AN IMPRESSIVE SERVICE.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 9186, 25 July 1902, Page 4

AN IMPRESSIVE SERVICE.

THANKSGIVING AT PRETORIA.

PRETORIA. June 10. The thanksgiving service in the Church square, the scene of miiny historic functions, has been altogether a signal success. The 6000 troops solidly massed in the centre of the square marked off for them, comprising detachments of every branch in South Africa down to the National Scouts, formed such a. representative gathering of .soldiers oi> active service that one could fairly say it was v sight, never to be forgotten.l—these war-worn soldiers with both features and clothes bronzed by the; sun into almost blackness. At nine o'clock the troops were in place, while, the crowds, composed mostly of English, but with a good sprinkling of Dutch, lined the solid mass of soldiers. A little before, ten Lord Kitchener arrived, and was received by a. guard of honor of the Ist Scots Guards. A dais had been erected in front of the Government buildings, and around it were choirs from Johannesburg and Pretoria. On. his arrival Lord Kitchener presented the Royal Red Cross Orders to eleven nursing sisters, whose- scarlet uniform formed a pleasant contrast with the prevailing khaki line. Then followed a presentation of the Victoria Crosses, which it ha dnot been possible to present before this occasion. On the presentation ceremony being concluded the thauksgiving service commenced. The surpliced choirs- marched slowly round the inner portion of the square singing "Onward, Christian Soldiers," which was heartily joined in by the; soldiers present. It is impossible to give an adequate idea, of the effect of the deep bass of the 6000 sturdy \ soldiers, mingled here and there with the feminine voices of the. onlookers and the choirs. The Collects were read by the Bishop of Zululand, while the. Archbishop of Capetown gave a. short sermon at the conclusion of Lord Kitchener's favorite hyian, "Nearer my Clod to. Thee." Everyone, English, and Dutch, joined heartily in the last hymn sung, the familiar "Old Hundredth," and it was noticeable that many uf the Dutch were visibly affected during this hymn. Then followed the strains of the National Anthem, chanted to the; accompaniment of the massed bands. It was the first time for many years that people had Been Dutch and English taking off their hats in unison to the tune of "God Save the King." A- short pause ensued while Lord Kitchener, accompanied by his staff, walked on to the dais. Then, facing the crowd, he lifted his hat and called for three cheers, for the- King. The 6000 soldiers

at once waved their hats, and poured forth lusty cheers, which «choed and re-echoed throughout the square. The enthusiasm which, liad been gradually' working up during the service, now broke forth unrestrained, spi-eading from the men to the crowd behind. All, whatever their nationality, and especially the, Dutch, showed real union in the sovereignly of the King, thus giving remarkable testimony as to the new state of things.