THE TURRET CAPTAIN'S TOAST.

Otago Witness, Issue 2811, 26 August 1908, Page 70

THE TURRET CAPTAIN'S TOAST.

(An incident in the visit of the U.S. ba.i.ile-s-hips I© Auckland, August, 1908 ) The neglected moon was shining on the Wait-emata's tide, Where the White Fleet lay at mchor by the laughing- city's side, Wifoer& t&n thousand flags were waving, where ten thousand lamps made day ; Hearts and home' alike set open to the lads from- far away. Some had gathered at the banquet, loyal toasts went swiftly Tound ; Gaily clinked tJie brimming glasses, lightly xoll-ed the laughter sound ; They were leal and they were loving, witty men and gallan* tars In the shadow of Old GJory and Ao-tea-roa's stars. v Said the turret _ captain, rising, "i will give ■another toast ; On our list you will not find it, but you'll honour it fche most." As he looked ado-wn the table with the frank eyes of a brother, Glass in hand, he called them standing with tie tender cadence — "'Mother." In a sudden sileaioe thrilling, with a furtive sob and tear — How it sensed them with the image of the distant and the dtear ; And. a wave of longing swept them 1 for the 'dear old folk at home In Kentucky, Alabama, and by Mississippi's foam. There are mem'ries that must linger of Columbia's gailaiit men Wider, deeper, gnaver, gladder than -the measure of the pen: But uncountedvhearts will witness that the word ■which knii them- most To the fortunea of the White Fleet was the Turret^ Captain's toast. — HosLY*r.