ST. BATHANS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2400, 1 March 1900, Page 29

ST. BATHANS.

February 19. — Many a social meeting has taken place here before, but never has there been witnessed such a meeting as the one held on the evening of the 15th inst. The community from far and near 'rolled in to St. Bathans to bid farewell to the five young men who had gallantly volunteered for service in the Transvaal war. The weather being at its best, the gathering for our little place was enormous. The invitation to the public to come and spend an evening with the young aspirants for military honours was well responded to. The invitation of necessity was short, but the events of the previous two days had come over us like a revolving panorama, leaving little time for reflection ; and whilst the sterner sex were talking war, volunteers, horses, and money, the gentler sex had an eye to something more convivial, and to their credit be it said they hastily gave out the invitations, and in due course made rapid preparation for the festive dance and joyous song. On entering th 5 hall it could be observed at a glance that the ladies had been 'at work. The background of the stßge was beautifully decorated andjlettered in floral designs, " God bless and protect our volunteers." The ladies had prepared a lergthy programmee, and selected Mr Pyle to preside over the gathering. The chairman meted out a word of praise to everyone and all who had helped to make the affair the success it proved. During the evening songs and speeches were given by Misses Fahey, Renwick, and Waterston, Messrs Pyle and Burnett, patriotic speeches, and Messrs King and Wade farewell addresses to the volunteers who were to leave in the morning. The first part of the programme was brought to a close at 11 o'clock, when refreshments were passed round to the vast assembly, and after being partaken of the hall was cleared for the dance, which was indulged in with animation. But the hour was drawing near when preparations had to be made for the departure of " our boys," who had to get away at 4 in the morning to Eaufurly with their horses. And, oh, what a farewell. Few, if any, of the vast .assembly had gone -to bed, but nearly all had gathered at Post Office Square for the final leave-taking. It was a trying ordeal. I never thought there were so many tender hearts in St. Bathans. The flood gates opened, and tears fell copiously. The scene ended, "the boys" were mounted and they were off, leaving their friends lamenting. I shall now have a word or two to say on the way and rneaus provided for the young volunteers. Three found their own "horses, donations of two were given by Messrs P. Dillon and Fitzpatrick. It turned out that FitzPatrick's horse was an unsuitable one, and immediately this was made known, Mr E.. Johnstone., jun., Hill's Creek, filled up the want by presenting a suitable horse to the local committee, the spontaneous gift being much appreciated. The money contributed for equipment up to the closing of the mail this evening stands at £80 ,2s 6d. Subscriptions are still coming in for the widows' and orphans' fund. At an enteitainment given by Montgomery's Kinematograph and Concert Compnny, Mr Montgomery announced that he would sing " The absent-minded beggar," 'and any money thrown upon the stage would be collected and handed over to the fund. The song was rendered effectively, throughout the singing of the word? and life pictures of the " absent-minded beggar " being thrown upon the screens, at th » finish 22s lOd was found to have been thrown upon the platform. The Montgomery Company is far and away the best in its line that has ever visited the up-country towns. I recommend the people in the towns they travel through to -see them. If they do they will spend a pleasant and enjoyable evening.