THE 18th ROYAL IRISH.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXIII, Issue 3209, 29 October 1867, Page 3

THE 18th ROYAL IRISH.

Wb extract the following paragraphs in reference to the distribution of the 18th Eegiment from our Southern exchanges :—: — It seems that Wellington is not to be favoured with a visit from the 18th Royal Irish even during H.R.H. Prince Alfred's visit. The Wanganui Times states, on reliable authority, that on the 9th instant his Excellency the Governor forwarded a despatch to Colonel Beatson, Auckland, instructing him to issue orders for the immediate removal of the 18th Royal Irish, as follows : — Six companies to Auckland, two to Taranaki, and two to Napier. Thm, there is not a soldier of "the one regiment" to be left within the province of Wellington We may state that our contemporary's information is perfectly correct, and that the New Zealand Steam Narigation Company has obtained the contract for the removal of the troops. The steamship 'Rangitoto proceeds to Whanganui to-day, and will take the six companies on to Auckland. The steamship ' Ahuriri will take the remainder of the regiment on board, and will proceed to Napier and TaranaU with them. The oontraot price for the romoTAl ii, we believe, i\)Qu\£2,lQQ,~NiU> Zealand

On Friday, the « Ka-igafra' brought up the Quartermaster ef the Coinmias iriat Staff Oor,-s, Mr. Gallagher, to make preparations for the arrival of two companies of the 18th Regiment (R. 1.) from Whanganui. It has been determined to lend six companies of this regiment to Auckland, two to Hawke's Bay, and two to Taranaki. The ' Rang*tira' proceeded to Whanganui on the service the same day, and will return with the companies for Auckland first. Those for this place are, we understand, likely to arrive by her second trip, and may be looked for about Tuesday next or thereabouts. A notice to those who contract for army supplies was issued on Saturday. — Taranaki News, October 24. The Taranaki Herald of the 26th, speaking of the location of two companies of the 18th at that place, says ;—; — Whether this is a permanent arrangement or not is not as yet known ; but we presume that at all events it will be kept up until the formation of the armed constabulary force, whenever that may be. There is not, however, we are rejoiced to say, any real need of either force within our borders at present ; and it has been stated that, even if there was, it would not be permissible to employ the regulars on any active service. But whether for use or Bhow, we are glad to welcome a few of the redcoats amongst us again, and without doubt they will serve in some measure to enliven the monotony of this rather dull little town. It is not as yet known who is to be in command here. We think there is some misapprehension regarding the order for distribution. If we are correctly informed, his Excellency the Gorernor, in his despatch to Colonel Beatson, R.E., did not go beyond requesting that officer to redistribute the 18th ; consequently it is to the gallant Colonel we are indebted for the location of the head-quarter companies at Auckland. Indeed, this distribution is in accordance with the spirit of instructions from the Imperial Government, no other being possible. We are glad, however, that his Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh will be received with becoming honours by her Majesty's troops on his arrival here.