THE INDIAN TROOPS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 48, 26 February 1901, Page 4

THE INDIAN TROOPS.

THE WELLINGTON RECEPTION.

(By Telegraph.— Own Correspondent.)

WELLINGTON, this day. The welcome to the Indian troops yesterday afternoon was not quite as; enthusiastic as recent military dis-' . plays of a similar character, but the interest ol the crowds whicjh lined the footpaths from one end of the city to the other seemed to be more intense. This was, no doubt, attributable to the novelty and Oriental splendour of the uniforms and the unique nature oi the event itself. But tha display of flags and bunting was by no means as profuse as on former occasions, except in the case of the sli*]>_. in harbour, which were lavishly; decorated. ' . After the march through the city, »| escorted by the Heretaunga Rifles. Permanent Artillery, Field Artillery, City Guards, Naval Brigade, Cycle Corps, Civil Service Rifles, and Uni* A versify Cadets, the troops halted at ]_ the Rotunda on .Jervois Quay* around - which the volunteers formed a squaro, % in order to keep the space clear. Tha- At Indians were drawn up in front of . the Rotunda, in which were gathered, \ the lions. J. G. Ward, W T. C. Walker, C. H. Mills, the Mayor, and City Coun- 'j cillors, and a number of ladies. Tho '• Mayor, on behalf of the citizens, cordially welcomed the visitors, who, he y said, were an evidence of the unity of the Empire. He expressed the belief that if any crisis occurred they, would gladJy range themselves beside the British soldiers in defending? the Empire. The Premier also tendered the In* dians a hearty welcome to the Empire City of the colony. During the past few months they had been making history very rapidly indeed, and events had taken place which demon-* strated to the world the great strength and solidity of the British Empire. Three years" ago there werd 520 miles of the* ships of the Empire , in the British Channel, and though a great naval demonstration toolplace, not a single British cruise*, was taken from any of the squadrons* An American remarked on that occa-» sibn that he 'presumed the British naval authorities kept these ships fo_. show purposes. He regretted very much that circumstances prevented the Indian troops being here with tho Imperials, but though, apart to-day, they were equally as heartily wel» come, because they were ready to fight side by side with the British soldiers to uphold the great Empire to which they all belonged. In th_ past many people had wondered why* .with its teeming millions, India was maintained xtnder very difficult cir- . cumstances, but seeing the Indian troops before them, there was n» longer any reason for wonderment* It was gratifying to feel that the Indians were united to them in theit! determination to maintain the British , Empire at any sacrifice. It was not generally known that the Indian soldiers were not all ordinary troopers of the British Army, but all were offi; cers representative of different regi**1..; ments numbering in all 100,000 men. They could hardly recognise that men of high birth and rank, coloneLs in the Indian Army, and other officers, had volunteered to join the contingent. He had enjoyed opportunities of seeing the Indians in various parts of the colony, and lie said that their behaviour was most excellent and their conduct considerate. B« was also much struck with their fcl*l*' ness to the children of the settJers whom they saw on their way to WW lington. He hoped they woiild carry back to the teeming millions of India i : the heartfelt wishes of New Zealand. He believed the visit of the India* soldiers would be of immense benefit to Tudia as well as New Zealand. Cheers were then given for the jn**dian Contingent, for the Viceroy ot India, and for the Indian Govwa* ment. .-'-*•*