EEOEPTION AND BANQUET. A SUCCESSFUL GATHERING.

Otago Witness, Issue 2485, 30 October 1901, Page 80

EEOEPTION AND BANQUET. A SUCCESSFUL GATHERING.

The reception and banquet tendered by the Highland Society of Southland to General Sir Hector Macdonald in the Zealandia Hall to-night was the largest and most representative gathering of the kind ever held in InvercargilL Highlanders were present from the further back stations and towns alike, many travelling over 100 miles, and at least 500 persons being present. The Chief (Mr Arch. M'Kellar, J.P.) occupied the chair. On his right was the guest of the evening, and on his left Mrs Longuet. Further down, on the left, were Lady Ward, the Mayor of Invercargill (Mr C. S. Longuet), Major Hawkins, and Adjutantcaptain Henderson. On the right were Sir J. G. Ward, Miss WaTd, and Mr Hanan, M.H.R. During the banquet selections were played by the Pipe Band, under Drum-major M'Gregor, and the Invercargill Garrison Band, under Lieutenant Siddall.

The toasts of "The King," "Her Majesty the Queen," "The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall," " Other Members of the Royal Family," and "His Excellency the Governor of New Zealand," were honoured.

The Mayor of the Bluff (Mr J. H. Reid) proposed the toast of " The Army, Navy, and Auxiliary Forces."

Sir Hector Macdonald, who was received with cheers, in reply said he was not in the lest prepared to respond to the toast of the army and navy, but, in obedience to tha chair, he must obey. The navy needed no words of Iris to commend it. Their everyday work and when they were called upon was a sufficient commendation for their excellence. Of the army, while on active service, aided by New Zealand sons, he was sure they would not expect him to say anything in praise ; but when the war was over he would be only too glad to speak well of their work.

Major Hawkins and Captain J. E. Watson also responded.

Mr W. G. Mehaffey proposed the toast of " The Government and Legislature of New Zealand."

Sir Joseph Ward, ...- .a the Government of the colony being in a large measure ourselves, the majority of us are no doubi pleased with it It was a treat to be present at a gathering such as this, where there were no cares what the Government is so long as the great man, Sir Hector Macdonald, was well treated. He made feeling reference to the late Colonel Brett and General Sir George Whitmore as warriors worthy of mention. Re apologised for Mr Hanan, who, through indisposition, ?>s

unable to respond to the toast, and thanked them for coupling their names with the toast.

Mr M'Kellar, in proposing the toast of " Our Guest," said that when the Highland Society wrote to the General offering him their congratulations and inviting him if ever he came to the Australian colonies to "become their guest, they had little idea that they would be honoured so soon. When they got a telegram from Fremantle stating that he would be here on this clay they were astounded, and immediately set to work to make the welcome one befitting such a great man. He then proceeded with the pleasing duty of presenting to Sir Hector an address of welcome in both Gaelic and English from the Highland and Caledonian Societies.

Sir Joseph Ward, in speaking to the toast, said : The occasion upon which we are met together is one of an unusually interesting character. Many of the older identities here are not unfamiliar with the circumstances attendant upon the settlement of national troubles between a great tribal race and the British Crown. It was not possible for the sturdy pioneers who ' first settled our splendid colony to .leave the old country for New Zealand, then an almost unknown territory, without bringing with them something of the masterful and warlike spirit of our forefathers, and recent events have shown that, though this spirit may have been for some time dormant, it was far from dead. The South African war has afforded abundant evidence of the courageous and patriotic spirit of our youth, and it has not only impressed the people of our own colony, but it has made the name of New Zealand respected by those who are chiefly responsible for the maintenance and defence of the British Empire in a degree that it has never known before. It is natural, therefore, that when we have a warrior of such stamina, grit, and force of character as General Sir Hector Macdonald among us the people- should express their admiration and esteem for him in the way we are now doing. Self-reliant and independent as W6 are in New Zealand, I -know that we would net go out of our way to do honour to a man, even though highly distinguished, unless we knew that his record was something more than a mere paper one; and to-night we are doing honour to one of the brightest characters in the annals of British warfare. General Sir Hector Macdonald's honours have been won by a display of those exceptional qualities which alone can make a great soldier. He has shown himself to be the possessor of that pluck, that spirit of self-sacrifice for his country, that indomitable perseverance under most adverse circumstances which make up the prevailing characteristics of the British nation. General Sir Hector Macdonald is no fine-weather soldier. The qualities' I have named, combined with high intellectual powers, have won for him a place of admiration and endearment in the great heart of the Englishspeaking people. It is only when one comes to think of the dreadful responsibilities that rest upon the shoulders of a leading officer in military warfare that he truly estimates his real value to the nation. The career of our distinguished guest is unique in many respects. He has won his way to fame by sheer force of character, hard work, and unfailing energy. His position as a general of the British army to-day is all the greater because of the fact-that he attained it from the Tanks as a private. Such is the record of tha man who favours us by being our guest tonight. Is it to be wondered at that his fellow-countrymen should have rome from all parts of Southland to welcome such a hero? I say it is to their everlasting credit that they recognise the noble and unselfish work he has done for his coantry. It is under such men as this tha'j the British forces, whether drafted from tre British Isles or from the land of the Southern Cross, can march to battle with that absolute confidence which means victory wherever and whenever it is felt. Without attempting for one moment to say a word against officers of high birth who have attained to high r&nk and distinction in the British army, I cannot help thinking that such a man as our guest, who ha 9 gone through every phase of military life, must create such a sympathy between himself and his men as is too often not felt in the army, and his case 'forms an example which the British military authorities might follow with advantage. If men like General Sir H. Macdonald, who have risen from the ranks by their own personality, are admitted to the councils of the War Office, with ripe knowledge born of individual experience, it is difficult to forecast what good may be done. In conclusion, may I say that I think a visit from the distinguished soldier whom we now have with us cannot be without its good results. We cannot see here a man whose prowess has made for him a world-wide reputation without taking a deeper and keener interest in the affairs of the Empire even at this distant part of it. I know that I shall ba echoing the sentiments of all present when I express the hope that the brilliant career which has made so great a name for General Hector Macdonald may be long continued, and that higher positions may yet await him. God speed Sir Hector Macdonald. Our last meeting was in London, when the late Sir John M'Kenzie and Mr Bennet Burleigh, the famous war correspondent, were present. The Rev. J. A. Luxford, Mr R. Gilmour", and the Rev. J. Gibson Smith also spoke to the toast.

The following is the text of the illuminated address presented to Sir H. A. Macdonald: — Words of welcome from the Highland Society of Southland, New Zealand, to General Sir Hector Macdonald, X.C.8., D.5.0., A.D.C., on his landing at the port of Bluff on the 22nd day of October on a visit to New Zea-

Sir, — The Highland Society of Southland and all the many other Scottish Highlanders and their descendants in this land so far to the south, and so remote from our common native land, salute you, noble hero, with all their heart and with the warmest feeling of hospitality and respect. They esteem it a matter of very much pleasure that the opportunity of their welcoming you is presented, and beg to offer their sincere congratulations on the many deeds of valour which you have so triumphantly achieved as well as on your coming scathless and with honour out of co many straits and perils. It has been a source of happiness to your countrymen in this land to observe the wisdom, no less than the heroism, with which you conducted every operation entrusted to you, upholding the fame of your ancestors m every respect, and adding fresh lustre by your deeds to the valour that has ever distinguished your race, thus achieving honour among' the honoured and fame among the most distinguished in the King' 3 service. We know that the people of this colony are much pleased that you visit it on your way. Their goodwill towards yoii is universal. We trust that you will enjoy your short sojourn amongst us in this beautiful land of the far south, and that continued success will attend you in the honourable if arduous voxk Ks4sh. tlie I^ing is stili desiiQua to an-

trust you with. It is our earnest 'desire and prayer that your days may be long and that peace and happiness with every honour may reward you ; that you will enjoy years not a few among your kith and km in the " Land of mountains and glens and heroes," or wheresoever el.se you may chose for a dwelling, when the noise and tumult and war are laid. A. M'Kellar, Chief H.S. of Southland; J. M'Gregor, Chieftain H.S. of Southland; Kenneth Cameron, Secretary of H.S. of Southland; William Robertson, President Caledonian Society of Southland; D. A. Mitchell, Treasurer Caledonian Society of Southland; John M'Gregor, Secretary Caledonian Society of Southland. Invercargill, Southland, New Zealand, 22nd October, 1901.

The toast was drunk with triple musical honours, and followed by a selection by the Pipe Band, " Pibroch Donuil Dhu." Such a scene of enthusiasm in honouring a toast has never been seen in Invercargill before, many of those present standing on their chairs and cheering themselves hoarse. Sir Hector Macdonald, when he rose, was received with the most enthusiastic applause. Throughout his reply he was frequently interrupted by applause and cries of welcome from his fellow countrymen.

Sir Hector Macdonald, who was received with a storm of cheering, said : When I left India some time ago for a little recreation and rest, little did I "expect that I should find such a grand reception from the people of Invercargill as I have received today, notwithstanding, sir, your very kind invitation to visit you should I ever come in the direction of Australia. On my arriving at Fremantle (you were smart enough to be called American) I received a wire at once, saying "Do you remember?" I did, and I did so with gratitude. I have ccme to New Zealand on one or two missions, one to Invercargill and one to other places in the colony to personally reply to you for the many tokens of your sympathy and of your great regard for the Highlanders who are serving in South Africa. — (Applause.) I received many comforts, in the shape of flannel goods, pocket-handkerchiefs, knives, stockings, and other things, which I need not enumerate, and also large sums of money from various associations in New Zealand for the purpose of being paid out to wounded soldiers, or soldiers who are cent home from disease, and who perhaps may have been out of employment after being discharged from hospital. There is no doubt that these thing 3 appealed to my sense of gratitude, and when I had a little recreation the leapt thing I could do was to come and see the people of New Zealand, the people of Invercargill and others personally.—(Loud /applause.) To you, sir, I am indebted for meeting such a large number of my own countrymen in this hall. I met a great number to-day, and all I can say is that my heart went out to you, you received me so kindly. I knew it in your voices, I saw it in your eyes, and I felt it in the clasp of your hands. — (Applavise.) I am interdicted by your chairman from saying much more, and my own inclination goes that way, because I know you have come here to welcome me from very long distances, many of you for hundreds of miles, and it is not my wish to keep yovi longer here. I only wish to tell you that I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kindness and the warmth of your welcome to me to-day. — (Tremendous applause and cheering.) "The Agricultural and Pastoral Interests," " The Commercial Interests," " The Corporation of Invercargill," and " The Chairman " were the other toasts honoured.

Musical items were contributed by Mrs Blue, Miss Smith, Messrs D. Porteous, A. F. Grenfell, A. M 'Arthur, and T. C. Irving, while selections were played by the Garrison and Pipe Bands.

THE GENERAL'S MOVEMENTS

To-morrow morning General Sir H. A. Macdonald is to be driven round the hospital and schools, and in the afternoon leaves for Queenstown by special train, returning via Gore on Friday to Dunedin in time for the welcome there that evening.

Sir J. G. Ward and party left for the north by special train immediately after the banquet.

WELCOME TO GENERAL SIR HECTOR

MACDONALD. Welcome to our fair southern land : We welcome thee with heart and hand, For still, however (fax we roam, We ne'er forget oui native home; And all rejoice thy world-wide fame Sheds lustre on. the Highland name. And Britons true, where'er their birth, Shall join with us jhroughout the earth In doing honour to thy name, And spreading farther still thy fame. Thy merits raised thee from the ranks 1 , Thy actions gained our nation's thanks; Where'er the Empire sought thy aid, Valour and judgment were displayed On many a hard-fought, bloody field, Till all thy foemen had to yield. Mayst thou enjoy a well-earned rest Upon th« ocean's healthful breast-; And may our kind, salubrious shore Thy health and vigour all restore. And when from us thou must depart, May kindly feelings fill thy heart. Whilst Britain still shall need thy skill To lead her sons on. plain and hill, May fortune ever favour thee, Till peace shall feign on land and sea. May long and happy be thy life, With years of comfort after strife, And; may thy loved and honoured name Attain to everlasting fame.

Andbew Kinross

Invercargill, Octobe. 23,

VISIT TO THE LAKES DISTRICT.