Waimate

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXII, Issue 41, 13 October 1904, Page 5

Waimate

The ceremony of unveiling the Troopers' mofnument at) Waimate took place on Thursday afternoon in the presence of a representative assemblage including the scholars of the District and St. Patrick's Schools'. Among those on the platform around the monument were the Rev. Fathers P. Rognault and Oi'Qonnell. The Mayor,, performed the ceremony, and Mr. Manchester,, in the course of his speech, said that their wo)rk that day was> the result of a general and united expression pf Waimiate town and country , first of deep, heartfelt, and general sympathy with Mr. and Mrs. Whitney and their family cm the occasion of the death of Trooper Alfred Whitiney, who fell resisting with his comrades of the Canterbury division of the Fourth Contingent the night attack at Bothasberg. Father Regnault (says the ' Oamaru Mail ') referred in eloquent and heart-stirring words to the events wlmch called them together, thus celebrating the noble sacrifice of the life of a young man, son. of esteemed and leslpected neighbors, w,ho died m the performance of his duty to his flag and country. Doceased waa one of the 71 Waimate Volunteers who so freely stepped forward to join, their brother colonials in helping the Old Country in time of stress and danger. On behalf of the large number of people present, and on behalf of the people of Waimate, ho wished to convey to the parents and the brother and sisters of Trooper Alfred Whitney the- expression of deep sympathy of the people with tihem in their bereavement. They all felt stirred by the noble spirit of patriotism and duty which moved New Zealand's young men to leave home and country ; and ho hoped the memory of their brave deeds and heroic deaths would inspire New Zealanders to he loyal to King and country. On the night of the 22nd and 23rd of Febiruary, 1902, at Bot'has'berg, the Boers made a dash to get out of tihe posdion in which they were held, but were met by the New Zealanders, and one of tho severe engagements of the war was gallantly fought. Amcnigst the proportionately large number killed and wounided Trooper Whitney was found dead. The speaker closed his eloquent slpeecih with a quotation from tne geineral despatch to the Home authorities,, in which was mentioned m glowing terms, tho gallant conduct in the severe action of the New Zealand Volunteers.