DESPATCH OF TROOPS AND OTHER PRECAUTIONS.

Evening Post, Volume LV, Issue 102, 2 May 1898, Page 5

DESPATCH OF TROOPS AND OTHER PRECAUTIONS.

Yesterday afternoon the Premier (who had just returned from the South) and his colleagues realised that the position was serious, and last night about 90 men belonging to the Permanent Artillery were despatched to Rawene in the Hinemoa, Captain Post being instructed to push his vessel at top speed. Ministers also wired instructions t<* Mr. Clendou and Inspector Hickson wit't regard to the safety of the women and children, and messages were despatched to the leading chiefs of the friendly natives requesting them to use their influence to prevent bloodshed. The news that the Government had ordered the Permanent Artillery to proceed to Rawene became public property yesterday afternoon, and a large number of citizens gathered on the Railway Wharf to witness the embarkation of the troops. The steamer took her departure at a quarter-past 8, and as she moved away ringing cheers were given for the Artillery. Lieut.-Colontel Newall, who was through the Maori war, is in command of the party, and his officers are Lieuts. Wall and^ilkington, who have just gained commissions in the army. The Artillery have taken with them two Nordeufeldt guns aud a Maxim gun. About 20 tents, a great quantity of provisions, and a large number of axes, picks, and shovels were also shipped. The Premier and the other members of the Cabinet, the Commandant (Colonel Peuton) and the Under-Secretarj' for Defence (Sii Arthur Douglas) were present when th( steamer left. She will probably react 1 Hokiauga to-morrow afternoon.