HOME FROM THE WAR.

Tuapeka Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4875, 20 July 1901, Page 3

HOME FROM THE WAR.

RECEPTION OP OUR BOYS IN LAWRENCE. The deep-seated feeling of loyalty and devotion to the Empire which the war in South Africa has called into active and, it may be affirmed, enduring life in New Zealand, in common with the whole of the British colonies, found enthusiastic and spontaneous expression on Wednesday in the truly magnificent welcome given by the people of this district to those members of the Fonrth Contingent who had been equipped and sent to the front from here. The Reception Committee, who had undertaken the arrangements in connection with the welcome, must be complimented on the success of their efforts, but to the prevailing spirit of patriotism and the consequent ardor of "the people in testifying in true popular fashion to the splendid work done in South Africa by the New Zealanders and the honor they have reflected on the ' colony is due the real success of the \ demonstration. There was also very naturally blending with this spirit of patriotism and national pride a feeling of thankfulness and pleasure that the lads who had risked life and health and took their share of the multitude of dangers and hardships incidental to a campaign so protracted and so fierce and so fall of startling and sanguinary surprises had come home not worse, but very much better in everything that tends towards a more perfect development of mind and body. For however much and with whatever good reason we may lament the existence of those conditions that lead to " 16Ke brutal arbitrament of war in human affairs, there can be no doubt that it has iomeooinpensations,however slight comparatively they may be. One of these is the creation of the military spirit, a valuable national characteristic in those days and, indeed, in all times, within wise limits, and in the exercise of which is fused many of the highest and noblest qualities. On that question at present there can hardly be said to be much diversity of opinion, of which fact the reception extended to "ottr boys" on Wednesday {■ one more" proof. The decoration of the 'streets witn bunting, and especially of the railway station, was -as effective as time and circumstances permitted. The decorations also .extended* to the business places, from which flags were flown, as well as from the public buildings. M'Donald, Dnnpan, and Swan? wiok were members of what the popular lanoy hat christened the "Dandy Fourth,"and haviDg servett their allotted time on active service, i lotucned in the. ttoop&hto Tftgns last week and arrived in Lawrence by the midday train on Wednesday. They were warmly cheered as the train steamed into the station, and certainly their appearance did not quite harmonise with the popular notion commonly associated with South African campaigning. To use a sporting phrase they looked " pink," in tip-top physical form, though probably the sta voyage and the hospitalities received licee landing had something to do with that. A dismounted detachment of the Tuapeka Rifle Corps, under Captain Pearson, together w|th the Pgh {School Cadets, under paptain parton. keptthe passage to the station clear, and alter toe pen bad been welcomed by their rel»Upng and friends they yrere Jej* By the ..Mayor and Reception Committee to a cleared •pace outside the station where a large assemblage of people had gathered, by 'whom the men were warmly welcomed in popular fashion. The Lawlenoi 'Brats Baud had also taken up. a position dose to the station and played -a : number of patriotic airs, and the Fire Brigade W«r« present in uniform. Aiotcding the dais, his Worship said lie, offered to Troopers Duncan, Swanwick, and M'Donald, he could assure them, a hearty welcome home from South AJfefoft on Jbebalf ol the dtisonv otL»w- (

renoe. Some time ago, when they astrembled to eivc them a send-off on their departure for the war, they expected great things from them and he was glad to say that they were not disappointed, In fact they bad net only fulfilled all the expectations that had been centred in them, but they had done credit to themselves, to Lawrence, and to New Zealand, whose loyalty to the King and Empire they so worthily upheld and represented. — (Loud cheers.) The first, second, and third contingents had made a great name for themselves ; but there was still good work left for the " Dandy Fourth," and they soon succeeded in making a name and a reputation for themselves, and in worthily upholding the credit of our New Zealand boys at the front.— (Cheers.) They were heartily pleased to Bee them come back, after having served their full time, looking so thoroughly well after having undergone the many hard phi ps incidental to long marches, exposure to the elements, and, he had no doubt, scanty rations at times. They had pjone through 15 months' arduous campaigning, escaping not only disease but the bullets of the enemy and oame back fit: and smiling. — (Cheers.) He might men* fcioa that during the whole of that time they had carefully watched the papers to see what they had been doing. They had followed them step by step and the one part of the paper that attracted attention most was that which told them of the doings of the ♦* Dandy- Fourth." They heard of one of them having captured a lion at Beira. Whether that was true «r not he did not know; but he was sure that either the man or the lion got a bad fright.— (Laughter.) On behalf of the people of Lawrence he tendered them a most hearty welcome — a welcome not in njere words, but a welcome that came from their hearts. He would not keep them any longer as he had no doubt they were anxious to get among their relatives and friends. They were all more than delighted to have them back once more safe and sound and to know that they had well maintained not only the credit of Lawrence, but the crediL of the Empire. They left here to fight under the flag of the Empire of their own free will without pressnre or conscription of^ any kind and he oonld safety say tbafe^ i! fene Empire called on them again in the future they would be found equally ready and willing to answer the call. — (Loud applause.) The Band played the "Red, white and blue," and the returned troopers ascended the dais beside the Mayor. Trooper M'Donald said he desired in a few simple words to thank the people of Lawrence most sincerely for the very hearty reception they were pleased to give himself and his comrades. It more than repaid them for whatever bardships they may have undergone. He might say that it had been the same since they landed at the Bluff last week some time — he couldn't remember the day — (Laughter.) The people bad shown them every kindness and every possible attention. If. was the same at Dunedin, and he could see by the number of kind, smiling faces he saw around him that their welcome here was a genuine one and oame from the heart. He would not weary them about the experiences of the Fourth while in South Africa, but would merely say tbafc he was right glad to be home in Lawrence again and he tbaoked them for their hearty reception. — (Cheers.) Trooper Swanwick said he felt tbe happiest man in the crowd to be home again. They had their share of bardships while they were away but they had also plenty of fan. They had always a smile from the Dutch ladies.— (Laughter.) In ' another month's time he would be a better man than ever he was. They had bad splendid experience and if ever they were wanted again they would go to the front just as cheerfully as they had done before. — (Cheers.) There were plenty of men in Lawrence who would do the same as they had done and plenty who would do it better. — (Cheers.) He had good luck as regards health and had little sickness There were still good men in the Trans- , vaal and he hoped they would come back to get the same splendid reception as they got to-day. Anyone who wanted to know anything about the war ; had only to tap them on tbe shoulder and they would tell them all about it.— (Laughter.) They had a good send-off when they went away but they had a better reception.(Applanse.) If ever the Boers came over here they would give them a time of it. — (Laughter.) They had had valuable experience in South Africa and if ever a foreign foe attempted to interfere with this grand little country of theirs they would show them how they conld play " De Wet," — (Cheers.) Trooper Duncan said he could only endorse, his comrades' sentiments and thank them for the very hearty reception they had given them. — (Cheers.) The Mayor called for three hearty cheers for the men who had had returned from the front, which were given with a will. The Band then played " God save the King," the assemblage taking up the refrain. The troopers were then hoisted on the shoulders of some enthusiastic friends in the crowd and» preoeded by the Band, were carried through Ross Place.

SOCIAL IN THE TOWN HALL. The social tendered to the returned troopers in the Town HalJ in the evening was successful beyond expectation. The hall was orowded to the doors by a most enthusiastio and good-humored audience who made no concealment of the fact that they meant to make the most of the ocoasion which they did mainly by a wholesome and generous indulgence in round after round of full-throated, vigorous applause and (he heartiest of laughter. The manner in which the hall was decorated reflected most oreditably on the excellent taste of the ladies on whom that work devolved, whilst the heavy task of dispensing refreshments to such a large assemblage was successfully carried out by a brigade of young girls picturesquely attired in white and blue. The Lawrence Orchestral Society played with very pleasing effect some operatic music (Laoidarem) before the proceedings began, and it should also be said that the Lawrence Brass Band contributed a number of national items in front of the Town Hall. The returned troopers, as they filed op the hall in company with the members of the Reception Committee, were loudly cheered. On the Reception Committee, with the troopers, and also Trooper Sullivan, of the Fourth Contingent, taking their seats on the platform, his Worship the Mayor, who presided, read from Mr Henry Hart, one of the members of the Reception Committee, a letter of apology for his absence and wishing the social .every eueoess. The Mayor said he felt extremely proud, thongh proud was hardly the word for it, to be present* and baking part in the welcome given _to their own lads on their return from the Transvaal. It was some 16 months since they had sent them away to fight the Empire's battles and there was then, as they would remember, a certain amount of enthusiasm, bat there was also a certain amount of sadness as there was the I possibility, inseparable always from war, that they might never return. Bat on the present occasion there was not the slightest trace of Badness. The lads had done their doty and done it well, and returned back to their homes and friends better men than eyer they were. •rr(Cheefß.) % Ans nofi'onjy that, but If} months ago things in South Africa were not very bright. The British bad had several severe reverses there and they had seen some of the darkest days of their lifetime. Bat after the Fourth had landed in South Africa* a change had set in and soon afterwards the world witnessed the spectacle of President Krnger clearing out of the country, but not; however, before he had secured two millions of money. He did not say that all this was because of the Fourth Contingent having lauded in

the country, but still it was a lesson to the whole world. They had shown those people on the Gontinent that the old fighting spirit of the Anglo-Saxon still lived and that beyond the seas there was another people of the same fighting breed to be reokoned with, a people who were prepared to answer the call of the , Motherland and fight under the flag as their forefathers had done before them. (Cheers.) Some people were beginning | to think that Britain was not the power she was in other days. They were be* ginning to think Bhe was encumbered by her colonies and that those colonies I would be a source of weakness rather than of strength to the great British Empire. Bnt from the way the colonies had responded to the call of the Empire it was shown that instead of being a source of weakness or an embarrassment they were a tower of strength to the British nation.— (Cheers.) Before sitting down he shonld express his appreciation of the manner in which the" people had turned out to welcome home their returned troopers from the front. — (Applause.) I Song, " Trafalgar Bay," by Mr A. Campbell, The Rev. Mr Will, who was received with applause, said it was with feelings of the very greatest pleasure that he responded to this invitation to take part in welcoming their friends back from the Transvaal, and safely back, sound in wind and limb. — ( Applause.) He was sure that all would agree with him when he said that one of their first words this eveningslioold be an expression of devout thankfulness to Almighty God for the way in which their friends had been kept unharmed in the midst of great danger and brongbt safely back to their loved ones here. While with all heartiness they joined in the chorus of welcome, let them also all join in the deepbreathed Hallelujah, praise the Lord. Nor could they, in the midst of their rejoicing, forget those whose loved ones Lad fallen in battle," bravely facing the foe, or had been smitten down by the death-dealing band of an unseen pestilence. May God, indeed, comfort and bless all such they humbly prayed. They would be failing in their duty did they not afford them the assurance that they- bad nob torgoibea ill era, and that ia the midst of their joy they felt for them in (heir sorrow. And here he would throw out the suggestion that when the war was ended their Government should see that memorial tablets were erected in certain centres bearing the simple inscription — " Saored to the memory of the under-named who died fighting for King and country in South Africa." — (Loud applause.) It was scarcely necessary for him to assure their friends that they were all heartily glad to see them back with them this evening. They were proud of them, and justly proud of them. — (Cheers) Some may be here who do not know Duncan from M'Donald or M'Donald from SwaDwick, but they were proud of them all the same. — (Cheers.) They have played their part like men, and well deserved the heartiest welcome they could give them. — (Applause.) Indeed, judging by reports received from travellers, journeying through Africa was no joke even in times of peace. Extremes of heat and cold alternate, roads were bad, Beroe storms of rain and hail were frequent. Their troopers have had to contend with all tbis and, in addition, they have had hunger and thirst and fever and, to crown all, they have been " Stormed at with shot and shell," and of them also Ihey can say " Boldly they rode and well." — (Loud cheers.) And they had never been put to the blush by reading, amidst praise bestowed upon others, "The New Zealanders alone were found wanting."— (Cheers.) Prom the very first their contingents took a high place in the South African campaign. The sending of the First Contingent was something of an experi? ment. Their men had seen no fighting. They had not passed through the regulation army training. Perhaps the leaders of the army in Africa were not very sure that they would be an aquisition. If so all questionings were soon ended. Their men quickly proved their worth. They took a first place, and they had kept it.— (Cheers.) Africa had been termed " the land of ruined reputations," but it had not proved so in the case of our men, and they had there established their reputation as forming an important part of the fighJing strength ot the British Empire.— (Cheers.) They may well be proud of them, for bad they not proved worthy of the trust reposed in them P By their splendid soldierly qualities they had opened the eyes of the world to the great resources of the British Empire. There have been sections of the Contineptal Press that hesitated not to say that Britain's colonies would, in time of crisis, be a source of weakness to her, but their, men had silenced for ever the voices of those carping critics.— (Applause.) They, with their brothers from Australia and Canada, had shown that the colonies were not like children tied to their mother's apron strings, but like stalwart sons ready to do or die for the mother whom they love.— (Cheers.) The British lion was growing old, they said, bnfc more than ever now will they " beware how they tread on his tail." — (Applause.) Does haughty Gaul invasion threat ? Then let the loon beware, sir, There's wooden walls upon oar seas And volunteers on shore, sir, ' " Be Britain still, to Britain true, '■ "Among ourselves united ; For never hut by British hearts Most British wrongs he righted, —(Applause.) In accomplishing this great result their guests of this evening have bravely played their part, and they were honored in honoring them. — (Cheers ) Song, Mrs King, " England is mistress still," which was enthusiastically encored. The Bey. Mr Ellis said he was delighted to be one of the number to extend a welcome back again to the members, of the Fourth Contingent. He had had a little to do with the sending of the Fourth Contingent away and a little with the proposed peace celebrations that were so long in coming. He was also annoyed because the retnrn of the Fourth was so long deferred as they should have bad those jubilations months ago. But for that he thought they bad to thank not only the Boers bnt the pro-Boers who were unfortunately scattered over the length and breadth of the British Empire. ProBoers in England did more to lengthen the war than the actual Boers in the south of the Dark Continent. He was speaking not of the flying Boers bnt of the lying Boers.- (Laughter.] This war had taught them many things bat ifc had tanghfc them that persons living under the protection, of tUO British flag said things they would not dare to utter were it not for the protection and freedom afforded them by that very flag they insulted and girded at.— (Applause.) In Germany or France or JJussia the mouths of the pro-Boers would be stopped long ago. A lot of rubbish was talked on the question of the Boer war and for that commend him to Mr Stead in England and Mr Barclay in Dunedin. These men were not really disloyal to the Empire, only exceedingly mad against Chamberlain, and being mad against him they say ttyngs that int|ie|r saner qjoinents the would not give expression to. 'Having spoken at considerable length on other classes of pro-Boers, Mr Ellis referred to the re-publication of an attack on the King by a Melbonrne paper and commended the British race to breed men like the State Premier of Victoria who squelohed the offending newspaper. The war had taught them that Britain's free colonies were ready to give their sons to fight her battles and that when England wag ia danger her ottiWroa w0a.14 to faerg «& tfut her

danger was their danger, that they were always prepared to prove that blood was thicker than water, and that whenever she was assailed her sons thronghont their mighty empire were ready to make her cause their cause. — (Applanse.) It had clearly taught them the worth of their brothers, not only their brothers whom they knew bat those whom they had not had an opportunity of knowing before. They were proud of their returned New Zeaianders and when the others returned they would be as proud of them as of those who had oome back safely and well. They had pushed out beyond that parochial spirit which was destructive of alt true national greatness and their admiration would go out not only to their New Zealand boys but to such fighters as ►Strathcona's Horse, to the Bimington Tigers, and to Tom Price's Victorians and to the English regulars because they were all brothers of whom they felt justly proud. — (Appplause.) They had had many valuable experiences during i the last year or two and many things had happend that had drawn them more closely together. The chill that had fallen on them on toe death of their late good Queen and the events of the war had brought them all into a closer bond of national fellowship and God grant that bond may become still closer and stronger thronghont the Empire after they had accomplished the supreme object in which they were still engaged in South Africa.— (Applause.) In conolusion he was glad that the boys they had sent to the war had come back hale and hearty after having done their duty to their country and to the Empire nobly and well.— -(Applause.) Mr Mason, song " Conquer or die " was very effectively rendered and warmly encored. 1 At this point Trooper M'Laren entered the hall and was loudly cheered as he made his way up to the platform. The second part of the programme opened with a song by Miss Leech, "The song that reached my heart," which was sung with much feeling and effect and insistently encored. The Rev, Canon Richards, who was cordially received, opened his address by saying toaj during a period in Roman history when the State and the nation were suffering a grievous paralysis there suddenly occurred in the Forum a slight chasm. The head soothsayer of the time declared it would never be closed and the evils of Rome never redressed until the greatest treasure they possessed was thrown into it. While the people were speculating as to their greatest treasure they were told that their greatest treasure was a man who was capable of bearing arms and was prepared to offer himself for such service as the ills of his country demanded. Such a man was Marcus Curtins, who jumped upon his horse and flung himself into the chasm, which immediately closed and the evils of Rome were from that time ended. That seemed to him comparable with what had happened recently. The British Empire had reached a crisis in its trouble, and in sending her sons into the field in Sonth Africa they had given their greatest treasure. New Zealand in sending those contingents to Sonth Africa at the call of the Motherland had offered her best and it was a-mafcfcer of thankfulness to know at this particular time that those who had gone from Lawrence might have been increased tenfold if necessary. At the time they offered their services they knew they were not going to a picnic ; they knew many ot the perils they had to face and they knew that they had to face a foe who, whatever may be said about their actions in war, had exhibited splendid qualities and that they were foemen who were not to be despised. They knew that they carried their lives in their hands, but they went at the call of duty and he would say that they came back with experiences that must have a lifelong effect upp.n them* They had come back better and stronger men than ever they were before.— (Loud applause.) They had come baok with hearts full of gratitude to God that He had seen fit to restore them to their friends. And speaking of the war and the vast enthusiasm which it had spread throughout the Empire, they may ask what did it mean and what was its effect P They might answer that the enthusiasm had been the creation of their national Ufa.— (Ap« plause.) They were united, of conrae, by family ties, bnt they bad learned to know the meaning of a national existence. It was a God-given instinct and the enthusiasm that had manifested itself largely came from that feeling of national life. They should ask themselves what was the justification for the war or wan War to be justified at any time P He regarded it as a most justifiable war, and however" much peace was to be desired there must be justice, for where there is not justice and righteousness there can be no peace. They did not forget that a short time ago a large and powerful organisation existed in South Africa which had for its object the driving of the British into the sea ; they did not forget the wrongs under which the Outlanders were suffering; they did not forget that they owed a duty to the loyalists of the Empire in South Africa, and they did not forget also that the war was commenced by the Boers themselves.—(Applause.) They did not yet realise the fine issues that were involved in the war at the present time, but he trusted at any rate that one result of it would be a true and a lasting peace in South Africa. — (Applanse.) He trusted that the various differences that kept asunder the people of South Africa would die down in course of time, and that the feeling of brotherhood aud loyalty to the British flag would lead to the enjoyment of the fullest amount of freedom. — (Applause.) When the history of the war came to be written it would, he believed, be said that it was the means oi drawing the Empire much more closely together, and he trusted that at its close representatives from all the outlying and remote States of the Empire would have seats in the central council at London to disouss matters of material interest to the subjects of their great Empire throughtout the world. — (Hear, hear, and applause.) He hoped also that they would be living to see that day, and that some of their brothers id khaki would be amongst those who went Home as the representatives of New Zealand,— (Loud applause.) He bad much pleasure in extending a hearty welcome to the returned troopers who were among them that evening. — (Loud applause.) Song, " The Diver," Mr Corrigan, which was spiritedly rendered and loudly encored. Mr A r buckle, who prefaced his remarks with a humorous story, said b&

did not intend to speak at any length as he considered the previous speakers had said pretty well everything that was worth saying on the question of the hoar. He did not know why he had been included among the speakers of the evening unless it was because he had been a volunteer for a number of years. He had been in the Victorian volunteers many years ago, and with a number of his comrades volunteered for service in New Zealand in the days of its Native troubles. Until quite recently volunteers had been very ranch regarded as feather-bed soldiers, bat those returned troopers from South Africa who were with them that evening knew something quite different. He was not going to natter them a great deal. They bad done their duty just as it was expected they wonld do it when they left Lawrence, and the objeot of the meeting that evening was to welcome them back to their country and their friends. All this they had done in a most hearty manner indeed. They had received such a weloome as he, speaking as a very old resident of the district, had never seen anything to equal, and he was proud to be one of those who had taken an aotive part in tendering them such a welcome. — (Applause,) He had taken part in many public function? during a residence of nearly 40 years in the district but the present was the most pleasant, enthusiastic and wholehearted he had ever taken part in. — (Applause.) All he would say further was that as an old resident of the district he joined in heartily welcoming home their returned troopers who had so well carried out the duties they had undertaken and by God's help had come back to their friends in safety, — (Applause.) The presentation of gold medals to three of the returned troopers — M'Donald, Duncan and Miller — was then made by the Mayor, who said they were presented by the people of Lawrence in recognition of the services of the men in South Africa. He explained that Trooper Swanwick was not included in the presentation as ha would receive a souvenir from the people of Wetherstones on Friday evening, he having been equipped and sent to the front from there. The third medal was to be giren to Trooper Horace Miller, of the Riraington Scouts, who, after having failed in his efforts to get away from the colony in some of the contingents, paid bis own passage to South Afrioa and joined the Scouts and after obtaining his discharge paid his own passage back again to the colony. —(Applause ) The medals, which bore the following inscription, were then presented by the Mayor:— "Presented by the citizens of Lawrence to the members of the New Zealand Fourth Contingent in recognition of their military services in South Africa, 1900-1901." Cheers for each of the troopers on being handed their medals were given by

the audience and a verse of " For they are jolly good fellows " was sung. Troopers M*Donald, Duncan, and Miller returned thanks on receiving their medals, as also did Trooper Swan* wick for the splendid reception he and his comrades had been Riven. In answer to repeated demands from the audience Trooper M'Laren, who was enthusiastically cheered, also made a few remarks. Cheers were also given for the mothers of some of the troopers who were present among the audienoe. A stirring selection of pipe music was then given by Mr E. Jameson and by request the ° Wearin' o' th» green." On the motion of the Mayor a very hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the ladies for the valuable assistance they had given in decorating the hall and dispensing the refreshments. Mr T. Pilling moved a hearty vote of thanks to the Mayor for the very able manner in which he had oond acted the meeting. He thought the citizens of Lawrence had occasion to feel prond of their Mayor, as he was a real live man. The motion was carried by acclamation t with three cheeri for the Mayo*. The Mayor having thanked the audience for their enthusiastic appreciation of his services, the proceedings -closed with the Binging of " God save the Kin at." Miss Arthur played Lhe accompani* mentis dnrine; ihi c v ning.

AT WETBEBSTONES on Friday evening; a oompiimeutary nooial wis tendered to Trooper Swanwiok in the 100 >l schoolhous<>, when practically the whole neighborhood turned out *o do honor to their rtturnrd soldi r. The proceeding 1 ; throughout - were characterised bj the greatest enthusiasm. Daring the evening Trooper Swanwiek was presented with a handsom < gold nlb-rt and pendant suitably icscrib-d. Mr J. E. Simpson presided. A full report will apprar in our next iisue.