ANOTHER ACCOUNT.

Press, Volume LVI, Issue 10483, 23 October 1899, Page 5

ANOTHER ACCOUNT.

(press association telegram.)

WELLINGTON, October 21. Wellington was very early astir with its preparations to commemorate the departure of the Contingent. Bunting began to break out before breakfast, and the town and shipping were soon gay with flags. In the streets small groups were congregating at the time when people are usually given up to business, and uniforms every where dotted the thoroughfares. Large numbers of volunteers came in from the country, same travelling all night. There was a capital turn out of the local forces, the number being estimated at 1500. . After the members of the contingent were photographed at tho camp, Colonel Penton read a telegram from the Aunister of Defence, the Hon. T. Thompson, regretting that he was unable to be present, and from the bottom of his heart wishing them God speed and good luck . Colonel Penton then briefly addressed the battalion, and reminded them that in a few hours they would be part of an army small, but one of the best that ever existed. He exhorted them to do their duty as good soldiers, submit to discipline, and obey their superior officers. He only regretted that he could not go in command nimself, for he would never wish to have a better stamp of ni-eu if he were called on for active service. Ha wished them lots of fighting, the luck to get hand to hand with the Boers, and a speedy return. I'ne march to town began at 1.20 p.m. The road at intervals was dotted with cameras, which led one humorist in the ranks to remark that this was "The March of the Camera, Men." .On their way they were met by the escort of the Heretaunga Mounted Rifles, and at the Botanical Gardens by the Garrison and Palmerston Bands, who played before them tho rest of the way. Most of the route through the back streets was well lined by spectators; but the real crowd was met M'itfi on reaching Lambton Quay. Here the people were to be found in thick ranks, which increased in. volume as the streets abutting i on the wharf were reached. Jervois Quay itseif, the broadest avenue in the city was thronged from end to end, as well as the open land abutting on it. All roofs commanding, a view were lined. The steamers at wharves were packed even to the rigging; and the' long breastwork along the quay was crammed. It is out of the question to calculate the number of the crowd, as it was broken up into so many divisions, andjonly part of it was in signt from any one boint; but it was certainly notless than 325,000, and may easily have been ten thousand more.: ' ; Favours of red, white and blue, and special badges <levised -for the occasion, were worn without stint. ; The quay was lined by double ranks of volunteers, who kept an open space far the passage of the Contingent. The latter, alter making their way up add down a numDer of short streets for the purpose of giving as many as possible a chance'to see New Zealand's chosen band, walked on to the quay shortly before three o'clock, and amid continuous ctoeers, formed up in front of the temporary stand projecting from $he breastwork" Up to this the wither had been cloudy and windy, but no sooner had tbo: men ranged' themselves in two ranks than the sun shone out brightly, and the wind began to lulL His Excellency .the Governor, Lady Ranfurly, und suite, arrived at three o'clock, and ■üb.e speech making then began. THE SPEECHES. Mr Blair, Mayor of Wellington, said he took up the position that day as representing the whole of the people of New Zealand. No movement in the colony had ever been so spontaneous, and so general in, extent, as the despatch, of the Contingent for the Transvaal. He had 1 received telegrams from the mayors of about sixty towns and boroughs, wishing the Contingent God speed. These telegrams might be divided into two categories, and as indicating the spirit wbicu pervaded all the messages, he read two of tihem, as follows:— "Thanks for cordial invitation. Sorry cannot attend personally. Kindly convey to the Contingent good, wishes from myself and inhabitants of Gtreymouth. May they have a successful and brilliant career, and a speedy return to New Zealand.—Matheson t Mayor of Greynnoetib." "To the offioers and men of the New Zealand Contingent.—lriends,—Be united, be strong, trust in God, th© King of kinge, then the victory will be jio the Empire. Goodbye, ell. I had bad 'hopes of having gone with. —on.—F. Jeirne, Coromandet." Mr Blair went oa to say they had been told the Contingent; was only a> email force, but those who said that overlooked the spirit which had prompted its despatch. They overlooked iihe fact/ that the despatch of this Contingent would have- a very great effect on the future well-being of the Empire. It showed that tfoe British nation would not be divided by any Power on earth. Britain had spent blood and treasure m founding the colonies, and we in New Zealand were reaping the benefit of this expenditure, and it was right we should contribute our quota in the present trouble. Hitherto we had had no outeido concern, but now we were to engage, shoulder to shoulder, with force* of the Empire, and he was sure our men would acquit themselves Well. In conclusion Mr Blair addressed the Contingent thus:—"On behalf of the people of New Zealand, • we wish you God spool, I em sure yon will worthily uphold the honour of New Zealand, and tfaat you will oome back witii honour." Lord Reafurly said the huge concourse of people that had assembled that day showed the vast interest the neople of New Zealand had taken, in the daspitdh of the Contingent. For the first time in history, New Zealanders were gathered together to bid farewell to troops sent to the seat of war. He felt convinced that, should occasion arise, these men would do ifcbejr duty nobly, and prove no unworthy defenders of that dauntless island race whose colours waved over New Zealand,, and whose record was second to none. An occasion such as this should arouse in their hearts the greatest patriotism. "This," said bis Excellency, "ie Trafalgar Day, and may Nelson' s motto be yours. The eyes of the world are upon you, and we in New Zealand wish yoii God speed."; "Soldiers of the Queen." was then sung by the choir, and played by the bands, Mr Seddon saidit was with pleasure he would speak a few words on thie jrreat occasion. That gatjtering represented not only Wellington, but every man, woman, and child in the colony. Tie people, by their presence and sympathy, hfd shown they were of one mind in supporting the Mother Country in the preaent trouble. It would be cheering to the people of; the Mother Country, and would show thi nations that we were one people. The Nw Zealand Parliament had been the first of fl» Australasian Parliaments to sanction the despatch, of a Contingent, and the decision to do so should have been unanimous. New Zealand had ehown what it could do so. On the sth October the Contingent was accepted, and on the 21sb we were gathered together to wish then* God speed. New Zealand was the first colony to embark its Contingent. This prompt despatch reflected great credit on all concerned, particularly the Commandant of the Forces, the Commandant of the Contingent, and the shipping company. All those who had worked to faing'this about had their heartfelt thanksfand gratitude; This was Trafalgar Day, end our men were going to battle for freedom. They were going to assist in making the people of the Transvaal free, and m maintaining civilisation and liberty in the TransvaaL The position wee unique. Wβ ware simply working out our destinies, and tending to make ours the domitwjit race of the world. Our men were going to fight' for one- flag, one, Quecnj one tongue, and ,one Inv penal and; colonLil troops were about to fight etde by side, and a bond of union would be formed that would last for ever. Addressing the Contingent, he said be had no fear of tfeir bravery. J They would maintain the traditions of ttai race,' and coolness, determination, and bravery must win in the long run. They most also remember the bearta of the people of New Zealand went with them.. Major Robin would do his port, and it was for the men to do theirs. The result must be for the glory of New Zealand and the Empire. In conclusion, Mr Seddon read a letter from Major Robin's father, in ■which he esttrewed regret at being unable ; to b» preaeot that day. He wiphed tho

Comtangent God speed, and said Jie felt confident they would do well, and be led to victory. At the call of Mr Seddon three cheers were given for Major Robin and the contingent. Captain Russell said it was indeed a privilege to be able to say a word of congratulation on this occasion. The Contiii K cin., when rt reached its destination, would be alhed with an army that had won honour in every part of the world. As an old Imperial soldier, he felt sure they would be dutiful and brave men. They were taking wi».h Uiena the goodwill of the whole of New Zealand. In the Imperial Army they would find charming comrades, and they would come back with Imperial instincts, feeling they were working partners in one great machine. Concluding, Captain JRussell said:—"When you return to New Zealand covered with glory and full of experience, the whole of New Zealand will be here to welcome you as returning brothers who have done good service for the Empire." The choir then sang "God *>aye the Queen," the bands and public joining in. Lord Ranfurly read a cable message announcing the defeat of the Boers at Glencoe, and this was the signal for a great outborst of cheering. Sir Robert Stout also spoke a few words. He said tLo despatch of the contingent showed we were ono in mind, and had'not forgotten what Britain had done for us. He felt sure the Contingent would reflect credit and honour upon themselves and the colony. The choir and bands then gave "Avid Lai'g Syne," and at call of Mr Blair, hearty cheers were given for Mr Chamberain. Bishop. Wallis having read a special prayer and pronounced the Benediction, this portion of the proceedings closed with a "last cheer— a cheer for the Contingent," called for by Mr Seddon. THE LEAVE-TAKING OF RELATIVES. The formal part of the ceremony being over, Colonel Pentou gave the men a few minutes to take final leave of their friends. The ranks of the Naval corps immediately opened out, and the crowd poured in. Hugging and kissing were the order of the day, and tears flowed freely as no "doubt, many felt might possibly be farewell for ever —were taken, bo great was the crush that some of the men were cut-off from the rest, and had afterwards to struggle to the steamer through a dense crowd as best they could. As once again the battalion formed up,, and began the march to the Eteimer's side, the people massed on the roofs opposite began waving white handkerchiefs, tie effect of these fluttering signals at that lofty elevation being rather striking. The spectators then moved off to points whence a view of tho marine.spectacle could be obtained. Thousands lined.tho shores of the reclaimed lnnd, and spread'beyond almost to Point Jeniingham—in fact, the water front was pretty well lined for a stretch of three miles. Wharves, of course, were filled, and hours before the steamers announced to escort the troopship had been packed with thousands of voyagers, ■ The. waiters ihad rather a long interval to fill in, as the embarkation took same time. The eubstajitiai /gangway . by. which the horses had been taken aboard had notices conspicuously posted warning stowaways that they wouJd be prosecuted at Albany, and under these Colenel Penton took' his stand, roll in 'hand, and each roam's name was checked before ihe Trent on board. This occupied nearly ttn hour, and advantage, was seised by some-to (have another a/nd less public leave-taking of their friends. As soon as a fair number of the :men had gone on board, demonstrations of friendship and good feeling began to be exchanged between the ship and the wharf. Baskete of fruit were sent up by rope and 'hand, and one gentleman was able to «et a porting snspehot of 'his son, wtho himself in.the rigging. By and bye men broktt into "SoJdieiH of the Queen" and the National Anthem, iheartdly responded to by the volunteers and the crowd ashore. Then, led by a 'half-casbe member of the Contingent, they gave the Maori war cry composed , for them, and,;*his was replied to with even more vigour by another native battle cry from a country corps. Thus the time was fiiled in tiH a final ehont betokened that the officera of the Contingent were ascending the gangway. _ As Colonel Penton stood at the barricade, 't'he men gave him three cheers, and then once more gaised the National Anthem. Spectators joined in, and the Wadwera began *o mote otisb from the wharf. By this Usas fourteen steamers; Waging with bunting sand laden with thousands of people, bad moved out from tihe wharves, and farmed into two lines ia xeadinese for the troopehip. They were of all sizes, from the stately Mokoaa to tine tiny Manaroa which bore Mr A. G. Johnson, a veteran at thia work and marshal of the day. ' At half speed all moved off down the harbour and escorted the Waiwera. to the Heads. H'sre they closed up, and *t a srignal all ihe vewels fired borate, blew their whistles, and generally made oe much, noise as possible. Their passenger* waved flags and handfasrchiefs, and <tfhe men of the Conttngen* ahouted tkemeelves bo&ree in return. It waa a ecena of even more excitement than on .the wharf, and could not very weß be eurpae&ed for spontaneity or ieartlnestt. Then tihe big eaip put her head to sfea, and in a few minutes was steaming out iato -the Pacific