B.V.R.C. CONTINGENT TAKE TEA AT THE LITTLE GREEN DOOR
This little place with its beautiful setting of bamboos and the quiet water reflecting the flowers and the sky, has long been the favourite resort of artistic and literary visitors to Bermuda. Beloved of Mark Twain, who had learned the English habit of liking "a cupof tea" and Mr. W.D. Howells, who also had a taste for it, it has drawn by this association many through its "little green door," whohave learned to come there frequently for the mere quiet charm of the place.
But now, in the history of Bermuda, the "Little Green Door" is to be remembered for a unique gathering, something that Bermuda never saw before.
Visitors passing the little green door on Tuesday afternoon paused and looked over the wall, went on a few paces, paused again and finally planted their elbows firmly on its gray stones and took a good long stare.
And well they might.
Not less than eighty-five stalwart figures in route-marching kit, taking tea on the green lawn and twenty girls waiting on them, with apparently every intention of satisfying appetites sharpened by exercise.
Visitors whose minds have lately become obsessed by German "frightfulness," gasped and asked, "What is it?An army of occupation?" But the answer came cheerfully, "No, merely the Bermuda contingent taking tea and their sisters and sweethearts waiting on them. Eighty-five stalwart young men ready to give a good account of themselves to King or Kaiser.
A few months ago most of them were boys, "just playing around" as our American friends say. To-day they are Volunteers, who know something of hard work, and who caused a very pleasurable thrill in the hearts of their fellow-countrymen as they went up Front Street on Tuesday in marching kit.
"Our boys" who will continue to be "our boys," when they are across the seas and perhaps doing their best in the firing line to explain to the Kaiser that His Majesty cannot have all his own way.
We could not help feeling as we looked at them "What a pity there is not a full hundred!" We are so proud of these; Bermuda's signed claim to be part of the great Empire, (because one must give as well as take before one can be equal with those who are giving every day) that we wish we could have sent a hundred to show England and the Empire this little artery of British blood beats in time with all the others. But, however, there they are and we are wishing them God-speed with all our hearts.
The idea of entertaining the Contingent was Miss F. Tucker's, sister of Captain R. J. Tucker, B.V.R.C.
She was assisted by several ladies relatives of the volunteers, amongst them Miss K. Gilbert, Miss Leila Conyers, Miss L. Trimmingham, Mrs. J. L. Smith and Miss Grace Gilbert. About twenty young ladies waited on the tea tables.
The Hon, the Attorney General and Mr. Edward Tucker sent cigarettes.
After the tea tha Contingent sang various songs including their own version of "Tipperary" and then marched back to camp.
Major Appleby and Lieut. Stewart Hamilton were also present.