THE LATE EARL KITCHENER-A SUGGESTION.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 June 1916, Page 7

THE LATE EARL KITCHENER-A SUGGESTION.

(To the Editor.) Sir,—As I have so far heard nothing of a public ceremonial in connection with the tragic end of one of our military idols, so to speak, may I, sir, make a humble suggestion? lam too recent an arrival in your midst to take a foremost part in a movement of this nature, but I realise that to-day the churches have done their part, notwithstanding the short notice, and I think it belioves us as a community to organise a huge ceremonial befitting the occasion. What is there to prevent the arranging of a gathering of a wide-reaching character on Sunday afternoon next, so that all classes can participate, preceded by a procession to the scene of operations, embracing soldiers, veterans, territorials, friendly societies, and' public bodies? Although I have not consulted my bandsmen, I think you can rely upon them doing their part. ,As to whether the gathering shall be of a religious character or purely a monster patriotic demonstration, I leave to others to decide, but let us do something! "God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform," and as this most recent calamity (for calamity it really is), lias been sent for a. divine purpose, let us hope that the sad death of Earl Kitchener may prove a ■ "stiffener" to us as a people and a nation, and spur us on to greater efforts.' There is no knowing what a monster gathering such as I suggest may do for recruiting, and I trust a move of some kind will be made at once. I am, etc.. . F. W. G. McLEOD, City Bandmaster.