THE RECEPTION TO THE MEN ON THE TONGARIRO.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 10954, 2 May 1901, Page 5

THE RECEPTION TO THE MEN ON THE TONGARIRO.

(SPECIAL TO "THE PRESS.") ! DUNEDIN, May 1. j According to the Premier, the Tongariro i will not reach Port Chalmers until Tuesday. About fifty applications havo been received to billet the men. In addition to the Sword of Honour, Colonel Robin will likely be presented with a purse of sovereigns. * It is proposed that the procession of rowing and other boats should meet the troopers on their way from tbe port to town. On arrival in Dunedin the officers will be mounted in tho procession, and the men provided with seats in dragß. A religious service of ten or fifteen minutes will be held at the Town Hal! step*, when the men are return- . ing to luncheon at the Agricultural Hall. It j was <_ec'xk-d, by 10 votes to 9, to hold a'■ smoke concert in tbe evening in preference to a social. At Port Chalmers three arches of welcome -will be erected, and th-e troopers will be loyally entertained ior three days. The Tongariro will remain at the port. Each of the port men will be presented with a suitable souvenir. Tlie Governor haa wired that business will prevent him from leaving Wellington to at- ■ tend the reception, and that Lady Ranfnrly j will reach Welbngton on the Bth direct from ■ Sydney. The Premier has telegraphed to the Mayor that the captain of ths Tongariro has been | instructed to signal his arrival at th-e first j opportunity on the New Zealand coast, and j that she will probably come through Cook Strait. Th. Mayor replied that arrange- { ments had been made to receive the trooper? f on Tuesday morning, and that- any alteration ! in the date would cause much inconvenience. \