South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 - 1900), Thursday 25 January 1900, page 6


OUR COLONIAL CONTINGENTS.

The following poem by Sir Donald Horne McFarlane was published on December 13 in the London 'Daily News." The author is a brother of Mr. Allan McFarlane, of

Wellington Lodge, East Wellington, and resided in this colony for about 13 years. Afterwards he went to India, amassed wealth there, and after his return to England, sat in the House of Commons for County Carlow, Ireland, and for Argyll-shire, Scotland:— There are coming from many a distant home, From many a far off strand; They are coming to help, as we knew they would, The rights of the Fatherland. We planted the seed in Australian soil. And in Canada's deepest snow. And freedom hath nourished this kindly crop Of love that was sure to grow. When our sun goes down in the Western Sea, The lost bright gleams we catch. Are waking our sons, on the other side, To rise lor the morning watch. The drums beat loud in Australian towns, And the ruffle is heard afar, And Britannia's children are hurrying on, To share in their Mother's war. The Empire's awake, and our people are ready To come at a moment's call. And our foes must learn that a blow to one Is felt as a blow to all. And the love that 'stands by' with a willing hand To help in the stormy weather, The ties of kin will draw tighter still, When they shed their blood together.