KNYVETT’S BULLDOGS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2749, 2 March 1910, Page 7

KNYVETT’S BULLDOGS.

A DRAMATIC SCENE. There were stirring scenes at the gunroom off the Drill Hall,'Auckland, on Friday last, (says the- N. Z. “Herald”), when the unusual sight- was to be witnessed of civilians pleading with a volunteer company not to refuse to go on parade. To members of other companies an intimation that something unusual was proceeding in the room was conveyed by repeated outbursts of cheering and applause, excited interpolations, and finally the vociferous rendering of “For They are Jolly Good Fellows.” Those inside witnessed a scene, probably without parallel in the annals of volunteering .

It will be remembered that when Captain Knyvett- was dismissed from the defence, forces there was some talk of his company (No. 1 G.A.V.) refusing to attend parades, but on Captain Knyvett’s advice they decided to go into camp to earn capitation. The men, however, still clung to their idea of trying to- force the hand ox the Government, and a hint- was given to Cabinet that- unless some action was taken by the 25-tli Feb., when the company paraded, the men would not' attend the parades ordered on the -occasion of Field-Marshal Lord Kitchener’s visit to Auckland. As the No. I is the largest garrison artillery company in New Zealand, this would seriously have weakened the garrison at a time when it- was desirable it should -make its best showing. No reply was received to the ultimatum, and after parade .last week the company decided 1 not to ibe on parade this week. Up to nine o’clock it looked long odds that the Bastion would be unoccupied when the famous Field-Marshal projected an imaginary enemy against it. At that hour, however, Captain Knyvett strolled into the shed where lie was joined by Mr. J. S. Dickson (chairman of the Knyvett Defence Committee), and Captain Gaudin. The men were lined up, and informed that Captain Knvyett wished to address them. A tremendous burst- of cheering continued for several moments, greeted that officer as he faced his old corps. When it had subsided, someone inquir_ ed: “Are' we downhearted ?” and nearly 130 throats vociferated, “No.” Captain Knyvett then spoke as follows:—“I am going to address you for the last time. (No.) I aim going to make an unusual-request. I know what von have made uo your minds to do, but I recognise the dishonor itwould be to the City of Auckland. Some of the- enemies of the corps would have liked you to dishonor it in honoring me. I had hoped that the Prime Minister would have done what was right and reasonable, but it seems I have to fight. However, lam a pretty good lianger-on, and the fight will continue as long as I live. 1 know that some will say if you go to the Bastion that you. have? turned Knyvett down ; but if you want to do me a favor turn cut-in such numbers as will make New Zealand stare. Kitchener is a soldier, and one of the highest military authorities the world lias ever seen, and you would bo dishonoring him if vou do not turn out-. I will be the. proudest mail in Auckland if you have a full muster.” After a couple of rounds of cheering, Mr. Dickson was able to say he was disappointed that there was no news from the Government. That meant they had to fight. The committee was prepared to fight, and continue till it won. It of the company refusing to parade. Next week the No. 1 Company would be the pride of Auckland. It was the men’s duty as volun. teers to parade. He knew the sentiments of the company were not to turn out, but be asked them to turn out. and conduct themselves as the No. 1 Company always had. . Then there were cheers. Captain Gaudin spoke in a- similar strain, and there were more, cheers. At the conclusion Captain Knyvett asked, “Are you going to turn out? “Yes,” shouted the majority of the men. “Everybody?” “Yes,” came in a crescendo of sounds. 1 Three cheers for the Defence Committee” someone shouted, and the cheers were followed by tlie singing oi “For They Are Jony Good Fellows.” “Three, cheers for Knyvett,” called Captain Gaudin, just before the ex-officer placed a deprecating hand on his mouth. The company gave nine, and seemed prepared to execute a flank movement and capture Captain Knyvett and raise him shoulder high, when he stepped out of the door. “Whose men are we?” shouted the company, and replied “Knyve+t s. “Wliat are we?” “Bulldogs.”