DECLARATION DAY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLV, Issue 4001, 6 August 1915, Page 3

DECLARATION DAY.

CELEBRATIONS ON THE COAST

SUCCESSFUL GATHERING AT WAIPIRO.

-ADDRESS BY MR J. R. KIRK

By Telegraph—Special Correspondent. WAIPIRO BAY, Aug. 5. Like all places- wherein flys the British flag of freedom, Waipiro Bay assembled yesterday, -to pass Mr Asquith’s resolution affirming a determination to carry tile, war to a successful finish. The unfurling of flags on tho new flagstaff recoil tly erected on the old fort drew a large assembly of people, the weather -being good. Eleven flags presented by Mr A. M. Beale and representing Britain and her Allies wore unfurled by Mr Jones and a Maori War veteran, Mokona Bailee, two old residents here. At the freeing of the flags to tho winds the National Anthem was sung and afterwards Mr J. R. Kirk, President of the Overseas Club, gave a most interesting speech, which was listened to with great interest. Mr Kirk drew attention to Britain failing to aid Denmark when Germany annexed the provinces of S.hlcsvig and Holstein; and again when Britain failed the Armenians against oppression by Turkey. Heme, retribution had overtaken her and. if Britain had not. gone to war with Germany, such : iinilar retribution later would have overcome her peojile. Little moulds of earth on Gallipoli

and on Flemish soil, marked only by wooden crosses, Mr Kirk reminded us, bore evidence of some sacrifice and the fallen men called for help—for men to fill the vacant file. Me wished that the cross visible bv the erection of the flagstaff would remind people of the great cross Britain had to hear and inspire them to do their part- in fulfilling Britain’s high purpose. Bidtain’s founders dreamed of her taking a groat part in opposing oppression and crime and to-dav those dreams found a life-like realisation. “To all,” lie concluded, "there is a duty. Let us not- pass a resolution with empty purpose or meaning, but resolve to ourselves the determination to undertake our duty, whether as fighters at the front or in the- lessor work at borne.”

Mr Kirk’s utterances met with frequent applause and, on con;hiding, the hymn “God cur help in ages past” was sung. Rev. .Mr Wilson seconded the resolution and spoke briefly, mentioning that New Zealand had* as much fear from German domination as anywhere.

Naturally, the resolution met with no opposition. Mr Wilson announced that a collection at the gate would be taken up, the proceeds to go to the Wounded P’okiiers’ Fund.

This resulted in £S being collected, which will he forwarded to the “Gisborne Times” fund.

mo proceedings were very patriotic and pleasant and now Waipiro Bay can boast bunting more than equal to most other places. The natives here possess r. good flagstaff and. there is also the school flag-' si a if, hut the public flagstaff eclipses all, being 50 feet high and the vard arm 29 feet, whilst the flags ily 200 feet above sea level. Thus Waipiro Bay celebrated Declaration Day in the- highest- manner.

GATHERING AT TOKOMARU. STIRRING SPEECH BY MR OATES Bv Telegraph-—Special Correspondent TOKO MARK BAY, Aug'. r 5. On Wednesday afternoon the Tokouiani ’Town Halt was well tilled, about--450 being present-. The occasion was a public meeting to carry the motion which is being universally moved throughout tho Empire. The cfiair was occupied bv Mr W. Oates, senior, Chairman of tile School Committee. Tho committee occupied scats on the platform and Mr Bird, chief inspector of Native schools, was also present. The children from both schools marched to tho hall, which was nicely decorated.

Mr Oates, m moving tie motion, said we had to-day had one year of the most solemn and serious crisis in the history of the world. The British Empire was engaged in the greatest upheaval that was ever known and we, as part of the Empire, were directly interested. Already we had sent- a large number of men to wie front and were sending more and, although too men of the various contingents were taking an active part, there^ was still important work to do for those who remained behind-—in giving attention to the various industries, thereby keeping up the supply of food stuffs and munitions. The various patriotic funds had been splendidly supported and he hoped that the amounts availaide would not be tied up, but would be available for the purpose for which they were subscribed as soon as ever they were required. It was due tons to assist in every possible way to bring the war to a successful issue, wo ban before us the example of the German actions in Belgium and cou.d well imagine what would happen to our own people should tlte enemy gain the upper hand. the position in Europe at the pic sent time was most serious, he p*e needed, and it was only by concentrated ’ effort on the part, of the Alius that the position could be brought to a successful issue. Thanks to the strength of our navy we had been a hit to occupy all the- German overseas possessions. This was our bright spot up to the present. Wo must all make up our minds individually towards -the successful carrying out of this war. “Although wo in New Zealand are a long way from tlm seat of .the wat , he continued, “tho position a Heels ns right here and now that so many ot our young men are at the -tout upholding the traditions ov our <ntfathers, it behoves us who are lmt w hind to assist bv our support and sen - oathy to give that support- wo are unable'to give in the same manner a.. those who are at the front. The motion was seconded by Mi ■ • H. Henderson and put to the meeting an<l carried by acclamation, meeting was also addressed J. - [tird who delivered a very stnnn o address, having for its f°«»^ion: “England expects that eveiy 311 ' l day will do his duty.” IBs addiess was much- appreciated and with much interest and at t - elusion, he was accorded quite - ovation. 'Hie school boys then, salut - U™ (hg, after i-mr.'il ia smf-mg Kimr ” The proceedings closed w itn {lie Ringing of that grand oW hymn “0 God our help m ages past-