HELP FOR THE BELGIANS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15767, 16 November 1914, Page 5

HELP FOR THE BELGIANS.

AUCKLAND CAMPAIGN.

PROCESSION AND SPORTS.

PICTURESQUE GATHERING,

THOUSANDS OF SPECTATORS.

" CLOTHING DAY ; " TO-DAY.

Had the unfortunate Belgians been enabled to cast even a momentary glance upon the streets of. Auckland on Saturday afternoon and witness the remarkable demonstration in their favour, their hearts would certainly have been immeasurably gladdened. No one who has seen the pitiful sights at the offices; of the War Refugees' Association in the General Buildings, Aldwych, London, adjacent to the Overseas' Club premises, would stop at anything so far as relief measures were concerned. Thousands arrived without a penny, and with nothing more than the clothes they wore, yet under the direction of Lady Lugard and Lord Gladstone much needed help was forthcoming immediately.

Saturday's procession in aid of the relief funds aroused universal attention, and many expressed the opinion that a more successful or. more original procession had never in the past occupied the streets of the City of Auckland. Long before the time for starting vast crowds began to congregate, and by 2 p.m. dense masses were to be seen near the Chief Post Office and in the direction of the Queen's Wharf. Everybody was in high spirits, and the duties of the police were comparatively light.

The weather was somewhat cool and windy, but no rain fell, and nothing occurred to mar the proceedings. An Animated Scene.

In the vicinity of the wharf the scene was a very animated one. Units of the procession arrived from all directions, and took up their stations. All round was to be seen a blaze of colour - . Bunting was in evidence on buildings, carts, lorries, and vehicles of all descriptions, pride of place being occupied by the flag of gallant Belgium. There were also many New Zealand ensigns, Union Jacks, tricolours, and here and there a Russian merchant shipping flag. The decorations ! of the vehicles in the procession included j innumerable streamers, among which the black, yellow, and red of the Belgians predominated, the red, white, and blue of | the British and French coming second. A I feature of the day was undoubtedly the ! friendly society exhibitions. The societies j of Auckland took up the idea with much enthusiasm, and all were represented. A j slight alteration had to be made in the procession, as the native/contingent had not yet received their uniforms. In order | to make up for this the Maoris gave a I number of hakas on the sports ground. Immense Crowds. Striking evidence of the deep interest taken by the citizens of Auckland in the objects of the procession was afforded by the thousands of spectators who assembled, not only at the starting point, but also along the whole line of route. In Queen Street every conceivable vantage point was occupied to the utmost limit, and immense crowds followed the trail of the procession to Karanga.hape Road, across Symonds Street to the Grafton Bridge. Park Road, Domain Drive, and on to the carriage entrance to the Cricket Ground. So dense were the masses near the bridge that many found it practically impossible to cross Cemetery Gully by the orthodox means, and walked down the steps and up again to the Grafton Road side. People were perched on the structure of the bridge, and took the liveliest interest in the proceedings. During the time the procession occupied the street the trams were diverted from Queen Street. Order of the Procession. At the head of the procession walked the Mayor of Auckland. Mr. C. J. Parr, C.M.G., accompanied by Mr. Robert Burns, Acting Belgian Consul, Monsieur Rigoreau, French Consul, Mr. C. Rhodes, j Italian Consul, and Mr* P. M. Hansen, Danish Consul. Motor-cars containing Mayors and clerks of suburban boroughs, and officials and many citizens followed. The order of the procession was as follows:—City and Suburban Mayors, Consuls, fire brigades, Navy Leasee, Veterans' Guard, boy scouts, "Belgian residents, 1.0. R., U.A.0.D., Protestant Alliance, A.0.F., H.A.C.8.5., M.U.1.0.0.F. 1.0.0. F., N.1.0.0.F., citizens. Order of brass, pipe, and drum and fife bands:—Garrison Band, Trades Union Band, Third Regiment, Ponsonby Drum and Fife Band No. 1. Onehunga Baud, Ponsonby Drum and Fife Band No. 2. Central Mission Band, Grey Lynn Drum and Fife Band, Pipe Band", Temperance, Salvation Army Bands, two, City Band.

The Dreadnought.

What was unquestionably the most remarkable display was the representation of a modern Dreadnought, the work of the Auckland branch of the Navy League. Tho " vessel " commanded universal attention. The ugly grey hull of the Dreadnought was drawn by four fine greys, lent by Mr. Wright, who also provided the waggon structure. Forward one saw a cannon of the time of Nelson, 1805, and aft there was a representation of a 12in gun as mounted on H.M.S. New Zealand. Appropriate inscriptions covered the hull. Bunting was much in evidence in the ringing. Seated on a high turret to represent Britannia was Mrs. J. C. Blomfiekl, and Miss G. Ewington acted as lieutenant in charge, of the boat. Six men j from a warship formed the " gun " crew, I and acted as armed guards. The deck : was manned by Navy League ladies armed I with tin buckets at the end of poles I covered prettily with bunting, and they j collected a substantial sum of money in this way. Few could resist the cries of! "Pay up for the Belgians!" Girl scouts assisted admirably, and boy scouts dressed as sailors helped to man the boat. « The Tableaux. Of all the tableaux, perhaps, " Weeping Belgium" attracted not the least attention. This was the chief of four representations by the Newmarket Borough Council, and showed a widowed mother with innumerable ragged children. An angel at the rear did not fail to look after the stricken wayfarers.. The waggon was tastefully decorated. Messrs. John Burns and Co.'s conveyance represented "Vive la Belgique Independante." Overhead was a German sausage with a bayonet through it. The word "Hoch" in "large letters explained itself. Fishing-nets were utilised for collecting subscriptions to the cause. A highly-amusing display was provided by the Auckland Rimu Timber Company. This was a very popular contribution. Much diversion was caused bv a gigantic representation of the Kaiser and his wife. This was a piece of basket-work, and attracted widespread comment. Members of friendly societies were present, in large numbers, and their banners and disnlays proved quite a feature of the day. The Druids were conspicuous in their wigs and gowns, and the gathering under the ceremonial oak was well arranged. The Foresters were not behindhand, and their horsemen, representative of Robin Hood and Friar Tuck, aroused mufll interest. * Practically all the fire brigades in the city were represented. The sounding of their sirens and tho sight of the fire motors, fire trucks, centrifugal pump, scaling ladders, etc., decorated gaily with bunting, made the brigadesmen unusually conspicuous. Captain T. J. Watts was in charge. A Place of honour was occupied by tho King's Veteran Guards, who included

a number of men who had fought in the Maori and South African wars. Under Mr. G. V. Thorpe, district commander, the Auckland section of the Dominion Boy Scouts attended in full force. It was estimated < that their numbers on parade were between 400 and 500. Mr. F. Thomas was adjutant in charge. At the Domain. Eventually the vast concourse found its way to the* Domain, where a programme of sports was presented. It is estimated that there were over 10,000 people in attendance during the afternoon. The throng took the keenest interest in the sports fixtures, and an excellent programme was submitted. Fast times were recorded in some of the events. The chief attraction, perhaps, was the Maori h'aka.s. An interesting exhibition of baseball was given by local players. ' j Collection to Exceed £500. The officials are confident that Saturday's financial returns will exceed £500. This includes gate takings at the Domain and collections en route. In the evening the sum of £396 was deposited with the Union Bank of Australia in the names of Messrs. Robert Burns and W. Kalaughcr. Tho exact amount collected on Friday is not yet available, but the total is put at £2513, made up as follows: Deposited in the bank, £2338: to come in from Onehunga to-day, £120: tramway employees. £50 ; a dozen collection boxes not yet opened (estimated), £5. Of the £1817 collected in the streets, an analysis shows that £288 was received in notes, £155 in gold, £93 in cheques, £120* in silver, and £78 in copper (a total of nearly 19,000 coins). There were also two ladies' gold rings, which will bo sold by auction. "At St. Patrick's Cathedral yesterday special collections for the relief fund weio made at Masses and Vespers. The total amouuted to £255. The sum of £48 10s was obtained at St. John's Church, Parnell. In addition, Master Pilling sold a ponv, which realised £15. Assistance from Many Quarters. The Acting-Consul for Belgium has received a large number of additional offers of assistance.

Mr. J. W. Harrison has given a table, which was valued at £100 in tho Auckland Exhibition, to be sold for the benefit of the fund.

The Whangarei Committee has sent a cheque for "£179 4s lOd. making the amount from its district £345 14s sd. It has also arranged a "Belgium Week," commencing from to-day. Mrs. Axford has given a brougham, which will be sold.

Mr. H. D. Morpeth, town clerk, Waihi, lias forwarded a first donation of £100. More is to follow, and also a quantity of clothing.

Prime Minister's Congratulations. A telegram from the Prime Minister to Mr. Burns expressed the hope that the gathering would prove a splendid one. Mr. Massey announced that he would arrange for a free pass for the Maori contingent from Avondale to the Domain.

A movement is on foot to arouse the sympathy of the Maoris in connection with the fund. The services of anyone who can place the issue before the natives will be appreciated by Mr. Burns. it was a year ago on Saturday that the late Mr. John Burns was laid to rest. The deceased was Belgium's Consular representative in Auckland for nearly 20 years, the duties now being performed by his son.

In connection with the garden fete to ] be given at Mrs. Carr's residence, the J boy scout authorities have consented to; depute sis scouts to look after the grounds. On Thursday from noon to one o'clock an address will be given at the Sugar Works. Chelsea, in order to arouse the sympathy of the workers engaged there. Miss Butler and the Rev. W. Beatty will probably be the speakers. " Clothing Day " To-day. "Clothing Day " is the event on which all energies will be concentrated to-day. The response to the request for clothing promises to be a generous one. Already there are nearly 100 cases in sight in the central depot, some having come from as far north as Russell and others from as far south as Gisborne. Most liberal promises have been received from counU-y centres. To-day the public are invited to deliver their gifts to the nearest depot in their district, where they will be received from 8 a.m., or they may be handed to tram conductors between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The conductors will see to the safe disposal of i the parcels. The railways, Takapuna I and Devonport ferries, and the Northern ! Steamship Company will all carry Belgian i gifts free of charge to-day.

Acting-Consul's Fund. The Acting-Consul's fund now totals £14,440 6s. Following are the latest donations — £ s d Residents of Waihi, first instalment 100 0 0 Whit tome Stevenson, and Co., Ltd. ' 50 0 0 Lady dispenser, lady superintendent, sisters, and 17 nurses 16 0 0 Residents of Te Aroha, further contribution, per Te Aroha. News 15 0 9 Residents of Motumaoho, first contribution 11 0 0 Frank M. Winstone, third conI tribution 10 10 0 [Dr. Ernest Robertson 10 0 0

Staff of A. S. Paterson and Co., monthly | contribution, £9 3s 6d; J. Brown and I Sons, Ltd., second contribution, £5 ss; I Auckland Lawn Tennis Association, £5 j ss; Walker and Coakley, second* contri- j bution, £5 ss; Dr. Goldstein, £5 ss; Auckland District Young Women's Methodist Bible Class Union, £5 ss; Endean and Holloway, £5 ss; Wm. Cooke and Co., New Zealand Proprietary, Ltd., £5 j ss; W. Woodham. £4 4s; Auckland Coj operative Boot and Shoe Co. employees, ] third contribution, £3 19s; Jas. D. Martin, £3 3s; Staff of J. C. Spedding and Co. j £3; John Carie, £2 2s; Leonard and Dingley, £2 2s; Geo. J. Browne. Ltd., ]£2 2s; C. F. Bennett, £2 2s; Samuel I Boyd, £2: Sale of flowers bv Carpenjter Arthur and Co.. £2; Frank - C. ' Fiver, £1 Is; T. S. Prince, £1 Is Mrs. jM. P. Mackav, £1; Wager, £1; Rotorua i Friend, £1; Miss S. Riley. £1: G.H.8., -£1; Mary Kingdon, £1;* J.G.R., £1 ; Collected bv Oratia school children, £1 2s; Little Ida McK., 10s; J.J.,. 10s; A.M.J., 10s; Sale of kettle-holder from Elsie and Thelma Neave, 7s 6d; F.P., 2s 6d; 8.M.J., 2s; Anonymous, 2s; Button, Is; Muriel Seymour, Is. The residents of Pahi forwarded £11 15s 9d. made up as follows :—Mr. Rvan, Mr. Chadwick, E. Blaekwell, each £2;' Mr. and Mrs. Adams, each £1; Whakapirau Church of England collection, 12s 9d ; Blackwell children, fireworks monev, Mr. Milstead. Miss Chadwick, John Ma'sefield. 1 senr., M.C.C.. each 10s; .Mrs. French and Mrs. Harland, each ss; Mrs. Webb, Is. ' The following are the proceeds already collected in boxes placed in hotels •— Central. £3 19s 2d; Albert, £1 15s 8d • • Waverlev. £2 19s; British. £1 10s 9d; 1 Waito- ata, £2 9s 2d; Occidental. £1 17s j 3d: Thames, £1 19s; Metropolitan, £1 ; 13s 2d; Commercial, £1 4s 9d: Imperial, ' £1 5s 5d ; United Service. £1 3s 3d •' ! Royal, £1 Is 9d : Thistle, 12s 2d; ; I Queen's Ferry. 8s lOd; Victoria, 2s 7d - j City Club. 2s 6d. ! The Epsom List. • i Subscribers to the Epsom list have donated a total of £251 ss. The principal . donations are : —

: £ s. d. I W. W. Philips ... 25 0 0 I .Alan C. Brown 25 0 0 1 Sympathiser 20 0 0 Misses Bleazard ... 10 0 0 S.A.Carr 10 0 0 Dr. Dudley, £5 ss; Mrs. J. B. MacFirlane, £5 ss: W. J. Jobson, £5; 0. Morris, £5; Mrs. A. D. Stewart. £5: James Buttle. £5 : Mr. and Mrs. A. F. Fra* ter. £5 ; J. A. "Peacocks, £5 ; A. A. Donald. £3 3s; 0. R. Buttle. £3 3s: Mr. and Mrs. I. J. Osmond. £3 3s; Mr. W. T. Smith, £3 3s; Mrs. Walkley, H. Walkley, Alex. Donald. Geo. Plnmnier, Geo. Gow, R. W. Unfold, T. Hopkins, W. E. T.ewisham, £2 2s each ; A. Slater. Mrs. A. Slater, J. J. Lee, second donation, J. M.

Macky, second donation, V. M.- Eiwell, K. M. Waghora, K. L. Waghora, £2 each; Mrs. (Joss, Mr. and Mrs.■ Barker, E. Clay, Mrs. Clay, J. H. McCullou-jh, T. Mason, H. Wylie, H. Estick, - 2a.ra. Edward Morton, Mrs. L., H.T., H.M., £1 Is each; Winks, Mrs. Taylor, R. Woods, Sympathy, V. Rice. W. Sanford, J. Bayly, third donation, W. J. Foot*, Sympathiser, F.J.0., Mrs. J. M. Walker, Mrs. M. A. Moodv, S. A. Plummer, R. Kent, M. and S.H., A. B. Epsom, J. Harrison. M. H. Hawes, H. R. Craig. D. Waghorn, M. Alexander, R.H.A. House Collection. Ralph Owen. Captain E. Morgan, R. J. Emerson, Mrs. A. H. Hume, £1 each: Basketball, I6s; J.H.W., E.A.W., Ronald Morton, Geoff Morton. Mrs. Owen, 10s 6d each.; Mrs. C. Smith. Mrs. Robinson, E.M.J.. Mrs. Granger, Anonvmons, G.A.. K.M., Or. Brown, E.R.M.. 0. F. Gates. Welhnsher. I). Moir, G. F. Reid,■ E. Wolledge, Mr?, G. Barlow, Mrs. Ra}>son, A. J. McGowan, A Friend. E. A. Pearee. Alex. McLe.»d Baird, A. French. A. W. French. M. Aicken, R. Gillett. H.M.M., J.T.M.. E.M.C., X. Young, C. P. -Marchall. A. M. i Elliott. A.8.C., L.R.T.. Mrs. S. Reid. 110s each.