CITIZENS AND THE EMPIRE

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2224, 10 August 1914, Page 7

CITIZENS AND THE EMPIRE

SPEECHES IN THE TOWN HALL '"."' TO-NIGHT/ The Major (Mr. J. P, Luke) has been far from inactive during the' present crisis. The condition of the" body poli- ; t\a affects the body corporate, and many civio matter's will have to remain in abeyance until there is' a settlement of the present international' strife. Mr. Luke has been"in touch with the Minister of the past few days in connection with interesting the in the Expeditionary Eofce for service overseas/and as- a'result he is calling a public meeting to be, hold in the big Town Hall to-morrow evening, which will take tho form of a patriotic demonstration. This meeting, which will be one of intenso interest, and will probably be addressed by the Prime Minister, the Minister of Defence, and Sir Joseph Ward, will also give everyone an opportunity to give vent to their feelings in the matter of donations of 'money or kind. Saturday Niflht in the City. Although there wero no : maßsed war demonstration by the crowds that lined the streets.on Saturday night, portions of the crowds gathered in."guerrilla' fashion paraded the'main-'thoroughfares 'singing patriotic songs, cheering, and in num. erdus other" ways displaying their patriotic .ardqur. ' fWs "continued up till a late hour, and even' after 11 o'clock crowds of' 60'or'100'could* be'seen singing "God Save the King" "and other National Anthems.-* ' Qne littlo coterie of a dozen or so young moll drew an interested crowd of listeners' with their haTnionised vocal efforts. Then, on towards miflnight, a small pro, cession of the yquthof the town patrolled the'streets, 'shripking'anything and everything,'but 'always something with a strain of'the appropriate in. In the theatres the crowds, whenever the occasion offered, displayed their patriotic enthusiasm'. At the King's Theatre the programme was preceded by the projection on tho screen of pictures of tho King and Queen. Instantly the andiencs burst into cheerß, and then rose en inasse, and sang "God Sa,'ye the King." Patriotic Watersjders. The Wellington Watersiders* Band with a following of waterside workers, paraded through the streets- of the city on Saturday /afternoon, headed by two onormous British ensigns, which were duplicated at the" head'of the rear guard. .'The band, which plays with hne gusto, played many patriotic airs, as it marched 'up Willis Street, ' Manners Street, Cuba Street, Vivian Street, Tarv naki Street, and Bucfcle Street, and attracted many followers as \\ made its'way to' the headquarters, of the military authorities. Opposite the Alexandra' Barrack 6 the band halted,' played "'Ttulo BritanniV' and then the National Anthem, whilst a crowd of two or three thousand stood round with bared heads. One of tho.leader's was asked the reason for the parade.' '■Reason!" said he "Why, a few months ago everybody was calling us traitors to our country. Wo,want to. show to the public that as a body of men we are as patriotic as anyone else, and will do what wo caij to hejip to keep the old "flag flying. PATRIOTIO NAPIER. Napiar, August ,9. Several patriotic demonstrations toto made in Napier on (Saturday cvepihg, «trid almost all the" motof-cari and cycles are flying Union Jacks. Tho Napier trams RT6 Hying largo" Union Jacki from the trolly poles, and everywhere there are indications that" the patriotic spirit is growing in intensity. • The Napier Borough Council has placed Nelson Park and the Recreation "Ground at tho disposal of the/Defence "Department should they' be. required for any 'purpose connected with the expeditioiiary forces. The Napier Park Racing Club has made a 6Jmilar offer with regard to t;hQ racecourse.' TEACHERS AND THE WAR. (By Telegraph.— Special Correspondent.! Masterton, August 9. At a meeting of the Wairarapa branch of the Teaohers' Institute/held at MaSr terten' on Saturday, the following motionspassed, unanimously: (1) "That this representative meeting of the Wairarapa Branch of the Educational Institute de-v siros to voice tho feeling of the' of this district in. connection with th? present Imperial crisis, in their determination to inculcate, both by precept, and example, a true spirit of loyalty and patriotism in the youtb under their care"; (2) "That this institute fully concurs, in any higasuro that the GoyerJlT meht find necessary tq take as regards the financial aspects of the Education Bill now before Parlinment."