Empire First

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIII, Issue 39, 15 October 1915, Page 5

Empire First

MU CHARLES BAYLY. TOKO’S FAREWELL. “Ye have not chosen me, but 1 have chosen you,” is a Biblical instruction that is quaintly applicable to Mr Charles Bayly’s action in exchanging home and a wide circle of friends for a soldier’s life. Under present conditions governing recruiting in the Dominion, be is not eligible for Our -Forces, but Air Bayly leaves on Monday for Wellington, embarking for the Home Country immediately, ■to offer bis services to the War Of'flee for the period of the war. Js it any wonder, then, that such selfsaerifice and patriotism was recognised by the Toko people, among' whom Air Bayly has lived lor many vear-s, bv the holding of a farewell function ; J Last night there was a splendidly "representative gathering of residents of Toko and neighboring districts in the Coronation Hall to do (honor to Air Bayly. J The chair was occupied by Mr W. *H. Were, who was supported on his right by the guest ot the evening, j and on his left by the member for the district. Air J. B. Hine. Speaking to the toast of “Our Guest,” the Chairman spoke at length on Mr Bayly’s connection with pioneering in the Toko district and his splendid efforts in assisting anything that might tend towards ad-

vancement. He was progressive in his farming methods always, the latest proof of which was the success which attended his herds in the recent Toko Settlers’ competitions. On behalf of the Association, Mr Were thanked Mr Bayly for his staunch and very loyal support in every possible way.— Applause. Mr D. Maxwell, spoke very sincerely of his intimate acquaintance with Mr Bayly, who with other pioneers, Messrs' John Butler, S. E. Bine, and B. Milne, he had known for 23 years. If. said Mr Maxwell, all members of the British Empire were of the same calibre as Mr Bayly victory was assured. To a certain extent, he blamed the censor for people taking the war too lightly, but Mr Bayly was not one of these. Mr Maxwell told a very good story to illustrate his opinion of Mr Bayly’s action. In one Scotch town he knew, it was the rule that everyone had to put a light past his own door, but Mr Bayly was going to assist and keep the light from coining to his door. (Laughter and applause). He was one who must he judged by his deeds, not, words. The speaker likened him to Alexander the |Great, who . regretted there were no (other worlds to conquer, us Mr Bawdy after his pioneering experiences

and making his place very prosperous, decided to go and see what he' could do in the war. (Applause.) Comparatively speaking, Mr Bayly was a voting man, and Mr Maxwell expressed the hope that he would come hack again some day and assist in the government of the Dominion. Ihe speaker paid a fine tribute to the prowess of the New Zealander as a soldier, and said he felt quite satisfied Mr Bayly would uphold the traditions of the nation wherever he might lie serving, and would he a credit to New , Zealand —and Toko. He ventured to say that the happiest hour in the future for Mr Bayly would lie when the steamer turned her bows homeward—home to the people "ho knew him so well and respected him so 'highly. (Applause).

Mr John West spoke of dir Bayly as an employer, one who was generous to a degree to all those whom lie employed. Mr J. Lucena expressed the belief that after the war Mr Bayly would |come back a “Colonel.” Mr A. Bocock said dir Bayly was j one of the “whitest” men it was possible to meet—-a man whom they 'could well do with at home, while others should go. dir Bayly had said: “There are those who should g° but won’t, so I will go myself.” Mr •Bocock deprecated the statement that (politicians should not go round the country on recruiting missions, as he believed their words appealed to the people better even than the newspapers. In conclusion, dir Bocock 'expressed the hope that dir Bayly (would return to them safe and sound, when he could be sure of a hearty welcome. dir \. B. Fryday said he had always found dir Bayly a good neighbor. He had proved himself the, best ‘man in Toko. He could live at home in conifort, hut he preferred to go to the front, dir Fryday appealed to everyone to help in the war, pointing out that there was no use putting men in the field if there was no '“tucker.” There was no doubt in Ids mind that the -Nation would want more men and still more men to follow. Though lie had always believed in volunteering, he had come to the conclusion that now there was nothing else to be done but to institute Conscription. (Applause.) He wished dir Bayly Godspeed and a safe return. dir H. ,). Cooper (Stratford), speaking as a recent arrival, paid a tribute to dir Bayly, whom he classed as a man amongst men, th e district being the poorer lor Iris departure. The speaker also supported Conscription. dir F. W. Bredow said it was a pleasure to be present to honor Mr Bayly, who was one of the oldest and best respected residents of Toko. Mr Bredow mentioned that he had been in New Zealand for over forty years, although it was but eight years since he had gone to reside at Douglas. Mr Bayly’s example should encourage ,a