The Rotunda Fight.

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 499, 12 August 1902, Page 2

The Rotunda Fight.

(To the Editor of the Times.) Sir, —My letter of Monday last in regard to the Rotunda fight appears to have caiEfi! some little commotion in West End quarters and tne forces of Generals Whinray and Hepburn, and their Chief of Staff, “ L. of W.E.,” has ventured to come from behind the kopje. I have not the pleasure of the Chief's acquaintance, but, judging from his remarks, I should say that he is not accustomed to war’s alarums, and will speedily find himself flattened out on a beautiful green sward at the Point, his ruffled feelings being soothed by the sweet strains of the City and Military Bands. Then it will not need a theodolite to see that gentleman upside down, though for the good of the public that is a necessity. The West End generals have succeeded in getting the Borough Council forces to work on the briars in Aberdeen road, but it will have the effect of spoiling their “cover,” and now they will have to seek shelter behind the clouds of dust. And they may well do so after the glorious display of Saturday night, when thousands of loyal subjects of His Gracious Majesty King Edward VII. assembled at the Point to do honor to the great occasion. I had not the good fortune to be present myself, but I hear ;that the Chief and all the West End forces were there, enjoym" the festivities. A corps of brilliantly illuruinated bicycles flitted to and fro, under command of Captains Jarman and Gush, the bonfire lighted up the scene of triumph’ gaily decorated boats, under General Skinner, skimmed along on the placid lake near the Point, the crimson-coated Fire Brigade as Gisborne’s marines went through fire and water, the music of the two bands charmed the great throng that lined the banks of the river and the bridge, and everything in the garden was lovely. As least, this is what I have been told by Westenders who were present, and I have no reason to disbelieve them. After such a grand display, does it neod words of

ruino to espouse the cause of the Point ? Why, it would bo like gilding the lily and painting the rose. I understand that tho excellent generalship which organised tho splendid muster at the Point has led to the capitulation of General Kcnway’s forces, who, to a man, have signed tho oath of allegiance, and it is only a wasto of time having the referendum roll call.— I am, etc.,

W. Paltridgk.