THE BOMBASTIC BENT.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8823, 27 May 1907, Page 2

THE BOMBASTIC BENT.

Press Association—Copyright London, May 26,

Addressing 4000 Ealing scholars on Empire Day Mr Bent referring to the enthusiastic demonstrations in General Botha’s honour declared that the Australians would not have shouted themselves hoarse and fluttered white handkerchiefs but would have remembered the sorrowing widows, the wooden legs, and armless men in their midst. He hoped General Botha would keep his promises and the Transvaal would prove in future as good a fricud of the Motherland as Australia had been, and referring to his “kiddie guard of honour” Mr Bent declared that thousands of Australian cadets were willing to show the stuff they are made of if the Empire needs their services.

The children sang “Rule Britannia.” Mr Bent caused great laughter by declaring his belief that Britons were the biggest slaves of the lot.