Kalgoorlie Western Argus (WA : 1896 - 1916), Thursday 28 December 1899, page 22


FAREWELL TO REV. STANLEY REID. Last night a meeting of Boulder resi dents was held in the Mayor's room to bid farewell to the Rev. Stanley Reid, who is joining, the West Australian contingent. Cr. De Baun presided. The loyal toasts having been honor, ed the Rev. T. Allan proposed The British Empire." He loved the 'Em-pire, of which he formed a part, although he had not to fight as other men were doing, still he had to take an interest in it. The present was an anxious time for all Britishers, and though they had met with reverses they would triumph in the end. The present was not a time for cavilling, and as they had put their hands to the plough they must only hope time would justify what had been done. Rev. Father O'Carroll responded. He said he, had 19 years' service as a chaplain in the British army, and he could say that the 'British Government was the best in the world to be under. He had been with the Munster boys who took King Theebaw from Manda lay, and he .saw, what Tommy Aitkens could do in forced night marches through jungles. They were perfect gentlemen. The Chairman proposed, "The W.A. Contingent." The great majority' of the contingent, though they came from. other- colonies, were all actuated by the desire-of serving their Queen and coun try. ,Their guest of the evening was going to perform what he looked upon as a most important duty, and they all wished him success, and-when- he came back they would be able to welcome him as one who had assisted in consoli-dating the great British Empire. Mr Eastwood, a member of the Naval Reserve, who is going out as a volunteer, responded. He said he hoped to be attached to the Naval Reserve, and as he had experience with big guns he felt sure that he would. be sent to the front. Rev. S. Reid also responded. He said he had got over the youthful glamor of war, but he was prepared to take his part in what was in store for him. If he came back he hoped they would be able to say that they had given a farewell to a man who had taken his part for the British Empire. To outsiders his actions were, perhaps, hurried, but they were not as he thought it out well. It might seem peculiar for a clergyman to join as a common soldier. To him, when the time and opportunity offered, he felt that every man should act patriotically as well as talk patriotism. Though there

might be questions as to the beginning, of the war now that it had started they should all unite to see it through. (Loud applause.) Dr. Reed proposed "The general colonial contingent." It was surprising the way the men were volunteering, and the superior class that were coming forward. It was a splendid performance to get such a first class , army fully equipped on the water within month. Mr. P. J. Daly responded. He. had two cousins and a brother amongst the New South Wales contingent who went Home, and none of them were amongst the 30 who came back. As a lieutenant in the New South Wales Lancers for three and a half years he felt sure that they would distinguish- themselves. Mr. J. A. Hopkins proposed "Town and Trade.' Songs and recitations were rendered by Messrs, Blowden, McLaren, Crowley, Hurst and McDonald.