THE SOLDIERS’ LUNCHEON.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXVI, Issue XXIV, 15 June 1901, Page 1116

THE SOLDIERS’ LUNCHEON.

SPEECH BY THE DI KE. On \\’ednc*day evening Hi* Royal High, lie*.* the Duke of Cornwall and York paid a visit to the naval and military vete rans and returned troopers assembled at luncheon in the Choral Hal’., and was most loyally received. The Choral Hall was crowded, about 440 persons being presen . 'fhe Premier (Mr Seddon) and the Hon J. G. Ward were amongst tho.-e present, and were Heartily cheered. At about three o’clock His Royal Highness the Duke arrived, accompanied by His Excellency the Governor (Lord Ranfurly) and suite. His Royal Highness was loud’v cheered l.y the* veterans, and was escorted to a seat by the Governor. The Duke was supported on the right by the Premier. and on the left by Mr Ward. His Excellency proposed the toast of “The King,” which was drunk enthusiastically. the gathering singing “God Save the King.” His Excellency in proposing the toast of “Our Illustrious \ isitor. the Duke of Cornwall and York, said that no one took a deeper interest in the old soldiers of the Empire than did tie Duke of Cornwall and York. Ihe toast was honoured with the utmost enthusiasm. the young and old veterans uniting in their hearty cheers. His Royal Highness on rising was loudly cheered. He said: “1 thank Your Excellency for the very kind way in which you have proposed my health, and 1 thank you all most sin e erely for the very hearty manner i.i which you have responded to it. 1 am very glad to have the opportunity < f be ing present at such an interesting and happy occasion. (Cheers). And I congratulate the Government on having brought about this union of those representing the past and present. I am proud to think that I am here to-day to meet not only you tine old soldiers who after serving your Queen in various campaigns chose your homes in New Zealand, but also your sons who. emulating their fathers, have cheerfully given their services in defence of the old flag. (Loud Cheers). Yes, I am proud to be present to meet two generations of soldiers. (Cheers). 1. like my friend Mr Seddon here, like a continuity of policy. (Laughter and applause). There is nothing like a chip of old block (“Hear, hear.” and applause), and I know that th? old block was hard, of good grain, and sound to the core. (Loud cheers). And. if in the future, whenever and wherever the mother hand is stretched across the sea it can reckon on a grasp such as New Zealand is giving it at present, well I think you will all agree with me that the dear old country can look ahead with confidence. (Cheers) .It was a most pleasing duty' to me to present on behalf of the King the South African medals that those 1 see at the other end of the hall are wearing. May you live to wear the decorations as long as I am glad to see your seniors here have worn theirs. (Applause). May every blessing be given to you all. soldiers old and young.” (Loud cheers). His Royal Highness then said: “I now ask you to drink the toast of the veterans and also of the troopers who have returned from South Africa.” (Cheers). The toast was drunk in bumpers of champagne by those of the company who were not veterans or returned soldiers. 'l’he Premier proposed the toast of “His Excellency the Governor.” He said they had been singularly fortunate in getting such a man as Lord Ranfurly for Governor. (Cheers). He was a man who had rendered very valuable services to the Empire, especially in regard to the despatch of the contingencies tn South Africa. (Applause). His Excellency’s health was drunk

amidst loud cheers and “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow” was most heartily and enthusiastically sung.