“LONG LIVE THE KING.”

Gisborne Times, Volume XXX, Issue 3541, 4 June 1912, Page 2

“LONG LIVE THE KING.”

THE SOVEREIGN’S BIRTHDAY.

HONORED,IN GISBORNE.

A LARGE TURN OUT.

The elements were propitious yesterday on the occasion .of the fortyseventh anniversary of the birthday of the reigning sovereign, His Majtesty George V. In common with every other portion of the great Empire, Gisborne displayed her patriotism in. of a military demonstration, a shade under 300 officers and men taking part. Assembled at the Garrison Hall at 10.30 a.m., the Territorials and cadets formed up outside the hall and proceeded to Gladstone Road via Read’s Quay, along the main thoroughfare to the parade ground at the foot of Carnarvon Street. Major Beers' led the procession, and in it were His Worship the Mayor (Mr W. Pettie) and Crs G. Smith, G. Wildish, D. Hepburn, J. W. Bright, and a party of war veterans led by Captain Warren. The veterans were Messrs John Townley. L- Mclntosh, Nopera Kiwi, It. J. Maynard, A. liobb, Bradford Sheriff, John Wall, John Brooking, T. Goldsmith and T. Griffiths. Sturdy old fellows, though of unsteady gait and bearing evidences of a soldier’s training, they made a brave and inspiring sight. The one regrettable incident about the whole affair was that these old men—some icf whom we owe more than a litfc'e to—-had to cover the distance by foot. They were too soldierly and big-hearted to complain, and kept pace with the younger men, but it was plain that “someone had blundered.” Elsewhere, a veteran is the most honored man on such an occasion, and justifiably so. Ths Farads State. The parade state was as follows: Permanent staff—Staff-Sergt.-Major Bishop, Area Sergt.-Major Rowe. ■Regimental staff—Major Beere, Vet. Captain Burton, Chaplain Captain Grant, Lieut. Spragg (acting Adjutant), Trausport-Sergt. Williams. A Squadron (mounted), —Major Evans, Captain Hamilton, Lieuts. Poynter and Coleman, and 41 men. D Company, Ist Battalion, 9th Regiment—Lieuts. Mitchell and Cummings and 28 men. F Company, Ist Battalion 9tli Regiment—Lieuts. Lafferty and McColl, and 20 men. , No. 1 Company Cadets—Lieut. Somerville and 58 cadets. No, 19 Company (High School)— Captain Gatland and 62 Cadets. No. 65 Company (Boy Scouts) — Captain Fiddy and 38 cadets. City Band—Conductor Lighton and 22 men. Total strength, 295 officers and men.

March Past and Salute.

The band played the companies to the parade ground and took up a position opposite to the flagstaff. Alongside was the Mayor and municipal party, and the veterans lined up near the "flag. The mounted men, infantry and cadets marched past in turn, the effect of Territorial training being marked in both the carriage of the men and the evenness of the marching. One fine body which executed the movement with great grace and skill was the High Schccl Cadet Company Facing the flag, the Territorials and Cadets then stood at “present arms” whilst the National Anthem was played.

This over, Major Beere and Lieut. Spragg, with His Worship the Mayor and Councillors, inspected the lines.

His Worship’s Address.

The Mayor, on rising to address the officers and men, was warmly received by the largo number of citizens present. “Major Beere, officers, men and cadets,” he began, “I desire, in just a very few words, to convey to you my hearty congratulations upon your very successful parade and review this morning. I am delighted to see such large musters, and that our veterans are included. lam pleased to see so many of them present, and trust they will long be among us and able to attend similar functions (applause). Also, I am delighted to see the cadets attending in such very large numbers. It is encouraging that the weather lias been so propitious and lias allowed the programme to be carried cut under such favorable conditions. “It must be” be continued, “very gratifying to the officers commanding the different units to see such large attendances, and it is gratifying to us all to meet the soldier-like appearance of all concerned. (Applause.) It denotes how successfully the work of instructing the men and building up the Territorial forces is being carried out in Gisborne. I hope the success will continue and that this district, at any rate, will do its share in building up our great Territorial army. No doubt there may be some who are disinclined to join in with the others, but I am glad to say they form a small minority. They are standing aloof under a misconception, (Hear, hear.) I hope it will not he long before those boys and men eligible to serve will consider it a duty and a privilege to join in the great and good work. There is no doubt it is a great and noble work where, boys are trained to defend their homes and country. And a great deal can lie dons by both parents and employers to help on the great work. Long May He Reign.

“I am” proceeded the Mayor, “very glad to see so many citizen s' present—and pleased that the streets were , deeply lined with people—to-day, to ] show their loyalty on the anniversary of the birthday of His Majesty. It is only right and. proper that the citizens should unite with'the soldiers in displaying loyalty to King and country. I am sure that in every part of' the British Dominions to-day similar functions are being held. In this day of iinrest, especially at Home, that we in this Dominion, are able to turn out in such large numbers and show loyalty to the King is particularly pleasing. “I must.” His Worship concluded, “congratulate you and all the people of Gisborne and join with you in expressing the happiest wishes that His Majesty King George V. may have a long and peaceful reign. I again congratulate you on the excellent turnout.” • - ■/ The bund played a verse of “God' Save the King” and three lusty cheers for King George were given on the call of the Mayor. The gathering dispersed, and the Territorials marched to the Garrison Hall and disbanded. In Other Towns. Press Association reports from vnri- j ous towns and cities in the Dominion 1

indicate that the municipal authorities were aware of the fact that yesterday was the King’s Birthday. In Christchurch the weather was warm and sunny; in Wellington it was fine but cold; at Dunedin heavy rain fell in the morning; while fine weather prevailed at Napier and Auckland. It is pleasing to note that. the. day passed off quietly in Palmerston North; while other towns report that -they, too, had the honor of witnessing Territorial parades. Altogether it is certain that holiday was—as it- was supposed to be —celebrated universally throughout the Dominion. In Australia.'

There was glorious weather and the holiday resorts and sports meetings were largely attended, while shipping and the city were decorated (says a Sydney cable).