GATHERING OF THE THIRD CONTINGENT.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 11000, 25 June 1901, Page 8

GATHERING OF THE THIRD CONTINGENT.

After the Premier left the chair Major Jowsey passed word round for the members of the" Third Contingent to remain behind. The Major said that before saying goodbye he wished to propose the health of the Canterbury War Committee, who had sent them to South Africa. He would couple the toast with the name of Mr G. G. Stead. They all knew that he, the Major of the Contingent, was proud of the splendid men that had been selected for his command. They had been a credit to the country that had sent them to the front, and it was entirely due to the efforts of the Committee that the Canterbury troop had been sent to South Africa. But before concluding he wished to express his regret that Mr Recce, the late Mayor of, Christchurch and chairman of the Committee, was unable to be present, which was owing to his absence in England. Turning to Mr Stead, the Mayor asked him to take this toast as an expression of the appreciation of the members of the Canterbury Rough Riders of his and the other members of the .'Committee's* efforts on their behalf.

Mr Stead, who was warmly received, said that, in thanking them on behalf of the Committee and himself, he wished to express his regret at the absence of Mr Recce. He, the speaker, had been a member of many Committees, but he had never worked under' any other chairman who equalled Mr Recce in tact, judgment, and forethought. In fact, he was an ideal chairman. Mr Stead said he was proud to be connected with the despatch of the

Canterbury Rough Riders to South Africa, and he was proud to know that they had done yeoman service, and been a credit to the country that had despatched them. As they knew he had always taken the warmest possible interest in the raising of this troop, and he wished to assure every member of it that he should always be proud to be looked upon as a personal friend. • (Cheers.)