PUBLIC GATHERING

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7915, 26 September 1911, Page 6

PUBLIC GATHERING

CITIZENS AT THE TOWN TTAT.T.. SPEECHES BY GOVERNOR AND PRIME MINISTER. In the evening a public gathering was hold In the Town Hall, where between throe and four thousand people were present —a gathering representing all sections of the community. Pestoons of flags gave a festive appearance to the interior of the hall, and the platform was attractively decorated with evergreens and pot plants. His Excellency and Lady Islington arrived at eight o'clock. They took their seats on the platform with the Prirno Minister, Sir Joseph Ward, and Ladv Ward, the Mavor of Wellington, Mr T. M. Wilford, M.P., and Mrs ford.' Present on the stage wore also the Hon. X>. Buddo, Mrs Buddo and Miss Buddo, tho Hon. Iv. McKenzie and Mrs McKenzie, Colonel Collins, C.M.G.. Colonel Heard, Captain Estcourt, Captain Mcßougail, Mr Ward, and Mr and Mrs Guise! The gathering was responsive and appreciative. The speeches wore attentively followed, many of the sentiments expressed being greeted with rounds of applause. The orchestral items by a body of musicians, of which Mr W. McLaughlin was conductor, and the excellent vocal contributions, which had been arranged by Mr James Dykes, were likewise well received. THE! MAYOR’S CIVIC WELCOME. The Mayor said it was not for him ns Mayor of the city to play an Important part in a gathering of this nature. It was his duty merely to briefly introduce the speeches that were to come.

But ho must congratulate the people of Wellington on the ready response by which they had given expression to their true love and devotion to the little -Dominion in which they lived. He was proud, as a Xcw Zealander, of his country. ‘(Applause.) There might be differences of opinion on Ciuestions as to how tho country could best advance; but there was no doubt whatever, that deep down in the hearts of the people theio was a desire for progress and advancement on democratic lines, with a tine and lasting loyalty to the parent State. (Applause.) As Mayor ho welcomed his Kxcollency to the gathering. Ho would also direct special attention to tho veterans who sat: in the front row. (Loud anplauso.) The gathering was »ot being hold with any idea of bragging about our loyalty, hut for assisting ill the creation of a national sentiment for a national day. (Applause.) It was a day on which" the people could congregate free from party politics, and from those troubles and difficulties which occurred between individuals and .sections of the community—congregate with a common object, viz., to recognise the fact that we were a free people, living in a country with a constitution that we were proud of, and with a democratic regime suitable only to a people which "was determined to progress ami not stagnate. (Loud applause.)