LORD KITGHENER.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2746, 26 February 1910, Page 5

LORD KITGHENER.

BRIEF SPEECHES AT CIVIC RECEPTION!. .

SOAKING RAIN A DISTURBING

FACTOR

[Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, Feb. 25. The civic reception to Lord Kitchener was a brief and enthusiastic tribute, which lasted only half an hour, but the citizens started to assemble three hours beforehand, and nearly four thousand found places in the big building .by three o’clock. Thus the late comers, numbering many hundreds, had to be content with a street view of the Field-Marshal. More than half of the audience consisted of ladies, and the arrangements were so well planned that no unseemly rushes occurred at the doorg or. in the building. Perhaps the arrangements for admission were too rigorously controlled, for many official visitors and some of the press representatives, who had arrived nearly an hour before the time of welcome* found unyielding guardians on the door.

THE VETERANS. The veterans .made a brave show on the platform. It was an appropriate and splendid feature of the ceremony. There were two hundred of them. They had all seen active service, even the lady in the scarlet uniform of a Queen Alexandra nurse, who was brought out of the audience by Mr Thos. Irwin, R.A. (president of the Veterans’ Association), and given a prominent seat on the platform, to the immense satisfaction of the audience. Most of the veterans had the Maori war medals, but a number displayed the Crimean and Indian mutiny medals, and a few South African contingenters, juniors compared with the veterans of the sixties, helped to swell the number. Some of the old soldiers had come from a distance of two hundred miles to see the great military chief. The waiting hours were pleasantly beguiled by the audience, which listened to a fine selection of organ solos by Mr Manghan Barnott. Punctually to the minute of half-past four the distinguished military guest of honor appeared on the platform, accompanied by the Governor, the Prime Minister, Lady Ward, Miss Eileen Ward, a.nd the Mayor (Dr Newman) and the Mayoress.

The Mayor expressed his pleasure at seeing Lord Kitchener present as the guest of the city of Wellington. “May I have the honor of introducing to you some of the citizens?” continued His Worship. “Ladies and Gentlemen —Lord Kitchener. Now you are properly and formally introduced.” This little (pleasantry of the Mayor’s provoked hearty laughter, and the audience saw that reputedly rare quality, “the Kitchener smile.”

THE MAYOR OF WELLINGTON. Dr Newman said the introduction no doubt was unnecessary, because the whole of New Zealand had known Lord Kitchener for years and years, and there was not, he thought, anyone who was more welcome. (Applause.) He only regretted that the nail held only 3500 people of the 80,000 of Wellington citizens who would like to Iks there to welcome him as one of their own friends. (Applause.) They were of Lord Kitchener’s flesh and blood. No doubt there were East Anglians among them, and they were present, not out of curiosity, but. to welcome a great man, of whose deeds in Egypt and South Africa they had read. As New Zealanders they realised that the mignr& and power of the British Empire was required in the North Sea-, and they had sent the Motherland a Dreadnought—(applause) —for they realised that England in the hour of danger had only to look to its soldiers and to hold its own by its strong right hand. New Zealand desired Lord Kitchener to give of his best in regard to advice on organisation, so that the Dominion would be in a position to help herself. There wore a great many perils, both yellow and white, to be faced but we were ready to face them. He assured the Field Marshal that liis advice would be taken on the defence question. (Loud applause.) He was quite aware that some people did not believe in militarism, hut if the important question of defence was neglected other nations would eat us out of hearth and home. Years ago, when there was trouble in New Zealand with the Maoris, British troops had been sent out, but they had all been withdrawn long ago. New Zealand was prepared to adopt a selfreliant policy, and we were prepared to defend our own territory. (Applause.)

HIS EXCELLENCY. The Governor, Lord Plunket, who was cordially, received, said: “It has often been m.v good fortune, from Auckland to the Bluff>. to join with the people. of Now Zealand in mutual congratulation upon our. proud position as fellow-subjects of an honored and wise King, and as fellow members of the greatest Empire the world h>s ever known. (Applause.) But I doubt, ladies and gentlemen, if any occasion lias ever arisen in my term of office when the direct concrete evidence of the value of that Empire to this remote portion of it has been so definitely presented as to-day. -Just as this young country is entering upon a serious step in the direction of making itself strong in our main defence, and making ike Empire strong by being able to help other portions of it if menaced; ’tv. at this moment, when the intricacies, the difficulties, and the pitfalls of a r-oio rigid military system fall upon you, the Empire presents to you Lord Kitche ner. (Loud aplause.) bo, Lord J< itcliener, this country Mid this vast audience are not only endeavoring y pay you due honor as the hero of Cmdurinan; not only due honor as the man who saved such pain, suffering, and misery by rapidly terminating tin- Sit.th African war; not only <.3 the 1 ‘.an i ho has made the great Indian army greater than it ever was before; but also as one of the greatest military organisms' of the whole world, who h.is kind y and promptly answered the rail of Nr\v Zealand, and come here to give us >our invaluable help and advice. (Luod cheering.)

THE PRIME MINISTER. Sir Joseph Ward, who was received with applause, said: “To-day will he remembered a s a history-making day, not only in the city of Wellington, but throughout the Dominion of New Zealand, for the reason that we have m our midst a distinguished soldier who has no one to thank hut himself for the pre-eminent position he occupies not only in the British army, but in the eves of' the world.” (Loud applause.) He then made some very interesting remarks on the chief points of Lord .Kitchener’s career. Their guest was distinguished for his untiring industry and great loyalty to his superiors. The outstanding features of his career would never be forgotten by his fellow citizens of the British Empire.. (Applause.) His promotion had not

I been the result of influence, but had como from solid merit. He was recognised now as the first in his profession in the world. Throughout his life Lord Kitchener had had great patience, and this 'never failed him. Had it not been for this great virtue, for his courage and patience, some of the victories accomplished under his direction would probably never' have been achieved. History showed that no man had taken fewer chances. >He had always been cautious, and none of liis victories were due to chance. Their visitor had always carefully conceived his plans and* gone into the greatest detail.. Lord Kitchener had a mind naturally gifted in the art of war. New Zealand welcomed him as the greatest scientific soldier of the age. (Applause.) To him war was not a game, but a science. No country could have a better military adviser. His Egyptian methods had been repeated in South Africa, while he had crowned liis victories as a great soldier by showing that be. was a man who could admire a worthy and a beaten foe. “This is evidenced,” the 'Prime Minister concluded, “by the fact that he sought to obtain for the Boers, on theiT submission, the best terms England could honorably grant. No doubt lie will add fresh laurels to his crown, and rival that great general whose countrymen proudly declare .him to be first in war, first in peace, and first- in the hearts of his countrymen.” (Loud applause-.)

LORD KITCHENER’S REPLY. The Mayor then called upon Lord Kitchener -to reply, and the distinguished soldier rose, amidst .deafening applause, and made a characteristic reply .in a brief speech. Lord Kitchener said: “It is a very great satisfaction to me to be able to visit this beautifully-situated capital of New Zealand, and I am very grateful to you, Mr Mayor, for the cordial welcome you have given me on behalf of the citizens, as well as to His Excellency the Governor and the Prime Minister, for the very kind and too flattering terms of the speeches they have just made. Wherever I have been in the Dominion I have been impressed by the enthusiasm displayed on the question of maintaining an efficient defence force, and it- seems to me only appropriate that a city named after the most illustrious Field Marshal that our country has ever produced—(applause) —should take the lead in all that pertains to military proficiency. “I sincerely trust that the measures about to be undertaken by the Government, with this object in view', will fulfil the national requirements to enable New Zealanders to feel not only secure at home, but also prepared to take a share in the responsibility of our great Empire. (Applause.) “No one who has visited this country can doubt the deep-seated and warmhearted loyalty of its inhabitants, which has been so practically demonstrated by the excellent contingents sent to South Africa, and by the recent gift of a Dreadnought to the navy'. (Renewed applause.) These are substantial proofs of the readiness of New Zealand to do all in their power to support Imperial interests and the Motherland. I sincerely thank you, Mr Mayor, as well as this great assembly, for the kind reception you have given me on this occasion.” (Applause.) On the invitation of the Mayor the vast audience rose as one body, and gave three ringing cheers for Lord Kitchener.

The proceedings concluded with the singing of the National Anthem by Mr E. J. Hill, the audience joining in and singing the last verse in a very heartv manner.

Just as Lord Kitchener was leaving the platform, Dr Newman introduced him to the veterans, who occupied a position at the back of the stage. He exchanged a few words with the men, and then left the hall, while once again the audience cheered.

THE MILITARY PROGRAMME. Soaking rain fell all night, and still continues. As a result the programme for Lord Kitchener t-o-day had to be greatly varied. The inspection of forts, arranged to take place at 5.30 this morning, was not held, and the men at the forts have returned to town.

A meeting between the FieldMarshal and Sir Joseph Ward and members of the Defence Council was held at 10 o’clock. It was decided thatLord Kitchener should go out to Hutt Park and inspect 4000 cadets in camp there at 3.15' p.m. The ground about the camp is under water. Many tents are uninhabitable, boys and officers going about in their -bare feet in many instances.

CADETS’ REVIEW AT WELLING - • TON.

“I want to tell you Lord Kitchener asked me to say that he was much impressed and delighted with what lie saw to-day. He was very pleased with' the fine lot of boys, and what material they form for. the defence of the colony.” It was with these words that Major McDonald, the officer commanding the cadets in Hutt Park, addressed the battalion officers ot- the close of Lord Kitchener’s inspection this afternoon. It was praise well merited. The boys had "one through a very trying ordeal, and they acquitted themselves excellently under conditions which few cadet battalions are asked' to undergo for review purposes. Prior t<> the inspection by the Field Marshal, there was a veritable deluge. Rain set in overnight, and a heavy misty rain hung over tlic camp all the morning. By noon it had grown, worse, and by 3 o’clock, just as the lads were marshalled out on the broad green field, a heavy shower came down as though by way of greeting the distinguished commander. Tlie ground, too, was sodden, and in nnrts contained miniature lakes, which, however, were negotiated by the hoys with wonderful alacrity. They seemed determined that not even water should interfere with their efforts to be seen at their best. Here and there a hid tripped, but lie was soon up again with his fellows. The dense crowd in the grandstand applauded enthusiastically as each battalion swept past. There were 14 battalions, comprising 3800 cadets, defence and school. Lord Kitchener, accompanied by the Premier and all the Cabinet Ministers at present in town, reached the Park at 3.20 p.lll. The boys were all ready for him, and the Field Marshal immediately got to business, skipping a few small lalces on his way to the review ground. The Garrison Band played a selection of welcome, undl the spectators cheered heartily. The fact that some of the battalions paraded in. ba,re feet did not detract from their generally smart appearance. In fact, it gave rather an air of novelty to the proceedings. Indeed, in this respect in the drizzling rain they were placed rather at an advantage, for t-hev npneared to be able to hold the ground hetter. The Field' Marshal sprang a surprise 011 the boys, instead of ordering them, to march, past in the usual review style at the ordinary parade walk, the 'cadets came along at a smart

run. He had first of all gone through the lines and made an inspection, giving occasionally a word of encouragement. The boys were right on their mettle. Most of them were soaked through, but they relished the work. Battalion after battalion swept past m businesslike! style. It took some time before the fourteen battalions had completed their manoeuvres. These lasted about half an hour, Lord Kitchener immediately afterwards taking his departure amidst the cheers of the spectators. The parade state showed: btatt 5, senior cadets 462, junior cadets 33US. Major McDonald was in charge.

THE FIELD-MARSHAL MAKES AN IMPORTANT SPEECH. ;

Lord Kitchener was entertain'd at dinner to-night by the Governr-omt at the Grand Hotel. Among thas/, present -were Lord Plunket, members of the Ministry, the Hon. A. R. Guinness (Speaker of the House or Representatives), and several members of both branches of the Legislature. In his speech Lord Kitchener remarked: “By the Bill which has recently been passed compulsory training has been introduced, but it must be remembered that though in this way the foundation has been laid, it requires to be supplemented by a thoroughly sound organisation and military system, in order to produce the best results, and to obtain efficiency in the most economical and satisfactory manner. My recent memorandum to the Government of Australia on the defence of the Commonwealth has now been published, and although there are. naturally considerable differences between the conditions of the islands forming the Dominion of New Zealand and the continent of Australia, the main principles of that memorandum will, in my opinion, apply to the problem before us of maintaining the efficient land defences concerning which you have asked my advice. The first necessity in all military organisations is a. thorough .grounding for the officers and men in the fundamental work of their profession. The compulsory training laid down in the Bill will not bring this about unless a willing and zealous spirit exists amongst the men themselves, who should in the pursuance of their duty to become efficient defenders of their country, prepare themselves for tbe compulsory work in camp by constant and cheerful training in. their home 3. This necessitates the country placing competent instructors in close- proximity to where the men live, so that every opportunity should he fully utilised to impart at heme thorough instruction in '-ompany a.nd battalion training. I would impress on you the first importance of providing the efficiently trained and disciplined fighting men for whom the departmental services of an amy exist. These services, which include srpply, transport, medical ai rangememts, munitions of war, etc., are of undoubtedly great importance, *i*d roust eventually be organised and provided in proportion to the requirements of the combatant forces maintained, but vastly important as they become when you have vour trained fighting man, you must remember that they are subsidiary. You will find that a sound military organisation cannot be quickly created out of what now exists and consequently there will be a widespread change from the old sv’stom, which has been found wanting, to whatever new system may be adopted. It is difficult, and in my opinion not desirable, to lay down any precise rules for this period of transition, for to do so might, and probably would, prove a source of embarrassment to the men who have actually to carry out ihe work with such means as may be at their hand. For this reason it seems to me that, during this period, special attention should be paid to those essentials which are necessary to produce in course of time an efficient, well-equipped fighting force. When that is done, the minor matters which may seem of momentary importance will be seen in their true perspective, and can be dealt with relatively to the general organisation in a- satisfactory manner.”

CAPTAIN KXYVETT’S COMPANY

AUCKLAND, Feb. 25

AY lien Captain Knyvett’s company, No. 1 Garrison Artillery, met to-night, it was decided not to participate in the Kitchener parade until the authorities reinstated Capt. Knyvett or appointed a Royal Commission. Later on, however, * Captain Knyvett himself visited the drill hall, and. addressing the men, strongly urgbd them to parade on that occasion. They then agreed to do so.