DEPARTURE OF THE NAVALS FOR THE FRONT.

Evening Post, Volume XXII, Issue 101, 27 October 1881, Page 2

DEPARTURE OF THE NAVALS FOR THE FRONT.

The members of the Wellington Naval Brigade contingent, who had volunteered for the front, took their departure by the 8.8. Hinemoa last evening. Aoting under orders the men fell iv at the Mount Cook Barracks at about half-past 5 o'clock, and prior to being marched down to the Railway Wharf, where the Hinemoa awaited them, were briefly and appropriately addressed by the Yen. Archdeacon Stock (chaplain to the Brigade) and Captain Charles Johnston. The latter remarked that the presence of the men on that occasion afforded ample proof that their offer to go to the front waß no idle boast. He earnestly hoped that no actual fighting would occur, but if unfortunately such should be the case, he was satisfied they would act in a manner becoming men. He congratulated Lieutenant Bennett on the fact that so many stalwart men had determined to follow his lead, and on the other hand he congratulated the men on their choice of a leader. For himself, he regretted that he was unable to accompany them that evening, but announced that arrangements were being made whioh, he trusted, would enable him to be with them before the expiration of the period allowed to Te Whiti for his submission to the Government. Forming into "fours," the detachment — whioh was preceded by the capital band of the Wellington Guards, who, in a commendable spirit, acoompanied their comrades in arms to the Bteamer — marched out of the Barracks into Taranaki-street. Hero a large crowd of persons had been collected for some time previously, and the moment the men made their appearance in marching order a vociferous cheer filled the air. At almost every step Ihe crowd increased. Windows of houses alopg the line of route were filled with faces on which was depicted the greatest eagerness to take a farewell glance at the "gallant boys " who were leaving so many loving friends behind them ; while for some distance in advance people crowded the footpath* on either Bide of the Btreets, straining their necks to obtain a glimpse of the approaching living mass. Turning into Courtenay-placo, the detachment continued their maroh along Manners-street, then down Willis-street into Lambton-quay, thence making a detour to the point of embarkation. No sooner did the Guards' Band cease playing than the Brigade's own band took up the strain with a series of heart-stirring selections. Arrived at the Eailway Wharf, on which several hundreds of people had already taken up a position, the men mado their way in tingle file as far as the landing stage, their progress through the closelypaoked crowd being effectually assisted by a large posse of police, under the able command of Sergeant Price. At this point not a little good humoured badinatre was indulged in by the onlookers. '' Good-byo, Jack ; take a steady aim ! "—"" — " Mind and get as far to the rear as you can old man !" — and i-imilar exclamations greeted the Navals, as one by one they effected their embarkation. Sweethearts were present to wave their handkerchiefs to their lovers as the vessel left the wharf, wives to bid an affectionate adieu to their husbands, and chi'dren to be hold up in triumph to their fathers for a last kiss, until the happy, looked-for return. The men themaelvea seemed earnest, steady, and prepared for _ all emergencies. Their excellent behaviour iudeed excited the admiration of all beholders, and many and real were the good wishes they took away with them. Lieut.Colonel Pearoe, the officer in command of the district, was present on board to supervise the proceedings. Acceding to the request of Major Atkinson (the Colonial Treasurer), Captain Johnston introduced to him the officers of the Contingent forco, viz., Lieutenants Bennett and Davey, Sub-Lieut. Diver, and Paymaster Keyworth. In due course the Hinemoa, which was under the command of Captain Fairchild, "cast off" trom the wharf, amid the enthusiastic cheers -of the assembled multitude. While in the act of moving away, the Navals gave three hearty cheers for Captain Johnston. This compliment was returned in no uncertain manner by three cheers for Lipu^enant Bennett ; and in honour of the occasion a pyrotechnic display occurred on board the barquentine May as the Hinemoa steamed past. It may be added that early next week Dr. Diver, the Brigade Surgeon, Paymaster Cruickshank, and Lieutenant Wallace, intend to follow their comrades to the front, and Captain Johnston expeots to be able to prooeed thither about the same time. After landing the men at Opunakß, the Hinemoa will go ovor to Nelson for the purpose of conveying other volunteers to the same destination, and subsequently will proceed to the Manukau to receive_ the Thames contingent. It may be mentioned that those who went to " the front " yesterday numbered 79 all told, counting both officers and men. These included, in addition to those already mentioned, Sergt. Burr of the Engineers, and Volunteers Dobson and Harnish of the City Rifles, who obtained permission to join the detachment ; also five outsidars who did not belong to any volunteer company, but who have seen service under Major Yon Tempsky and Captain Buck, and who were, therefore, enrolled for the occasion.