THE SEND-OFF.

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

THE SEND-OFF.

The city was not so enthusiastic in its bidding farewell to the Filth Contingent yesterday as might have been. It is true several flags were hoisted, and red, white, and blue ribbons were prominent, but the majority of the shops were open, and people went about their business as usual. This was, perhaps, due to the fact that the men did not march from the camp through the city proper, nor were they headed by a band, but only bugles, so that their advent was only known to the crowd which congregated round the Opera House, where the luncheon was to be given. Shortly before 1 p.m. the street in front of the Opara House was crowded with people, as ths members of the Contingent, looking very workmanlike in their guernseys and fisher caps, filed 'into the hall. A cheer was raised, but it wanted go somehow. Then came the official guests, greeted now and then, as in the of the Premier and Mrs Seddon. the Chief Justice, the Roman Catho v o Bishop. Mrs G. K. Rhodes, and others, with cheels. Soon the- dress circle of the Op;ia. Houso was filled with ladies, to whom was allotted the somewhat invidious task of watching the feasting below. The hall was nicely decorated with flags and mottoes, and when all the guests were assembled, presented a very pretty sight.