THE FAREWELL SPEECHES

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 11201, 23 October 1899, Page 5

THE FAREWELL SPEECHES

[BT TELEGRAPH.—r-RESS ASSOCIATION.] Wellington, Sunday. ; - THE MAYOR OF WELLINGTON. Mr. Btoir, Mayor of Wellington, said he took up a position as representing the whole !of the peoplo of Now Zealand. No movei meat in tbe colony had ever been so spon- . taneous and so general in its extent as I the despatch of the contingent for the I Transvaal. He had received telegrams from mayors of about 60 towns aud boroughs, wishing the contingent God-speed. Tnese telegrams might be divided into two categories, and as indicating the spirit which pervaded all tho messages, he read two of them as follows: — "Thanks cordial invitation. Sorry cannot attaid personally. Kindly convey to contingent good wishes from myself and inhabitants of Greymouth. May they have successful and brilliant career, and speedy return to New Zealand.— Matuksox, Mayor Greymouth." "To Officers and Men of New Zealand Contingent. Friends,—Bo united; be strong ] trust in God, the King of Kings. Then tho victory will be to tho Empire, Good-bye all. I had had hopes of having gone with you. —F. Jeone, Coromandel." Mr. Blair went on to say that they had been told the contingent was only a small force, but those w.'jo said that overlooked the spirit which had prompted its despatch. They overlooked the fact that the despatch of this contingent would have- a very great effect on the future well-being of tho Empire. It showed that the British nation would not be divided by any Power on earth. Britain had spent blood mid treasure in founding her colonies, and we in New Zealand were reaping the benefit of this expenditure, and it was right we should contri-' bute our quota in the present trouble. Hitherto wo had had no outside concern, but now we were to engage shoulder to shoulder with tho forces of the Empire, and he was sure our men would acquit themselves well. In conclusion, Mr. Blair addressed the contingent thus: —" On behalf ol the people of New Zealand, wo wish you God-speed. lam sure you will worthily uphold the honour of New Zealand, and that you will come back with honour." THE GOVERNOR. Lord Ranfurly said the hngo conconrso of people that had assembled that day showed the vast interest the people of New Zealand , had taken in tho despatch of the contingent. For the first time in history, New Zealanders were gathered together to say farewell to troops sent to the seat of war. He felt convinced that should occasion arise these men would do their duty nobly, and prove no unworthy defenders of that dauntless island race whose colours waved over us, and whose record was second to none. An occasion such as this should arouso in their hearts the greatest patriotism. "This," said Lord Ranfurly, " is Trafalgar day, and may Nelson's motto be yours! The eyes of tie world are upon you, and we in New Zealand wish you liod-speed." THE PREMIER. Mr. Seddon said it,was with pleasure he would speak a few words on this great occasion. That gathering represented not only Wellington, but every man, woman, and child in the colony. 'The people by their presence and sympathy, had shown that they were of one mind in supporting the Mother Country in her present trouble. It would be cheering to the people of tho Mother Country, and would show all nations that we were one people. The New Zealand Parliament had been the first of the Australasian Parliaments to sanction the despatch of a contingent, and the decision to do so should have been unanimous. New • Zealand had shown what it could do. On October 5 the contingent was accepted, and on the 21st the people were gathered together to wish them GodSpeed. New Zealand was the first colony to embark its contingent. This prompt despatch reflected great credit on all concerned, particularly on the Commandant of the Forces, the commandant of the contingent, and the shipping company. All those who had worked to bring this about had their heartfelt thanks and gratitude This was Trafalgar day, and our men , were going to battle for freedom. They were going to assist in making the people of the Transvaal free, and in maintaining civilisation and liberty in the Transvaal. The position was unique. We were simply working out our destinies and tending tojiiake ours the dominant race of the world. Our men were going to fight for one flag, one Queen, one tongue, and one country. Imperial and colonial troops were about to fight side by side, and a bond of union would be , formed that would last for ever. Addressing the contingent, he said he had no fear of their bravery. They would maintain the traditions of their race, and coolness, determination, and bravery must win in the long run. They must also remember that the hearts of the people of New Zealand went with them. Major Robin would do his part, and it was foi the men to do theirs. The result must be for the glory of New Zealand and of the Em-, pire. CAPTAIN RUSSELL. Captain Russell said it was indeed a privii lege to be able to say a word of congratiii lation on this occasion. The contingent, when they reached their destination would be allied with an army that had won honour in every part of the world. As an old Imperial soldier he felt sure they would be dutiful and brave men. They were taking with, them the goodwill of the whole of New Zealand. In the. Imperial army they would find charming comrades, and they would come back with Imperial instincts, feeling they were working partners in a great machine. Concluding, Captain Russell said, " When you return to New Zealand covered with glory and full of experience the whole of New Zealand will be here to welcome you as returning brothers who have done good service for the Empire." SIR ROBERT STOUT. Sir Robert Stout also spoke a few words. He said the despatch of the contingent showed we were one in mind and had not forgotten what Britain had done for us. He felt sura the contingent would reflect credit and honour uuon themselves and the colony. PRAYER BY BISHOP WALUS. The following is tho full test of Bishop Wallis' special prayer, offered up after the speeches had been delivered:—" Almighty Lord God, King of all the earth, who hast formed our nation to show forth Thy praise, and has protected it unto this day, continue to us, we pray Thee, Thy loving kindness that we may hand down to the generations to come the heritage which Tliou hast given us. Strengthen our soldiers, especially those who have gone forth from these islands, that they may fight manfully against all oppression and injustice. Defend them in every peril and comfort them in every trouble. Give victory to their arms, and teach them in the hour of triumph to remember mercy. And, finally, grant to us all, and to our enemies a perpetual fear and love of Thy holy name that we may hcareafter serve Thee in peace together, through Jesus Christ our Lord." A TOUCHING LETTER. The following letter from Major Robin'? father was read by the Premier: — Dunedin, October 18,1899. To tho officers and men of tho Transvaal contingent,— l am very sorry I cannot possibly bo present with you to-day to bid you God-speed, but I cannot let this opportunity slip of addressing to you a few words. Many kind friends are writing us to say that the colonial troops will be bo placed as not to be exposed to dangers. We thank them very much for their kind Bolicitude, but as you will, I understand, form an integral part of the Imperial army, you will no doubt bo found in the place where duty calls, and taking yourkfair share in tho army's work, whatever that may be. I feel confident that you will follow wherever you are led, and should you face the enemy in the field of battle that you will so comport yourselves as if you felt that on each of your own individual arms hung victory. I have not the least doubt that your officers will, as far as in thorn lie, see to your safety and comfort, and I feel :onfident wo may rest assured that your houour, and that of New Zealand, will be found in safe keeping. Boys, may the God of Battles be with you in the rank?, as elsewhere. Ho will, i£ yon ask Him, be found a very present help in time of trouble. In the far-distant land, amid war's alarms, may there bo underneath and around you the evorlasting arms, is tho sincere desire of yours faithfully, J. , Robin.

CONGRATULATIONS FROM THE GOVERNOR. ' [by TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION*.] • Wellington", Sunday. Tho Governor bin tiddrowd tlio fallowing KOffletanduin to ]&« Picpuw, relative to |li» ??*•?•* . . Jt •• , ifffl y*-'7 , y_. '

send-olf to the contingent :—"lhe Governor, as Her Majesty's representative, desires p express bis unfeigned satisfaction at the 'unexampled display of loyalty and good fellowship to the Mother Country, witnessed by him on the departure of the New Zealand contingent to the Transvaal. He desires to express his keen appreciation of the untiring energy displayed by Ministers, tlio Commander of the Forces, the Under-Secretary of Defence, and the officers of that Department, and others, in overcoming almost overwhelming difficulties in equipping and despatching the contingent with such speed. He has liud much pleasure in conveying these facts to Her Majesty. In conclusion it is the Governor's heartfelt hope that the New Zealand volunteer contingent may prove a credit to the colour and return safely to this country Having added a glorious chapter to its history." MAJOR ROBIN'S ESTIMATE OP HIS MEN. [BY TELECIUrn.— SPECIAL CORRESPON'DEST.] Wkmin'OW, Sunday. Before the camp broke up, Major Robin said to a press man. "I have every faith in the men. They are smart and cheerful, ami ready and willing to obey. One cannot ask more of regular troops than that, and I only linpe. as I said at the banquet the other iiight, that our fellow New Zea-landcrs, whom «e leave at home, will remember that we arc a small party, we have had no actual experience, and are going into a foreign land under circumstances strange to us all. 1 hope for tlic best, and believe me, our fellows will not tail us." SATURDAY NIGHT IN WELLINGTON. [BY TELIiURAI'H.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Wem.l-VGTon, Sunday. The streets of the city presented a lively mid brilliant, sight on Saturday night. Dense crowds of people thronged the principal thoroughfares, and the utmost enthusiasm prevailed. The country volunteers did not leave until late, and for hours the streets were gay with uniiorms of all kinds. Special instructions had been issued to the police t( make allowance for the agitated btatc ol the public but the crowds, though noisy, vere not disorderly. Choruses of patriotic soncs were heard all over the town, and far into the morning small crowds could be heard giving voice to "Soldiers of the Queen,' , "Rule Britannia," etc. The patriotic spirit was still in evidence to-day, for large crowds witnessed the church parade of the Garrison volunteers at St. lYter's Church, where the Rev. Waters preached an appropriate sermon. The Govornor and party. Mr. Keddou. and many other military and Civil dignitaries were amongst those presvnt at the sen-ice. The chairman of the Harbour Board sent the following telegram to Wellington on Saturday afternoon;— "Officer commanding New Zealand Transvaal contingent. The Auckland Harbour Hoard wishes you Godspeed on your mission to assist in obtaining the ordinary rights of humanity for our fellow countrymen in Africa.—W. J. Nafieb, chairman." PRODUCE FROM AUSTRALIA. By Telegraph.—Press Association.—Copyright. M KLimmtNE. October 21. The steamer Hounslow has sailed for Natal with 13.500 bags of New Zealand and Tasmanian oats, a large consignment of pressed hay, and 2000 live sheep. AUSTRALIAN FORCES. Sydney, October 22. Mr. Chamberlain has cabled:—" Gladly nccept troops." It has been decided lo send 30 additional Lancers to make up the full strength of the company on landing at the Cape. One hundred and fifty men and 200 horses sail by the steamer Kent on Saturday, and the balance will sail by the Aberdeen. READING FOR THE CONTINGENT EN ROUTE FOR SOUTH AFRICA. TO TUE EDITOR. Sir,—Will you allow us to announce through ''our columns that the books, magazines, periodicals, etc., so liberally subscribed in response to the appeal of Mr. A. G. Hill, of Harrisrille, and left with us for packing, etc., have been duly placed on board the Wttiwora at Wellington, we having received a telegram to that effect. Over 500 volumes were sent in a largo case weighing over 3cwt. Among the donors were Messrs. Bakor, Buckton, Clwmptaloiii' and Cooper, Craig, Cooper, Evitt, Gregory. Heather, Helling, Hill, Holland, Haven, Mackay, Murcliie. Stephenson, Skeates, Taylor. Ti.fnell, Tubherty, Upton, Willoughby," Wildman and Lyoll, and numerous anonymous contributors. The class of literature sent was of exceptionally good quality, and will no doubt be much appreciated and tend to relieve the monotony of the loiiß sea voyage. Some bundles of illustrated papers left at our mart too late for shipment are being sent to the hospital.—Wo are, etc., Wamies Blytii and Co., Auctioneers. AN OPINION FROM SOUTH AFRICA. The Sydnev Homing Herald contains the following extracts from a letter from a resident in the Cape Uioiiy, Mr. l> , win W. Hunt, who owned a farm mimed tlie Kloof, near Johannesburg : — " What makes political negotiations uncertain is the attitude of that section of the Boeif who are profitably employed in the service of the Transvaal Government. They arc lamentably ignorant of British prestige, and gauge the situation by the comparison of military preparedness in Natal and Cape Colony" with their own military prowess, and hi:;hlv-armo(l and fortified condition. "Their fathers fought the native races and conquered. The present generation of fathers and grandfathers fought the British at Miijuha, and beat them. It is not to be wondered at if their sons and daughters, who are most uneducated, and who seldom see or read books and newspapers, have faith in their ability to conquer uny invader of their territory. It is said that the young and strong, as well as the tall and muscular sous of the Boers, are all panting for the affray with the firm belief that they are gnini: (o lwiil down the Union Jack and hoist in its place the Transvaal flag as the emblem of a united Dutch Republic of South Africa. "It is said that many of the Dutch people in this colony and .Natal are in a strait betwixt the two, wishing to join (he Republic if thev thought they were likely to beat the British, but not liking to move for fear of having their farms confiscated in the event of their friends, whom they wish in heart to support, coming off only second best. "With this state of the population, more I' ,n half Dutch, it is plain that war in South Africa will be a serious affair. " President Kruger's agents succeeded in getting the Dutch Taal introduced into the tails of legislation in Capetown, and suppressed the English language in the halls of learning and legislation in the Transvaal. "These were very significant moves in the van of a general move in favour of an allDutch Republic." CHUBCH OF ENGLAND CHAPLAIN. The Archbishop of Sydney (Dr. Saumarez Smith), has requested the Colonial Secretary (Mr. Seel to allow the Bishop of Grafton arrt A< r : d:ile to accompany any troops from New South Wales who might proceed to the Transvaal. ->ir. Sec replied that if it was decided to forward a contingent from New South Wales, he would be very happy to allow the Bishop of Grafton and Arruidale to accompany the men as chaplain. THE POPE'S ADVICE TO KRUGER. MonsignoT Celli, first secretary to Cardinal Rainpolla. informed the Central News' correspondent on September 6, in reply to inquiries, that the Pope, who is on very good terms with President Kruger, has telegraphed to the latter advising" him to accept the proposals of the British Government as the only means of averting the horrors of war % His Holiness further pointed out to Mr. Kruger (ho absolute impossibility ' of opposing England by force of arms.