THE INDIAN CONTINGENT AT . AUCKLAND.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 10887, 12 February 1901, Page 5

THE INDIAN CONTINGENT AT . AUCKLAND.

(mass association telegram.) AUCKLAND. February 11. The Dalhousie arrived this morning, with the Indian troops on hoard. Throughout the whole passage beautiful weu-tiier was experienced, scarcely a ripple disturotug the surface of the water. Alter remaining in the stream for about* an hour, the DalTiousie came alongside lira railway wharf, where a crowd of people had gathered to witness her arrival. The i-nvvvii gave three hearty cheers for the Indian •"Soldiers of the King," which were as heurtily responded to. The scene on the vessel was most interesting, the brilliant uniforms of the soldiers len—iitr almost a blaze of colour'to the sombre surroundings. The troops, hi their turbans and gorgeous uniforms of blue, red, green, grey—indeed, of almost every colour of the rainbow, lined the starooard sidu of the boat, the bright colours mingling into * harmonious picture. In all 62 different regiments are represented. Some of the nren were clad in khaki, but the majority were in the more showy uniforms—red, blue, and light green being the predominating colours. After the Dalliousie had been berthed. Captain McKeuzie, of the No. 1 Service Corps, bourded the vessel and welcomed Colonel Peyton on behalf of the Commandant of the New Zealand forces. Lieut. - Colonel White, the officer commanding the district, and Captain Reid, district adjutant, were also on the whurf to welcome ilie contingent. It was decided that a. large shed at tho end of the. wharf should be used as a barrack room for the men, and a spot in the- vicinity as the cooking ground, as the Indians dv all their own cooking. The wharf was barricaded, so as to exclude tke public. There was no formaJ reception at the steamer's side, the Mayor i«ing detained at a Council meeting during the forenoon. Later in tie day, hia Worship called on Colonel Peyton. The English officers have been made honorary members of the Northern and Auckland Clubs, together with Captain Staughton, of the Victorian First Contingent, wtiu is travelling on the Dalliousie. They leave to-morrow, at the invitation of the. Premier, on a trip to Rotorua., where they will spend a few days, returning in time to take part in the reception of the Imperial troops. In the afternoon the Mayor, accompanied by Rabbi Goldstein and "Mr li. K. Hunt (joint secretaries of the Reception Commit* tee), and the Town Clerk, visited the Dal. housie, and welcomed Colonel Peyton anu his officers. In discussing the arrangements for the entertainment of the troops during the next few days, Colonel Peyton said the Indiana would be perfectly content if they were allowed to wander round ;uidl see the city fot themselves. He readily agreed, however, w a suggestion that the troops should be taken for a harbour excursion to-morrow, and arrangements to that end are being made. The Indian troops will not parade for re\iew until the arrival of the Imperial contingent. • xne officers of the contingent all have native servants, there being a total of 72 camp followers. Many of the men speak English A good number of the many languages of India are apoken aboard.

(SPECIAL TO "THE TOKSS.") WELLINGTON, February U. The Indian troops come right through the colony, but not till the Home Contingent have concluded their tour. For some days the- will remain about Auckland, and probably visit Rotorua, and after the seud-oif to the British force will come South. WANGANUI, February 11A party of twenty officers ares going up the Wanganui river arid mi by coacli past the volcanoes, and through the Hot Lakes Dintrict to Rotorua, proceeding thence bytrain to Auckland. Mrs Evelyn Wood and one or two of the other officers' wives are in the party. The tour is being arranged by Mr Doiine, of the Tourist Department, who will accompany the party. The Indian Contingent will be taken through the colony from north to south. If the necessary leave can be procured they ■will, I underKtand, visit some of the out-of-the-way towns not in the itinerary of the Imperial troops proceeding north.