ARRIVAL IN CHRISTCHURCH.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 11108, 29 October 1901, Page 5

ARRIVAL IN CHRISTCHURCH.

ENTHUSIASTIC CROWDS. Somewhat reminiscent of the crowds which gathered to welcome the Imperial and Indian troops was the large concourse of citjaens which lined Manchester street and crowded the space in front of the railway station to welcome General Sir Hector ■MacdonaW. Everyone seemed vying with hie fellow to get the. best position. The agile email boy sought the top of the lampport-, whilst the older and staider portion of the community- contented themselves with positions near the kerbing on the entrance to. the elation. A smaller, but equally expectant gathering was congregated on the station platform. Prominent amongst these were the Mayor (Mr A. E. G. Rhodes), the President of the Caledonian Society, Mr Pat. Campbell, and some of the director* of the same Society, and officer* and members of it, together with a pipe hand of ten. Almost everyone had a sprig of heather or a piece of MacdooaM tartan showing on the lapels of their coats. Owing, apparently, to want of arrangement by the railway official*, a number of the -directors of the Caledonian (.Society «nd othere who had a claim to be present, were prevented by the crush from being present at the reception of the general.

When rbe warning whistle announced the approach of the express from the strath, the pipers struck up "Highland Laddie. , The General occupied the first carriage, and as soon as the train came to a standstill there took place what seemed a miniature football rush, and it wae with difficulty that the onlooker could; distinguish the celebrated visitor from the persons receiving him. The pipe band added to the excitement of fhe scene by some vigorous music. The Mayor was seen tp approach Sir Hector iiacdonald, and the anxiety ot the public to get a closer -view ot the General at one period seemed likely to prevent any movement towards the exit from the rtation. Meanwhile, the pipe band continued to roil out hiuMie," alt'aough at one time it looked as if the Mayor was making an endeavour to obtain silence for the space of a,moment or so. Failing in this, slr Rhodes contented him-

self with giving Sir Hector Macdonald * •hearty'welcome on behalf of the citizens of Christehurch. More crushing ensued when the party made a move towards the exit from the station. The Highland Rifles were stationed outside, and kept the. way clear to £, the carriage, and the Woolston Band struck up a popular air. Wh«n the General emerged from tl>° station the crowd cheered lustily. No sooner was t'he Gene-, ral in the carriage than members of the Highland Rifle* took the places of the horsey ami a start wae made nmidst another outburst of cheers. The crowd hemmed in the carriage on all sidss, and there eeemed to be numerous lighting Macs. and Micks al ! striving to gffc cio&er to the General. Up Manchester street, which was lined with cheering multitudes, along High street, through the {Square u> Vu;torwi street bridge, the enthusiastic Highlanders dragged the carriage, whilst all along the route th« shouting nnd the cheering grew in intensity and volume. At the bridge tho horse* were put in. and the (ieiierat wits-driven fa the residence of the Mayor, "Te Kornha," \vhere he will reside during his stay in thi« city. Tv-day Kir Hector Macdonald wi'! take a drive* tmd see -the mirroundine country, and" also visit some of our public institutions. In the evening he will attend the Caledonian Society's conversazione and concert in the Canterbury Hall, at whicto an epportunitv will be given everyone to see the General. An attractive programme has been prepared, and a large and siuressful gathering is assured. Last night, after the Genera! had driven nil to "Te Koraha, the directors of the Caledonian Society entertained the pipe band at the Society's mom?, and the hea'i'h of the General waV enthusiastically drunk. Sir Hector AlacdonaW crently admired the physique of the Highland -Rifle;, tind desired* Captain Stewart tn convey in the corps his thanks for their having turned out to meet aim. , . (SPECIAL TO. "THE MUSS.") • WELLINGTON, Octo-hrr 38. At a large meeting of the membei-s of both Houses to-night, it was resolved to tender a Parliamentary luncheon to General Sir Hector. Macdonatd. Tt is proposed to have the lunab«on on Saturday in Bellamy's* and then proceed hr special train <n <Jir Hutfc, and have afternoon tea at McNab's hardens. , A commitee, consisthig of High! Hon. tt. J. Seddon, Captain Russell, .Sir Joseph Ward, Hon. W. (A Walker, Hon. R. Reeves, Mr T. Mnrkenzie, Mr R. Miickenzic, Mr Herries, Mr A. li. U. Fraser, Mr Geo. Fowlds, was appointed to make the necessary •arrangements. Mr Ue»>. Fowlds «.i.s 8;cotod •secretary to the committee.