed; he would infin-1 itely prefer to be down in the hall | amongst them than in " barbaric .splen- j dor" up on the platform. In respect i to the contest for the mayoralty, which | had taken place that day, he confessed that so far as local municipal matters were concerned he was as innocent as a baby, but he ventured to express the hope that Dun»din's next municipal chief would be as good and charming a fellow .as the one who had been addressing them that night. Speaking of the Matarae encampment, Sir lan said that he had had a delightful day there, and had made the acquaintance of a very fine lot of young fellows. The day's work had passed off exceedingly well; the men had done well, and were splendidly handled by their officers, and the whole of the difficult movements involved in a complicated plan of attack had been carried out without a hitch* (Applause.) Coming in contact with the men as he had done, he was struck with the fact that they had come to the ranks half soldiers already; in proof of which Sir lan described how the Engineers had cast a bridge across a rapid stream, and how the troops had marched back to camp over this. The bridge, however, had not been made to allow of the passage of horses, but the difficulty had been overcome in the case of his "own steed by one of the men who had swum the horse easily and rapidly over the stream. He had congratulated the man, who that it was an easy matter, as he was in the habit of constantly swimming horses across rivers. " Nowj" said Sir lan, "you will go a long way in London without finding many men who are 'in the habit of constantly swimming horses across rivers.' " (Laughter.) When the batallions had lined up and sent him off j that day with a rousing cheer, it had struck him that a happier, keener lot of ! young fellows it would be difficult to imagine. He could tell them that the young men up there were removed from the temptation of everything but good, honest, hard work. It was an Eden without Eve. (Laughter.) Only soft drinks Were obtainable, and each day was Opened with a short prayer. There was no danger, said Sir lan, of their becoming brutal, licentious soldiery. He had j been very pleased with everything he had seen. He cordially thanked them for listening so patiently te him, and for their kindly reception. At this stage Sir lan was presented by a deputation from the Otago Highland Club with a neatly engrossed letter of welcome, reading as follows: To Sir lan S. M. Hamilton, G.C.8., D.5.0., Inspector-General of Oversea Forces. Sir, —We, the executive of the Highland Club of Otago, humbly extend to you on behalf of ourselves and fellow members sincere Scottish greetings. Fully cognisant of your great services to the British Empire, we, in common with other Scots and other Scottish societies who have met and will meet and welcome 3*oll, feel partakers of the honors and distinction your services have added to the fair fame of our native land. We therefore wish to say, as a body of working men banded together for practical and social purposes, and somewhat freed from the conventional, that our pride in you is very real. Oar wishes for a successful completion of your purposeful tour are very sincere, and our greetings very hearty, though humble.-~We have the honor to subscribe ourselves, etc., Donaxd Ross Gbas, President,

Anqcs Maclvok, Vice-president, ChaS. Smith, Vice-president, Jas. Gbat, Hon. Secretary. Danedin, April 29,1914.

In acknowledging the 1 gift, Sir lan said that Scotchmen Had a great fcabit of "sticking together," and he highly appreciated the present as an indication of that good old Highland feeling. Sir lan then descended to the body of the hall and chatted freely -flrith many of the citizens who had come there to meet him.

Sir lan Hamilton left for the north by the first express to-day.