LEAVING FOR THE FRONT.

Temuka Leader, Issue 3529, 30 December 1899, Page 2

LEAVING FOR THE FRONT.

Farewell to Captain Hayhurst.

As soon as the news arrived that Captain Hayhurst's serviceshad beenacceptedfor the Transvaal, several gentlement proceeded to arrange for a valedictory gathering. This took somewhat of the form of a smoke concert in the Temuka Volunteer Hall, and on Thursday evening there was an attendance of some 150 volunteers and civilians, including a number of Captain Hayhurst’s tenants. Among the volunteer officers present were Major Young, V.D., Major Jowsey, Captain Richardson, Quartermaster Cutten, and Lieutenants Feilden, Crawshaw and Foden. The catering was entrusted to Mr D. O’Donohue, of the Crown Hotel, and the table dt corations were really artistic. Down the centre of the table ran a line of red, white, and blue tissue paper, artistically interwoven, and the floral decorations were excellent, the whole being in good taste, and very neat. Dr Hayes presided, and the toast of “ The Queen” was heartily honored.

The chairman said that he was flattered at being asked to preside at that meeting. They all knew that they were met together to honor Captain Hayhurst, who had set a noble example in volunteering for the Transvaal. He had heard him called a fool for leaving his comfortable home and social circle to go on an expedition where his bed would not be one of roses, but he, the speaker, was proud that he was going. Captain Hayhurst had risen 50 per cent, in his estimation, and he was sure otheis felt the same. (Hear, hear.) He was not like some who went from motives of gain, but he was going with a noble dis-

interestedness, because his country called him. Some mightenvy Captain Hayhurst his social position, but he, the speaker, envied him the privilege of going to fight for his country. He would like to go himself, and serve his country in her need. Why were men going, except that our country wants their assistance? The Mother Country called to them across the sea, and he was proud that New Zealand was not dilatory in coming forward. He hoped, if the Government asked, that instead of some 200, at least 1000 men could be as readily sent. England does not want money, she wants men. It is not merely Boers and Hollanders that she is fighting. Other nations were watching the fight from the background, and England’s extremity was their opportunity. They were defending their own hearths and homes, and would be lacking in patriotism if they did not come forward when wanted. That the war was a just one he was strongly of opinion, and he could not conceive-how people with pro-Boer sympathies were tolerated amongst them. He could only conceive that it was that the British had merely contempt for them. He hoped that the British lion would eventually crush them out of existence. It made his blood boil to read of the insults levied upon his countrymen and women, and he felt that any man with Boer sympathies was a traitor to his country. The moral effect upon the country would be very great indeed. It had lifted New Zealand out of the narrow ruck of parish politics. They could now all meet on one platform, and work for their country’s good. Captain Hayhurst was a New Zealander bred and born, and his volunteering for the front was a sign that when the trumpet calls Britons are never behind hand. The chairman then read the following verses:—

The New to the Old sea-Land.

C' The Old Sea-Mother calls Conan Doyle.)

The Old Sea-Land is calling, and the New Sea- land replies. We are coming. Mother, coming! Every

man You expect to do his duty. Well, we know the good old plan. And each will do his duty, if he dies.

We are bred on farm or station, very peaceable and free. Mind the shop or mind the sheep, but we are men; - Wc are youngest of your children and the furthest from your ken, Yet a willing little nation Oversea. Shall the flag beneath whose shelter we have lived a life of ease, — Not a fear of foreign foemen on our shore, Need a hand or two to hoist it ? It shall need them nevermore. Say the peoxde of these isles in Southern seas.

Take our gold and take our produce; it was grown while that flag flew ; Horses, corn in plenty, food for man and beast j Wo are children, strong and sturdy; we will not be last nor least When the Old Sea-land is calling to the New.

Take the best we have to offer; take our sons and never fear. They shall not disgrace their forbears in the fight. We are yours, and you are Justice, you are Freedom, you are Eight;

There is naught else we think worthy. Mother dear.” G.P.W.

The verses were loudly applauded, aud the chairman then asked them to drink Captain Hayhurst’s and Lieutenant Findlay's health,;

This was done with the utmost enthusiasm and with musical honours.

The Hon. J. M. Twomey, M.L.C., said that the occasion was to him one of regret. He regretted that there was occasion for war, and he regretted that Captain Hayhursb was leaving them under circumstances which might eventually mean that they had looked their last upon him. It was a pity that no more time was available to allow of them making the gathering more worthy of the occasion, but the present gathering showed that Captain Hayhurst carried with him the esteem of his fellow citizens. They could not but admire the patriotic spirit which led Captain Hayhurst to leave a comfortable home, a loving wife, aud beautiful children, to battle for his country. It was men imbued with such a spirit that had built the empire, and so long as we had such men there was no necessity to fear Kruger or anyone else. (Applause). The chairman had said this was an occasion on which all of us could meet on a common platform of loyalty to the Empire. That was so, for in this colony we had absolute freedom. There were no freer people on the face of the earth, and freedom always begets loyalty. It is only the oppressed who are disloyal. (Applause). They would all join with him in wishing Captain Hayhurst, Lieut. Findlay, and their fellow colonists every success in their undertaking, and a speedy return, decorated, he hoped, with, the Victoria Cross. (Applause.) Mr D. Ferguson, in a pointed speech, referred to several empire-making wars in Canada and India, and it now seemed that Africa had to be painted red. He would not agree that this was a capitalist’s war. He believed that Britain was there to see fair play, and it would be an object lesson to see the result of her appeal to her colonists. In ancient times the fiery cross was sent from hamlet to hamlet to call the people to-m-ms. Now an electric wire carries the message, and the result is just as prompt asever. (Hear, hear.) Major Jowsey, on behalf of the South Canterbury Infantry Battalion, conveyed to Captain Hayhurst their high appreciation of his action in offering himself for active service.

Captain. Eichardson, after a few preliminary remarks relative to the hope expressed that Captain Hayhurst would return with that coveted little piece of bronze inscribed “ For Valour," said that as the commandant of Captain Hay hurst’s old company, he wished to express the feelings of the Temuka Eifles towards him. They were very proud of him, and glad that he was one to demonstrate that the volunteers are not the merely ornamental body of men people have thought them. Since Captain Hayhurst had established his new corps the kindliest feeUnga had aaste<|.

between tbe two. In a very short time the Mounted Eifles had developed into a creditable company, and he congratulated them on having had such an efficient officer. Sergeant-Major Gillies said that Captain Hayhurst’s services could not be too highly praised. He went heart and soul into everything he undertook, and he was only voicing the feelings of tno whole corps in saying that the men considered it an honour to belong to a corps which Captain Hayhurst commanded. He called on the members of the Mounted Eifles to give cheers for their captain and lieutenant. The cheers were given with great enthusiasm.

Captain Hay hurst, on rising to reply, was prevented at first from speaking on account of the cheers, which were renewed again and again. Eventually, when silence was restored, he said that the honor done him was greater than he deserved. (Cries of “ No, no.”) The position he had taken up was that every man should be prepared to fight for his country. It had been said in the course of his mayoral election campaign that it was charged against him that ho stuck to nothing. Well, he had stuck to the mayoral chair for two months, and he was leaving it now to fight for his country. (Applause). It was only on Christmas Day that he and Lieutenant Findlay had decided to volunteer, and yesterday he received a wire that his services were accepted. He wired again to ascertain if he retained his rank, and if so, could he have leave until Saturday. This was granted, and he was proud to say that he was leaving with his present rank, and in charge of a, company, unless something unexpected occurred. He had to apologise for the absence of Lieutenant Findlay, who had deemed it best to go forward at once. Of the other members of his company who had volunteered he had no information at present, but he believed that five out of seven would be accepted. As far as he could learn this contingent would be better than the last, as the conditions are more stringent. However, that might be, he hoped when they faced the enemy that they would do as well as the others. He did not think they would shirk their duty. He knew he was out of order in making any criticism, but he could not but think that the commands of the contingent should be given to colonial born men. The volunteers were expected to be coloniSl born, and, although it was a serious responsibility, yet he thought there should be colonial born officers able to take control. They would be pleased to note the enthusiasm displayed. He was daily pestered with applications from men desirous of being enrolled, and only last evening had to swear in two who wanted to be ready to go if a chance occurred. During his absence the corps would be under command of Sergt-Major Gillies. He regretted lie could not recommend liim for the vacant lieutenancy, but he lived too far from Timarn. He saw his old lieutenant, Mr Saxby Turnbull present, and had hopes that he would see his way to again take his old position. He had to thank them on behalf of Lieutenant Findlay, his men, and himself for the way in which the toast had been honored. He could assure them they were going into this affair with their eyes open and would do their duty. (Applause and Cheers.) Major Young, V.D., in proposing the V Health of the Members of the South Canterbury Mounted Rifles who have volunteered for service,” said that he was proud to have lived to see the volunteers display so much patriotism. This .was no mere training camp they were going to, but war in stern reality. He was sure that in the camp and on the battlefield the New Zealand boys would do their country credit.

Sergt.-Major Gillies briefly responded. The chairman read letters from Mr J. Fraser, and Mr D. Inwood icgretting inability to attend and expressing forcibly and sympathetically their appreciation of Captain Hayhurst’s conduct. They both > expressed a wish for his speedy return. Mr Guild proposed the toast of “The Army, Nary, and Volunteers,” and associated it with the names of Quartermaster Cutten and Lieutenant Foden, both of whom responded. “ Agricultural and Commercial Interests” was proposed by Mr Ferguson and replied to by Mr P. Wareing. Mr Aspinall proposed the toast of “Local Bodies.” Councillor Lee and Mr J. Ashwell, late chairman of the ArowhenuaTown Board, responded. The health of Lieutenant Findlay was honoured separately, and, in proposing it, Captain Richardson eulogised his efficiency. Mr D. Angland proposed the health of “ Master Frank Hayhurst and Mrs Hayhurst.” These were heartily honoured. Other toasts were “ The Press,” “ The Ladies,” and “ The Host and Hostess ” (Mr and Mrs O’Donohue). All the speakers had a few kindly remarks to make about Captain Hayhurst.

In proposing the health of the chairman Captain Hayhurst took occasion to mention that the Borough Council had granted him three months’ leave of absence. He also mentioned incidentally that his was a unique position. Me was the only man of reputed wealth who had volunteered.

In the course of the evening songs were sung by Lieutenants Feilden aud Crawshaw. Trooper Rice, and Messrs Asbwell, Lee, Aspinall, and Twomey, and the proceedings concluded with a verge of the National Anthem and Auld Lang Syne.

Geraldine Boys to the Front,

On Wednesday night Captain Mackenzie, of the Geraldine Rifles, received orders from headquarters to send Privates W. Clonston, A. E. Loach, and D. McKechnie to Wellington to join the second New Zealand contingent. When the news became known there was some excitement in the town, and quite a little crowd gathered to watch the men practice horse-riding, for so eager were the men for the fray that immediately they received orders they sought out a horse with some blood to test their horsemanship. The general opinion, however, seemed to be that the riding test in Wellington would be too severe for the three men who have offered their services, and they may have to come home again, Clonston is a fine stamp of a young New Zealander, active, and well proportioned, and if he can only manage to pass the riding test his inclusion in the contingent is a moral. He is confident himself of passing this test, as he has had considerable horseback experience when younger, though he has not done much riding for years. Of the three McKechnie is said to be the most likely one to pass the riding test, as he has had several years’ steeplechase experience in Dunedin, and has also had considerable volunteer experience, having been for years a member of the Dunedin Highland Hides, of which he was one of their crack shots. He is also an excellent piper - , having won a host of prizes at sports in the colony, and he has hopes of being appointed piper for the contingent if one is required. • His only drawback is that he is half an inch short of the standard height, hut as the Wellington authorities have his measurement before them it is hardly possible they would send for him if they were not likely to accept his services. Both Clonston and McKechnie are well known on the football field in South Canterbury and have shown themselves smart and active. Loach will pass as regards measurements, but it is doubtful if he will pass riding test. He is, however, one of the Geraldine Rifle corps, best shots, having recently won Dr. Teevan’s trophy. The men left for the north by the express on Thursday evening, and were given a very hearty send-off by their comrades and friends. Considering the short notice, a very fair number of volunteers assembled at the Volunteer Hall at 4 p.m. under Captain MacKenzie. Colonel Moore was also present, and the public turned oat in large numbers. In the Drill Shed the three men were placed in the front rank and addressed by Mr F. R. Flatman, M.H.R., and Colonel Moore. Mr Flatman said be was pleased that there were Volunteers in Geraldine who were prepared to go out and fight for their country and their Queen, for it waa rather a critical time

at present. It was said that when the first contingent left that there would he very little work for them to do, and that the war would be over before they reached their destination. Such was-not the case, and our men were now in the thick of the fight. Anyone, therefore, volunteering 1 at the present, time he considered showed more pluck than those who offered for the first contingent, because they now knew what a difficult job they bad before thein in South Africa. The position was critical, but he believed we had men willing and capable of coping with any dangers that might arise, and the Empire would be saved by the same courage that characterised the British people of days gone by. They could look back to glorious victories in the past, and in looking forward they could hope for still greater victories. He felt certain of one thing, if members of the "N r ew Zealand contingent got a show they would give a very good account of themselves, and the Geraldine boys would not be behind in this respect. He could assure the men before him that if they were accepted their comrades in arms and the civilians of this place would ever be watching their actions an J the action of the contingent, and he trusted they would be lucky enough to return to their native land once more with honour to themselves and the country. He admired the courage of our Colonial youths in ottering themselves so freely for the second contingent, and he was sorry to lose them. He trusted that the outcome of the present stiramongst volunteers would be that the Government would see tit to help the volunteer movement forward more than it had been helped in" the past by an increase of capitation, so as to encourage the men. He again wished the Geraldine men every sucecess, and hoped some day to have the pleasure of welcoming them back. (Applause.) Colonel Moore cordially endorsed what Mr Fiatunn said as a whole, but could not agree with him when he said he was sorry to lose the men. For his part he would like to see the whole corps going to the front, and, in fact, nothing would please him better than to see the whole of the South Canterbury battalion going, for, in that case, he might get an opportunity to take command of them himself. At any rate, he held that the Government ought to send about 500 or 600 infantry in addition to the mounted men. The Geraldine men who were leaving for Wellington he hoped would not be disappointed if they were rejected, because tests were rather severe, but if they were accepted he hoped they would uphold the honour of tho South Canterbury Battalion. When they got to South Africa they would no doubt find one member of their battalion already there. The company were marched through the town, led by Mr Stewart Clarke with the bagpipes, and were afterwards driven in li. Scott & Co's. large four-in-hand coach to the Orari railway station to catch the north express. The public gave the men a hearty cheer as they left Geraldine, and their comrades gave them a right loyal send off at the train. Mrs McKenzie, wife of the captain of the corps, presented each of the three men with a small pocket Now Testament handsomely bound as they were leaving.

Geraldine Patriotic Meeting,

Owing to the meeting being held in the day time, there was only a fair attendance at the Geraldine Patriotic meeting held in the Oddfellows’ Hall on Thursday afto.iuoon. The chair was taken by Mr. J. W. Pye, and there were also present Messers M.C. Orbell, F.E. ITatman M.H.E., Barklio, Stubbs, Malinr, Drs. Teevau and Hislop, The Kev. Father Bowers, Colonel Moore and Captain MacKenzie of the Geraldine Rifle Corps. Mr. Pye apologised for the absence of Rev. A, B. Todd, aud Mr Maling apologised for the absence of Mr Tripp aud Mr J. M. Barker.

The chairman said ho was sorry the attendance was not larger, but he was unable to find a suitable evening this week for holding the meeting, the hall being engaged, and he had to call it for the after-

noon. However, be trusted those present would form a committee and sot the ball rollig. lie thought it would be a good thing if the subscriptions from different parts of the district were put together to make one grand subscription for the whole of the Geraldine district. He noticed a meeting was to be held at Orari on Saturday night to raise subscriptions, and lie hoped the Orari people would join with the rest of the Geraldine district in the matter.

Colonel Moore said tho object for which they were met was a very worthy one, and ho thought that all that was required was to get out subscription lists, and money would come in freely enough. He moved that all the gentlemen present be formed into a committee to make the necessary arrangements. Mr Maling seconded the resolution, which was carried. Mr Barklie was appointed secretary and Mr Stubbs treasurer. Mr Maling handed in a subscription list of money collected by Mr B. Tripp) at the Orari Gorge Station, tho sum amounting to over .£lB. Mr F. W. Stubbs also banded in a list of money collected, amounting to over £lO. The liov. Father Bowers said a collection, authorised by His Lordship) the Bishop), would be taken up in St. Mary’s Catholic Church at an early date, and the money would be handed over to .the Geraldine Patriotic Fund committee. The rev. gentleman also promised a donation of one guinea to the fund, and said lie was in full sympthy with the movement. A collection was then taken up iu tbe hall, and over 1150 was collected or promised.

The committee decided to accept subscriptions no matter how small they might be, and it was agreed to hold a mass meeting at an early date to raise money. Collectors were appointed for the various districts in the district and the meeting terminated.

The Absent=srsinded Beggar.

Mr C. S. Fraser, secretary to the Timaru Caledonian Society, and with their consent and under their patronage, has been busy sketching out the following means of augmenting the Patriotic Fund. Somewhere about 2.31) p.m. the Caledonian sports are to be interrupted, the band will play “ God Save the Queen,” the Royal Standard will be unfurled by the Mayor of Timaru, and 50 ladies, mostly dressed in regimentals, each accompanied by a Dunedin Highlander or other volunteer, will pass through the crowd and sell at Is each, for the benefit of the Patriotic Fund, well got up copies of Rudyard Kipling’s poem, “ The Absentminded Beggar/' In connection with the movement, time being short, young ladies who are willing to assist in the sale of the poem, especially such as have fancy costumes, are requested to send in their names to Mr Fraser as early as possible. I’hoy can also assist probably by enlisting the services of friends. While the ladies are collecting the Highland pipers at the meeting will march round the ground playing the “Cook of the North” and other tunes associated with heroic feats of British arms. It is anticipated that the collection will not occupy more than half an hour. One or more dressing tents will be provided for the ladies if necessary. Mr Fraser has sug gested to the Caledonian Societies of Oamaru, Dunedin, and Invercargill that they should adopt the same idea.