THE LAST CHURCH PARADE. MONDAY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2403, 22 March 1900, Page 26

THE LAST CHURCH PARADE. MONDAY.

The chief event on Saturday was the arrival of a further detachment of " the fourth" and 161 North Island horses. Captain Walker, of the Waikato Mounted Rifles, and 19 men constituted the new comers, and on the arrival of the Hawea were met by Lieutenant-colonel Webb and Captain and Adjutant Stronach. Lieutenant Freeman, with a squad of 60 men, immediately set about taking delivery of the horses, and tho business of getting them off the steamer and out to the camp lasted several hours. The northern men are mostly a smart-looking, well-set-up lot of men, comparing favourably with the Otago and Southland troop. The horses were not seen at their best, being just off the steamer, but a number of them are rather light for mounted infantry work. A large number of the Otago boys were out on leave on Saturday, and when Lieutenant Freeman's fatigue party was taken out of the remainder there were not many left for mounted drill. Captains Fulton and Harvey were both out, however, and exercised several divisions on the beach.

There were about 200 men on 'the roll and 420 horses in camp after the arrival of the men from the north on Saturday. The last church parade to be held at Forbury for "the Fourth" was conducted by the Rev. W. CurzonSiggers on Sunday. The hymns used were those dedicated to the contingent by the preacher. They were heartily takon up by the congregation, and the serv.ee was one to be remembered. The singing of the National Anthem brought it to a close.

A mounted parade was called for 11 o'clock and all the horses were taken out for exercise. Each man led three, thus making complete sections. Captain Price was in charge, and took the contingent out on the beach. All the afternoon visitors poured into camp. The contingent boys are, in a measure, . just beginning to find out how many friends they have, and acquaintances who have been out of sight for years turn up to wish them good luck and say good-bye. The Hon. J. (i. Ward visited the camp again or Sunday afternoon, taking, rather naturally, an especial interest in the Southland division. He was accompanied by Mrs, Ward and family.

A good number of the men who are availing themselves' of Messrs Callan and Gallaway's offer to make their wills, pave in their names on Sunday. A number of the men have also made airangements for the retention of their pa^' in whole or in part by relatives in the colony.

The orderly officer on Sunday was Lieutenant Tubman. The orderly sergeant on Sunday was Sergeant Long, Sergeant-major Marshall distributed on Sunday morning three tickets to each U-oopier for admission to the ptands in the Oval on demonstration day. Ciptnin Stronach considerately gave them out in franked envelopes, so that the men may post them to their relatives and friends if they desire to do so.

Trooper Bates, who is in the hospital with pleurisy, is doing well, and the doctors think that there is every prospect of hie being well enough to get away with the contingent on the 24th.

A court-martial was held in camp on Sunday, when case of breach of discipline was adequately dealt with. THE COMMANDERS OF THE CONTINGENT. LIEUTENANT-COLONEL FRANCIS ANtf CAPTAIN DAVIS APPOINTED. WELLINGTON, March 18. " The Government have decided to divide the fourth contingent into two sections. Lieu-tenant-colonel Francis, with the rank of major, goes in command of one, and Captain Davis, now at the Cape with the first contingent, will be promoted to command the second portion. Lieutenant-colonel Newall goes in command of the fifth contingent as far as Capetown, and will hand the men over to the Imperial authorities in accordance with the arrangements arrived at. March 17. One of the fourth contingent from Auckland was arrested on warrant at midday from, that town charged with failing to provide for hU illegitimate child. THE TROOPSHIPS. It ha= been arranged by the Premier that th& Gymeric will come down to Port Chalmers on Friday night and take in her horses, and leave with tha Monowai on Saturdsy. They will be able to ta'e between them the whole of t'pe fourth contingent and tho Ot?.go-ancl Southland section of the fifth contingent — ■ probably about 6QO men and horses altogether. The National Mortgage and Agency Com* pany (Limited^ have received a telegram stating that the Shaw. Savill, and Albion Company's s.s. Maori has been chartered by the. Government as a troopship. ARRIVAL OF AUCKLANDERS. Nineteen volunteers for the fourth contingent, under the command of Captain Walker, arrived from Auckland by the s.f. Hawea on Saturday morning. The men, who brought 161 horses with them, were met at the wharf by Lieutenant Freeman and a detachment of men from the camp. The following are the names of the new arrivals: — Sergeant-major Brown, Corporal Newdick, Saddler-sergeanfc Craig, Troopers Olive, Cameron, Cannavan, Pile, Sutherland, Bailey, Harris, Warburton, Burnett, Hill, Condon, Munro, Taylor, Suttie, M'Ewen, and M 'Hardy. GENERAL CONTINGENT NOTES. As tho contingent has been divided into two sections, Dr James H. Neil has been appointed as surgeon to the second section. Dr Neil, like Dr 'Watt, is an Otago man. His earlier education was received at the Normal School and the Dunedin Boys' High School, and he obtained his medical training at the Olago University and Dunedin Hospital. Holding recommendations from the professor and lecturers of these institutions, he obtained: the appointment of resident medical officer in th- Auckland District Hospital, a position which he held so efficiently for two years that the Auckland Hospital Board decided to give preference in future to students from Dunedin. when filling their yearly staff appointments. On Saturday morning several boys from. South Dunedin came to the War Office with 16s, which they had collected by singing patriotic songs from house to house on the Flat. The lads sang " The soldiers of the Queen " for the committee, whft were so pleased with them that they made up their subscription to £1 Is. The following are tho names of tho boys :— Walter Dray, Fred Dray, John Passmore, Walter Henry, John Irving* and. Jamesj&ggxij

A solemn high mass will be offered up at St. Joseph's Cathedral, on the occasion of tho send-off to the Otago and Soiithland contingent on Saturday, 24th March, at 9 a.m. Any ex-Imperial service men visiting Duuedin during Contingent Week are requested io report themselves to Captain Davis, of Roslyn, who will be in charge of tlie ex-Imperial service men oii the 24-th. Each member of the Otago and Southland contingent has had three tickets 'issued to him for distribution amongst his relatives. These tickets admit to the stand and to the Moura, which takes the contingent from Dunedin to the Port. Relatives holding these tickets who desire to go on to the ship should proceed to it expeditionary from the Oval, via Cumberland street, so as to avoid confusion. After producing their tickets at the stand at the Oval they should retain them for presentation at the steamer. The committee request that all guests reply to their invitations without delay, in order to enable the committee to issue tickets for adixussion to the stands. The card of invitation does not give admission without a ticket. On Saturday, night the Organising Committee, at the invitation of Dr Coughtrey, visited the Agricultural Hall, and there inspected the equipment for the members of the fourth contingent. Spread out on the floor of the Victoria Hall in numerous lots were to be seen the kits of the men, and the committee were highly pleased with the manner in which the various articles in each kit had been turned out. Everything seemed to be as perfect in its way as could be desired, the general getup of the kits reflecting the greatest credit on all concerned in their production. The Dunedin Suburban Gas Company officials and employees have subscribed £17 14-s 6d to the contingent fund. Messrs Sargood, Son, and Ewen's tender has been accepted for the supply of 174- pairs of men's fatigue boots for the contingent. Mr A. J. Evans, of Cargill road, has sent a parcel of literature for the use of the contingent. Mr Alexander Garden - has forwarded a seoond lot of forage collected from farmers in the Waitahuna district. The Anderson's Bay Cricket Club forward 19s and the Central Mission Cricket Club 6s, collected at a match played at Anderson's Bay. The Mayor of Gore has sent another truck of chaff from the district. v The Inveroargill committee hope to be able out of the surplus funds to send 30 horses as remounts for the contingent. The Port Chalmers Committee have allocated their horses Koputai, Mararoa, Rotoma'hana, and Chatfield to Lieutenant Bauchop, Troopers Ward, Salter, and Bowling. The Mayor of Palmerston has sent £51 13s, and 96 bags of oats, 146 bags of chaff, 10 bags of bran, 4 bags of barley, and 3 bags of wheat. The Oamaru Garrison Band have offered their services on the occasion of the~§end-off to the contingent. A full mounted parade of the contingent •will be held prior to their departure for South ■Africa. The Hon. J. G. Ward visited the local War Office on Saturday, and conferred with the committee on various matter's of importance. Ample accommodation is being provided for the press at the send-off demonstration. Invitations have been^ sent to every paper in Otago and Southland, and to the principal papers north of Oamaru. The committee are providing for 40 reporters on a stand right in front of the Governor's box, placed so that they can hear the speakers. The members of the Pollard Opera Company have sent in a round robin to the Organising Committee asking that one of the horses purchased as the result of the matinee performance of "The Belle of New York" shall be assigned to Mr W. Hutchison, who is going to South Africa with the contingent. Members of the 1.0.0. F. with the contingent will be farewelled in the Rattray street Hall ori Thursday night. A very nice present to each member of the fourth contingent has just been made by Mr G. C. Chadwick, of the Colonial Mutual Life 'Assurance Association. It takes the form of a soldier's note book, and has an elegant birding with " Good Luck " stamped in gold in the centre. Above this there are a pair of flignaller's flags and the words '"We *ear no fee" printed beneath them. At the lower part is printed " Otago and Southland though Riders, ' and on the first page is printed, ".I hold a policy on my life in the for £ •• No. of policy . Name . Address . Date ." On the second page: ' "Notes— March 24, 1900. Left Port Chalmers, New Zealand, for Transvaal war, South Africa." At the back of ihe book there is also a, calendar and a little flap pocket for stamps, etc. The various country bands will loyally support the Organising Committee, and there •will not be a single Otago band absent from the big procession on the 24th. The committee feel justified in giving forth that next Saturday will be the biggest day ever seen in Otago. The arrangements that they have made for the public convenience are such that they expect there will be ample room for everyone to see the procession. The following additional subscriptions have been received : — Central Mission Cricket Club, 6s ; Anderson's Bay Cricket Club, 19s ; collection at the Rev. C. Clark's service at Knox Church, £37 14s ; Otago Golf Club, £18; boys of the Flat, £1 Is; Palmerston committee. £51 13s. Captain Thomas, commanding officer of the Timaru Port Guards, who has been appointed surgeon to the fifth contingent, was presented with a pair of binocular glasses by the corps on Friday evening, while he also received a handsome pipe and tobacco pouch from the IPire Brigade, of which he was honorary surgeon. The Southland Times states that Miss Patricia Thomson, hon. secretary and treasurer of the Kit and Comfort Guild, has handed to the Patriotic Committee the unexpended balance of their fund (£53 8s 2d) to purchase two horses, which the ladies wish to be named ■"Kit" and "Comfort." THE PORT CHALMERS FAREWELL. At a meeting of the Port Chalmers Goodbye Committee the Mayor reported that they had arranged with Mr James Mills (Union Steam Ship Company) for a steamer to convey the Port Chalmers residents and others accompanying the contingent to the heads, and the Wanaka has been mentioned as the pTobable steamei'. Definite arrangements have been made with the contractor who is to erect and decorate triumphal arches, and also the barricade from the wharf to the Recreation ground, and they are to be taken in hand forthwith. A social has been arranged for Tuesday evening to meet Lieutenant Bauohop, and Troopers Ward, Salter, Bowling, and such other friends as may wish to attend it. The committee had already resolved to entertain the fourth contingent at tea previous to embarkation, and although it will increase their labour and obligations, they have also decided to include the fifth contingent, should it be decicfed that both op»tio«ents leave os the 24th. iaat. As there

may be some delay in the visitors gelling away by train, it is intended that a large bonfire be lit in the Recreation ground, and fireworks discharged, while the various bands will play. TEACHERS' SOCIAL. The teachers held a most enjoyable social on Friday evening at the Kia Ora Tea Rooms, the object being to entertain and say goodbye to Lieutenants J. K. M 'Donald and R. G. Tubman, of the fourth contingent. The chair was occupied by Sir Eudey, president of the Otago Educational Institute, who stated that almost within a, mouth the teachers of Otago had subscribed £105, £100 of which had been paid over to the Organising Committee. CHILDREN'S PATRIOTIC BAZAAR. About two months ago, a few children, fired with patriotic zeal, made up their minds liiat they would like to do something for the "Absent-minded Beggar" who had gone to Africa to make things even with Kruger. The outcome of this was a series of Bewing meetings, secret confabs, and a great deal of mystery. The result was that last Thursday invitations were issued to friends and neighbours to come to the Children's Patriotic Bazaar, to be held at Mrs Maitland's George street, on St. Patrick's Day, a footnote to the invitation stating that a shot at Kruger could be had for the modest sum of Id. At | 2.30 on Saturday, therefore, a goodly lot of j children, with their parents, found their way < to "Braeside" to buy the results of the youngsters' labour. The goods were tastefully laid out in one room, while another room was set aside for afternoon tea. The side yard was good enough for Kruger, and he was seated, bounded between the posts of a swing, to be shot at by all those who paid for the privilege. Sales were brisk from the commencement, the eager faces of the children being sufficient to draw the pennies and six- j pences from the visitors without much pressure. The net result will be an additiozi of about £7 to the patriotic fund, and one cannot but think that the children are to be complimented on the success, and we are certain that the memory of the children's patriotic bazaar will be a sweet one to all those who took part. The goods stall was under the charge of Freida Maitland and Nellie Shaw, the lolly stall was attended to by Jane Shaw and May Mitchell, while little Minnie Penman sold buttonholes, bouquets, and flowers. Harvey Uttley and Alfie Maitland looked after the penny dips, • while Jack Jones was Kruger's jailer, and took the pennies for the shooting. Older folks assisted. The bazaar was brought to a closa with a grand march of the youngsters with flags flying and the solemn hanging of Kruger amidst cheers, and the singing of " God Save the Queen." THE WELLINGTON SECTION. ENTHUSIASTIC SEND-OFF. ; WELLINGTON, March 17. The weather, ivhich for some days was very unpleasant, broke fine for the holiday, and remained on its best behaviour all day. The principal event was the send-off of the northern section of the fourth contingent. The first item in the proceedings was the entertainment of the men at luncheon this afternoon by the local executive of the "more men " fund. About 230 members of the contingent sat down. The others present included tlie Right Hon. Mr Seddon and Mrs Seddon, the Hons. W. C. Walker and J. Carroll, Sir Arthur and Lady Douglas, Colonels Penton, Collins, Somerville, and Bonar, Captain Stuart (of H.M.S. Taurnnga) and Mrs Stuart, the mayor, and a fair sprinkling of the public. The Mayor presided, and read several telegrams from various parts of the district wishing the men God-speed. He also apologised for the absence of the Governor. After the usual loyal toasts, the Premier proposed " The Health of the Fourth Contingent. After the usual courtesy toasts, the men were dismissed, and, at the invitation of the Hibernian Society, attended the sports on the Basin Reserve. The Premier, in a brief address, referred! to the bravery of the. Irish soldiers now serving in South Africa," and thanked the com- I mittee of the sports for their kindness to the men in khaki. Cheers were given for the men, and the bugle sounded "Fall in." Outside the reserve hundreds had assembled, and the local volunteers were in readiness to lead the contingent to the wharf. As the procession moved away the city volunteers were in front, then came the "Fighting Fifth," as the next contingent is described, and after those the Garrison Band, who headed the fourth contingent, called "The Dandy Fourth." The whole route to Jervois quay, where the final farewell of the men was to take place, was lined, and the utmost enthusiasm shown — quite equal to that on the departure of former contingents. The rotunda in Jervois quay was chosen as the site from which the Premier and mayor should aay a few words of farewell to the men, and there was a vast concourse of people on arrival of the men there ; in fact, the contingent had great difficulty in keeping line, so great was the crush, not only of interested spectators, but of those who wished to say good-bye to some of the boys in khaki, who may never come back. After some difficulty the line was practically cleared, and then the Mayor, in a brief speech, hoped the men would get safely to South Africa, and that it would not be long before they were a-t the front. He warneel them not to forget they were citizens of a great Empire, spread over the whole world. The Premier said the colony had the greatest confidence in her men. They were worthy sons of worthy fathers, and would do great credit to the great Empire to which they belonged. After what had happened in South Africa, it must be acknowledged that the greatest nation in the world was Great Britain. This war had brought us closer and closer together. There was Canada, Australia, and New Zealand all vicing with one another in sending men to maintain the supremacy of the Empire. "You have a great responsibility," he said, and asked them never to forget the nalioii and race to which they belonged. Ever be upright, a cuiality which is bred in you. In Wellington and all over the colony they had throe times the number of men who could be accepted, and this was. a pleasing fact, as it was never known when the services of the volunteers might be required. New Zealand, he said, was a name to charm with, and there was no one the Boers feared moro than the New Zealanders. The men must remember they were civilising agents, and he was confident the only way to teach tho Boers was to put New Zealanders in the front. After passing a high tribute to the local executive and those officers who held commissions, the Premier said he hoped when tho men came back they would have the same fair fame as at present, and bring laurels_ to the colony. The British, or rather Imperial, reserve he next mentioned, and said in no instance could such a fine body of men be found as stood before him that day. After wishing God-speed to the men, Mr Seddon said he trusted when reaching the front they

would teach the Boers a lesson, and let thorn .know if they required any more civilising agents they were to be found in New Zealand. Hearty cheers were then given for the contingent and the Premier. At the Premier's request, cheers were given for Colonels Penton, Sommerville, and Collins!. The National Anthem was sung, and Mr Seddon again spoke, calling for cheers for the Marquis of Salisbury, whom they knew ha"d declared no one could intervene between us end our enemy. The response was spontaneous, and then the Premier paid : Now, we wiil carry a resolution. I propose that, vre carry the following resolution: — "We here assembled endorse, on behalf of the people of New Zealand, the policy of the tSritish Premier re the war, and will support him to the last man." The Premier then called upon the contingent to give their war cry, which they did with great gusto, and the march to the steamer Monowai, which takes them to Dunedin, began. Owing, however, to no special arrangements being made for keeping the route clear, it was some time before the men got to the steamer, and when the public were ollowed access to the wharf there was a great crush. The Monowai was not long in getting away, and as she slowly steamed down the harbour she was saluted by the warship Tanranga. The n>en had an enthusiastic sendoff, and, despite the lessened crowd as compared with that on the occasion of the 'departure of the first and second contingents, the volume of cheering was quite as pronounced. WELLINGTON NOTES. WELLINTON, March 17. Mr R. Seddon, 19 years old, son of the Premier, has been appointed lieutenant in the fourth contingent. He has been trying to get away with every contingent, but Mrs Seddon naturally, as may be supposed, was adverse to his going. However, this time his entreaties have prevailed, and as the lad fairly put it : "Father is sending other peoples' sons; why should I not be allowed to go?" In this opinion Mr Seddon acquiesced. The amount of money collected in the colony ..in the aggregate for the patriotic and more men fund is £50,000. Of this £20,000 U for the patriotic und, £13,000 has been remitted Home, and the balance retained for the more men fund. March 18. A trooper, arrested on Saturday, has been remanded to appear at Dunedin on the 21st. (From Oue Own Correspondent.} WELLINGTON, March 18. . The enthusiasm in regard to the despatch of the contingents for South Africa seems in no •way to have died clown in Wellington. The send-off yesterday to the local men who went south in the Monowai to join the fourth contingent attracted a crowd that the authorities were quite unprepared for. Though the proceedings were of a somewhat impromptu character the enthusiasm of the people reached a high pitch, and the men were loudly cheered ab their departure. No part of the Premier's various speeches was belter received than his endorsement of Lord Salisbury's determination to brook no outside interferences in the settlement of the disputes between the British and the Boers. The reference was loudly cheered, and the Premier said he would cable to Lord Salisbury a resolution informing him ! that the people of New Zealand thoroughly ! endorsed the course he was taking. The men of the fifth contingent, in blue trousers and jerseys, surmounted by blue fisherman's cap, made quite a picturesque, if a somewhat prac-tical-looking, squad. As the dark blues and the khakis — " the Fighting Fifth " and the " Dandy Fourth "" — met to say good-bye they were heartily cheered. In the Union Company's repairing yard there are 60 or 70 carpenters employed in getting ready the fittings for the transport of men and horses by the vessels leaving this month, and another 60 men have been engaged in preparing the horse stalls on the Monowai to take away between 120 and 130 horses. There is such a demand for carpenters that every woodworker ovit of employment is assured of a job should he come along to the Union Company's yard. The horse fittings on the Monowai are being erected on the main deck, and the spic and span Monowai is suffering considerably. A start will shortly be made in the Gymeric. LOYAL IRISH DEMONSTRATION. MEETING AND MESSAGE. Half an hour after noon on St. Patrick's Day (Saturday last) the board room at the Agricultural Hall was the scene of a thoroughly representative gathering of our Irish fellow-citizens of all creeds, for the purpose of expressing their sentiments respecting the visit of her Majesty the Queen to Ireland and her appreciation of the valour of her Irish troops. The notice given of the meeting had been very brief, but the hall was quite full punctually at the time announced, and the Rev. Father Murphy, by whom, the advertisement convening the meeting had been signed, was nominated to the chair, and presided. The Rev. Father Murphy, on taking the chair, said : I thank you very much for the honour yoii have conferred upon me in asking me to preside. As you know, the business we have come prepared to do to-day is to express our thanks to her most Gracious Majesty the Queen for the great favour she has conferred upon our country: That being so, I think the sooner we get to business the better. Mr J. B. Callan said : Reverend Chairman, — The gentlemen who have promoted this meeting have asked me to move a resolution which is as follows: — " That> in the opinion of this meeting it is desirable that the Irish people of Dunedin and district, acknowledge in a suitable way the kind and gracious manner in which her Majesty has reoognised the valour of her Irish troops, and that we express the earnest hope that her Majesty's approaching visit to 'Ireland, may prove a distinct success, and be productive of the happiest results." I do not think it requires many words from me to secure this motion being unanimously passed. I am very glad indeed to see such a large and representative meeting here to-day at such short notice. When we read, as the resolution expresses it, of " the kind and gracious manner in which her Majesty recognised the valour of her Irish troops in South Africa," I am sure that a thrill of pleasure must have gone through the hearts of Irishmen all the world over. The Celtio nature is, as we know, easily moved, and the warm manner in which her Majesty has appreciated, and the right gracious manner in which she has acted in reference to our countrymen, must have found a response in the hearts of all Irishmen. — (Applause.) That that is so I think is proved by the fact of this very large meeting to-day at such short notice, here in the town of Dunedin, in the most remote part almost of her Majesty's great Empire.Now we feel that we ought, as Irishmen, to respond in some manner to the acts of our Sovereign. Kindness begets kindness, and we should be apathetic, and wanting in the attributes that Irishmen generally possess, if we did not movo in this matter. As regards her Majesty's visit to Ireland we all hojpe that it may be a great suc-

cess, and that it may be crowned with the b^st results. I am sure that her Majesty will be welcomed by all Irishmen — (applause) — because, for one reason;- Irishme 1 never fail in chivalry towards tho gentler sex; and I am quite sure her Majesty will be welcomed by all Irishwomen, because her Majesty possesses one of the marked characteristics which has always been held in higb reference by our country women. During her long reign she has presented to her people an example of strong family affection and domestic purity ; and that fierce light, which the pool tells us, beats xipon a throne has never been able to discover anything but what is pure and good in her life. Depend upon it this delightful trait in her character will be a high recommendation, if there were no other, to her subjects, our countrywomen in the Emerald Me. In speaking of that marked trait in her Majesty, I may say I think she will not only go down to posterity as the Sovereign who has , reigned longer than any other over the British Empire, and as a Sovereign whose reign has been distinguished by great and wonderful advances in science and arc — whose reign has been distinguished by the lives of great poets and great writers. She will go down to posterity as one whose re"ign has been distinguished on all those grounds, but I believe, Sir, that she will go down to posterity still more highly recommended on account of the great and lofly example which she has given . to her people, on account of her ha*ppy domestic relations and the purity of her reign. (Cheers.) It is for all these reasons, gentlemen, that we assemble here to-day to consider this resolution, and, as I said in starting, I have no doubt that the resolution v/ill meet with your warm appreciation, and will be carrie.d by acclamation. — l Armlauee.) The Hon. Hugh Gourley, who was unexpectedly called upon to second the resolution, said: I have very much pleasure, Mr Chairman, in seconding the motion proposed by Mr Callan, and can say that I thoroughly appreciate and can heartily reiterate every word he has said. I approve of everything ho has said, and I do not think there can be any doubt about the fact that the Queen, by adopting the course she has taken has done more now to cement the union between her subjects, than perhaps by anything she has ever done before. — (Applaxise.) We all hope that her visit to Ireland may be successful, as we all wish it to be, and I have not the slightest hesitation in saying with Mr Callan that the Irish people will give her a warm^and hearty reception when she arrives. I feel quite satisfied that this act of hers will do a very great deal to cement that union which should always exist between the different parts of Great Britain and betweep Great Britain and her colonies. With these remarks I have much pleasure in seconding the motion proposed.— (Applause.) There were then calls for the Hon. Mr Ward to speak. The Hon. J. G. Ward (who was received with loud applause), said: Reverend Chairman and Gentlemen, — No words of mine, I am sure, are necessrary. There is little I can add to the noble tribute that has been paid by our highly-esteemed friend Mr Callan to the great and virtuous life of her Majesty Queen Victoria: In all the walks of life, as daughter, wife, mother, and Queen, she has reflected gloj-y upon her people in the British Empire, and though it is regrettable that the long, glorious, and distinguished reign of her Majesty should now be marked by war, it is, I am sure, a satisfaction not only to Irishmen in this country, but to the people of all nationalities here, that the Queen herself has shown •recognition of the bravery of those men who left their homes, and those who were near and dear to them in Ireland and elsewhere, and have gone to assist there fellow-soldiers in defending the interests of the British Empire. It must, I am sure, be a matter of supreme gratification to those who are here to realise that the pleasure and the privilege is accorded to the Irish citizens of Dunedin of marking their appreciation of, and paying a tribute to the Queen for her conduct in going across the British Channel to see their fellow-country-men and their fellow-countrywomen, and showing them her sympathy, as I am sure she will do. — (Applause.) It is very satisfactory that men of all classes realise that, as the result of the war that is now going on, and in return for the loss of those brave men who have gone under on the battlefield, fighting on behalf of the Empire, even the most distant parts of the Empire are being brought closely together, and England, Ireland, and Scotland must be brought more closely together than they have ever been. I feel quite sure, when the history of the period through which we are now passing comes to be written, that of the ' brave men who have disinterestedly and fearlessly fought for the Queen and for us, none among them will stand out more prominently for generosity, self-sacrifice, and courage in South Africa than our fellow-countrymen.— (Applause.) It is a gratification, too, I am I sure, to find that a distinguished citizen like our friend Mr Callan, who possesses the char- ] acteristics of his countrymen in so marked a degree, has in such noble words paid a high tribute to her Most Gracious Majesty, and it is a further cause for satisfaction to know that tho father of one brave young Irishman, who fell upon the battlefield is the seconder of this motion.— (Cheers.)" I can only say I hope my remarks will not be looked \ipon by Mr Goiirley as an intrusion on my part, but if anything can add to the honour of a glorious death it is the fact that his countrymen here assembled are in full'sympathy with him, and recognise that he, too, is one who, if need be, is prepared to fight for and to die for his country. — (Cheers.) It affords me the greatest possible pleasure to be with you to-day to assist you in paying this tribiite of respect, and in sending our message across the waters. The Queen, I am sure, will appreciate it, and I believe it marks an important epoch, not only in the history of the older lands, but in the development of the British Empire. I desire to add to the remarks of the previous speakers a cordial wish thai you should give effect to the resolution. — (Prolonged applause.) The Rev. Father Cleary (who was also called upon) said: Mr Chairman and Gentlemen, — I have already expressed in another place my very cordial admiration of the character of her Majesty Queen Victoria. I have long held, from what little I have read of history, that one of the noblest acts her Majesty has done is one which gets probably the least public appreciation, and it is that when, as a young girl, she ascended the Throne of England, at a time of easy-going morals, she, after a short period, made her Court the model for Europe — (applause) — and gave to her people an example of domestic virtue, which, I believe, and have said elsewhere, has done more for domestic virtue in England than the preaching of many pulpits. — (Applause.) The occasion which calls us together to-day is a very marked one. All through the century we have had the valour of the Irish soldiers recognised on all sides. British generals from the days of the Duke of Wellington to the days of Lord Roberts have praised it, but this is the first time that the valour of the Irish troops has been recognised in a practical and tangible form by Royalty, and I believe it is the beginning of a new epoch, not merely in the relations between British Royalty and the Irish jjeople,

but, let us hope afro, between British politi* cal parties and tht» Irish people. — (Applause.) I have no doub' that her Majesty's visit tcV Ireland will be productive of immense good^ Fifty-one years ago, when her Majesty first! visited Ireland her visit was shortly after, the dreadful ravages of the famine year, and? yet despite the traces of suffering which the? famine had still left upon tlie country, hei< Majesty received in Ireland an enthusiastic! welcome, which I believe has never been surpassed in any part of her Majesty's do« minions. I believe that in the year 1900 a M r elcome equally cordial, will be extended to her, and I do trust that this 13 the beginning of an epoch of peace and goodwill between England and Ireland which will make for the good, the unity, and the strength of the British Empire. — (Cheers.) Mr J. P. Armstrong (in response to a re> quest by the rev. chairman) rose to speak f and in the strong, emotional tones which those who have heard him will long remember, said : I never have much to say at anytime — (lavighter and applause), — but I really have not prepared to say anything just now. In my youth I felt it my duty not to agrea with the political way Ireland, was treated : and I find that, in fact, I was a bit of a rebel. I therefore found myself in New Orleans in 1848, two years before her Majesty's visit to Ireland. But after looking at the other parts of the world, I came to the conclusion that there was no freedom equal tc the freedom we possess under the British Throne, and I am no longer a rebel. — (Enthusiastic applause.) I feel for people in trouble, no matter where they are, I feel a sympathy all round, and I feel for the Boers — [a patise, and ominous silence, after which the speaker concluded with] — and I hope, for the sake of the Boers, that they may get very well licked. — (Loud and prolonged cheers.) The Rev. Chairman said that, after ths very strong speeches that had been so- favour* ably received, he had very much pleasure in putting the motion. The motion was carried unanimously, with a loud chorus of " Ayes." Mr A. R. Barclay, M.H.R., moved that tht substance of the foregoing resolution be conveyed by cable message to her Majesty. He had been, he remarked, much struck by th*. way in which the green flag was displayed and honoured in Dunedin that day. That was a very pleasant sight for an Irishman. Then all classes of people and all nationalities in the city were wearing green, and combining to do honour to the Irish troops, and through them to the Irish people. He was glad to see this. It must be a proud day for Irishmen when they could see the green flag floating alone on the top of the Town Hall over the whole city. Mr Hazlett had much pleasure in seconding the resolution. He was pleased to see so. many green flags floating over Dunedin and green worn everywhere by th« people. He thought that the gracious ' act of her Majesty in ' conceding to the Irish troops the' wearing of the shamrock on St. Patrick's Day had cgntributed to a large extent to the success of th« demonstration. Mr Carroll also spoke in support of the motion. He thought it right they should acknowledge the gracious acts of her Majesty, and was pleased to see how the citizens of Dunedin recognised the bravery of the Irisfr troops in Africa. He was certain her Majesty would receive in Ireland the hearty welcome she deserved. The people there might continue to agitate for what they thought they were entitled to, and what he, too, was convinced they were entitled to, but that would not in any shape or form interfere ; with their expressions of loyalty to her Majesty. The Queen could recognise fully the appreciation of an independent people. They were, he believed, in sending this message, doing something that was worthy of themselves in acknowledging the gracious, sincere, and queenly act of her Majesty — an act which he believed was spontaneous on her part. This motion was also carried imanimously. The Hon. J. G. Ward moved a vote of thanks to the rev. chairman for presiding, and took occasion to thank the chairman for his able speech 'on" the previous evening — a speech which he could only characterise aa being full of loyalty and patriotism, and breathing what he (the Hon. Mr Ward) be--lieved to be the sincere sentiments of the vast majority of the Irish people throughoiit the world. — (Applause.) The vote of thanks was carried by acclamation. The Rev. Chairman, in returning thanks, expressed his gratification with the hearty manner in which the business had been conducted. He had no doubt their meeting would result in good. It had brought many Irishmen together who' had probably never met in the same room before. That in itself was a good resulting from the kindness of her Majesty the Queen, and he hoped it would have the result of uniting them all over the world, and, in an especial manner, of uniting them here in Dunedin.—(Applause.! 1 It was then unanimously agreed that the names to be signed to the cable message to be despatched to her Majesty the Queen should be those of the Chairman (the Rev. Father Murphy), the Hon. H. Gourley, Mr J. B. Callan, Mr J. Hazlett. and the Hon. J. G. Ward. The £17 odd which it was found the message would cost to despatch was rapidly subscribed in the room, a collection being taken up for the purpose. Cheers were then given for her Majesty the Queen. This was followed by all joining very heartily in singing "God save the Queen,' ' Three rousing cheers were then giver for Lord Roberts, and a like measure ol approbation meted o\it to General Whitfe and the Irish soldiers, then three more were oiven for " Old Ireland," after which the Hon. J. G. Ward called for three for the New Zealanders, and these having been shouted with becoming vigour, the proceedings closed. . The following telegram was sent to his .Excellency the Governor, to be forwarded to her Majesty:— "At a representative meeting or the Irish residents of the Dunedin district on Saturday the following resolution was unanimously agreed to, and we were requested to ask your Excellency to convey it to her Majesty the Queen. The cost of the cable, it your Excellency's A.D.C. will advise us, we will be pleased to defray."— The resolution carried at the meeting is appended.