ADDRESSES TO THE TROOPS

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2264, 25 September 1914, Page 6

ADDRESSES TO THE TROOPS

"GOD-SPEED" GOVERNOR FAREWELLS THE . FORCE ■ '' A RIGHTEOUS CAUSE The inspection' over, His Excellency the Governor, the ltighf'Hon.' Wl-'i'l Massey, Sir Joseph Ward, the Hon. Colonel Allen, and the Mayor of Wellington (Mr. J. J?. Luko)' delivered addresses to the. troops. ''.:'■ His Excellency the Governor said:— "Major-General Sir 'Alexander Godley, officers,, non-commissioned officers, and men of this contingent,—This ereat assemblage which you see around you today has come to wish you. all. Godspeed. Time was not-so very long ago when the sight of troopships in a New Zealand harbour 'denoted the arrival of troops from the Old Country. To-day, the story is reversed. England has need of all her sons to-day, and this young Dominion is sending Home to the Mother Country her best. It has been a great pleasuro, I will say a groat honour, to me to inspect the men here today. I don't .think ■ anybody will fear as to the future. You are indeed the very pick of the manhood of this Dominion, and Iknow that you will give a good account. of yourselves whatever you are called upon to do.

No Looking Backwards. "There is a tinge-of sadness in my heart to-day. It is because I alone ot all the reserve of officers in this Dominion am unable to allow my name to be called in the roll of. my own regiment, but I assure you all, whether you may be spectators or on parade,that I will do my best to serve your ■ interests to- the best of my power so long as'l am in this Dominion. - No Government, as Pitt has said, ever made war with a light heart, but if ever a Government had a righteous cause for which to go to war it is the country to which we nave the honour to belong today. I know— as has been oft repeated to you since the war began—that we will not sign peace, that peace will not be declared, until we have _ made a righteous end of' this -.._, war. we have been fojeed into it by an unrighteous foe, anxious to advance and to have power to put everything political in the world: out of gear, and we are determined that as we have put our.'hands to the plough we will not look backwards. ; •• - "I want to tell you one thing more. I know that all of you.here, whether spectators or on parade, will want to hear of those at sea or left behind. Now, for the sake of the safety of this force, we cannot have indiscriminate messages passing, but I have arranged with the general officer that he will let me know how everything is going on whenever possible and when you don't hear you will know that all ie well. I have very few more words to utter. I need not say to you all that when you go forward with your battle ory ( For God, King, and Empire,' our hearts also will go with you. We wish you success ' in this' undertaking for the Empire, this colossal undertaking in which you aro engaged, and we shall be' here to welcome you, God willing, when you return again to ; ' New Zealand." (Applause and cheering.)

THE PRIME MINISTER. "A TIME FOR DEEDS." Tlie Right Hon. W. F. Massey, Prime Minister, addressed the troops briefly: "General Godley, officers and men of the New Zealand Force, I intend to follow tho good example set by His Excellency, and to make my remarks as brief as possible, because this is not a time for words, but a- time for deeds, a time for wise counsel, for calm deliberation, for determination to do what wo believe to be right. Not for tho first time in recent years has the Empire seen fit to call upon tho younger .nations for men who can ride and shoot, and' she has not called in vain. We are told that in ancient days it- was the custom to send round tho fiery cross to assemble the Highland clans to battle. The Empire has sent round among her people, not.tho fiery cross, hut its modern equivalent—the electric spark, to every corner of the world, and 'the response has been magnificent, unprecedented. From every part of tho Umpire the young sous are rushing to help the old groy mother—old and grey, perhaps, hut still strong and nctivo. Sew. Zealand, is he£ jjeisjk I&.

all probability New Zealand will havo presently 10,000 representatives at the scene of operations, and 1 want to tell you as a citizen of New Zealand, and as one who has had an opportunity of seeing tho men in tlirco of tho centres, that I feel proud of tho men going to tho other side of the world, proud of their physique, their soldierly bearing, and their willingness to servo King and country in any circumstances.

"Stronger, Creator Than Ever." ' "This war has dispelled many ideas that existed among interested nations during tho last few years. One of those ideas was that the British Em. pire is decadent, .Who will say now that the British Empire is' decadent? The fact to-day is this—that it is stronger, greater to-day than ever it has been in its past history, and with tho younger nations of tho Empire growing in population and importance every day it is bound to become greater in years to come. The dependencies of the Empire are all bound together by ties perhaps light as air, but stronger than steel bonds, ties of sentiment, and ■I am certain of this—that great as tho Empire is to-day, its greatness is as. nothing to what it will be within half a century from now. "General GodJey, officers and men, we road the cablegrams from tho seat of war to-day with interest, with anxiety, but the anxiety shown to-day, and tho interest displayed, is nothing to what it will be when our boys get to the front. That you will bo a credit to us goes without saying; I am absolutely certain of it. lam sure that you win do no-' thing .of which wo shall be ashamed; rather, I am sure that you will do many things to make us proud of you. New Zealand soldiers have in another war proved their usefulness, to the Empire, and) when the history of this war comes to be written it will be 6een that the New Zealanders have played a worthy part. ■'■ '

Advice and cood Wishes. "I have two words of advice to give to you. Many of you have mothers still alive. There are here in the force many a mother's joy and many a /father's pride. Let me suggest to you that when you go to the other side of the world you should never do anything'of which your mothers would disapprove. If you follow.this advice and accept it in the 6pirit iu which it is offered, you will never havo reason to regret it. I have just one other word to say to you. Citizen soldiers, stand fast, stand fast for the honour of the King, for the glory of the flag, for the credit of your country, and for the traditions of the Imperial race to ; which you belong. I caii only hope that the God who has watched over, guided, and guarded the destinies of the Empire will watch over you and direct wour footsteps, and in His own good time bring you hack to the friends' and relatives you are leaving behind." (Applause and cheers.)' ■' . •

AN EARNEST FAREWELL. , Sir Joseph Ward expressed pride at being present on the occasion to join with the multitude in according the troops, a preliminary and earnest farewell. He -said that it was only a matter of seven weeks since the present unparalleled war began, and that since then there had been; deeds done which had added to the brightness of British history, and enhanced the glory of the Empire. It must, he continued, be a matter of great.gratification to the men from New Zealand that they were soon to be attached for all time to that history, of which we wore all so proud. Talk about the decadence of the Empire I Head of any of the '.events of the ipast week,or two.!. The .other day. : w.e road of ton British soldiers going sue-' cessively and individually to blow up a bridge in order to prevent the, enemy from gaining a superior position - . Tho last of the ten blow lip the bridge, and lost his life in tho explosion, to. gain (the speaker believed) a crown of glory in the othor world. Speaking of Gen-' eral Sir Alexander Godley, Sir Joseph Ward said that during his short residence in ' New . Zealand the Commandant had won the confidence of the people, and had shown himself to he a great, soldier} a great organiser, a great diplomat, and a most unostentatious gentleman; he had' the, goodwill of the masses of the people. (Applause.) He congratulated the men on having General Godley at their head, and remarked that it was a matter for congratulatory reference, also, that such excellent officers were remaining to carry on the defence business of tho country. The war, judging by what the First Lord of the Admiralty, had said, was not going to be a long one; Mr. Churchill had said that the war could be ended in six .months if 1,000,000, were. provided by Britain and her Allies, and he did not. believe that Mr. Churchill would say ('that otherwise than sincerely. In his humble way, Sir Joseph Ward added he agreed with that opinion, and he believed, also, that the men from 'New Zealand were going # to share in the honour of seeing Britain and 'her Allies successful. t "God-speed to you! God protect you in. whatever undertakings you may be engaged! God'bijng you back safely to this country is my earnest wish." And the people would welcome them back whole-heartedly as men who-had done their duty by fighting for the Empire and the gjory of Old England and her dependencies.

"OUR OPPORTUNITY HAS COME." The address of the Minister of Defence (the Hon. J. Allen) was brief, but full of feeling. "I have had my say to-you, "he remarked to the troops, "and I have nothing-much to add to it. Our opportunity has come-rthe opportunity for New x Zealand to 6how what they think of belonging to the Empire, and to show what they can do in the interest of the Empire. I know you will do your duty. Men, we have. given you the best of our officers. Officers, we have given you the best of our men, and' we entrust them to your care." Mr. Allen added that he thought that the officers would lead the men as good .officers should lead, and that where daring was necessary daring would be shown. He hoped and believed that the troops would return with honour and glory and untarnished names. "Au revoir! A pleaßant voyage to you all; hard work on the voyage; success on the field; and a happy return!" The Mayor of Wellington (Mr. J. P. Luke) delivered a farewellmessago on behalf of the citizens. He said that everyono knew that in Sir Alexander Godley the troops had a man of experience in warfare—a man, by the way, of whom the New Zealanders Who fought iiv the South African war had experience. On behalf of the women of New Zealand, tho municipalities, and the citizens, he wished the troops Godspeed, good results,- and a happy- return.

GENERAL GODLEY REPLIES. To these addresses the Commandant (General Sir Alexander Godley) made a short reply on behalf of tho officers, the non-commissioned officers, and tho men of the Force. He returned thanks for tho inspiring words that had been spoken to them by distinguished men who voiced the views of the entire community of tho Dominion. Ho could only say that they would do their best to prove worthy of the trust Now Zealand had placed in them. From tho experience ho had. gained during his stay in the Dominion, ho was sure that ho had got the best of the men. The officers would do their best to justify tho confidence reposed in them. Tho people of Now Zealand had done a great deal for the troops, and that would make tho Force absolutely determined to do their very best for the people, to' urjhold tho honour of tho Dominion, and to prove that the solj£\grji of tfe§ Domjmgn were, misZ \<i

rank with tho first of the rest of the forces of tho Empire. (Applause.) HYMN AND PRAYER. "OH, GOD OUR HELP!" ■''" At the conclusion of tho speeches, Major-Chaplain the Rev. William Shirer mounted to the top of the steps, signalled to the bandmaster, and after Bounding tho koy cliord, the solemn strains of the grand old hymn, "Oh, tlod, Our Help m Ages Past," was caught up by, the multitude, who sang it with heart and soul and voice, the. lmpressivo scene lending a fine dignity to the grave old chorale. Following the hymn, Captain-Chap-! lain J. G. Chapman read the 46th Psalm:— : God is our refuge and strength, a verypresent help in trouble. 2. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains -be carried into the midst of the sea; 3. Though'.the waters thereof roar and bo troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. i. There is-a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the taberuaoles of the most High. 5. 'God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early. C. The heathen raged, the .kingdoms' were moved; he uttered his voice, the earth melted. 7. 'file. Lord of hosts U with us; the God of Jacob, is our refuge. 8. Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations ho hath made in the earth. 9. He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow,' and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burnetii the chariot in the fire. 10. Be still, and know that I am God; I will bo exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. 11. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. "Give victory.to Their Arms!" Major-Chaplain Shirer offered up the following prayer:— . ' "Almighty Lord God, King of all the Earth, who ha 6 formed our . nation to show forth Thy praise, and has protected it unto this day, continuo to us wo pray Thee Thy loving kindness, that we may hand down to the generations to come' tlie heritage Thou hast given. U6.' Strengthen our soldiers, especially those who go forth from these . Islands, that they miglit fight manfully against all oppression. Defend them in every peril,: comfort them in every trouble, give victory ' to their arms,, and teach tliem in their'hour of triumph to remember mercy. Comfort their families while . they are absent, and soothe all anxieties with Thy tender consolations, and finally we,beseech Thee , grant to us ali and to our enemies a perpetual fear and love of ■ Thy Holy Name, that we and they may hereafter servo Thee in peace together, through Jesus .Christ, our Lord. Amen." ■ v - At the conclusion of the prayer the Bishop of Wellington (Dr.Sprott), with upraised hand, pronounced the Doxology. . ,'- , , .: Finally the bands played ijhe National Anthem, cheers were given for the. King, His Excellency the Governor, the Expeditionary Force, and General Godicy. .

MARCH THROUCH THE CITY. ; FAREWELLS AND : CHEERS. ■ As a. drizzling rain had .begun to fall and looked like continuing, no time was lost in., getting, .the troops away from the .ground.,,,. Beaded, .by., the .-Wellington Tramways Band, 'the column, led by the Mounted Infantry.'.(oii. foot),- with the | Horse Artillery Engineers, Field Anibuj lance, and Infantry following in that order were soon swinging oh their way through a mist of rain'.' It was, despite the depressing meteorological conditions, a heartening! .spectacle to see the men of mountain-side and plain,: of the mine and of the,, mill, of the country . and town, swinging along. The. men ap-, peared to be' merry enough, but there were many'among the spectators who saw them march past with heavy hearts and tear-dimmed: eyes. — In a.'shop door in Newtown stood a veteran with three bits of ribbon sewn to the left breast of his coat. He' was slightly bent, and had the rheum of old age in his eyes. As the 1 bantl .at the head of the column approached the old man was seen to'be making an effort to. straighten himself up, whilst an odd lustre lit up the enfeebled eye.' ■ Just as the commander of the first company of "mounteds" drew opposite, up went the veteran's hand to the salute, and he kept it there until the company lad passed. It was a touch of. the old blood—just a small indication of the sentiment that binds the English nation indissoluble together to times of stress. Another sight witnessed in Newtown was a white-haired old lady, who must have been in octogenarian at least, waving a Union Jaok from a window with one hand, as she wiped the tears from her eyes with the other. Right-through Riddiford Street and down Adelaide. Road extended the double line -of spectators, and as the column doubled round the Basin, Re--serve and entered Cambridge Terrace, the waiting crowdß became thicker." Vivian Street was threaded,' and as the head of the column rounded in to Cuba Street volleys of cheers went up. The magic of martial music brought hundreds of people to every ' window and shop front, and the mounted police ahead had all they wanted to cut a lane for the Force. At every street corner cheers rang-out, and-men shouted words of cheer to their friends in the.ranks. To the lilt of "The Soldiers of the King," the.Force swung along Manners Street, down Willis Street, and along the Quay,, and 'on. _ Walking at a brisk quick march, four abreast, the force took exactly twelve minutes to pass a . given point. The whole of the force' did not, for one reason or another,,parade. Many troopers were seen about the town after 2.30 p.m., and not a few were observed amongst the spectators in the- 6treet crowds.

It is estimated that the number of people who witnessed the farewell ceremony at Newtown Park was between 20,000 and 25,000. This number included many people from the country, visitors with friends and relatives in the force having come to Wellington from as far as Napier on'the one coast and New Plymouth on the other. ■■■ There was no mistaking the Tarauaki men. Each of them lias white metal badges, on his hat, and collar, in the form of a tiny replica (in shape) of Mount' Egmont—quit© a suitable emblem of the wearers' pastures. The bands which took part in the proceedings were the oth Regiment Band, Wellington City Tramways, Natives' Association, Highland, Central Mission tadult and junior), Salvation Army, and the Regimental Drummers, all of which played the troops through the streets.'

' Mr. J. P. Luke, Mayor, received two telegrams from Pahiatua, which he had intended to read at the farewell cere : moriy yesterday. Following were tho telegrams:— From the Mayor (Mr. J. D. O. Crowe): "Kindly convey to the Expeditionary Force Pahiatua's best wishes for their futuro welfare in fighting for King and Empiro. God bless you all." From the Secretory of the Lady Liverpool Fund Committee:—"On behalf of. tho ladies at Pahiatua please express best wishes to Expeditionary Force." Prevention ia better than euro, so always keop a bottle of "NAZOL," and as soon as you feel the slichtest indication of a coming cold talco a dose.—Advt. Mr. P. V. Welch,, labour agent, Masterton, requires gardener, ploughman, driver,