THE GOVERNMENT LUNCHEON.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CV, Issue 12536, 25 June 1901, Page 8

THE GOVERNMENT LUNCHEON.

AN INSPIRITING FUNCTION. Immediately after the review vh© veterans and returned troopers, to the num-b{-r of upwards of three hundred, repaired to the Art Gallery, where they were entertained by the Government. The Gallery was beautifully decorated with evergreens and toi-toi, and the tables were arranged most artistically. Indeed, the whole of the decorations and arrangements, which were carried out by Mr M. G. Barnett, under the directions of Mr T. E. Donne, were admirable. The gathering was a spirited one, everybody coming in the best of’heart after participating in the now historic review ' of the morning. The Premier presided, and on \his right were seated Colonel Jowsey, Sir Joseph Ward. Hon J. Carroll, Mr A. D. Fraser, M.H.R., Dr Levinge, and Messrs Harris, Cotterill, Stead and the Mayor (Mr A. E. G. Rhodes). On his left were .Major C...wshaw, Hon W. C. Walker/ 4 ,' and Messrs John Holms®, Wigram, Cassidy, Allan and Captain Lewin. Colonel Robin, who arrived late, modestly assumed a seat in a more obscure position, whilst Lieuten-ant-Colonel Pole-Penton, who was busy with outside military business, was also, unable to participate in the earlier part of the proceedings. His Royal Highness the Duke of York conveyed his apologies for non-appearance, along with his best wishes for the success of the gathering. The Premier’s, grace, “ Proceed,” was unanimously admitted to he the shortest and most appropriate speech he had ever made, and it was obeyed to the letter with the greatest celerity and in its widest interpretation. The toast of ” The King ” was honoured. The Premier then proposed the toast of “Our Royal Visitors, the Duke and Duchess of York.” He said that he delt sure there was no pilgrim- father who, even in his highest flights of fancy, could have thought that fifty years from the time of their landing the people ci the province would have seen the Heir-Apparent to the Throne reviewing, in round numbers, 10.000 troops in the city of Christchurch. (Applause.) They had seen that day one of the grandest sights in the history of the province and the colony. (Hear, hear.) In Hagley Park, which, owing to’the wisdom of those who had control and management -of affairs in the early days, had been provided for the people for all time, there was, as he had said, a total of about 10.000 Volunteers and Cadets, proving their efficiency before the son of tbeir good and gracious Majesty the King. (Applause.) He did Hot desire to disparage their neighbours-in Australia, but he would say that, though it was reported that 10.000 troops were present at the great Common wealth celebrations, “there were among them Imperial and Indian troops, whereas at the review in the Park that day there had been only New_ Zealanders. (Applause.) Speaking as Minister of Defence, ho would say that, when he saw those, troops, he felt that it was the proudest day he had had since he had become a Minister of the Crown —and he had had a good many proud days in his time. (Applause.) When he first occupied the position of Minister of Defence, there were only 4000 Volunteers in the --colony. Now 18,000 were enrolled, and 11,000 of them had been on the field that day. If he did not feel proud under those circumstances, what on earth would make him feel proud? Still, in spite of all that, he was hot altogether satisfied. As he saw the troops going past him that day it struck him that he would rather have had them- fighting the Boers in South Africa than had them there in Hagley Park. (Applause.) He wanted to have that job finished, and the sooner it was finished the better. (Hear, hear.) He would probably be taken to task for what, he was saying, but there were times when a man must speak plainly. In the Old Country there were statesmen who were sympathising with the Boers, and, by finding fault, were encouraging them to continue ‘ in their present course. ■ The war was justifiable, and the name of the British would, have been sullied -as long as the nation existed had it not wiped out Majuba Hill and the Boers, ar-d Whiat they were trying to do. The war had been deliberately planned for years. (Hear, hear.) 1 The' Boers had intended to secure, if they could, the Cape and Natal, strategic position's of great' importance to the colonies and the Empire. The lads amongst them could say whether the Boers were to be sympathised with. They had been treated mercifully, but what had they given in return. (A voice: “Nothing.”) •A deathroll. They had not fought as the British had fought, but had fired and sniped in a most discreditable manner, which the colonial or the Britisher would nob tolerate. The speaker thought that anyone who stood up and sympathised with such deeds, or condoned them, was an aider and abettor of murder. (Hear, hear). That was a strong term to use, but it was justified. The Boers knew that their case was hopeless. Their only chance -was to keep moving until, perhaps, something else might happen to the Empire. The knowledge that there was firmness and unanimity among thofee entrusted with administration would end the war sooner than anything else. If, cn the other hand, the Boers were encouraged by the thought that they would get sympathy in England and in- other countries, and if lives were thus lost oh both sides, those who gave such encouragement should he denounced wherever the Britisher had a right to speak. Passing from the subject of the wa-r, Mr Seddon said that the toast he was pi’oposing was the health of their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of York. Well, all those present had seen the Duke, and hod/also, seen one of the most charming ladies who had ever come to our country. (Hear, hear, and loud applause). From the manner in which that remark had 1 been received, he could see that all present, like himself, had come under the influence of the Duchess. He bad watched the faces of the veterans when the Duke examined their medals and said a few words to them, and when they received that sm/le which they had never expected to receive in all the days of their existence. It was a sight that gladdened the hearts of those who saw it. (Cheers). It made the blood quicken through the veins of those

old men—(cheers) —and no doubt they - felt that they could fight frerh battles for more smiles and further honour. (Applause). In Wellington, recently, the people had celebrated the Battle of Waterloo. The anniversary was a great day in the history of the colony and the traditions of the nation, yet tliere was not a pressman there to take down the points. It showed how oblivious some people were of the great things done on the e'ghtecnth of June. A Christchurch pressman had just remarked to him that such an oversight would be impossible in Canterbury. However, it was a day which- was memorable in the history ->£ the country. So were the anniversaries of Alma a-nd Inkerman, and of the great battles in India. But let them leave Alma and Tnkermann to the veterans, and come .to the young bloods. They were the bull-dog breed, who had left their mark in South Africa. Before, passing from the veterans, however, he had a command from' his Royal Highness for them as well as for the young bloods. It was this, that the Duke regretted extremely that he was not able to be present with them on that great occasion, bub he had asked the speaker to convey to one and all of them an indication of how pleased he was at having seen them that day, 'how glad he was to know that veterans still, survived to receive the honour of their country for services so faithfully performed. (Cheers.) And to those who had returned from South Africa, his Royal Highness had said that he would have been delighted to be with them. Mr Seddon, continuing, said that he was not using merely a figure, of speech when he said that those -who had received medals that day had the respect and the confidence of the King, and-his only son, who was With them on that-great occasion. (Applause.) As to the chips of the old block,” his Royal Highness had said ‘that of all the cadets he had seen, the march past that day took first place. (Loud applause,) Nothing disparaging was' said, but his Royal Highness had remarked that the cadets here were not equipped as well as those in .Victoria. The- Duke was. a close observer, Evidently. Still, his opinion was that the cadets who had taken part that day in the march past were the best he had yet seen. (Applause.) As the old ffien were passing away, and the young men were coining to the prime of life, it was comforting to know that the boys Who had .-been- at the review had quitted/themselves very creditably (hear, hear)-—and that if a time of emergency and necessity arose, as the-veterans had acquitted themselves with ;honour and glory, so would the boys fight the, battles of the Empire. Then the .Duke had said to the speaker: “ I noticed that one of .the cadet corps had no rifles. I wish you, Mr Seddon, to, as soon as possible, see that that cadet corps is fully, equipped.” (Applause.) The speaker had given the order, and the- rifles would have to be., supplied within twenty-foui hours. (Applause.) Mr Seddon went on to refer to (the difficulty which had recently arisen,in connection with the camp at Wellington. - He said* that the matter would be fully and freely investigated, and-when the investigation was. concluded the. blame would go' to the' -proper ’ shoulders. It had always ; been his desire,; as Minister of Defence,- to see that every, provision was inade for the , men. Thar© had been a very , great strain, bub the Defence Department must bo prepared for all -emergencies. When he had arrived at Addington the previous evening, he found that there was . some difficulty in , regard to tents, necessary for a cold night, for some troops which had recently arrived 1 . The question which arose was what should be done under the circumstances.' His parson son said that the school -was close by, so. his secretary was sent away ,at once to make the arrangements. The unexpected always arose, but they must be prepared for any emergency. They never knew what was going to happen, and so long as they were prepared to do their best, there was not a volunteer who would not suffer a little hardship and inconvenience, .when he knew that it was hot intentional. The speaker knew that they had the gQod wishes of their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess, and he desired, in conclusion, to sav that : both the Duke and the Duchess desired ’to come into as • close , touch with the people as possible. (Applause). If any opinion was formed to the contrary, or if there was any action indicating . the contrary, those. who were responsible nob acting in accordance with the wishes of the Royal visitors. His Royal Highness had a will of his own. There should be no mistake in regard to that fact. He was a much bigger’ man than : people- ever imagined when he leftthe Old Lbuhtxy, and if they thought they would like' .to/get /him in a band-box, they were making a great mistake. The Premier’s remarks were followed by a loud outburst of cheering, and the toast was drunk' with' much enthusiasm'. :

The Premier proposed the health of “His Excellency the Governor and Lady Ranfurly.” He said that Lord Ranfurly regretted verv mucH his inability to be pre-. sent, but Kb had a duty to perform, and was obliged to .be absent. The Governor had asked hini (the speaker) to say to the old veterans’that he had the greatest interest in their welfare. The Governor was the first to inaugurate periodical luncheons to old veterans, to bring them and the younger soldiers together, that they might fight their battles over again: He very much regretted that his Excellency could hot be present. The toast was'followed 1 by the war cries of the Second and Third Contingents l and. continued cheering. The Premier then" proposed the health of the veterans, saying that he would leave the honour of ’proposing the returned troopers to h-is / lieutenant, Sir J. G. Ward. This colony was deeply indebted to the old veterans, and it should not be said that colonials did nob give them itove and honour, and could nob respect grey haira. He could assure the veterans that it was not on the spur of the moment that they were honoured, but there was a deeprooted feeling of respect for them iu this colony, and Whenever a veteran appeared with the medals testifying to 'his bravery on his breast, he was treated with the honour he merited. (Cheers).' He could say that any mam who had done as the veterans had done had 1 no reason to fear ingratitude from colonials iu‘his’old days. There was a latent fire in the breasts of

Britain’s sons. It had been with the veterans in their struggles in the Crimea and on the blood-red' fields of India, and he could say that it was with the Sons of ■ these southern colonies,, and when it was tapped it came up with such a mighty rush that the whole world knew what it meant, and feared. He would call upon Mr.C. M. Gray to respond on behalf of the veterans. Mr C. ’M. Gray said that he would much rather one of his- old battle-scarred comrades; who had borne the heat and brurit of the day, should have been called upon . to respond. He had been under fire,. but his experience had not been, very great. He had. been greatly pleased, as, al], the veterans had .been, to see the honours paid to them at. the review that day by the Duke and Duchess' of Cornwall and. York. It had been an act of, interest-and courtesy, and would long be remembered by all who were present. The Premier said that before Sir J. G. Ward spoke he would like to apologise for an omission on the part of the - committee responsible for the luncheon, i He had found that the representatives, of the Press of the .Mother Country had not been invited.. This rwas a great, oversight. He would have liked to have seen them there!; in fact, they should have been present. They had the representatives of the Canterbury Press there, and a splendid Press it was, but the English journalists, should have. been invited. Sir J. G. Ward, upon rising to propose the toast of, the “ Returned Members 1 of the Contingents,” was greeted -With loud and prolonged cheering. He,said he could nob do other than thank them for the reception they had accorded him. He could assure the members of the Contingents present that no man in New Zealand had bt-*» prouder of their performances than he h; # been. He, as 4 New Zealander, was proud of the way in which they had discharged their duties. They had placed New Zealand before the "eyes of the world, covering it with honour and glory, and it went without saying that the old traditions that had'gone to make up the glory of the Empire had been handed down from the veterans to their worthy sons, and it was shown that the women of the colons possessed! a spice of the British courage, or many members of the Contingents would not have gone to fight in South Africa —-{cheers)—-under those brave officers, Colonels Robin, Jowsey, Major Cradock, and others. (Cheers.)' The'troopers had done their duty,' and dene it well. That day, Volunteers in thousands had been gathered in Hagley Park, -and also many Cadets, and the ' highest encomiums had been passed upon them by the - highest authority at present in New Zealand, the Heir-Apparent to the British Throne. (Applause.) Those Cadets would grow up in the country’s service, and. would Hearn to, fight for the Empire, following in the steps of those‘brave fellows before them-. The. nation was passing through a period unique in its history. It was a , critical period, and there was diversity of opinion as to how it would result, but when any Power attempted to break the chain that bound the Empire, New Zealanders were prepared to assist in maintaining that Empire, because they were an integral part of the nation, and anyone; so. base as to attempt to influence opinion in another way would meet with short shnf t. He had witnessed, the reception given by the, Maoris at Rotorua to the Duke , and ! Duchess of Cornwall .and York, and. it bad been one of the finest sights ever witnessed in New Zealand to see the loyal Maori race paying homage to their future King. The review, in Hagley Park that day stood foremost, amongst the functions in the cdlphy since the arrival of their Royal Highnesses—(cheers)—-and its success was a compliment in the extreme to- those who had inaugurated and carried it out. (Cheers.) .Many of the old veterans present had had sons fighting in- South Africa, and they were deserving of the wannest recognition and heartfelt thanks of the nation. The troopers themselves had made their country proud of them for then 1 splendid work on the veldt, and ho had the greatest pleasure in proposing a toast to them, coupled with the names of Colonels Robin and Jowsey. Colonel Robin, who was greeted with enthusiastic cheering, in responding to the toast, said it had been a. most fitting day and a most fitting thing that the old veterans and the young bloods should have been brought together at luncheon on the occasion of the visit to this .city _ of the future King and Queen of the was bringing the Empire closer together, in its many, parts,. in a new way. The veterans had built up this southern part of the great nation, and. their sons had been the first to go to England’s assistance in maintaining that'nation. (Cheers.) As time went on, it might be for the members of the Contingents, . as odd veterans themselves, to respond to the toast of “ The Old Soldiers.” While m Africa, the members of the Contingents in the Rhenoster district had, in their spare time, produced- a newspaper the “ Veldt Lyre.” They had had it printed, and the -bound number was to bo presented to that good father of the Contingents, the Premier. (Cheers.) The Right .Hon the Premier had done his share in building up the Empire, and it was with the deepest pleasure that he (the speaker), on behalf .of .the Contingent members, presented, the token of 1 appreciation to- the popular Premier .(Cheering.) • ,Mr Seddon bad taken the greatest trouble to inform ■relatives. of troopers of all that was. happening in South Africa, and-he. Would treasure that little effort, compiled, away out on the veldt’ by some of the troopers, . As Colonel Robin sat down .the troopers made the ‘roof ring with war cries and dIB6TS The Premier, in replying, said he would state, for the information of- Pressmen, and that there might be no misapprehension, that the name of the production was spelt “ L-y-r-e.” The title showed that there had been a musical inclination amongst, the Contingents in South Afnca, as there was' at the luncheon - that afternocn. He had come to the conclusion that the success of the Contingents had been in some measure due to the fact that they had had so many excellent Pressmen amongst them, for “what was of fighting unless the world knew all about it, and how was the world to know all about it except through the Press I (Laughter and cheers.) He would always retain the gift so kindly presented, and should always treasure it, as would, also, those who came after him, and bore his name. (Cheers.) _ Colonel Jowsey, in responding to' , trie toast, said that the troopers had to thank the Premier and his Ministers for 'many acts of kindness. Mr Seddon had gone ouf of his way, time after time, to send Information to relatives of troopers at the front- Frequently the Contingents were without news of any sort until; they learned it from Hew Zealand papers, sent out to; South Africa. It Was the proudest day in his (the speaker’s) life when he saw the magnificent review in Hagley Park. /He was prond to see anything likely to m'ake • towards combination of the Empire. He would like to say to the younger men, in saying good-bye to them,, that when he took his place amongst the veterans it would be with the , knowledge that they would do honour to their country. The Premier said that there had been much preparation for the Royal visit,' and h«'would call upon the Hon W. 0. Walker to propose the health of the Commissioners of the Royal visit. The Hon W. C. Walker said that it had been a great pleasure to see how well the Duke and Duchess had. been received throughout the colony. That day they had been sbdwn New Zealand’s biggest jewel, her troops, and he was sure nothing had pleased them better than the review of the veterans and contingents. The .Commissioners had performed a great many arduous duties, and he would couple the toast with the names of Messrs G. G. Stead, H. F. Wigram, R. Allan and J. Holmes. Mr Stead said that he was pleased to leam that the efforts of himself and his colleagues in preparing for the reception of their RoyM Highnesses had been appreciated. Mr Allan had been indefatigable in his part of the work, and the results showed that he had been successful. Mr Wigram and he (the speaker) , had done

their best-. (Cheers.) The Cffiristdhurcjfc reception had been as successful as any in the colony. He did not think it would be a breach Of confidence’to tell 'tliem that the Governor had told him , the previous evening that great as were the receptions in Auckland and Wellington, that in Christchurch was even a greater, success and was even more appreciated by their Royal'Highnesses. ■ ■ Mr Wigram said that he regretted that Mr Allan was absent. The Commissioners had done their best, and their reward was in seeing the success of their efforts. Mr Holmes sai l that, as the, executive officer - appointed by the Crown, he might be pardoned for saying that in no place had he met with more warmth and enthusiasm relating to matters connected with the Royal visit than in • Christchurch. Prom Auckland to the Bluff the people Had been eager to welcotne the Royal guests. It had been the desire of each city to emulate the other in extending a welcome, i . • The Premier .said the commanding officer. Colonel Pole-Penton, would have liked to have been-present, but a report had been circulated that one of the Cadets had died and several others were ill, arid he had at once gone to inquire. Colonel Pole-Penton had just sent a message to say there was no truth in the reports On the next day the Royal guests would proceed to the south, where-they would be' accorded another warm welcome. He had received a telegram from Timaru stating that several little girls who had decided to present ( bouquet to her Royal Highness as. the trai: went through'had been informed that heV Royal Highness would not ;ba pleased to receive it." He (the speaker) did . not knot: how such reports obtained circulat : on, bu tbey : were ridiculous.' The Duchess wouh be very pleased to- receive the; bouquet. He would propose , the last toast) that o; “ The Canterbury Section of the Contingents, the Rough Riders.” The troopers present here called on Mr G. G. Stead, Dr Levinge and Mr G. Harris to respond. ! Mr Stead in replysaid that he was proud to he called on by the troopers to respond on their’ behalf. They had made the name of. New. Zealand -known throughout the world as one of the brightest jewels in the Crown of the Empifo. ' The war Fund '.Committee . had realised that a mounted man was worth five ; . infantry in. South Africa, and the expense of equipping the. Rough Rjders had, been; borpe by Canterbury' people by private subscription, and assuredly that; was a .‘splendid contribution • to the Motherland. ; Dr Levinge said he. regretted that the ex-Mayor, Mr W; Reece, who was Chairman !of the War Fund Committee, was not there. He was pleased to see the reception accorded to the troopers. Mr G. Harris said the very flower of New Zealand had been sent to South Africa when the Rough Riders had gone, and the manly strength of those troopers was'due to the fact that they were always encouraged in athletics. ' Auld Lang Syne ” and the National Antliem were, sung, and the assembly ■ dispersed. As the Premier drove away from the building between lines of troopers he was greeted with loud and prolonged cheers. ■ THE RAILWAYS. The traffic on the local railways yesterday was probably a record for any district in New Zealand.. What with visitors from the. country districts and the transport of Volunteers,! it is estimated that over 40,000 people arrived at and left the Christchurch Station; during the day. The Traffic Manager (Mr. T. Arthur) is to be congratulated upbn the completeness of the arrangements. The staff worked hard in the face of very great difficulties; the platforms being so crowded at times that they were hardly able to get about their work. It is satisfactory to note that most of the trains yrorei got away very little behind time,' and that the day passed off without accident of any kind. ■ THE HOLIDAY AT LYTTELTON. Yesterday was observed as a close holiday at'Lyttelton; A largo proportion of the residents: went to Christchurch to witness the review and other functions taking place there. The Lyttelton Naval - Artillery, N Battery and Naval Cadets left by an early' train in order to take part in the review 1 in Hagley -Park. Messrs Agar and Thomas’ launches were busy in the afternoon in taking visitors to H:M.S. Royal Arthur. \The vessels in port displayed their bunting, and the flagstaff® of the* town hod their flags flying. • The illuminations were lighted np at night. Some 2300 passengers were conveyed from Lyttelton to Christchurch during the day;