FORE KING AND COUNTRY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16668, 13 April 1916, Page 8

FORE KING AND COUNTRY

FAREWELL TO CR SINCLAIR. Some timo ago Cr Sinclair volunteered in Dunedin for active service, but did not pass the medical test, and consequently his services wcro not accepted. However, feeling that ho might be of some service to his King and country, ho decided to mnko a great sacrifice and to go Home and to offer his services to the Imperial authorities. Reference woe made to this fact at the last meeting of the City Council, when a resolution appreciating the step ho had taken was passed by the council. _ Tho councillors, in addition, decided to give Cγ Sinclair a fitting send-off on his laudable mission, and as a, result a very enjoyable function took place in tho Savoy last night. This was attended by members of tho Council, by ex-Councillors Marlow and M'Millan, and a. number of personal friends of Cr Sinclair. His Worship tho Mayor (Mr J. J. Clark) presided, and on his right was tho guest of the evening, and on his left was Cr Shacldock. A sumptuous supper having been enjoyed, a lengthy toast list was honoured. Tho principal toast was that of " Our Guest" (Cr Sinclair). This was proposed by tho Mayor, who said they had met to show their appreciation of Cr Sinclair, not merely as a councillor, but as a friend, a loyal ' comrade, and a njan whom they esteemed in the highest possible manner. He expressed hie pride in Cr Sinclair for having volunteered for service. Ho was sorry that he was not going to servo with the Now Zealanders. However, wherever he served ho would be an honour to Dunedin and to the City Council.—(Applause.) Ho had many qualifications for the makings of a. good soldier. He belonged to the distinguished profession known as tho "Devil's Brigade,"—(laughter)—and ho hoped that when Cr Sinclair got to tho front he would send many of the foe to join the patron saint of his order. —(Laughter and applause.) He felt sure that he would charge the Germans vigorously, and in this ho would be true to the traditions of his profession.—(Laughter.) He could not say he was sorry that they were losing Cr Sinclair, because their pride in him overwhelmed the sorrow they felt at his departure.—(Applause.) The reception that would be accorded him when he came back would bo considerably more enthusiastic than was his send'-off. Whether he succeeded in joining the Army or not would make no difference, because it was the spirit in Cr Sinclair that they admired. —(Applause.) He had been a strong man in the council, and ho fought strongly for principles. It did not matter whether they agreed with him or not, they always respected him.—(Applause.) His Worship then presented Cr Sinclair with a silver cigarette case, inscribed as follows: "To Cr J. S. Sinclair, from his fellowcounoillors upon his departure to offer his services in this great war." He asked him to accept this not for its intrinsic value, but because it would serve to remind him of thoso whom he was ; leaving behind. —(Applause.) Cr Green added his felicitations to those of the Mayor. He said that Or Sinclair was a critic of no mean order, and a man of ability, and also a clean fighter. Cr White expressed his admiration of tho spirit shown by Cr Sinclair in going Home to offer his services to the Empire. While he would lose a friend and a colleague on the council, ho felt that Cr Sinclair was doing the right thing, and he trusted he would very soon return to Dunedin, and that the war would be at an end. Messrs J. Haggitt, J. J. Marlow, A. Chrystall, and Cr Black also spoke. Cr Sinclair thanked his fellow-councillors for the kind things they had said about him and assured them that he appreciated very much their feelings towards him. He felt that in going- away and endeavouring to enlist at Home, ho was only doing what was his bounden duty, and his only regrets were that he had not made this decision more than a ago. At the same time, he thought that instead of the war closing this year, it had only just begun, and that it would continue for many years. Ho thanked the councillors for making him the presentation. It would come in very handy during his absence. —(Laughter.) He would always remember with pleasant feelings his experiences on the City Council. He was leaving his fellow-councillors with much regret, and he felt that possibly it would bo some timo before he would be back among them. He assured them it was very Hard to break off his connections with the councillors. However, at a time like this, every eligible unmarried man should go to the front in order that the war might be brought to the earliest possible close. He assured them that this -ceremony would remain very long in his memory. j -(Prolonged applause and the singing of " For He's a Jolly Good Fe110w. ,, ) During the evening , the assemblage was entertained by Messrs James and Haggitt, and Cr White. The proceedings closed with the singing of the National Anthem.