THE TERRITORIALS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2934, 8 June 1910, Page 14

THE TERRITORIALS.

A NEW HALL AT OWAKA OPENED BY HON. T. MACKENZIE. (From Our Special Reporter.) OWAKA, May 27. This evening a somewhat brilliant function, arranged by Owaka residents and members of' the Owaka Rifles, marked the opening of the new Territorial Hall at Owaka. The building is said to be the largest of its class in the Clutha County. It was built largely with funds standing to the credit of the Owaka Rifles when that corps became merged with the Territorials. It has been designed to fill all possible requirements as a public hall, and, with well-furnished committee and supper rooms attached, should prove a boon not only to the local members of the Territorials, but to all residents of the district. This evening the building was lit with acetylene gas and nicely decorated, .and one's first impression of it was distinctly favourable. Captain Richardson, of the local corps, was chairman, and a* the commencement of the proceedings asked the Hon. Thos. Mackenzie (Minister of Agriculture), who arrived at 8 o'clock this evening, to formally declare the hall open. Mr Mackenzie said that he regarded the hall .and the obvious support given it by the people as an indication that they in that portion of the Dominion realised the necessity there was, should dark days arise, for the Dominion to not only stand up for itself, but also to assist the Motherland. At no time had the position been more serious. _ They heard rumours of war clouds gathering in Europe, and the indications in the East should make Sew Zealanders gird up their loins and be prepared for any emergency. Recently they had had the advantage of the advice of Lord Kitchener, the ablest organising soldier of the century. He had submitted proposals which showed the minimum strength for efficient service in the future should anv trouble arise. He hoped that the people would rise above party and consider this scheme in the light of a national question, and accept Lord Kitchener's proposals in their entirety, or 'else reject them in their entirety; but, in the name of common sense, let them not tinker with those proposals. He hoped the people in this part of the Dominion would not _be one whit behind the other parts, which had shown their anxiety and ability to defend themselves, and that the men who trained in that hall would show themselves worthy of the defenders of Britain of 100 or more years ago—the brave men and women from* whom they had descended. He had pleasure in declaring the hall open. Captain Richardson read apologies for the absence of Colonel Robin, Lieutenantcolonel Smyth, Lieutenant-colonel Stewart, Captain, Hickey, and Captain Stewart. The proceedings then took the form oi a concert, intersoersed with toasts. Mr J. F. M. Fraser, K.C., proposed the toast of "The Army, Navy, and the Territorials," and emphasised the superiority of the Territorial system over the Volunteer system. He bespoke for the former the hearty and necessary support of the people. The toast was acknowledged by* Lieu-tenant-colonel M'Clvmont, of the Fourth Battalion? Staff. The tos<r£ of " Parliament" was proposed by Mr W. Hay, and responded to by Mr A. S. Malcolm, M.P. The latter's speech took an Imperial turn, and described in a stirring manner some of the great British victories of old and the stamina and bravery, individually and collectively, of British soldiers. Mr A. C. Saunders, in a happy speech, proposed the toast of "The Ministry," and the toast was acknowledged by the Hon. Thomas Mackenzie, who. wished the Owaka Territorials every success. The function concluded with cheers for Mr Mackenzie, Mr Malcolm, Sir J. G. Ward, and the Government. Items were contributed to the concert programme by Lieutenant-colonel M'Clymont, Lieutenant Jackman, Mesdames G-. M'Latchie, M. Latta, B. -Latta, and Mooney, Messrs' B. O'Connor, E. Mooney, Dill, Shaw, and Mooney.