AN INTERESTING GATHERING.

Waikato Argus, Volume IX, Issue 750, 10 September 1900, Page 2

AN INTERESTING GATHERING.

(BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION!. ■ Wellington, Saturday. One of the most interesting gatherings ever held at Wellington took place at Government House this afternoon, where, at the invitation of Lord and Lady Ranfurly, about 150 naval and military veterans assembled, ostensibly to celebrate Sebastopol day, but in reality the Governor's idea was to bring together, as he did at Auckland some three months ago, the naval and military veterans of the Empire. That the idea was a popular one was evidenced by the fact that the guests came from New Plymouth on the West, and Napier on the East Coast, and comprised men who had served in all ranks of Her Majesty's Imperial naval and military forces, men who had come through the sufferings of the Crimean War, the horrors of the Indian Mutiny, China, Kaffir and Egyptian wars, and conflicts with the natives of New Zealand. Tables were laid in the ball-room, which hu<l been specially decorated for the occasion uuder the direction of the Couutess of Ranfurly. The guests assembled at two o'clock, and were received by His Excellency and Lady Ranfurly, who were attended by Lady Constance Knox, the Hon. Hill-Trevor, and Hon. Butler. Amongst those* present were Messrs Seddon, Ward and Carroll, representing the Ministry. The toast of the Queen was proposed by the Governor. During an interval the party adjourned to thelawn, where they were photographed in sections, comprising the Crimean, Indian Mutiny, Kaffir, Chinese and native wars. The toast of Lord Roberts &nd Her Majesty's forces iu South Africa was proposed by the Governor, who said chat speeches at Government House gatherings were not usual ; but on that occasion he would break the rule- He observed that the occasion was a fitting one and considered that he was fortunate iu being able to gather together so many veterans who had helped to build up the Empire in the past. The accommodation of Government House was not sufficient to accommodate all the veterans iu the district ; but no one had been intentionally left out. The veterans present would from time to time no doubt have criticised the conduct of the affairs in South Africa, and differed with the methods with which that war had been carried out: but he felt that there was no difference of opinion as to the tactics adopted by Lord Roberta. He expressed his pleasure at seeing so many veterans present, and hoped the spirit of comradeship would be revived by the association of that day, and that it would remiud them of those who fought for Queen aud country. The rest of the afternoon was spent in sooial intercourse, and the proceedings terminated by the company singing the National Anthem and Auld Lang Sync. Amongst the veterans present were General Sir G. Whirmore, Sir A. Douglas, Col. Gorton, Inspector Pender, Lieut.-Colonel Messenger, Lieut.-Colonel Porter and Colcnel Peutou.