THE PATRIOTIC FUND.

Otago Witness, Issue 2391, 28 December 1899, Page 20

THE PATRIOTIC FUND.

MONSTER MASS MEETING.

DUNEDIN'S RESPONSE TO DUTY'S CALL.

THREE THOUSAND POUNDS GIVEN.

He's an absent-minded beggar, but he heard his country's call, And his reg'nient didn't need to send to find him : He chucked his job and joined it — so the job before us all Is to help the- home that Tommy's left behind h-in.

— K-ipling,

The largest public hall in the colony proved none too commodious on Friday evening for the multitude of people in Dunedin who desired, in response to the invitation of the Patriotic Fund Committee, to give tangible proof of their devotion and loyalty to the British Empire, their admiration for the " Soldier? of the Queen," and their deep sympathy for those who suffer through the war in South Africa. The hall, which, with even a large gathering, usually presents an array of empty benches, was fairly well filled in all parts half an hour before the proceedings commenced, and by 8 o'clock wa6 densely crowded, notwithstanding the fact that up to that time a charge of one shilling was made for admission, with the certainty of one and the probability of a series of collections to follow. The audience was demonstratively and enthusiastically loyal, listened with interest, applauded with vigour, and gave with liberality. Anything that favoured of attachment to the old flag was caught up with avidity, and the patriotic sentiments with which the speeches abounded were punctuated with" cheers and applause. On such an occasion money in large or small sums, according to the means of the giver, is snid to talk, and if that is so, ~lhe voice on Friday evening was most eloquent. The arrangements made by the committee were in all respects successful to an extraordinary degree.

At the hour appointed for the bands to start from the Octagon, hundreds of people patrolled the streets in the pouring vain. Punctually at 7.30 p.m. the Kaikorai. Band moved off, playing- the march " National Unity," in which occurp the stirring air " Soldiers of the Queen." The Southern Brass Band followed, three minutes later, playing martial music, and the same interval separated the North-East Valley, Citizens', Port Chalmers, Dunedin Pipe Band, and Dunedin Garrison. The bauds were all applauded as_ they marched off, and the pipers eppecially came in for a hearty cheer as they marched past, playing a march of the Gordon Highlanders. The crowd moved down Princes street with the bands to the Agricultural Hall.

THE SCENE IN THE HALL.

The hall was crowded soon after 7 o'clock, and by the time the proceedings were* initiated every part of the hall was filled with an audience whose enthusiasm was at once made manifest by frequent and obvious appreciation on their part of the various strains of patriotic music that filtered from the outside streets from the various bands that had been parading prior to the ceremony. The management bad taken considerable pains to provide an attractive scene for the welcome of the ptiblic on the occasion, and the result was that the Agricultural Hall had assumed a festive and gorgeous appearance such as it seldom assumes The stage was draped with a variety of bunting, of which the most conspicuous feature was the grouping in the centre of the Union Jack, the New Zealand Ensign and the Stars and Stripes of the United States, flanked by the Irish and Scotch flags. A prominent dais in front of the stage proper had been erected, which was occupied by the chairman, and the speech-makers of the evening. The chair was, of course, occupied by his Worship the Mayor (Mr R. Chisholm), and the following gentlemen immediately surrounded him: — Mr Justice Williams. Bishop Nevill, Rev. Father O'Neill, Revs. J. Gibb and W. Maunders. Mr M. J. S. Mackenzie, and Mr J. A. Millar, M.H.R.

On the stage behind the following ladies and gentlemen had seats: — Colonel Morris, Colonel Wales, Lieutenant-colonel Surgeon De Lautour, Major Smith, Captain Hislop, Adjutant Stronach, Lieutenant Morris, Captain Clmlmer, Captain Barclay, Dr Clous, Captain Crawford, Lieutenant-commanding Allen, Captain Stoncham, Captain Jackson, Captain Burfc, Lieutenant Allan, Captain Carncro><s, Surgeon-major Cough trey, T. K. Sidey (Mayor of Csversham), Thos. Fiddis (Mayor of South Dunedin), Jas. Annand (Mayor of Mornington), D. A- De Maus (Mayor of Port Chalnieiv), A. Mathcson (Mayor of Roslyn), Captain Mitchell iFire Brigade), Mr C. C. Graham (S.M., Dnnedin), Inspector Pardy (Dunetlin), R. C. Wilson (President Trades and Labour Council), J. C. Thomson (President Industrial Apsociation), A. C. Hanlon (Otngo Cricket Association), Dr Fulton (Dunedin Cycling Club), J. Moloney (President Chamber of Commerce), G. M. Burlinson (Industrial School), Hcrt. G. M'Lean, M.L.C., Hon. W. M. Bolt, M.L.C., Hon. D. Pinkerton, M.L.C., Hon. Hugh Gourley, M.L.C., J. F. Arnold, M.H.R. , R. Barclay, M.H.R., A. Morrison, M.H.R., T. S. Graham, D.G.M., E.C., James Gore, D.G.M., S.C., D. Wetherilt, N.Z.C., E. Osborne, G P U.A.O.D, D. Larnach, U.A.0.D., W. Reid, D.G.S., 1.0.0. F., R. B. Ingram, D.C.R., A.0.F., J. J. Ram»ay (chairman Education Board), G. L. Sif-e (representing United Slatosj, and a large number of others, besides quite a number of ladies.

The proceedings opened at a few minutes past 8 with the singing of a verso of the National Anthem, in which the combined bands assisted the audience, who sang it with the greatest enthusiasm while the Royal Stan-' dard was hoisted in front of the dias. Across the front of the proscenium there were hung the flags forming the immortal Trafalgar signal, "England expects that every man this clay will do hit, duty."

The whole bctno was one of unbounded enthusiasm.

THE SPEAKERS. The Mayor said he had received an apology, in the shape of a telegram, from the Hon. Mr Ward, which read : " Much regret, in consequence of steamer not arriving Lyttelton time for express, impossible for me to arrive in time. Otherwise present. Wish you success." He (Mr Chisholm) had aleo an apology from a patriot's father: —

I much regret my physical inability to be piesent at the meeting in aid of the patriotic fund to-night. I need scarcely say that this and similar meetings, and .exertions of citizens for a like purpose throughout the colony wiii cheer the hearts and strengthen the aims of our boys who are now fightine their country.! battles in South Africa, and will have a like effect on those oi o.ui eons who are new girdiug

up their loins-and putting on their armour to help the- cause of the dear old mother land, our home and Kindred. This, Mr Chisholm said, was from Mr J. Robin, tlie father- of Major Robin. — (Applause.) He had also apologies from the following gentlemen: — Captain Myers, Messrs George Crichton, G.Z.1., 1.0.0. F., A. Wilson, D. A. Theomin, W. E. Reynolds, John Roberts, Rev. W. Banner-man T the Re*. Mr Chodowski (Jewish Rabbi), Archdeacon RoHinson, Colonel Reeves, Colonel Webb, Hon. Thos. Fergus, and Mr E. G. Allen, M.H.R.

Sir Chisholm said, in opening the proceedings, that never before in the history of New Zealand had occasion arisen when it wns necessary — should he say imperative — that every man, woman, and child in the colony should stand shoulder to shoulder in giving one grand united — one, should he say, supreme, effort to show their loyalty and patriotism for their Empire — the British Empire. — of which we formed a part. — (Applause.) The fire of enthusiasm was kindled a short tinie ago in Dimedin, when our contingent left our shores, and for some considerable time that fire, then kindled, had been slumbering, and during the last few days it had been fanned into a flame. To-night, by their efforts, .they wanted to force that flame into a great blaze that would spread its influence to the farthest corner of our Empire. — (Loud applause.) What was patriotism? It might begin by singing, as they had done, the National . Anthem, but it. must not die with the martial strains of music such as Ihey had iust listened to. True patriotism was something that could not be explained in words. It was a power that lived and breathed in deeds, and if they wished for an example of it, he would ask them to look at Major Robin with his contingent in South Africa. — (Loud and continued applause.' Patriotism meant genuine self-sacrifice, and without that it meant little or nothing. Major Robin was the only son of his father and mother, and he offered his life a. sacrifice to the Empire, and, with his contingent, took that life in his hand and went to the front and nobly did his duty. Those present knew what they had already done. — (Loud applause.) And, coming nearer home, let him ask them to look at Major Smith— (renewed applause) — and others. Major Smith was a man with a wife and a young family, and was yet prepared to make the sacrifice to go to South Africa and fight for country and Queen. — (Applause.) Less deeds than these had been written in history long ere now. and in history to come such grand, noble sacrifices H'ke these should find a place. Thc-'e men were patriots born, and from their sense of duty heard the call, and were ready to answer it. In the words of Tennyson: Theirs not to make reply, Theirs not to reason why, Theirs but to do, or die! These were the men who were fired with true patriotism, these the heroes of the nation — these men who went to fight t'heiv way, to fight their way to victory above the smoke and din of battle. — (Loud and continued applause.)

The Royal Standard of Scotland was run up amid cheers as his Honor Judge Williams rose to ppeak.

His Honor said : Sir Mayor and Fellovy-citi-zens,—The British Empire just "now is in rather, a tight place, but the British Empire has been put in a much tighter place before, and has got out of it — (cheers), — and if we are true to ourselves, please God, we will" get out of it again. — (Renewed cheering.) Let there be no mistake about tlie grave' and momentous issues involved in the present war. — (Hear, hear.) There is an immediate issue, and there is the ultimate issue. The immediate issue is this : Tb South Africa, to remain part of the British Empire, with equal rights for English and for Dutch — (cries of "Yes," and cheer?) — or is South Africa to become a Dutch republic ?— (Voices : "No-.") Now the word republic does not in the least alarm me, but what sort of republic will this be? It will be a republic in which English-speaking men will not have civic rights ; it will be a republic where the English language is proscribed ; it will be a republic where a Briton will hardly be allowed to live. Tt will be, in short, a republic hostile to everything that is British. — (Cheers.) You know there are two ways from Europe to these colonies. There is the way by a ditch called the Suez Canal, which a few pounds of dynamite could block at any moment, and there is the way by the Cape of Good Hope. Conceive to yourselves the halfway house to these colonies in the poFsession of a hostile Power. — (Cheers.) That is the immediate issue. The ultimate issue is far graver and wider. It means nothing more )ior less than this: Is the British Empire to uonl'iii'.ie to oxist? — (Cries of' "Yes," and cheers.) Rrostige may bo said" to be an idle word ; but in the East it is a word of power. What do you think the teaming millions of India will have in their minds if.we lose South Africa? Surely they will ray. .the soeptro is fallen from the hands of Britain, and the British raj is at an end. What would be the position of the people of India, with a discontented population, and. -an enemy in the frontier, and with the aooess to Britain blocked ! Heaven grant that wo may be saved from so groat a calamity. — (ChearH.) Yes, fel-low-citizens British Empire is worth saving. — (Cheers) It is worth saving for this: That grievously and gravely as we have sinned, yet on the whole the British Empire makes for the reign of righteousness and justice. — (Prolonged cheers.) I look forward to the continuance of the British Empire, and to the establishment of most cordial relations between that Empire and our fellow-citizens in the United States of America — (cheers), — as an assurance, as the best assurance of civilisation, and as the firmest guarantee for the poace of the world. — (Loud cheers.) These, gentlemen (turning to the Enpign* and the Stars and Stripes) are the two flags, and let them be united, and the whole world stand against them, and nothing can harm. us. — (Enthusiastic cheers.) The nrieis being thus ucute, what ought we to do? Surely staled shoulder to shoulder. There was a time, fel-low-citizens, when it was quite permissible to consider whose fault this war was ; why it came about, and whether it ought to be undertaken. That time is past. — (Cheers.) It may come again; it will come again when all is over. But now if anyone sa.ys to you: "But" I don't approve of this war," then there is only one answer: ''Sir, you have got to approve of it." — (Renewed cheering.) When your mother is in trouble it is your duty to help her, even though she may to some extent haye brought her trouble on herßelf . We have, fellow - citizens, a duty as a people ; we have a, duty as individuals, and I am rejoiced to say that those who are in charge of our destinies have risen to the occasion, and have decided to despatch a second contingent.— (Cheers.) All honour to them for it ; but there is another dujty, a duty which we owe to the Empire, and which wo owe to ourselves, and that is to organ ice our defences. — (Cheer«.) Lot \u see our defender.? armed, with the most modem and must efficient weapons. "When thr; Lion ib f-iek, then come tuo vultures. We La\o to bewaru

of the vultures. I have' every confidence that the Government are not neglecting, and will not neglect, this important duty. But I do say this : that if any Government does neglect this duty, and if any disaster happens, then suoh a Government is fit for nothing but" to black the boots of a- foreign army of occupation. — (Renewed and prolonged cheering.)' How, then, can we as private individuals best' help? All honour .to those of our fellow-citi-zens who have volunteered for the front. They} have offeree! up their lives. Wo who stay behind cannot; offer up our lives, but we cani offer up our substance. Think how many, brave men there are in South Africa- who have loft their dear one? behind them. Picture to yourselves the soldier bivouacking under tho stars, knowing that he may die on the morrow. His thoughts turn homo: to his agodl mother, to his wife, to his children. Think} what comfort and consolation it is to him tof know that whatever happens to himself, his dear ones will be provided for. Fellow-citi-zens, it is for us to provide for them. Pufe' your hands deep in your pockets, and bring them out full.— (Cheers.) Sir, I have- done;. This is no time for phrase-mongering. It ig no time for the empty vapourings of themusic hall. What we want now is reasoned and sustained enthusiasm, a dogged determination, and united and vigorous action.—* (Loud, enthusiastic, and prolonged cheering.)

I Bishop Nevill said : Your Worship, ladies and gentlemen,— lt is a very hard thing indeed to maintain the high standard that has beem set before us to-night on the part of his Wor-i-ship and his Honor the Judge in the speeches they have made. For my ovm. part, I feel the' greater difficulty in addressing you becausa' in the eloquent speeches we have listened t<y some of the points I had marked down for' emphasis have been forestalled by his Honor. I will venture to say this : if there are any of us who suppose the only question — or the main question — as between the authorities of our Empire and the Imperial Government and those who boar authority in the Transvaal was only a question of the power of tho vote, we have been long ago disillusioned of any such idea, by the facts revealed to us in, <he cables we have received day by day. It is no longer a question of votes or supremac even. It is a question of the existence — a: least, so far as regards our authority and power in South Africa. — (Applause.) If this is so, shall we recede^- It is a question oE Briton v. Boer, and if wo ask the question, who is to_ bo supreme, I am quite sure the whole nation has already answered that question, and our great towns and little villages are answering the question now with a voice of ever-increasing strength from day to day. — . (Applause.) I should like to say, first of all, with tho knowledge of the gravity of our position, we must be sustained by a sense oE our duty. We must recognise the dignity of our Empire, and aid in the maintenance o£ that dignity. I am here to-night to say wa have ps a nation a mission to fulfil in the world. God has called upon us to fulfil the responsibilities he has placed before us, and we are bound as a nation" to rise to our responsibilities. lam here as a citizen to assist, with, even if it be a weak -hand, the flag o£ our Empire. But lam here, not merely as a* citizen, but as a clergyman also. I would ve-. mind you that it is not a flag df selfish dominion, but rather a flag in which the three united crosses are a symbol of self-sacrificing power, which is the power we are to exefciß9 for the uplifting of races ■which may be down-trodden, and for the enlightenment of: those who come within the sphere of our influence. I may be told that such remarks are wide of your purpose to-night. Ido not think so, because, with such reflections we fortify our conscience and our conscience inspires our actions. If, like Israel of old, we are convinced that we are called to supplant a. people who have failed in their day of oroofi then, persuaded that we are called of God ta discharge the unfulfilled task, we shall adopt; the motto " Evocatus paratus "—"" — " Called! forth, and ready," — called, it may be, to go forth to the battle; ready, •'£ otherwise^ to support with our substance those who -are;) and thus, going or staying, we join hands witk our brothers in the great circle of the world:. Mr J. A. Millar, M.H.R., said that that, indeed, was a memorable occasion. It waa the firft occasion upon which the people of Dunelm had been asked to show their loyalty to tlie mother nation in a practical form. — ■ (Applause.) They could tee 'iy that immerse congregation of citizens that this loyalty was not mere word of mouth, but that it was to assume a practical shape. — (Cheers.) Tlierewere some people, as had been said, who questioned the right of England involving herself in this war.; but the man who now talked; of such a thing was nothing but a traitor to his country. — (Cheers.) It was their duty, and it was their children's duty, to see her out of the trouble.— (Cheers.) What was it which, was causing the pulse of this nation to vibxate in unison with that of the motherland? If; was the slender crimson thread of kinshig permeating the race, and wkich caused them to be so deeply interested in this war. Lefc them direct their eyes to the Transvaal, and what wDuld they see? ' They would see there the best thai? England could produce —(cheers),— the best that Scotland could produce—(cheers),—the bepfc that Ireland could produce— (cheers) ,—the best that Wales could produce.— (Cheers.) But they would see more. For the first time in the history- of the world they would see, side by side with those sons of Briton, the sons of Canada— (cheers),— the sons of Australia— (cheers),— and last, but not least, they would see Zealandia's sons standing shoulder to shoulder with the other defenders of the Empire.— (Prolonged cheers.) Could they wonder, therefore, that every one of that vast concourse of people felt thrilled when the word Transvaal was mentioned? Could they wonder that day by day they eagerly scanned the cables which chronicled: the movements of the British army, and when, they heard of our men receiving a check that everyone with a drop of Anglo-Saxon or Celtic blood felt the desire to volunteer assistance to the mother land. Up to the present we had nothing to blame ourselves for. When the needs of the Empire were made 'known. New Zealand at once offered volunteers for tho front. The trouble was not to find sufficient men as volunteers, but the trouble was to weed them out. More men came forward than could possibly be sent. To-day, however, they found that still further assistance was required, and with one voice, and with, no uncertain voice, the colony had said to the Government that that assistance was to be given. — (Cheers.) Our men would be away in. two or three weeks. — (Renewed cheers.) Come what might, tho supremacy of the British Empire must be upheld. — (Cheers.) It was no time for bca«tiiig now. He was not speaking in a boastful ppirit. He was not a Boklier himself, but he was the son of a soldier, and many relatives of his had laid down their lives for the Empire — (cheers), — and when it was found that Britain was threatened^ it be* hoved everyone who had British blood in him to stand up and say tlwit whatever be the cost the danger had to be overcome. They could not all volunteer for the front, but it; was a. duty which lay on the shoulders of everyone to^jjivo wliut it wjvff Ift their. nojKM.ia giY.S*

..JFhey could not hope to fight for the Empire, •but the least they could do was to look after "those left behind by the men who did fight. — .[(Loud cheering.) That was the object of the Meeting that night. They wished to show in ~& practical form that so far as New Zealand iypas- concerned, she was prepared to do her Bhare in assisting the Empire, both by sending alien to the front and by supplementing the 'iuud designed to make the lives of those who fiave lost their nearest and dearest in the Transvaal a litlle more pleasant. Every° ne present must have felt proud to hear the amount that had already been collected towards this object, and when the news was flashed throughout the colony that the people of Dunedin had raised over £3000 in 24 hours it would redound to the credit and loyalty •pf our city. He had to say, in conclusion, .that he hoped every man, woman, and child in tha colony would recognise the gravity of the situation. It was true there was very Qittle to fear of ultimate defeat. We were .bound to win in the long run, but we were going to lose a lot of valuable lives. This must not be a spasmodic effort. They must again, if necessary, have a meeting and get £3000 or £5000 if it were required, and be determined to show that we were one nation, cne race, one tongue, and that the nation had not yet arisen who would separate us. — (Prolgnged cheer 3.) Mr M. J. S. Mackenzie, who was received '•with demonstrative applause and the waving of liandkerchiefs, had the* flag of Scotland hoisted over him as he rose. He addressed the vast ■assemblage as follows:— Mr Chairman, ladies * and gentlemen,— l positively thought that at " least a period of three years would elapse be- . fore I should have the vary great honour and pleasure of addressing a huge Dunedin audience again. — (Laughter and applause.) But "it is the unexpected that happens always, and it has happened on this occasion. Let me tell you this, however, that I am in a most unfortunate position to-night, and you would hardly guess the reason of it; in fact, you .would never guess it. It is because his Lordship the Bishop and his Honor the Judge have positively stolen every point that I had to put before you 10-night. Now. that is not the sort of conduct that you would expect from a bishop and a judge.— (Renewed laughter and applause.) So there again I have to remind you that it is the unexpected thai happens. — (Laughter.) Well, now, personally, let me tell you that I ieel it a privilege and a great honour to he allowed to take part in the meeting to-night, because there is a very real sense in which this is going to prove an historic gathering.— (Cheers.) It is not jx jingo meet- , me, mark you. No, no ; there is too much money going about for that.— (Laughter and fjheers.) It is a very Scotch meeting, this.— y (Applausp.) I will tell you what it is — it is j in the very highest and noblest sense a patriotic meeting.— (Loud cheers.) The position has changed from what it was a month or ] two ago. To-night — that is, at the present j time — we are called upon to render real, genu- j me, human assistance to the great and glorious State from whose loins we have sprung, j and whose traditions, stretching out as they <lo into the remotest past, are the chiefest j glory that we enjoy to-day.— (Cheers I When .we sent our little contingent — a noble cont tingent, it is true — to the Transvaal, we said in effect to the mother country : " You don't require our assistance, but we want to be "allowed the privilege of assisting you. — (Cheers.) We want to show the whole world that neither time, nor absence, nor distance, nor changed conditions of life have rubbed out the Briton within us. — •C!*eer=.) '.Ye want to reveal to the world that the Briton of the colony is ready in the hour of difficulty to stand shoulder to phoulder with the Briton of the parent State." — (Loud cheers.) I cay difficulty, because it would be a libel on the Empire to hay it is in danger. — (Chpprs.) I agree wilh his Honor the Judge when he said the Empire was in a tight place to some extent, and I jotted down on a piece of paper from memory what I read not long ago in a book of sni passing interest at the present incipient — Seelcy'p " Expansion of England.'' Thinking of the tight places of the Empire in past years I could lfcall the la&t patriotic fund that we had in hand — not here, for we were not in existence, but in the old country — was when Napoleon had overrun the whole of Europe, and England alone stood a solitary, impregnable rampart against him. — (Cheers.) And then I remember also that the seven wars that took place before the Napoleonic period each averaged eight or nine years, and we thought nothing of it in those days. Now .we expect a war to be over in a few weeks or mouths. That is the Briton in us. — (Laughter.) And then I remember also thai Clive in India was carrying on a huge war with 100.000 men when the seven yoarn' war was raging in Europe, and that Lord Wellesley made his annexations in India at the time "of Napoleon's wars in Europe. A good many present will be able to recall the fact that when we retired from the Crimean war, we had then to go straight to India to quell the most desperate rebellion the world ever saw— a rebellion of 300,000 * people. (The warning bell was here rung by the Chairman). The bell i«= rung, but I do not think that all thone kind ph"ers with which you greeted mo at first should be laben off my time. Well. now. I said that the Empire is not in danger. Woll, now, neither it is. But we have a formidable war before us— xnurh more formidable thin we thought it. 'And what is the reason of it? It i«, first of all — and Britain should be the Prst to odmit it — that wo have to meet 60,000 men who, next to the British themselves, are probably the finebt fighting men in the world. — "(Cheerp.) Those are the descendants — the very same men who finally disputed the supremacy of the sea& with us under the celebiated 'Admiral "Yon Tromp. And then wo have, mark you — and that makes it formidable — wo have to face the disloyalty of a great portion of the South African Continent. — (Choeri.) And lastly, we have to face, and J am sorry to Gay it. practically a hostile world. It is a grand position to be in, but it is serious — (cheers), — with the honourable exception of •America. — (Loud and enthusiastic cheers.) We iiave got to face a hostile world. Mark you, some of them may not be diplomatically hostile. They may be diplomatically friendly teven, but they are nationally and emotionally hostile ; and we havo to face thorn, and we will do it. Some one told you that he was not a soldier. Well, neither am I. We cannot all be soldier?, but if I were 15 years younger I declare to you I would be one. — (Cheers.) 'But though we cannot all be soldiers, at least we can do what we are called upon to do toliight within our means, humble though they may be. We can at least give something, and we have to remember the fact, and it is an inspiring thing for us to feel that in giving ,we are mitigating the rigours of war, alleviating the sufferingp. and lessening the anxieties of the gallant fellows who are fighting the battle of the Empire, and fighting our battle at the same time.— (Cheers.) And let us not forget, and with this remark I will conclude, that it is an inspiring thing also for our soldiers to feel that every remote corner of the British. Ejnpjro is *fla,me with the desire

! to help them. — (Prolonged and enthusiastic ' applause.) | The Rev. Mr Gibb. who was received with cheers, ' said : Mr Chairman and fellov, citizens, — As I stand here surveying this vast audience, glowing as it is with patriotic fervour, my heart swells within my breast. For the moment, at least, one is tempted to forget the miseries of the battlefield — tempted almost to be thankful for a war which has led to a display of loyalty to Queen and country so magnificent as this. — , (Cheers.) Shakespeare has said that "thero is some soul of goodness in things evil, would men observingly distil it out. Now, war 5s an evil thing — a fell scourge not only of the vanquished, but in many ways also of the victor. Did not the Duke of Wellington say that the next saddeet sight lo a field lost was a field won ! Our hearts bleed for the brave men who in the full flush of life drop into tho arms of death on the red field of strife. "We suffer a pang of almost intolerable pity for the wounded, many of them so cruelly torn that deatn would be a crowning* mercy. We think of the widows and orphans who in the stately halls and cottages of Britain are even now wailing for the touch of a vanished hand, for ' the sound of a voice that is still. We think of the fever of suspense which is consuming the , hearts of the relatives of our own i brave lads now at the front. And jas we tliink of these things the I cry breaks from our lips : War is an evil, ■ utter and malignant. Did not the eorrespon- [ dent of a Sydney newspaper say recently that the sight of the wounded and dead made one wish to write across the whole heavens , the r>ra3'er : Give peace in our time, 0 Lord? i And vet there is a soul of goodness even in ' this evil thing. And that good is manifest to- ' day from end to end of the Empire. — (Loud cheers.) It is manifest in Dunedin, and conbgicuously s^o in this hall to-night. — (Cheers.) Mn speak of the good that will be accomplished when the Avar is concluded. And they speak well. For civilisation, as Lowell say?, does sometimes get forward on a powder- , carl. — (Cheers.) The triumph of Britain in South Africa — and her xiltimate triumph is sure — will be the vindication and establishment of principles for which, as good citizens and Christian men, it is our duty to contend. — (Applause.) But it needs no anticipation ot final results to perceive some, at lea3t, of the benefits accruing to us from this war. What, for example, is it that has brought us together here this evening? What is it that is now thrilling in every heart v Is it not tho eentiment of our patriotism, that great love of fatherland, which, next to the love of God, has been the motive of all those deeds thpi ar3 the chiefpst glory of the human race? — (Renewed applause.) It is no ba^e material thing. It is a thing ' unseen and eternal that is now inspiring us. It is, indeed, true that our temporal prosperity is bound up with the existence of the British Empire. But who is thinking of that tonight? Who, for an instant, doubts that Britain will emerge victorious from this strife, even if wo sat supinely by, and sent her neither men nor money nor words of good cheer? — (Hear, hear.) It is no selfish concern for our own skins that is now animating us. Nay nay ! It is lovp of the grand old land — the land which, with all its faults, yet stands, and for centuries has stood, for all that is noblest in human hibtory, — it is pride, a just pud honourable pride, in the glorious flag which, wherever it ■waves, is the emblem and guaranteo )f freedom and justice and equal _ rights for all men. — (Cheers.) This is the sentiment that now posBessep our minds. Tliif. is the explanation of this vabt assemblage. And this, is tho soul of goodness in this South African war. True, the war has not created this great sentiment. It was always existent; but the war has intensified our patriotism, =o that it has become a passion strong enough to sweep away all base and selfish considerations an chaff is swept before the whirlwind. And let no man say that however admirable &uch fervent pa- , trioli^m may be on the part of men who <-tand for tho defence of their liberties and homes, it; is needless that we should be so in- , tensely rous-ed. Two months ago I vould 1 have said as much myself, and for that I do repent mc. — (Applause.) Two months ago - who in this part of the world knew of tho preparations the Boers had made, not to dofend their oountrv against hostile attack, but to wrest tho South African sovereignty from i Great Britain. It is now clearly evident that wn are fighting not only for justice to the Uitlanders, but for tho integrity of our own posfie^sionb — ay, and for our dignity and standing as one of the great Powers of th« I world. — (Loud applause.) Defeat at the j hands of the Boers would mean j not" only the rending from -us of I South Africa. It would probably mean the i dismemberment of the Empire. We have many watchful and bitter foes, who would gladlj' seize an opportunity of smiting us beyond the possibility of recovery. Will that, , fate ever befall us? — (No !) Never, never while wo cleave to God, honour His laws, , and bland shoulder to shoulder, heart to heart, for the defence of our rights. — (Applause.) That we arc standing together thus to-day is the most cheering fact of this critical time. We in our inland homo, our kinsfolk in the great Continent of Australia and Canada — our Lady of tho Snows — have not they, and we. and all the other cons of the Empire heard the voice of the great mother calling to us: • Shall we not through good and ill | Cleave to one another still ; Britain's myriad voices call, " Sons, be welded, each and a!I, Into one Imperial whole! One with Britain, heart and soul! One life, one flag, one fleet, one throne! Britons, hold your own."

And we shall, not only — not even, I trust, chiefly, — for the sake of our national possessions, but for the sake of our honour and our liberties, for the take of the work we have done in the world ankl the work we have vet to do, for the sake of the coming Parliament of man and the federation of the world, for the sake of these and all else that is involved in the maintenance in its integrity of the British Empire, we shall hold our own, so help 'us God ! — (Loud and enthusiastic applause.)

The Roy. Father O'Neill was received with quite an enthusiastic outburst of cheering, which was renewed as the flag of Ireland was hoisted above his head. Father O'Neill gave an amusing Irish anecdote illustrative of the unexpectedness of the position in which he found himEelf that evening, the anecdote causing great laughter. The object for which they had met that evening must commend itself to all who were believers 'in the great virtue of charity. — (Applause.) He would like to say, before commencing his remarks — and that was an Irishman's way of putting it — (laughter), — that if his Lordship, Bishop "Verdon, was in New Zealand he would be heart and soul with the object of that evening. — (Enthusiastic cheers.) The cause they had in hand was a noble one. It was the cause of charity. The papers had told them of the dreadful Bufferings entailed by the rush of. Uitlanders from Pretoria and other towns, and how the property was confiscated. There was need to appeal to the generosity of the people, and that appeal was not in vain. He could speak for bis compatriots and co-religionists in Otago, in saying that in accordance with their means they would do their duty in helping those who were in want. — (Cheers.) The generosity of his people, his compatriots,, and co-religion-ists had been proved on many occasions. They were not rich in the world's goods, but they were rich in the fervour of their charity, and in the earnestness of their desire to relieve distress wherever it showed itself. — (Applause.) Their generosity was a part of the legacy which had been left to them by those who had gone before. The past 100 years had testified most abundantly that Irishmen and Catholics, when the British flag was in distress and in danger, were ready to shed their hearts' blood for it. — (Enthusiastic cheers.) If they looked over the pages of history for the pasl 100 years they would bee there that amongst the mo*t able commanders and amongst the bravest regiments that carried the flag of Britain to glory and honour, the Irishmen and Highlanders were side by side. — (Cheers.) (At this moment the warning bell sounded). Father O'Neill concluded his remarks by saying, — "Ladies and Gentlemen, I have but one word to say. It is to remind you of a tribute of respect to the love and devotion of those who remained to nurse the sick in Ladyemith, Mafeking, and Kimberley. The Catholic nuns were there in possession of homes and teaching institutions, and were offered the alternative of leaving, but they bravely and unanimously decided that they would remain to nurse the sick. — (Cheer?.) And now. ladies and gentlemen, I have ju°t to give you a few lines o£ what our national poet says to some who have not read the history of the pa&t, or who, reading it, did not read it aright. He said : — Ccr.tempt on ths man who calls you disloyal, Though fierce to your foe, to your friends you are Irue; And the Iributs mo3t high to a head that is royal, Is love from a heart that loves liberty too. While oowards who blight Your fame, your right, Would shrink from the blaze of the battle array, The standard of Gr»*n In front would te seen. Oh, my life on your faith were you summoned this minute, You'd cast every bitter jemembrance away, And show what the arm of old Erin has in it, When roused by the foe, you would join in,the fray.

Lieutenant Commander Allen, on the New Zealand flag being hoisted, said he was premature in saying there was no such flag. It was there. He had met Father O'Neill on tho railway platform at Milton, and had said he would be proud if he was an Irishman on that night. He might also say he would be proud to be able to bay that he was a Scotchman. There were, however, others among-st them who were neither English, Scotch, nor Irish, and yet were all three. They belonged to a great nation, and had every reason to be proud of belonging to that great nation. On its banner they might pee written " Equity and Freedom," and it was on behalf of these two great emblems that the mother country had taken up arms to-day. They knew that so long as they fought under her they would have equity and freedom. There was a time in the history of New Zealand that they, lusty in their youth, thought they might become a nation in themselves, but that clay had gone by, thank Heaven. They had a greater career, a greater future before them than that of their individual self — the great unity of the English-speaking people. The present meeting showed how great the vmity of the kingdom was. He wab there not only speaking to them as a young colonial, but as a volunteer officer. They were responsible in belonging to the great Britibh nation, and that was the reason of the meeting that was taking place. Thpy had taken part of the burdon upon their shoulders in sending men to the seat of war already, and in addition to that they were going to send more, and were going to put their hand* in their pockets. If more was wanted, he felt certain they would find it. They had every reas-on to be proud, of the men who had gone to South Africa, and every reason to be proud of the men in command of the troop — they belonged to themselves. Now, ho was going to urge the leP3on. There were many there who might be volunteer?. There «a& a uniform for them to don — there was £gp& « Jwj» poxoQauy^ and

there were fresh companies to be formed. If they were to 'be brought against a foreign invader, let the men 'don that uniform. He could not "Say anything about the Defence department,' 'because tliat was not permissible, but he could invite 'them' hot to forget the sacrifices the men were making in going to the seat of war — the sacrifice Major Robin had made — to fight their battles — the battles of the great mother country. He hoped that the lessor^ that night would sink into the heart and would not be the life of a moment only — letting them know that they were part of a great nation, and if they were to remain a worthy part of it they would have a duty to undertake and a duty to perform. — (Loud applause.) One of the bands in attendance then played the American National Anthem, " The Starspangled banner," the audience standing.

Mr James Mills, who was received with particularly emphatic applause, said he had no intention of making a speech, and would practically confine his remarks to an appeal for further subscriptions. He was very grateful, on behalf of the committee, to the public for rolling up in such numbers and subscribing so liberally as they had. They had invited a number of good speakers in order to rouse the public enthusiasm, but he was pleased to see it required no rousing. He felt it a great privilege to be present at that meeting, whose .object was to give utterance to feelings, of loyalty to the Throne and to aid those .who were suffering in consequence of the war. He was proud to be able to say that the fund had nearly reached £3000. There was .only, another £100 wanted, and he was certain that amount would be reached before the evening closed. .He had said at a recent meeting- that- he believed Dunedin would raise £5000 — he- believed now it would raise £10,000, as -the committee had organised a series of -entertainments to be given within the next ■ fortnight, which he felt certain would be' 'largely supported by the public. He had also much pleasure in announcing that the Citizens' Band, which had arranged to play" next Sunday at St. Clair in aid of the rotunda fund, had decided to devote the collection to the ' 'patriotic fund. — (Applause.) He wished them' to understand that the committee wished wage-earners to give what they could afford in a telf : denying manner — recognising the advantages, .under which they were living in the colony.. The funds they were raising were to go in support of wives and widows and " the girls that were left behind them." They had a very direct interest in the matter, through the fact that they had boys of their own in South Africa. He would say no more than to again ask them to make up the other £100 before they left the hall. "Turn your eyes," said Mr Mills,, "on the emblem over our heads, and realise that England expects evc?y man to do his duty. Ladies and gentlemen, the collectors ivill now go round again." The Rev. Mr Saunders", who was received with applause, commenced by referring to the fact that he was not an Englishman, but a Welshman, but he "was proud of speaking under the English flag. There was no greater flag in the world, ans no more glorious flag under which a. .soldier could fight. He referred to .the fact that a Welsh flag was not obtainable, in Dunedin, and expressed his opinion that this shewed a. tendency towards the 'wholeness of the Empire — (applause), — and indicated fehe time when tho minor flags would be- only -a memory.- He felt certain that our boys would at least " help " Oom Paul to eat the leek. They were told that England was in a " tight place " — it was also an unusual one, at least for modern times. Etfgland had been always fighting, but she now found hertelf opposed for tho first time for many years to a people of a western race. Our soldiers were going down like ripe corn, and Europe was scarcely hiding its exultation. France, in particular, once a chivalrous foe,, scarcely attempted to hide her joy at our trouble. The result, however, was not that- we were timorous or unrestful, but rather that we were drawn together towards one great Imperial centre. He had- intended to say. a word about patriotism, but it-- was unnecessary to speak about a thing that was so plainly manifest. He -wished to point out that what might be right to-day might be wrong to-morrow. In time of peace it might be right for a patriot to- criticise his country's actions, but when face to face with the common foe — (applause) — the position Was very different. There were those who called themselves patriots, who were thus criticising our mother country's action. " Let us," said Mr Saunders, " who are patriots indeed leave this criticism to tho aliens in our midst who abuse our hospitality." —(Applause.) The rev. gentleman then referred to a well-known passage from Browning's " Here and here England has helped me; how may I help England?" From our lips the acknowledgment would come : " Here and here England has helped mo." We shared the honour of the Empire and her glory, and-if the- weakest of the citizens of the Empire was insulted no combination of powers would dare to rebuff England in an inquiry into the circumstances. New Zealand had special obligations to the mother land. All that made life.. worth living was practically due to the fact that .we had the mother land behind vs r and. he trusted that New Zealand, recognising its obligations to the mother land, would not be backward in answering the question: " How shall we help England? " Our reply would be in the direction of rendering efficient help. " There where the grass is growing stiff vfHli the red dew of battle "—" — that was where our men were ; and we should be proud that New Zealand had given to the Empire those who might win in battle death's royal purple. It wad an honour to New Zealand that she was sending a second contingent. The duty that devolved upon them in contributing to the necessities of the sufferers in consequence of the war had been evidently realised from the splendid contribution that had been made, which was the/ best possible j answer to hhe question lie had previously quoted — "How shall we help England?"

Mr James, Mills announced that the amount of the contributions to the funds had now exceeded £3000. . He was certain, they would all feel proud of that,- and he felt confident that the amount contributed would place Dunedin before any other city in New Zealand.

The Chairman announced that it had been derided to' hold a monster mabs meeting of children in connection with the fund in pursuance of a resolution arrived at by the Education Board.

Cheers were tfien given for Mr James Mills, for the contributors to the fund, for Major Smith, and everyone else connected with the movement. The ortthusvastic singing of a i*erse of the National Anthem brought to an end a meeting which for enthusiastic loyalty will be historic in the annals of Dunedin.

THE MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT.

The musical part of tho programme was not only not the -least important feature, but contributed in -a very marked degree to the general- success- -of the -proceedings. It wag particularly noticeable that every bar of patriotic music evoked almost irrepressible entkusistsm. Olio of the principal features of

the musical programme was the appeaYancf (after Mr Justice WilHams's address) of a, fil« of 18 pipers, who, under- the leadership ol Pipe-major Gray, ranged themselves along the front 'df the' stage and played the " Gor\ don's march " and the " Cock of the North.''

j Mr A. C. Hanlon. after the chairman'a opening Address recited Kipling's "Absents j minded Beggar" with a great amount of feeH ing, and in a manner which evoked the en-i thusiastic .acclaim of the audience, and it ma* be fair to assume that his enunciation ol "pay! pay.! pay" w.as not without a subsequent effect on. those, present. ' It is unnecessary to say that the musical ; item of die evening was " Soldiers of tht , Queen," sung by Mr W. F. Young in >a ( manner which those acquainted with hit t power over this class of music will readirj I understand, the chorus being vigorousfy vo ciferated by the audience. ! It was prettily interesting to listen to Mi« Perrier, a diminutive mite, who appeared after the Bishop's address in uniform, and sang Leo Carri's patriotic song. " Forward," in a charming manner, which took immensely I with the audience. I The Burns Choir sang " Scotland yet)*' under the lion rampant, and did so in a manner that could not have failed to delight tho musical soitl of the poet. The next musical item was given by Mr Young immediately after " an announcement by Mr J. Mills to the effect 'that nearly £3000 „ had been 'collected, and it is difficult to 'say whether Mr Mills's announcement or Mr Young's song was received with the more enthusiasm. In fact, it may not be out of placa to remark here that the tremendous amount .of enthusiasm displayed in a variety of ways by the audience made it exceedingly difficult to differentiate between its various causes, "Sons of -the saa " w.a-s sung by Mr Young with appropriate, verve, and .after he had been recalled at the imperative demand of the audience (who had joined in the chorus at thfl end of each verse), the Chairman requested that the chorus of the concluding verse should be sung K all standing." -This was accordingly done, with the result- that it might hi necessary to examine the condition of the rool of the Agricultural Hall. Towards the end of the.programme an emphatic compliment was paid to Britain's " cousins across the herring pond " by the playing of the " Star-spangled banner,** which wa.3 received by the audience in a similar manner to the National Anthem. " Rule Britannia." played and sung -as naturally .befitted the occasion,^ was the last number of a musical programme, the selection of whose items reflects, .credit equally on the heart and judgment of .those responsible, for its production. It is unnecessary to cay that the National Anthem brought the whole performance to a close. . ' i i The management are to be complimented upon the general arrangements connected with the brilliant appearance of the hall, *and on the smoothness with which- all the proceedings were conducted. The arrangements fot collection of coin, it is very evident, must have -been admirable, 'for 'the periodical announcements by Mr James Mills of additions to the fun,d appeared^ 'to be consequent upon no obvious. mov?menV on the part of either axtdionce qv committee. ][ One of the features, pf the. programme — on,a which evoked .frequent applause — was th« hoisting of appropriate ensigns during th« speeches and songs. | . . THE DONATIONS. . ■ 1 From time to. .time, during the evening thfl donations • that 'had been received were announced by the treasurer- of the fund (Mr, James Mills). The first intimation that' about £2000 had been- subscribed was received! with an outburst of • enthusiastic applause, and which grew in volume and intensity as the subsequent "announcements were made;; | Mr Mills was a most persistent beggar for tho " absent-minded beggars," 'and his every remark made a palpable hit: At one time her •signified his intention of not permitting the meeting to close until the total of £3000 was reached, and suggested the locking of doors.; In response to his call for' additional donations of not less than £1, a very goodly array of real patriotE — some of them of, the gentien sex — arose, and, needless to say, the required total was reached. Tho complete list of the larger donations, announced as received is as follows : —

Speight and Co £105 0 0 Ross and Glendining ' 105 0 a Herbert, Haynes, and Co 105 0 0 A. and T. Inglis 100 0 0 Union Steam Ship Co. .. .. 100 0 0 Westport Coal Co 100 0 0. Victoria Insurance Co 100 0 0 J. JRattray and Son 50 0 0 Donaghy's Bope and Twine Co .., 50 0 0 Wright, Slephenson, and Co. ... 50 0 O1O 1 E. R. Smith , 50 0 0 Murray, ltoberts,' and Co 35 0 0 Sargood, Sbn, and Ewen .. ..' 25 0 . ft Thomas Brown •25 0 0 Neill and ' Co. ".. '; 25 0 0 Butterwortti Bros. .. ..„ .. 21 0 A Mosgiel W6ollen Co £00 Keith Kartisay ".. '•. 21 0 0 D. Benjamin and Co 21 0 0 Chapman and Sinclair .. -. 21 0 U Employees 'of KemptKorne, Prosser, and Co."'. •• •• 2070 Michaelis.'Hallcnstein, and Farquhar 20 0 'I Reid and G ray ' 15 f 2 New Zealand Express Co 15 15 0 John Mill '.. .. ' •■ •• 15 IB 0 Employees A. and T. Inglis . . . . 13 5 0 Employees U.S.S. Co. (fiist instalment) 12 16 0 H. E. Shaddock '.. '.. .. 10 10 (J Dr Hocken 10 10 0 William F. Edmond 10 10 0 Massey-Harris Co 10 : fO « Wi'.liam Emery *. 10 10 0 Ferguson and Mitchell .. •• 10 10 ° W. Scoulaf and -Co 10 10 0 T. W. Kempthoine 10 10 0 James Mills 10 10 » A. B. Stanley Carr 10 10 0 Park, lteynolds, and Co 10 10 0 Manorburn' Gold .Dredging Co. .. 10 10 0 T. A. Hnhter :. :. •••• .. 10 10 0 Hon. George M'Lean 10 10 0 D. M. Spetlding and Co 10 10 O S. Solomon 10 10 0 W. B. Vigers ". 10 10 0 Hallenstein Bros, and Co.-.. .. 10 10 0 H.K.Williams , .. 10 10 f Thomson, BridgCr, and Co 10 10 I Mrs and Mr J. H. Hnsking .. 10 0 i Dx and Mrs Lindo Ferguson .. 10 M J. F. M. Fraaer 10 0 0 A. Lorie •\ . • 10 0 0 J. M. Ritchie • •. . ••.. .. .. 10 0 0 Employees- N.Z: -Hardware Co. .. 88 $ Employees- Taieri and Peninsula Dairy Oo 8 0 0 Employees* Butterworth Bros. .. 7 6 (1 Employees- H. E. Shacklock . . 6 0 rf Employees- Fergiisson-and Mitchell 516 i Officers «nd petty officers - barqu6 Obsm Bay .. - 5 10 " Dr Fulton- and family .., .., 5 7 j "VV. A. Shields • , .. 5 6 1 C. F. Greenslade •-.. .^ „ 6 6 I Fen wick Bros. •-. . .. „ „, 5 5 ( Batheate -amd Woodhouao ..- ..' 5 5 i Mondy and Sim- •. . •- 5 5 | Bates, Sine, and C«. - ju* ,»,. r- *> ->