COLONEL ROBIN’S RETURN.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 18 May 1901, Page 4

COLONEL ROBIN’S RETURN.

Dunedin, May 17

For some weeks past reports of a disparaging character regarding Colonel Robin and his want of pluck in South Africa have been in circulation, and returning troopers when interrogated on the matter have, as a mile, merely shrugged their shoulders and declined to express an opinion. The silence has generally been construed in an unfavorable light, as has been shown by the reasons frequently given during the past four or five days for refusal to subscribe to the Robin testimonial fund. Some surprise has been expressed by the Colonel’s friends that none of those who have served under him had had the manliness to come forward and denounce the reports in circulation. The ice was broken last night at an entertainment given by the Dunedin Amateur Boating Club to some of their members who returned by the Tongariro, for Sergeant Scott, in returning thanks for the evening’s reception, introduced the subject and gave in the strongest manner possible an unqualified denial to the slanders. Mr S. Solomon, who presided, expressed his pleasure at the remarks made, and said that it was the duty of all troopers to plibliely remove the stigma which was insidiously being attached to Colonel Robin. Thereupon all the other troopers present unreserved corroborated what had fallen from their senior spokesman.

Another report being circulated apparently with the object of disparaging Colonel Robin, is that he is engaged to the daughter of a leading public man in the colony, and that is why he is being made the recipient of special marks of favour. This statement, which is street gossip here. lam in a position to say is absolutely false. The Colonel, as a matter of fact, has hardly exchanged words with the lady with whom it is alleged a matrimonial alliance has been formed.