STARTLED THE "ANTIS"

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2913, 27 October 1916, Page 5

STARTLED THE "ANTIS"

OAPT. J. B. HINE TAKES CHARGE OF. SYDNEY MEETING. At Manly (Now South Wales), noar *the monument now being erected on the , Corao to tbo memory of fallen heroes, the Anti-Cojißoriptionista held a big Ineeting. The principal speakers were Mr. Minabun, M.L.A., and Miss May Matthews. Any interjections were goodliatured, and it looked as though the "Anti's" were getting -on very well, until several hundred "Proa's," coming from a Consoriptionist meeting higher up the Corso, attached themselves to the crowd. . ' ' Things immediately began to grow lively (says au exchange). In the middle of the "Anti's" a huge' khaki-clad

figure pushed his way. This was Captain J. B. Hine, member of Parliament ■ dor Stratford, New Zealand, who was passing through Sydney in command of a party of Maorilanders on their way , to the front. Having asked and been refused permission to address the meeting, Capiaiji Hine immediately procured a bos for himself, and, carrying it round to the far side of the crowd, mounted it. "I'm waiting till you have finished, madam!" he called out politely to a woman who was just then speaking. The lady showed no inclination to concludo, 60 the crowd, Scenting fun, completely drowned her utterances beneath a stentorian and enfchusiastio rendering of "Rule Britannia." "Please turn round and look at in el" came the soldier's voice above the din. i\Vhen comparative silence had been secured he began to speak. "Men and women of Australia," he shouted, "I coma from New Zealand. Over there ' 1 we've done the right thing and followed Britain's lead! Now I want to ■ ask, What is Australia going to doP" There were cries of "The right tiling <—vote Yea I"—from the orowd. By this time the "Antis," after _a hurried consultation, 'had put up their loudest-voiced orator, but without avail. J. B. Hine is well used to talking turbulent meetings down. The attention of''almost the wholo meeting, "Pros" and "Antis" both, was focussed on him during his entire speeoh, and_ a couple of .New Ze'alanders, recognising the speaker, broke into a oenghtful "Ake, ake, kia kaha 1" the war-cry of the New Zealand troops. "I'm sailing for the. front to-mor-row," announced Captain Hine in conclusion, "and I want to tell you that no nation but Australia can blacken the fair name Australians havo won. Vote ..Yes and be .true to yourselves, your country, and your Empire!" Amid a mighty outburst of applause, Captain Hine stepped down. His place was immediately taken by Mr. Thomas Batliurst, secretary of the U.S.A.; and then the Mayor (Aid. Keirle) called for ' three cheers for the Kjng, which wcro given with great heartiness.