GATHERING AT OKATO.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 May 1916, Page 6

GATHERING AT OKATO.

CAPTAIN HAWKINS FAREWELLED. Despite tlie inclement weather, there was a'good attendance of residents of Okato and settlers of the surrounding country at a farewell social to Captain W. H. Hawkins, of the Fourteenth Reinforcements, who is home on final leave. Dancing for the young people formed the principal entertainment. After the supper adjournment, Captain Hawkins was the recipient of a presentation, which was accompanied by some felicitious remarks. Rev. Addenbrooke, who was the first speaker, said that the presentation turned their thoughts to the serious part of the programme, because in the war were involved issues of life and death to our Empire and other nations who were fighting in the cause of righteousness and freedom. If we were not determined to win this war, there would be no chance for the little nations to live out their lives. It would be far better to die than to be slaves to German tyranny. The speaker expressed grave doubts as to whether we had become serious enough about the war, and he instanced the sufferings of the people of Belgium, Poland, Serbia, and France. We must all be willing to make some real sacrifice to co-operate with the Alljes. Captain Hawkins was going forward in the defence of them and their wives and children. Even if Captain Hawkins did ijot win any special order of merit, he felt sure he would always do his duty and help his men, not only by discipline, hut by example. Captain Knight emphasised the fact tiiat men were going away to offer their li'es so that we might live in security, whilst others did not realise their obligations. Indeed, he had heard it .said by some that if Germany won it would make no difference. He urged all to disabuse themselves of that idea. If this became a German country not one farmer would own his land for five minutes. It would all belong to the German aristocracy. The landlord would take everything wortli having and the farmer, as was the case with the German farmer, would be unable to obtain butter for his bread. He knew wealthy men in the district who had never given a cent to any of the funds. "Shame on them," he cried, and he would as long as he lived never have anything to do with such men. Ever since 1000, when he recognised the German menace, he had never bought a single article that was made in Germany, and he appealed to fll to stop Germany's trade. In concluding, he expressed the wish that Captain Hawkins might return safe and sound, and, with at the very least, a Brigadier-General's uniform.

Mr. .1. S. Fox stated that from his association.?, with their guest both as a farmer and iri business he felt that wherever Captain Hawkins went, he would be a credit to the district. He honored their guest all the more because he had gone as a volunteer. He had r-poken to some of the men under Captain Hawkins, and they all swore 6y him. He urged men to take a lesson from Captain Hawkins. "Don't wait for conscription but come now." Ho was not there to tell them their duty. They must let their own conscience do that. He then, on behalf of the residents of the district, presented Captain Hawkins with a sword, feeling sure that he would use it well and wisely.

Captain Hawkins thanked all the speakers for their kindly remarks. As far as he was personally concerned, his aim, whether his life was long or short, would be to do just his duty and no ;nore. He had heard it stated that the war was nearly at an end, but he felt convinced that it was a long way from the end. Every one that followed British history must recognise that behind every war there stood the (ireat Architect'of the Universe who allowed war for a purpose, for what purpose one could not say, but until that purpose was served, they would not get victory. One could go to race meetings, picture shows, theatres, etc., .and not see any evidence of the war. Indeed the only place where one saw any evidence of war was in the homes where some loved ones were away. The foundation qf victory was sacrifice, and until the people of this country and all under the British flag realised this they would not obtain victory. What sacrifice was it possible to make? Thousands were givr.ig freely, but others were not giving. There was not a reform that had been founded on sacrifice, and he made a strong appeal to moderate drinkers not (o touch a drop of strong drink while the war lasted. Regarding compulsion, he did not believe the time was ripe for "nforcing this. He believed there were thousands of young men just as anxious to go as he was, but they did not see it from his view point. Some men said they would not sacrifice 12s per day for the' 'sake of Gs, so long as men worth £OOOO to £IO,OOO were not also made to go. Every man should satisfy himself in his own mind or conscience as to his own position. Personally he had over on the field of battle one dearer to him than his own life, and he would sooner receive a cable that his son had been shot than have him walk about the streets and called a shirker. (Applause). Personally he felt that' sufficient volunteers would be forthcoming to enable New Zealand to fulfil its obligations. A fine lot of men had gone from Okato, and there were more to go when wanted. In thanking them for the presentation, he said it would be bis aim that the sword should never be dishonored as far as he was personally concerned. On Captain Hawkins resuming his scat be was accorded musical honors, cheers also being given for Mrs. Hawkin3 and family. Dancing was then resumed and kept up until the early hours. Mr. J. Power made a capable M.C., excellent music being provided by Messrs Barnitt (piano) and Thompson (cornet). Eev. Addenbrooke rendered a song during the evening.