MILITARY NEWS

PRESENTATION OF COLOURS

TO 4TH NORTHUMBERLAND FUSILIERS

There was a very large gathering of members, ex-members, and friends of the 4^th Northumberland Fusiliers for the presentation of colours at Newburn Football Ground, on Saturday, by Major-General Sir P. S. Wilkinson, K.C.M.G., C.B. At 4pm the Battalion marched on to the football pitch, formed line and gave the general salute to General Wilkinson. Hollow square having been formed, the colours were laid over the drums, and General Wilkinson, followed by Colonel Commandant E. P. A. Riddell, C.M.G., D.S.O., (G.S.O. 50^th Division), and the Rev. C. Milner, C.F., proceeded to the spot. After the singing of “Brightly gleams our banner” and the consecration, Sir Percy Wilkinson presented the King’s Colour to Lieut. R. Wood and the Regimental Colour to Lieut. W. M. Gibson, M.C., who received them on bended knee. After an address by Sir Percy Wilkinson and a reply by Lieut-Colonel C.O.P. Gibson, M.C., Commanding the Battalion, the colour party marched to its position in the centre of the Battalion to the strains of the National Anthem, played as a slow march. Thereafter the Battalion marched past the pavilion in column to the regimental march, General Wilkinson taking the salute, and the colours were thereafter lodged in the officers’ pavilion prior to their removal to Hexham, the headquarters of the Battalion.

INDUCTION OF THE NEW VICAR OF BELFORD

On Tuesday, July 11^th, the Lord Bishop of Newcastle came to Belford to introduce the new Vicar to his charge, and also to dedicate the Jarvie War Memorial Roll. It was not strictly speaking, and induction service, as the new Vicar, the Rev. J.E. Hull, was instituted to the living by the Bishop on June 17^th at Benwell Tower and has been resident in the parish ever since. The service was therefore somewhat private in character, the only neighbouring clergyman present being Dr Westgarth, of Lucker, who acted as the Bishop’s chaplain. There was, however, a large congregation of Belford people drawn from all sections of the community. The first part of the service was taken by Dr Westgarth, the new Vicar sitting in the front pew.

Dr Westgarth, representing the Archdeacon, presented him to the Bishop, handing him the letters testimonial signed by the Rural Dean of Hexham, the Vicar of Wall, and the Rector of Whitfield, Mr Bates, who for eight years was a curate in Belford under Canon Robertson. Preceded by the Churchwardens, the Bishop led the new incumbent first to the font, then to the lectern, next to the pulpit and altar and finally to the priests’ desk, where he installed him. After installation Mr Hull took his place in the chancel and continued the service as “the new Vicar.” The Bishop’s sermon was based on Ephesians IV., 7, 8 and 11-13 – “Unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.” Dr Wild began with an appreciation of the work and character of Canon Robertson, and then went on to refer to Mr Hull’s gifts, both as a clergyman and as naturalist and scholar. The Bishop himself, we may add, is a classic and a bit of a naturalist.

AREOPLANE PASSENGER FLIGHTS AT WOOLER

Quite a sensation was caused on Monday afternoon in Wooler, when an aeroplane was seen flying over the town at a very low altitude as if trying to find a field to come down in, which it eventually succeeded in doing at Till bridge. Mr W. Atkinson, Glendale House, Wooler, who was a Lieutenant in the Air Service and apilot, went to render assistance, and learned that a De Haviland Aeroplane belonging to the Northern Aerial Transport Co. is staying in Wooler for a time and is taking passengers up.

Our representative spoke to the pilot, Mr Victor Yates, late R.A.F., and was informed that he never expected to be on duty so early, but quite a number of local enthusiasts were anxious to see their native town from an aeroplane. Many trips were arranged, and a large crowd visited the aerodrome to see it start and come down again as graceful as a bird. To encourage flying in the North, the flights are only half London prices, and one free passenger flight is given daily. Aerodrome flights are 10s, and flights round the town £1; special flight, 2s per mile. Aeroplane flights should be a great attraction at the Show on Saturday, and Mr Cabry has given the pilot consent to stay as long as business allows.

JUNIOR RED CROSS UNITS MEET AT

COUPLAND CASTLE

COUNTESS TANKERVILLE’S ADDRESS

To most of the older children in the Glendale district Saturday last was a red letter day, as they had been invited to Coupland castle-one of the most beautiful places in the district. Mr J. Cully, who has taken up his abode at the Castle after spending many years in America, has always shown great interest in the children and he also takes a great interest in Red Cross work, having been connected with the military department in America for four years during the late war. Efforts are being made with the idea of developing the spirit of service in the youth of Glendale, and how far that has been accomplished was witnessed by those who were present at the great gathering on Saturday. The arrangements had been made by Mr Cully, Lady Grey, and Mr Williams of the County Education Committee, and were carried out by Miss Harrison, who was ably supported by the managers, head  masters, head mistresses and teachers of the individual schools which were represented. All the boys and girls over eleven years of age attending the schools from Wooler to Branxton had been asked to do something in aid of the Russian Relief Fund, and the results of their labours were beautifully arranged in ne of the Castle rooms, which presented a fine picture. Among the many articles were 78 Russian blouses, which should realise good prices. The girls did knitting and sewing, and the boys from each school were given a piece of land to cultivate potatoes on, and the garden on Saturday did the youngsters infinite credit, as good crops are anticipated. The produce, when taken up, like the garments made by the girls, will be sold for the benefit of the Russian Relief Fund.

AN AFTER SUPPER STROLL BY 84190

And it came to pass that, after we had partaken of supper, I, 84190, did take my merry men out for an evening ramble. We made for the old Factory corner at Spittal, and on looking out to the sea did we spy a fine looking yacht coming from a northerly direction and making towards Berwick. The tide was about half ebb and running strongly out to sea, and the wind, which was from the north, was blowing strongly, the result being a bit “naggle.” Someone suggested looking out for cork jackets and the lifeboat, but I replied “We cannot take the lifeboat- “Wullie’s not here.” However, on looking round, we espied a smart looking motor coble coming down the river manned by “Zamba” and Co.

Their voices were strong and loud (as a result of many were eagerly looking forward to getting a “fiver,” according to their “friendly shouts” at one another. Soon they were down the Pierside and out to sea, but the yacht came steadily on, and Zamba’s eyes began to water as he noticed the yacht’s crew lowering the sail, and as they passed they only wished to know the road in, as they had a motor as well as sails. Zamba got on board the yacht when they reached the Pierside and safely piloted her up to the Buoy, where she was made fast. A goodly number of villagers made their way to the New Quay to watch the landing of the “Jazz Dancer.” On his arrival at the New Quay his assistant missed the landing rope, and amid many protestations from old Zamba, they managed at last to make their boat fast. Someone proposed “three cheers for our gallant pilots,” and these were eagerly responded to. Some clapped their hands; others not wishing to be entirely left out of the welcome, collected and threw stones at them just to show their appreciation of such gallant and worthy locals. Finally I, 84190, did call my merry men away, and on turning round heard loud “praises” from Zamba’s crew, and we turned our backs on the New Quay and went into the night along the great Spittal road to look for further adventure.