TRAFALGAR DAY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2639, 22 October 1909, Page 5

TRAFALGAR DAY.

THE HUNDRED AND FOURTH

ANNIVERSARY.

The anniversary of Nelson’s greatest and. last victory was not marked locally by any official celebraxion, save, indeed, the display of flags from the tower at the Post Office and the nrebell tower. Speaking to the toast of ‘‘Our Sailors and Soldiers” at the Y.M.C.A;, social last evening, Mr. J. it. Kirk reminded, his hearers that* the day marked the 104tli anniversary of the battle of Trafalgar. The speaker pointed out the great significance of that notable engagement, and mentioned that at Waterloo Britain had fought for victory, but at Trafalgar for Her existence. In five hours the fleets of Spam and France' had been shattered, but had the battle fared otherwise how different might have been the fate of the world. Toronto, Capetown, Melbourne, Auckland might ail have been under the French flag. . Mr. Kirk then proceeded to dilate upon the greatness of England’s naval hero, -Lord Nelson, and in this connection read from a copy of the “London Times” published, at the time the following reference to the noble man who had at Trafalgar given his life for his country:— “If ever there was a man who deserved to be ’praised, wept, and honored’ by his country, it is Lord JNe-son. His three great naval achievements have eclipsed the brilliancy of the most dazzling victories in tlie annais of English oaring. It ever a-'hero merited the honors of a public funeral and a public mourning, it is the pious, the modest, and the gallant Ne.son, the darling of the British Navy, whose death has plunged a whole nation into the deepest ' grief, and to whose talents and bravery even the enemy he has conquered will bear testimony.” The speaker emohasised the fact that Nelson was known as a pious man, and as illustrating the Christian spirit of England’s great men in that period, read the following prayer composed by Lord Nelson two days before his death: “May the great Gou, whom I worship, grant to my country, and for the benefit of Europe in general, a great and glorious victory; and may no misconduct in any one tarnish it; and may huipianity after _ victory be tlie predomiifaffit feature in the British fleet. For myself individually I commit 1113- life to; Him that made me, and may His blessing alight on mv endeavors for serving my country faithfully. To him I resign myseif, and the just cause which is entrusted to me to defend. Amen, Amen. Amen.”

DOMINION CELEBRATIONS

[Teh PnEsk Association.] WELLINGTON, Oct, 21

Trafalgar Day is being observed by a display of bunting throughout the city. At most schools the teachers made remarks befitting the occasion. To-night a dinner was held by the Navy League. The Governor was present. Trafalgar Day was celebrated by the Navv League at supper to-night, about 200 leading citizens being present. Air. AY. Fraser, M.P., presided, and speeches were delivered by His Excellency the Governor, Sir Joseph A\ T ard, and Air. Foster Fraser. CHRISTCHURCH, Oct, 21. The Trafalgar celebrations to-day included the decoration of the flagstaff and railings round the Queen Victoria statue in Victoria ■ Square by the members of the Navy League; also a display of flags representing Nelson’s famous signal. There was a lecture to school children this afternoon by the Rev. Elliott Chambers. In the evening there was a concert and display of naval filihs in His Alajesty’s Theatre. The Mayor requested citizens to display flags, and the request has been fairly well complied with. Theie is beautiful weather. TIMARU, Oct, 21. Beyond a large display, of bunting, there was no celebration of Trafalgar Dav. Incidentally the Timaru • main school held a garden party, the chief item being an “Empire Alarch” of symbolically costumed groups. During the afternoon prizes were presented, on behalf of the Navy League (Canterbury branch), to two pupils of the school, the successful writers of essays on the meaning of Empire Day. ", DUNEDIN, Oct. 21. Trafalgar Day celebrations took" place to-day in the form of the hoisting of Nelson’s signal at the Triangle and the display 7 of flags on public and many private buildings. There was a big meeting in the Garrison Hall tonight. INVERCARGILL, Oct, 21. In connection with the Trafalgar Day celebrations some 400 cadets and bandsmen paraded yesterday afternoon before a large attendance of the public. Marching past competitions were held for the defence and public school cadet battalions, and trophies were presented by the President of tlie Southland branch of the Navy League to the various winners of shooting and other competitions annually arranged by the League to celebrate the” anniversary of Trafalgar Day'. '