SEND-OFF TO THE CANTERBURY COMPANY.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 10616, 28 March 1900, Page 5

SEND-OFF TO THE CANTERBURY COMPANY.

THE MORNING AT CAMP. There was no drill at camp yesterday, and after stable duties had been done, and breakfast despatched, the men wtre kept busy packing their baggage. This was practically completed shortly before nine o'clock, when the men who wished 1\ were granted leave till noon, but were learned that it' any of them were not on hand at that time their places would be filled by several men in camp, who were eligible, though not accepted. The following "after orders" were published this morning: — "1. TSie Canterbury Company will embark for Wellington this day in the transport Maori, and Proceed to Lyttelton after the lunch afc the Opera House. "2. All baggage distinctly addressed, with the owners name, is to be placed outside the lines by 11 a.m. "3. A corporal aad ten men wHI be detailed to proceed to Lyttelton by train, and report to Major Wright, N.Z.V.'" The last order refers to the shipment on the transport of forty uorses from tie South. The horses for the Contingent, in'camp at Addington, are to be forwarded a* opportunity offers.

At noon the men fall in, and the roll was called, after which Sergeant-! Major G. K. Rhodes, for Mrs Rhodes, who had been aik- - ed by the men to make Uis presentation, presented Mas and Master teterey— the little - girl and b-y in kilts, who have t>»en constant visiters at* the caino with gifts—with niej memoes from ths men. The presentation to , l ilijs Storey consisted of a fine gold ch&'n, with a gold heart lecket pendant, which l » bore the Inscription:—"From tho Fifth Conn tingent." That to Master Storey was a silg ver medal, with clasp, and inscribed:—"To (blank for name), from the Fifth Contingent, in remembrance of your kindness. 27.3.00." In making the presentation, Sergeant-Major .Knodes, addressing Mrs Storey, asked her to accept the mementoes from the men for her children, for the kindness they had bestowed . on them. The men had got the affair up t spontaneously, and every man present, from the bottom of his heart thanked her and her children. Lieut. -Colonel Gordon then shook hands with the children. Three cheers were then given for Mrs Storey and her children, after which Mrs Storey briefly expressed her thanks. About twenty minutes after twelve the men started their march to the Opera House. Many of the houses along the road of march displayed bunting and mottoes.