STARTLED THE "ANTIS."

Taranaki Daily News, 28 October 1916, Page 7

STARTLED THE "ANTIS."

CAPT. J. B. HINE TAKES CHARGE OF SYDNEY MEETING. At Manly (New South Wales), near the muniment now being erected on the Ccrso to the memory of fallen heroes, the Anti-Conscriptionists held 'a, big meeting. The principal speakers were Mr. Minahan, M.L.A., and Miss May Matthews. Any interjections were goodnatured. and it looked as though the "Anti's" were getting on very well, until several hundred "Pros's." coming from a Cons-criptiffiiist meeting higher up the Corso, attached themselves to the crowd. Things immediately began to grow lively (says an exchange). In the middle of the "Anti's" a huge khaki-clad figure pushed his way. This was Captain J. B. Hine, member of Parliament for Gtratford, New Zealand, who was parsing through Sydney in command of ,i party of Maorilandei , s*on their way to the front. Having asked and been refused permission to address the meetly, Captain Hine immediately procured a box for himself, and, carrying, it round to the far side of the crowd, mounted it. 'l'm waiting till you have finished, mjdam!" he called out politely to a wonipn who was just then speaking. The lady showed no inclination to concli.de, so the crowd, scenting fun, completely drowned her utterances beneath a stentorian and enthusiastic rendering of "Rule Britannia." "Please turn round and look at me!" came the soldier's voice above the din. "VUien comparative silence had been secured he began to speak. "Men and women cf Australia," he shouted, "I come from New Zealand. Over there we've done the right thing and followed Britain's lead! Now I want to ask, What is Australia going to do?" There were cries of "The right thing —vote "Yes!"—from the crowd. P,y this time the '"Anlis," altei a hurried consultation, had put up their loudest ottutor, but without avail. J. B. Hine i ; well used to talking turbulent iiiLCt : )igs down. The attention of almost the whole meeting, "Pros" and "Antis" both, was focussed on him during his entile speech, and a couple of New Zealarders, recognising the speaker, broke into a delightful "Ake, Ake, kia kaha!" the war-cry of the New Zealand troops. "I'm sailing for the front to-morrow," announced Captain Hine in conclusion, "and I want to tell you that no nation but Australia can blacken the fair name Australians have won. Vote Yes and be true to yourselves, your country, and your Empire!" Amid a mighty outburt of applause, Captain Hine stepped down. His place was immediately taken by Mr. Thomas Bathurst, secretary of the R.S.A.; and then the Mayor (Ahl. Keirle) called for tli •*;-& cheers for the King, which were given with great heartiness.