TORCHLIGHT PROCESSION

North Otago Times, Volume C, Issue 13147, 31 August 1914, Page 4

TORCHLIGHT PROCESSION

The torchlight procession organised liy the Onmaru troupe of " Pierrots, which st.artod from the Firo Brigndd Station on Saturday night, attracted a good deal of attention. • The chief participants were tlie memlievs of Hid .Fire Brigade in full dress, with hose-reel and appliances, the members of the Druids' Lodge in their picturesque regalia, the 10th Regimental Band, and the Highland Pipe Band. The lorries made a brave show as they proceeded along Thames strict, the Druids presented an emblematic tableaux, while another conveyance carried a piano and several singers, and other people were attired in gaily coloured Army/and Navy costumes. The procession moved along Thames street, followed 'by a bijj thronging, jostling crowd, and then turned, halting at the monument. By this time the wind, which had veered to the south, raising clouds of dust, had reached the force of a moderate gale and it was found necessary to move the base of operations to. a more sheltered position in. front of the new Polytechnic, By this time probably the largest concourse or people ever assembled in Thames street had gathered tu eujoy an excellent entertainment. The Regiments' Band opened the proceedings with the combined National Anthems of the Triple Entente, and a programme of suitable music was attractively given by the Pipe Band and the Regimental Band, interspersed with songs by Messrs Roxburgh, Ldslie, Glass, and McLean, a recitation by Mr Tempero, and stirring speeches by His Worship the Mayor and Mr J. Mitchell. Two bunches of "orchids" which were presented and auctioned by Mr T.,M'Quin, were sold over and over'again for amounts ranging from £1 downwards, a' substantial sum being realised. When Mr McLean had sung the "Absent-minded Beggar," a llag was held out from ono of the lorries, and netted a goodly harvest of coins of all denomination's. Meanwhile the members.of the Ladies' Hockey Teamc had been canvassing Hie,large crowd for subscriptions to the Patriotic Fund. What tho.total amount realised by these methods amounted to, we have been unablo to ascertain as yet, Imt it must, linvo replied a considerable figure. The .proceedings occupied about an hour and a half, and despite the discomforts of vain and wind there were few who. did nbt. romain to the close. Tho musical Items, etc. were received with hearty applause and frequent cheering. At (ho. conclusion, those present joined in the hearty singing of the Natlafinl Anthem, and choors followed by tliveo for- tho Alllos, nwl three/mare for tho gallant: little ally, Belgium, N ''