VISIT TO TOWNSVILLE.

Auckland Star, Volume XLI, Issue 5, 6 January 1910, Page 5

VISIT TO TOWNSVILLE.

; HJl.s. Encounter, with Lord Kitchener aboard, anchored at Townsville last Wednesday but the party did not land at the I jetty till after 3 oYl'ock, Lord Kitchener, i aceomp.inied by Major-General Hoad, ; Colonel Fitzpatrick a.nd Captain Fitzgerald, landed from the Government launch TKal. and was met by the Mayor. ; members of the Harbour Board, and shire council. Major-General Uoad introduced the \isitors i j vie Mayor, who spoke a few words of welcome, and the large crowd cheered heartily. The party then drove to the fort ;it Magazine Island, and after an inspection lasting 15 minutes proceeded to the Xown Hall. j The streets were lined with spectators. whose cheer-s were graciously acknowledged by Lord Kitchener. On arrival at the Town Hal! the party was escorted by the. JJayor to the. Council Chambers, where there waa a large gathering representative of the- L-onimercial, industrial, T-cclesiatiea], and legal life of the city. The ioynl toast was honoured, and the Mayor then proposed the health of Kitchener, and said the i-itjzens were proud to have s O illustrious a soldier in their midst The time had arrived when the del'enre of Australia's vast coastline called for prompt attention, and Britain had shown consideration for the Commonwealth by allowing so illustrious a soldier to visit its shores. He felt sure that Lord Kitchener's missioa would be attended with good results. lxud Kitchener, en rising to respond, was accorded an ovation. He staled at the outset that !he did not vvant to make a speech. He j thanked the Mayor and the citizens oi I Towusville for the very cordial and flat--1 tering reception which they had extended ito him. It pleased him a great deal tc make their acquaintance and to visit the.ii tine comme.rri.il city, which appeared tc I have a big future. He again thanked the ; company very heartily on behalf of him ' self and staff for their cordial reception I Accompanied by i-hc Mayor and memberiof the reception committee, Lord Kit ! chener and bis staff then left the Towi Hall. On reaching the street dens; emwds assembled and broke into cheers which continued for some time. Th< party then proceeded to the fort, at Kiss inn Point, where the troops were in speeted and subsequently the party wen entertained at a public reeepuon in ths i Botanic Gardens, where a very largi croud had assembled