PADRE BLADIN'S LECTURE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 1974, 8 May 1919, Page 3

PADRE BLADIN'S LECTURE.

There. was a good ami appreciative attendance in the Town Hail an Tuesday night to listen to Chap-lain-Captain Bladin’s lecture entitled, “From Feat herston Camp to the Firing Line.” The lecture was in aid of the equipment fund of the local hoy scout movement. The or (Mr John Chrystall) occupied the chair ,and extended a hearty welcome to the popular padre whose reputation, he said, had preceded him.

Chaplain-Captain Bladin soon put the audience in good humour by getting them to sing one of the soldier hoys’ favourite choruses. If n man's face is the true index to character, then there is no need to wonder why lids padre was beloved and honoured by our hoys at the camp, and in the firing line. Cheery, optimistic, sympathetic, yet manly, he inspired the confidence of the men with whom he associated in camp, and who finally pcfilioned the

authorities that he should he allowed to go with them. He told his story of cam]) life, the embarkation, life on the troopship, ports of call, arrival in England, experiences of Sling Camp, the trip across the Channel, and then the stern reality of war, in graphic, language. Humour and pathos were intermingled, and harrowing details eliminated. He sung the praises of the boys he had learned to love, and concluded by voicing the opinion that every consideration should he extended 'them by the powers that he upon their return to New Zealand.

The Mayor in thanking the.speak■r for his interesting lecture, cxended a cordial invitation to him, m behalf of the public of Foxton. o pay a return visit, and deliver a art her address. Someone from the hack of the mil called for “three cheers for the iadre,” which were lustily given, flic vote of thanks was carried by iceJamation, and a similar complineiit to the Mayor concluded the ueeting.