THE DEFENCE FORCES.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 16559, 25 May 1914, Page 5

THE DEFENCE FORCES.

CITIZENS’ SOCIAL,

TENDERED TO GARRISON TROOPS.

The King Edward Barracks presented a gay and festive appearance on Saturday night, when the Mayor, on behalf of the citizens, entertained the troops of tho garrison. Eight long tables at the east end of the building accommodated the men, and the guests and visitors were seated at another long .table at the top of the others. There was a large attendance, and the proceedings were most enthusiastic. The Barracks were well warmed by several coke burners, and light refreshments were served, including hot coffee. Mr Holland presided, and Colonel Smyth, 0.C.D., Colonel G. J. Smith, Major Murphy, and Mr H. G. Ell, M.P., were also present. ;

The Mayor read apologies for absence from General Godley, the Hon James Allen, Minister of Defence, the Hon C. Lonisson, M.L.C., and Messrs L. M. Isitt, M.P., A. E. G. Rhodes, A. Kaye, Cecil Wood and J. C. Adams.

Mr Holland, in welcoming the guests and men, said that the splendid way in which they had behaved at Kowai under trying circumstances had won tho admiration of the citizens, of their commanding officers and of Sir Tan Hamilton. To show their appreciation of tho men’s conduct the citizens had provided tho social that night. He personally saw the mud and the slush and all the evidences of the terrible time they had had in camp, and he thought their bphaviour was a matter for congratulation. He had come to the conclusion that Canterbury’s soldiers were going to do their duty under any circumstances. The training would do the men good. He believed that in the camp they had had tho time of their lives. (Loud laughter and applause.) With her Territorial force New Zealand was well protected. The men behind the guns were those upon whom they would have to depend in the future. He referred to numerous statutes in New Zealand’s record that made for the emancipation of the masses, especially the old-age pension, industrial laws and Arbitration Courts. A lot had been done for the people. Ho had seen many places, but he could honestly say that New Zealand was one of the best countries to live in in tlie world. New Zealanders, therefore, should not begrudge a little time for military training. He hoped that at the next camp they would have better weather, and ho wished everybody a pleasant and enjoyable evening. (Loud applause.) Colonel Smyth, replying on behalf of tho men, conveyed their thanks to the Mayor and citizens for the entertainment for what they did in camp. The training they got there was most important. They had learned to acquire a good spirit and he was glad to find that young New Zealand had got it. It was owing to that that he was enabled to keep on the camp to the end which ho had greatly desired to do, and they had had the pleasure of receiving congratulations from General Sir lan Hamilton and General Godley. He reminded the men of the motto he had given them in camp, and he hoped that on his return from England he would find that they had not forgotten what it was, which was to be “ Second to none in New Zealand.” (Loud applause.) Colonel Smyth then called. for three cheers for tho Mayor and citizens, and they were heartily given. Three ringing cheers were then given for Colonel Smyth and threo for Mr T. Charters, who liad been so energetic in organising the gathering. Idio regimental bands of. the Ist Regiment and C.Y.C. supplied enjoyable programmes of music and a male quartet party was enthusiastically received. Songs were contributed also by Messrs C. Jell, TV. Jol!, A. Scott, Captain T. Charters and QuartermasterSergeant Heald, and a recitation by Mr Vincent. Kinematograph pictures dealing with subjects and scenes connected with the British Territorials were also shown. PRESENTING THE STEAD' SHIELD.

Colonel Smyth, in presenting tho Stead Shield, said that it had again been won by the First Canterbury Regiment. In the Volunteering days it had almost invariably been the custom to present such trophies for shooting alone. Points were awarded in the competition for drill, sanitation, discipline and general efficiency while in camp. As tlie shooting took place outside the camp, it was impossible to make this part of the competition. Next year the 2nd Regiment were going to make a bold bid for the Shield. He congratulated tho Ist Regiment on its success, which, he said, had been achieved not only by the efforts of the officers but also by those of every private soldier in the ranks. The Shield was received on behalf of the regiment by Sergeant-Major Ross and Private Tavender.