FALLEN SOLDIERS' MEMORIAL.

Otago Witness, Issue 2558, 25 March 1903, Page 29

FALLEN SOLDIERS' MEMORIAL.

THE FLORAL FETE AND GYMKHANA. But a short time since Otago -was ringing ' jwith the call to arms, for the tocsin of tattle had been sounded in a far off land, j bud the parent country of these fair islands was engaged in a life and death struggle; and it was right and meet that the best i and bravest of colonial sons should fight by I |fche side of the other defenders of the Empire, offering their lives in that magnificent «ervice. And. now it is fitting, wften the •war-devastated territory has been declared a British colony and is being settled and (restored under the same beneficent rulK that all honour should be paid those noble brave who gave- their lives for the Empire's (honour. Time has softened the grief of the afflicted, and the mist of tears whioh veiled the glory of Bochasburg and Ottoehoop has passed away ; but an . ever-glorious monument remains in the great gem, added to the crown of the Empire's greatness-, and now it iB meet that a memorial should be raised in tlheir native land to the brave men who went forth, from Otago homes to return no •more, and ■ equally fitting that yesterday's great floral fete and gymkhana in aid of the memorial funds should be held on the anniversary of that day— ss years ago — when the brave old pioneers, the fathers and mothers of the soldiers, first set foot on the soil of this province. Fortunately, -the Memorial Committee was, favoured by^an ide«d day, tihere being warm, bright sunshine and an absence of wind, but even the most sanguine could scarcely have anticipated the enormous gathering, some•wibere close on 10,000 people being present. Forbury Park presented a most brilliant scene, for almost everywhere the eye turned •was a great .crowd of people, and the requisite colour note was supplied by the display •of bunting, the summer costumes of the fair sex and the flower-decorated horses, vehicles, bicycles, go-carte, perambulators, and other articles too numerous to mention, not forgetting pug dogs and poodles; while everyone" seemed to be enjoying the carnival to the full. Upon entrance at -.the inner gates the eye was attracted by the pretty -display of decorated model yachts; in the -carriage enclosure -were many gigs and other vehicles "brilliant in varied schemes of colouring ; further back were three large tente containing the counties* beautiful floral exhibits; portion of the' racing track was reserved for |tae various bicycle and other events, and in the ring centre a reaper and binder was peacefully engaged in harvesting the golden, grain; while everywhere were people — thousands of thorn, — and at all times could h« beard the music of the bands. It was a trilliant spectacle, and the committee is to be congratulated on the unqualified success of the .function. .One of the most important, departments was the afternoon tea stand, and the ladies who so willingly volunteered their services in supplying the good things and in attending to the tables deserve the very highest credit and the public's most grateful thanks for their unremitting attention and* til© exo&Hencer- of the tea, and' eatablesf Usually at such" functions neither the tea nor comestibles tempt' a delicate palate, but everything in 1 ' this department was of the very best-, and customers were made to feel as if they were conferring a favour on their hostesses by partaking of the fare provided. Keen interest; was manifested by the people in the displays of exhibits and in the lengthy programme of events, nor did- the enthusiasm slacken until the last sandwich was eaten and Hie last race was run. • Amusement was provided for the children in their own events, and also by " a monster dip," from which anything from a needle to an anchor might be fished up, so that altogether all Dunedin and its familyseemed to be present. The various officials ■were indefatigable in their efforts to make everything 1 pass off well, and they succeeded admirably, all the events -being started to time. The arrangements in connection with the exhibits were generally excellent, a<nd credit ie due in this connection to the hard worked secretary, Mr' C R. Smith, on whcee shoulders most of the responsibility rested. Altogether it was evident, even to the meet casual observer, thaft the fund in aid of the Fallen Soldiers' Memorial will be benefited to a Tery substantial extent