NEW ZEALAND CONTINGENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 65, 17 March 1900, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND CONTINGENTS.

WELLINGTON NOTKR

■WELLINGTON, this day.

It is likely that the eldest son or the Premier will accompany the Fourth Contingent to South Africa as a lieutenant.

There is a great deal of grumbling over the appointment of ofiicei:a for the contingents. One indignant person writes: —"1 saw in the list of appointment of officers to the Fourth Contingent the name of one who was rejected as a trooper in the same contingent because he was unable to ride, but who is apparently considered fit to lead where lie is unfit to follow. This gentleman is an officer of alocal corps, but ho was only elected to that position within the last few days, has never appeared on parade with the corps, and knows absolutely nothing of the drill." The ladies continue their >\<)snitnlity to the troopers in camp. ' i>iu".-ul' leave is given, to-morrow to enable the men remaining in camp to see tlteir comrades off.

'L'iiirtv-seveu a»en, tne Napier section of ibe Kiftli Contingent, nave arrived under the command or James Knss, formerly known as ••Carbine

Jimmy. , ~ ~ The section will be made up to lull strength, by additions from Wustport and (ii-evinotitli. \ close holiday is observed at the Government building. 'l'li(1 procession'to the Basin .Reserve, the scene oi the sports, was very large. The i'remler arranged, as a tribute to the Irish for the contingent to attend the carnival, which conclude* In time i'ol' the public to furewi- the troops. Luncheon to the foiitiiifrent, arranged by the huVus. took place tit li:iIl-]>rist on.- o'clock to-day, and was largely attended by the jiublic including the Premier. Messrs Ward and MrKeime. and several members of Parliament, One of ihe Fourth Contingent from Vuckland was arrested.on warrant at midtlnv from thai (own charged with failing to provide for his illegitimate child."

Over 200 of flic contingent are now bein°" entertained at luncheon in the Drill Shed. They afterwards visit the sports and embark at 3.30 p.m.

JIOKITIKA, this day

Ten men for the Fifth Contingent leave by the first steamer, the men passing"their final tests to-day. Tins brings the total of Westlanders for the front up to twenty-eight, eight of whom are with the Second and ten wuh the Third Contingents.