The Cadets' Trip.
Manawatu Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 7223, 22 June 1901, Page 2
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The Cadets' Trip.
[By Telegraph.]
(Special to Daily Times.)
Christchurch, June 21. The West Coast battalion of North Island cadets embarked for Christchurch at Wellington on Wednesday night, the Mararoa leaving the wharf at midnight. ■'
It was evident the ship was not prepared to receive the lads, and a distressing delay of two hours occurred on the wharf.
The boys were then bundled down on straw in the fore and aft holds, packed in like sardines ; glso on the floor and on tables in the saloons and passages, and in fact, in every available place'; but all ;were as happy and noisy as possible. Not so the officers, who were all anxiety, and did everything for the comfort of the lads, the Palmerston officers staying down in the hold with their charges. .
The bpys were fed that night. A noticeable feature was the good discipline of the cadets, particularly from Palmerston, who were amongst the beat behaved and drilled of all the corps. ' . ■ ■• .
. It was surprising that pot more of the boys .were sicK during the voyage while down in the hold, but none had any sleep. The passage was a good one, and after reveille ,at daylight all had breakfast and then ptayed up" a,nd inspected the ship, having a good time till arrival at Lyttelton at 1.80 on Thursday.
The opportunity of the hour's delay the^e was seized by Captain George Grant to show the boys round tin placs and purchase fruit They entrained afterwards for Christchurch, and the whole force marched to East Christcbnrch school, where they again found the authorities were not ready to receive them. It was past dark when the cadets reached tbeir quarters. A stack of straw was at the door of the school, and carpenters were' busy removing desks, and all was bustle and excitement. It was no credit to those responsible. The transport of bag gage was badly arranged, and the result was that b°fore distribution of the boys' swags it was nearly eight: o'clock. The boys were then marched anyhow threequarters of a mile for tea, This meal was also disgracefully arranged, but, happy to say, the Palmerston lads fared-well, and on returning to their quarters slept soundly. All were up this morning and in the best of spirits and health. Improvements having been made in supplying meals, it is likely all will have a good time. Only the initial arrangements were bad and capable officers (Jbave charge of future affairs. The lads are out this morning on parade.
MrG. Grant telegraphed as follows :—
Three battalions of 800 each, school cadeta were on parade this morning under Colonel Wood, making a splendid display, All the Palmerston boys are comfortably quartered at Christchurch east school.
The commisariat arrangements are poor, but improving. The streets are very muddy, but the weather is favourable, and all the lads are quite happy.
(Tress Association.^
Christchuech, June 21
1350 volunteers arrised from Nelson, West Coast, Gisborneand North Island this morning. 2850 oadets are already in *!bif city.
Strong indignity is displayed by the citizens and press at the t£wdry nature of the Government decorations at the Post Office. Tht£ transparencies objected to are now covered up with muslin.
The city is swarming with volunteers and cadets. All the naval cadets will form one battalion.
A trial of the illuminations was made last night, the Cathedral spire being a brilliant spectacle.
V 1 Ellington, June 22
It is estimated 28,000 people came to Wellington by rail during the Boyal visit.
