FAREWELL TO SERGT -MAJOR BERTRAM.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLI, Issue 11108, 28 December 1916, Page 8

FAREWELL TO SERGT -MAJOR BERTRAM.

IMPORTANT SPEEOH BY MR B. „ NEWMAN, M.P. Tlie name foe hospitality which the town of Marton has gained in connection with the farewell gatherings to those departing to take their share iu the great struggle now going on was fully maintained last evening, when, at Gould’s Cafe, the members ot the Martou Defence Club and their friends gathered in large numbers to bid farewell to SergeantMajor Bertram, whose final leave being at an end goes into camp during tb« week. For some 30 years the cu-narnifg cnest has been a resident of Maxton. and during that time has, by his genial manner, made many friends, and there was no mistaking the warmth of their reception to him when rising to respond to the toast of his health. As a member of the Defence Club he has been one of its strongest supporters, and many a member will long retain the happy memory of their association with SergeantMajor Bertram. Those responsible for this gathering were fortunate in securing as chairman Mr B. Newman, M.P., who carried ont his duties in a manner that in no little way helped to make the gathering so pleasant, and supporting him were such representative men as Rev. Kitcat, Major Batten, Lieut. Col. Scott, Messrs 6. P. Lethbridge, A. Bill, F Spencer, Ales Stuart, A. Dixon, W. R. Sndlsrove, Higgins, J. Walker, A. Brown, Rote, Fowler. Wood, W. J. Gray, and many others. The toast list was a comprehensive one, and the different speeches excellent. After the toast of the “King and Queen’’ had been duly honored, Mr Lethbridge gave “ The Boys at the Front.’’ As chairman of the Rangitikei Patriotic Society he thanked the members of the Defence Rifle Clnb for the opportunity of associating with them that evening in order that those going away could be presented with some present on behalf of the Patriotic Society, as they had found some difficulty in arranging a gathering. For some two years the war had been going on, and during that time the “boys” had done nobly, and on all sides they, heard of the New Zealanders spoken ot in the highest terms. They were fighting for their King and Country, and it was only right and just that those remaining at home should do all they could to help them. Mr F. Spencer, in responding, said that when the war broke out some said it was impossible to make soldiers out of such “raw material,” hut it had been shown that the New Zealand men were now able to meet any trained army, and were first-class soldiers and ready to face the foe. He wished them all good luck, and their hearts would go out to them as they were in the trenches. Mr A. Brown, in proposing the toast of “The Army and Navy,” said that such was first and foremost m the world, and would win the ( war. Major Batten replied. He said as regards the “Army and Navy” it was second to none, and capable of standing up to any in Europe. There had been mistakes made, but Germany had also made some, and as time went on it would be shown that Britain would be quite capable of dealing with anything that Germany could bring forward. It was the toast of the evening “Our Guest,” that gave the chairman the opportunity to make one of those speeches, short, yet eo full ofiinterest and fact, that make it a pleasure to to Mr Newman, We were living, he said, in serious times, and most of ns were doing ail they could to help to defend the British flag. The speaker congratulated the members of the Martou Defence Rifle Club on the splendid spiiit that had been shown by the members and by young men generally throughout the Dominion in regard to the war. This was demonstrated by the fact that after about 60,000 men Have gone men are still volunteering for service abroad, and in some districts the ballot may not have to be brought into use at all. But this would not satisfy the small party of “Discontents,” who are clamouring for ;tbe repeal of the Military Service Act of last session. He wished to point out that even if Parliament met he was convinced that the Act would not be repealed, and as the present personnel of the House will remain unaltered for nearly two years, in all probability until after the war, opponents of the system may as well accept the inevitable, and “fall in” and do their dnty to their country along with other people. He emphasised the point that anti-con-scriptiouists could render the Act quite inoperative by volunteering in sufficient numbers to enable Government to fulfil its undertaking to the Motherland in the way of reinforcements. But this is not what these too sensitive gentlemen want They would not' volunteer themselves. They objected to compulsion. They would rather that the people of New Zealand should be subjected to the treatment accorded to Belgium than that their precious- “ Views” on compulsory service should be outraged. In his opinion the man who raised opposition to cur Military Service Act at the present time was an enemy to the Dominion and Empire, and should he firmly dealt with —many of them would feel much at home on Somes Island.- Others would find congenial society at Porirua, but wherever thev are put they should be kept until the war is over because, intentionally or unintentionally, they are playing into the hands of the Germans now. It would do incalculable harm if it could be reported - abroad that this Dominion was divided on the question of seeing the war out. He said the time may come when the civil population should be organised as is being done in Germany, and referred to Mr Lloyd George’s proposals for the Home Country. There it was suggested that all men between 17 and 56 should place themselves nnder the orders of the Government and work at any occupation and in any locality that they were required. This is how the people at Home are meeting this great crisis, and surely wo in New Zealand should be equally self-sacrificing. He wished to refer briefly to the socalled peace proposals of the enemy. He regarded them as absolutely bogus—worked out probably to stiffen the backs of the German people, who are getting war-weary. Is there to be peace without punishment for the destruction of Belgium apd Servia? The enslavement of thousands of resepctable law-abiding

men and women who have, been sent to Germany under brutal Germa . < flicers and men? Who can tell the taie of the misery of these enslavements? Can we imagine peace with the Lusitania and. the murders of Nurse Unveil and Captain Fryatt unreveuged? Peace while the British Navy is still afloat and the German fleet mioaptured or destroyed? Such a proposal is madness. Our enemies must pay for the crimes they have committed. Then we must have such guarantees as will render such a war as this impo - Bible for another century at all events. This cannot be done until the military classes which now rule iu Germany are crushed out ot existence. We must be prepared to fight until this object is gained, if we would do justice to the generations come alter us. He believed that after the war the British Flag would still fly supreme on land and sea, and would remain the symbol of honour, liberty and freedom to all alike, of all creeds and colours, rich and poor, great and small. Coming to the more personal part of his speech the Chairman told bow Sergeant Bertram joined the Royal Rifles iu 1900, was a corporal in 1902, and sergeant in 1903, and what more honours he would obtain no one knows. They wished him God sfeed aud every success. Mr Alex Stuart, alwa>s a welcome speaker at these social gatherings, as a neighonr for 12 years, added his testimony to the esteem in vvhich Sergeant Bertram was held, S 3

A right royal reception was given the guest of the evening on rising to respond. He said he felt highly honoured by such a gathering, Since he joined the Royal Rifles he had always tried to do his beat and play the game, and the training: lie had received in Martou had stood him in good stead. Speaking ot life in Trentham Camp, Sergt. Bertram said it was a real good place, the life was healthy, the men well looked after, and if one only showed themselves willing there was every chance to get on. He thanked, them very much for their kindness that evening and only hoped that when he got to the front that he would play the game and play it well. The Chairman, on behalf of the Patriotic Society, then presented Sergt/Bertram with a set of shaving razors; Private McShane, a wristlet watch ; Private A. Coleman, set of razors; Private Frederick, wristlet watch; and Private Khodes, pipe; each being loudly cheered as be came forward to receive tbeir gifts.

Mr Walker, in proposing “The Patriotic Society,” told of the good work it had done, and Mr Bill responding was as usual at his best, with one of these little impromptu speeches which make him so popular. Another important toast was given by the Chairman, “The'' Boys Leaving for the Front,” and in a few well chosen remarks he said he was sure they would do as well as those who bad gone. Military life herb was so different from that in the Old Country, but New Zealand had done splendidly, over 60,000 men having gone to places they had never seen to tight nnder the British Flag. Those leaving would not be forgotten, their progress would be followed with interest, if they had success all would be delighted, if bad luck they could he sure of sympathy, and he only hoped that when this great fight is over and peace proclaimed that they would all come back marching through the streets of Martou. The noble part the ladies have played was not forgotten, and the toast of the “Lady Workers of the Patriotic Society” was given by Rev. Kitcat, who paid an eloquent tribute to what they had done, and Mr A. Dixon said just £the right words iu responding, telling how they had grasped the first opportunity the war had offered, and how they had risen to the occasion, and nobly so. Mr Snellgrove proposed “Honorary Members,” to vvhich Mr Lethbridge responded and the toast of the “Press” brought to a close a gathering, the pleasant memory ot which will long remain with those fortunate enough to be present.

Mention must be made of the musical programme, to which Rev. Kitcat, Messrs Sherriff, Walker, Pope, Stewart and Rofe contributed, the different items being rendered in capital style, and with Mr A. E. Crozier at the piano such a combination of talent was sure to be enjoyed.