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Lord Robertsat Newport

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Lord Robertsat Newport OPENING OF A MILITARY BAZAAR. Reception of the Hero of Candahar and Presentation of an Address of Welcome. The grand military bazaar in aid of the funds of the 2nd Volunteer Battalion South Wales Borderers (Colonel R. H. Mansel commanding) was opened at the Drill-hall. Stow-hill, New- port, on Tuesday, amid every promise of a "big success. The opening ceremony was per- formed by General Lord Roberts of Candahar. whose visit to the town aroused the greatest interest. The bazaar will remain open three days, and the opening ceremony to-day (Wednesday) will be performed by Lady Llau- pttook, and on Thursday by Lady Grenfell. OBJECT OF THE BAZAAR. The bazaar has been organised for a double sbjeot, viz., to raise funds for liquidating the debt upon the Drill-hall, and, secondly, for providing the wherewithal to secure a new and more accessible rifle range. The new Drill-hall is really not a new building, but was purchased by the officers of the regiment from the Albert- liall Company some few years ago. The need of more commodious Pitd central premises than those which had housed the battalion in former years at Dock-street had pressed itself upon the attention of the officers for a long time, and when the Albert-hall, in Stow-hill ■{a remarkablely nne building, originally de- signed as a cencert-room) was placed in the market, the battalion seized the opportunity and made; as was generally admitted, a very excellent bargain. The main hall, with ant<) rooms and the usual accessories, was built at -a cost of JB12,000, and to have secured it for a "alum of JB2,500 is ample proof that the leaders of the citizen army do not obliterate all com- mercial instincts by their military pursuits. There were no funds in hand to pay the pur- chase money, but the whole sum was raised by mortgage, the officers becoming personally liable for.j:he sum. The bazaar is intended to raise funds for relieving the officers of this burden. DESCRIPTION OF THE HALL. For Hie purposes of the bazaar the Drill-hall has been transformed, by scenic eifecta, into a -street in Cairo, in British occupation. Con- sidering the difficulties of the position, Mr. Bridges* of King's Lynn, who was entrusted with the work, has carried out the details of the main idea with excellent taste and effect. In the fore-front the visitor sees the rows of fortifications, and in the background rise to view the mosques and minarets and the dwellings of the Egyptians. The entrance gate of Cairo was shown at the usual entrance to the hall from Stow-hill, and on either side of the orchestra there rose a series of watoh towers, behind which was fitted an Egyptian tent, in which Leillah, who has just completed a twelve months' engagement at Cardiff, performed some astonishingly dexterous palmistry and character delineation. The stalls are all of the same Egyptian style. Fancy and other basket work was sold by Lady Llangattock, Lady Grenfell, and Mrs. Kemeya Tynte; the Oriental and mixed stall was in charge of Mrs. Mansel, Lady Hills-Johnes, Mrs. Hills-Johnes, Miss Man- sel, Miss Cliffe Hatch, and Miss Irene Paulet. The "Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe" sold ehina and art embroidery, &e. She had a numerous following, including Mrs. Arthur Evans, the Hon. Mrs. Charles Dutton, Miss Dutton, Misw Prothero, Mrs. Herbert Cory, Miss Florence Cory, and Miss Florence Prothero. Toys and pot- pourri were dispensed by Mrs- Edmund Watts and Mrs. E. Lyne. The flower and scent divan was run by Mrs. J. A. Muller, Mrs. C. W. E. Marshy Mi.s G. Cullum, Miss Jen- kins. and Miss F. Taylor; the refreshment buffet was presided over by Mrs. D. W- Jen- kins, Mrs. Hopton Addams-Williams, Mrs. Sandford,- and Mrs. W. E. Morris. The officers' stall had Mrs. Charles Smith, Mrs. Birrell. Mrs. Pendery, Miss H- Cullum, and Miss Gueret as presiding deities, whilst the .sergeants' stall was ably superintended by Mrs. W. Jesseman, Mrs. G. A. Parfitt- Mrs. F. J. Richards, Mrs. G. Stevens, Miss Ivins, Miss V. C. Jesseman, Miss Nellie Richards, and -Miss Williams. The witch's cauldron was not so very uncanny with Mrs. Smyly presiding over ¡the sales of useful goods knitted by Iris1., peasantry. Captain Pendery had charge of the parcel stall, his lady assistants beincjMrs. J. A. Shepard, Mrs. E. H. Davies. Mrs. J. C. Llewellin, and Mrs. C. H. Tippett. A large number of concerts and side shows of irreat v;wietv were arranged in various ante- rnolfts. Mr. Percival Hart had on view water-o^Ioiir sketches of Norwegian and Cor- nish scenery; variety entertainments were given by Miss Mansel, Miss Ada Mansel, and Mdlle. Lisa Dorisi; vocal concerts were given by a number of artistes, including Miss Heitz- man, MM. Muller. Miss Miller, Mrs. Smyly, Miss Humphreys, Miss 'Bertha Davies, Captain H. D. Yorath, Mr. W. J. Townsend Collins, and Mr. Bert Lewis; "Hamlet" in ten minutes (as Shakspeare never wrote it and never intended it should be played) was represented br Lieutenant LI J. Phillips, Captain C. H. Tippett, Captain H. D. "iorath, Lieutenant W. E Morris, Mr. L. Foster Stedman, Mr. FrecL Gardner, Mr. E. De V. Brewer. Miss L. gtrangeways Jones, Mrs. Dudlev Jenkins, and a distinguished actor." Mr. D.*E. Htrmphreve waa stage manager. Miss Hoggarth, of Car- diff, gave an exhibition (arranged by Miss Day) of skirt and serpe,n-tine dancing, which proved to be one of the most successful attractions of the bazaar. The ever-grpm "Punch and Judy" show was given by Mr. T. C. Cross, whilst in addition to whimsical and comical lectures and marionette entertainments, a museum of military curiosities was organised from speci- mens kindly lent by Trooper F. E. Wade (late Pembrokeshire Yeomanry and 19th Hussars), Mr. S. Dean (West-gate Hotel), and others. Amongst others who assisted the bazaar were Messrs. Thompson and Shnrkell. who lent pianos free, and the Harden Star Grenade Com- pany. who gratuitously supplied hand gra-nades and fire extinguishing appliances. Hie bazaar arrangements were made by a strong commit- tee of the battalion, but the brunt of the work fell upon the hon. secretary (Captain C. H. Smith), wlio deserves most honourable mention. if not, indeed, a Victoria Cross for his great tact, courage, and hard work. RECEPTION OF LORD ROBERTS AT THE TOWN-HALL. Shortly before noon General Lord Roberts was received at the Town-hall by the mayor and Corporation, and was presented with an address of welcome. His lordship, who was accom- panied by Lord Tredegar, Miss Roberts, and Lady Hills-Johnes, was escorted from Tredegar Park by the Monmouthshire Company of the Gloucester Yeomany Hussars tender the com- mand of Captain Arthur Evans), and awaiting his arrival at the Town-hall was a guard of honour composed of about 60 members of the 2nd Volunteer Battalion South Wales Borderers, who i The Bazaar, v — I c"" — were under the command of Captain Llewellyn and Lieutenant Moxon. The band of the battalion was also present. Perfect order was mamtained by a posse of police (under the com- mand of Head-constable Sinclair and Deputy- head-constable Winmill). A large crowd assembled in front of the Commercial-street entrance, and when Lord Roberts drove up there was some loud cheering. Entering the building, the gallant general proceeded te No. 1 Com- mittee-room, where all of the officers of the 2nd Battalion were presented to him, together with Colonel Ingram, V.D., Colonel Lalch, V.D., Major Thompson, V.D., and Colonel Cooke, V.D. PRESENTATION OF AN ADDRESS OF WELCOME. The party then proceeded to the council chamber, where Lord Roberts was received by the mayor and most of the members of the cor- poration. A large number of the general public -including a fair sprinkling of ladies—had assembled, and his lordship's entrance was the signal for an outburst of applause. Lord Trodegar, in introducing Lord Roberts to the mayor, said the Newport Corporation had a very old charter, and had had a large number of very distinguished gentlemen, but they had never had one more distinguished or more noble than Lord Roberts. The Mayor (Councillor F. Phillips), having shaken hands with Lord Roberts, said the borough councillors were glad of having the honour to offer to his lordship a very hearty welcome to Newport, and he had pleasure in informing him that at a special meeting of the council an address of welcome was cordially voted to his lordship. The Mayor then called upon the town-clerk (Mr. A. A. Newman) to read the address, which ran as follows To GENERAL THE RIGHT HONOURABLE LORD ROBERTS OF CANDAHAR, G.C.B., V.C. We, the mayor, aldermen, and burgesses of the county borough of Newport in council assembled, feel that we cannot allow the opportunity afforded by your lordship's presence in our town on the occasion of your so kindly eoaiiusc to open a bazaar in aid of the funds of a local Volunteer battalion to pass by without in some small measure formally recognising the honour conferred upon the town by your visit for such a purpose, and expressing our high admiration for the eminent qualities which have distinguished your military career. Your lordship's title will always serve to remind your countrymen of one great exploit of a British army under your command, but we yre not unmindful of your long experience and valuable services in con- nection with Indian military affairs generally. At the present time, when once again public atten- tion is directed towards the turbulent region of Afghanistan, the country turns with confidence to your lordship for enlightenment and counsel on this oft-recurring question, which statesmen and their military advisers have periodically to endeavour to solve. We earnestly hope that no serious troubles or dangers may arise in that quarter, and trust that you may long be spared to give your countrymen the benefit of your great knowledge and experience *f these difficult problems. Given under our common seal this 23rd day of October, 1894. (Signed) FREDERICK PHILLIPS, Mayor. ALBERT A. NEWMAN, Town-clerk. The address was, richly executed upon vellum, and was mounted upon yellow satin. It was the work of Mr. Richard Mullock, of Newport. Lord Roberts, upon rising to reply, was received with acclamation. After returning thanks for the honour conferred on him aaci expressing the great plea sure it was to him to come there, he said: This town and this county are, I believe, in England—nominally in England—but in all your sympathies and your traditions you are more closely allied to that Principality which Mr. Gladstone so happily described as "Gallant Little Wales." (Applause.) In speaking of his description, I did so lrGm the point of a soldier, and not from tha.t of a politician. No regiments are more distinguished in her Majesty's Army than the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, the South Wales Borderers, and the Welsh Regiment. (Applause.) We could not have prouder records to attest to than their past achievements. From the time that England first became a nation Welsh soldiers have dune good service in the Anny, and I need not remind you that ore of the ablest of the British com- manders was born in your county--I mean Harry of Monmouth. Since I came to Eng- land, after a lung sojourn abroad, I have ORI) ROBERTS. observed no depreciation in the fine, manly spirit which always characterised the British race, and the voluntary force which is now firmly established throughout the length and breadth of the land is a proof-if proof were needed—that, as inhabitants of this great and free country. we are determined not only to respect the rights of others, but to maintain our own. (Applause.) With regard to the Afghan question, gentlemen, to which you have referred, I can only say it is a. very difficult one, and I sincerely hope that its solution will not be long deferred. The last reports of the Ameer are favourable, and I earnestly trust that his valuable life may be spared for many years. Afghanistan, und&r a friendly ruler, is a guarantee of peace on the north-west frontier of India, and we can never allow Anarchy to be rife in that country; neither can we allow it to pass to the possesion Lord Roberts Opening the Bazaar. of any other Power. (Applause.) His lord- ship concluded by again thanking them for the honour they had done him. The mayor's youngest daughter then handed a. lovely bouquet of flowers to Miss Roberts, after which the company proceeded to the lun- cheon. THE LUNCHEON. A cold luncheon was provided in the Assembly-room, and was attended by about 170 persons. Colonel Mansel presided, and supporting him were Miss Roberts, Lord Tre- degar, Mrs. Mansel, Lord Roberts, Lady Llan- gattock, the High Sheriff of Monmouthshire, Lady Hills-Johnes, Brigadier-general Patton, Colonel Bromhead, C.B., and Airs. Bromhead, Lady Grenfell, Sir James Hills-Jolmes, the Hon. Mrs. Dutton, the Mayor of Newport, the Ven. Archdeacon Bruce, General Francis Gren- fell, Sir George Walker, Colonel and Mrs. Lyne, the Hon. and Mrs. Herbert, Major Fulton, Colonel and Mrs. Curre, Captain Smeaton, Major and Mrs. Downes, Colonel Burton, Colonel Wallis, Captain and Mrs. Travers, and nearly all of the officers of the Volunteer battalion. The luncheon was of a recherche character, and was provided by Dow- dall Bros. After luncheon the health of her Majesty ;he Qnet'n was cordially drank. The Chairman briefly proposed the health of Lord Roberts, Lady Roberts, and Miss Roberts.—The toast was enthusiastically re- ceived. Lord Roberts, in returning thanks, said it was always a pleasure to him to help Volun- teers on every occasion, and he was especially glad on the present occasion because he heard from all sides that the 2nd Volunteer Battalion South Wales Borderers were doing all they could to help themselves- (Applause.) The battalion, no doubt, had had certain advantap-es when it was first raised—men like Colonel the Hon. F. C. Morgan, M.P., Captain Homfray, and other;! being connected with it, <«nd, although som .3 of the gentlemen of position in the county, like Lord Tredegar—(applause)— did not aetuallv belong to it. they took the greatest interest in the battalion, and did all they could for it. But, with all these advan- tages. the battalion would not be so efficient as lie heard it was if all ranks had not willingly attended the brigade camps which took place annually, and thus availed themselves of the admirable training which they received from the able and energetic commander of the Severn Volunteer Infantry. (Applause.) He Was told that Brigadier-general Patton had made these camps so interesting and so instructive that all ranks of the Volunteer Battalion were anxious to go there. (Applause) He hoped that feeling would long continue, and that the men-timers of the 2nd Volunteer Battalion South Wales Borderers would do all they could to make themselves efficient, and so prove them- selves worthy of the town and county to which thev belonged. (Applause.) Upon the proposition of Lord Roberts, a hearty vote of thanks was passed to Colonel Mansel and the officers of the battalion, and Colonel Mansel briefly responded. OPENING THE BAZAAR. When the bazaar was opened the Drill-hall was crowded with a large and fashionable InL gatherinsr. Lord Roberts, who was received with much enthusiasm, said when Colonel Mansel first asked him to open the bazaar lie did not readily respond, not from any want of interest in a scheme in aid of the Volunteer corps, for no one could be more anxious than lie to do all he could for a cause in which he had always taken and always would take a deep interest—(ap- plause)—and which tie regarded as a most valuable addition to the military forces of the Empire, but it seemed to him that the bazaar was more likely to be a success if the duty were performed by someone of position in the county, who might be acquainted or connected with the 2nd Volunteer Battalion of the South Wales Borderers, and who would be better able than he to explain the objects of the bazaar, and thus arouse their sympathies on its behalf. But he most gladly agreed to come to Newport, For he considered it to be the duty of every officer of the Regular Army to do all 'n his power to encourage the Volunteer movement. Apnlause.) Continuing, Lord Roberts said England's firet interest is the Navy, and I sincerely hope that no doubt will ever be '(1Üed as to the vital importance of England's Navy being sirong and powerful enough, not ■>n]y to defend the shores of the United Kingdom, but to protect commerce in all jarts of the world. (Hear, hear.) But in i.ddition to the Navy, England must have an Amy. The duty of the Army. like that )f the sister service, is dual. It has first o be able to repel invasion, and, secondly, o secure the safety of our Indian and Colonial jos.ses«ions. For this latter duty we must rust altogether to the Regular Army. But ] hat Army is not numerically strong enough o iT-d^rtake to perform that duty, and. ven with the assistance of the Yeomanry 1Hl Military, to undertake entirely the land lefence of the United Kingdom, and we nay be sure that if ever this country is breatcned by a foreign Power attacks will J imultaneouslv Ix, made on some or other of J cur foreign possessions. It is on such an occasion as I am now contemplating that the value of the Volunteer Force will be felt and appreciated, and if ever such an eventuality were to occur England would be in 3 sorry plight without her Volunteers, and would bitterly repent lost opportunities for foster- ing that spirit which, induces our fellow- countrymen to become Volunteers. Applause.) For Volunteers do not ask for much in return. They could hardly be expected to do every- thing for themselves. They cost the State very little, and in return for the money spent upon. them they willingly devote a consider- able portion of their leisure time to learning their duty as soldiers. I have been much gratified and delighted to see the keennfcsi displayed by all ranks of Volunteers to hpcou.e efficient. To be efficient, two things an. necessary. They must have a little drill, and they ought to be able to ehoot well with the rifle. And one of the objects of this bazaar is to provide funds to meet the expenses in- curred in providing this Drill-hall—the suita- bility of which you can judge for yourselves. (Applause.) But there is another object, and a more important one, and that is a rifle range. (Applause.) I have had a good deal to do with musketry in the Army, and from my ex- perience I know that no body of men, however zealous and intelligent they may be, can ever hope to excel as rifle shots without constant practice, and constant practice is impossible un- less the rifle range is situated at a convenient distance from the men's homes. I learn that the rifle range of the 2nd V.B. South Wales Borderers is eight miles awav—six and a half miles by rail, and one and a. half miles up a steep mountain. The result is that the men seldom go there, unless they are obliged to do so. I also learn from the colonel that within reasonable distance from Newport. there are one or two sites which would answer extremely well if funds were forthcoming to buy them. Let me express the hope that you will spend your rncmev to-day and during the next two days in purchasing those useful and ornamental articles which are here being provided, and by so doing enable the battalion, not only to pay the expenses of this very fine Drill-hall, but to provide it also with a rifle range, to which the men can go constantly for practice, and enable them to become those first-class shots which I am sure every man in Newport and Monmouth- shire would wish the men of the 2nd V.B. South Wales Borderers to bo. (Applause.) The Hon. Miss Roberts then. formally declared the bazaar open in a few well-chosen, words, and Colonel Mansel briefly thanked T.ord Roberts and Miss Roberts for attending. Selling immediately commenced, and business appeared to be brisk.

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