"SOLDIERS OF THE EMPIRE IN BONNIE SCOTLAND."

Otago Witness, Issue 3329, 2 January 1918, Page 19

"SOLDIERS OF THE EMPIRE IN BONNIE SCOTLAND."

By Roy Spence.

There is an old saying in Scotland —"It's an ill wind that blaws naebody guid," and while wo have always preserved the saving grace of humour, even in national calamity, wo can count also on our consolations. For a great mutual consolation la given to host and guest alike through the military authorities granting leave to our colonial soldiers to visit the British Isles as a respite from their harassing work at the front. Many are keenly expectant on meeting their kith and kin, others on holiday pleasure bent, and great joy is experienced from the visits of our cousins from tho wide stretches of the Empire. The opportunity is utilised in many in- ' stances to see as much of the Mother Country as tho limited leave period will allow, and who knows what new l ideas, what new convictions are being evolved in the minds of these young oitizens of the future? .The British people are permeated with a revived affectionate interest in the colonies ,and are more than proud that such fine representatives pi colonial manhood are, in common "with themselves —bone of their bone and flesh of their flesh —out to fulfil a, great destiny, a mission if you like —to realise sooner the prophecy of Scotland's poet son, "that man to man the world o'er shall brothers be." The colonial soldier is generally interest; ing to the natives of the Old Country. They admire his easy gait and lack of convention and his generally chivalrous demeanour towards women. They like his accent. When "doing" the sights, the - ordinary tourist guide book is more often than not dispensed with by him. He never seems in his easy manner, to be going anywhere, but he gets somewhere, and generally surprises his questioner by his knowledge of historical events and places he has visited. London, the hub of the universe, naturally is his first stop, and always presents a wonder to him. Its dimensions, its people, its management, its historical parts cause him to admire and sigh. No doubt, to him who is without ■ relations. there, the metropolis may be too - wide, and with its incessant traffic, too busy for lengthened sojourn, so, after visiting "the sights," he seeks for quieter retreat, and maybe as interesting. Ireland calls for many, especially those of Irish, blood and extraction, the Emerald Isle offering all the interest and. climate and beauty that is sought by the nerve-strained soldier. But a revelation is furnished by the love and affection and admiration the young colonial evinces for Scotland and all things Scottish, and) since the hint is passed along the billets to those about to depart on leave to do Scotland for reception and joy and pleasure, what place more attractive than its beautiful capital? The seat of Edina is a perfect Mecca for colonials, thousands having been recorded as visitors to this city of solemn splendour. Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Inverness attract many, who still prefer the capital as their centre, where the club accommodation is attractive. - ~ , . . The Overseas Clubs of Edinburgh are among the most inviting in the country and unsurpassed for situation. Ramsay Lodge, built on the site of the demesne of the pastoral poet, Allan Eamsay, is peculiarly nttedl for such a hostel. Looking, as it does, over the famous terraced street, with its beautiful gardens and buildings, a magnificent view is obtained of the city with tho river Forth arid the Fife hills beyond. It surely was fitting that such a club should be proclaimed open for the reception of our colonial cousins by a distinguished burgess—Lord Rosebery, ■who, in his oration, complimented the overseas men on their manliness, their .presence adding a picturesqueness to Princes street a 3 they promenade along with either conical hats and various coloured! bands or slouched hats tilted fetehingly on the side. Another such club is situated in a Wert " End square, palatially appointed amid homely quiet for the comfort of overseas men managed by a coterie of earnest men and women, ever ready to help and advise the visitor within the gates, with all the kindly spontaneity of comradeship that is inherent in the Scottish race. For many the capital has a charm as holding much of the history and romance that has made Scotland famous Finding the city tinder war conditions, denuded of its best manhood, the colonial smells freedom in its very walls. Grey St Giles, with Its discarded colours of Scottish regiments hanging from pillars in the nave; rto many memorials and beautiful Thistle Chapel; Parliament House behind; the Castle on the summit where James I gazed first on the light; Holyrood Palace, haunted with gay and sad memories, bringing us nearer, as it were, to tho harassing reign of the beautiful Mary, Queen of Soots, and other more modern haunts—.all have their v supreme interest for the soldier on leave. Loch Lomond, and the Trossachs have their charmine attractions. It was at tho former place that a New Zealander remarked with pardonablo pride: "This is like a bit of New Zealand." When in the second city of the Empire—Glasgow—opportunity is made of inspecting one. of tho famous shipyards' or munition works > On Anzacs being asked a* to their fondness for Edinburgh and Scotland generally, many can hardly express their reasons why. It is'instinctive, they say, everything that U welcome being embodied m the very emilo of the people. Was it this fact that caused a 'Scottish nurse, in _ writing to a convalescent patient, to mention it is just the same old smile " ? There seems much in common between tho Scot and' the colonial They fraternise under all conditions, either at the front or at home. Truly enough, they are ono people, linked together in gallantry and affection, sacrificing much for tho cause of freedom and goodwill. It is well that it should be so, and when the hour comes for departure and friends must part with the pleading " Will ye no come back again?" or the benediction, " Kia-ora," who knows what contributions may yet be made to the greatness of the .dominions, as the thoughts linger 01 a visit to no mean city?. "Did earthquake ruin her, with what thunder would her hills combine: did the sea violate her, what towered islands would taunt the waves; did war break her, how majestic her fall: did peace rot her, how surely would tho grass return to the rook, the eagle to the crag. Incomparable city! by Nature mothered, by timo made reverend, by man kept young, who shall praise her but in naming her what she is, the monument and nursery of a great people."

Tin's reciprocity of goodwill and esteem is suggestive of Britain's destiny; may it ever be making heavenwards 1