"A patriotic demonstration, convened by the mayor, and held in the Botanical Gardens on Thursday night, was very largely attended, the gathering being estimated at between 3000 and 4000. Three bands were in attendance, the Australian Light Horse, the City Band, and the Infantry Band, and the people were worked up to a state of enthusiasm by the singing of patriotic songs. The speakers [mostly military chaplains] stood on a lorry at the end of the gardens.

"The Rev. H. K. Gordon, military chaplain, gave an admirable address, in the course of which he said he was there as a Christian and he wanted to give the people the Christian idea of the root of the matter regarding war. Christians considered war always to be a crime, always to be wrong; but there came a time in the history of every nation when it had to choose between a greater and lesser crime. Such a crisis had occurred in the history of the British Empire. Mr Gordon quoted the message of the King – 'I shall be strengthened in the discharge of the great responsibilities which rest upon me by the confident belief that in this time of trial my Empire will stand united, calm, and resolute, trusting in God.' That appeal should find an echo in every heart there that night, and Goulburn would answer the appeal. (Applause)."

"At the conclusion of the demonstration the massed bands played the British national anthem. Cheers rent the air for the King, the navy, and army, the British allies and the mayor."