LIFE ON THE TROOPSHIP WAIWERA.

Evening Post, Volume LIX, Issue 3, 4 January 1900, Page 2

LIFE ON THE TROOPSHIP WAIWERA.

HOW OUR FIRST CONTINGENT SPENT ITS TIME. THE SOCIAL"~SIDE OF THE VOYAGE. FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF SOUTH AFRICA. Trooper Wilkie, of the New Zealand Contingent now in South Africa, whose letters to a member of the Evening Post staff have been features of distinct interest, sends the following capital sketch of the doings of lifts comrades on the voyage, and immediately after their arrival in South Africa: — "In my last note to you, posted at Albany, I think I gave you all particulars relating to that town. All the men appeared to* enjoy themselves immensely, and they rolled up to the jetty to board the launches in high spirits. The Waiwera had been taking coal in all day, and when the launches arrived alongside we had to cross over a. coal hulk before we got on the steamer. After such an outing all went to bed as soon as possible. The reveille sounded as usual at 5.30 on the 2nd Novembei. '±ne Waiwera was still taking in coal. Rain wasfalling heavily, and at about 7.30 coaling operations ceased and we started on^our way to Africa. Soon after leaving Albany we passed the P and O. Company's fine steamer Orinuz, and we sent a ringing cheer to the crew, who had gathered on the starboard side to watch us pass, and we also sighted a sailing vessel on our port side- aftoiit/ an hour later, and in the afternoon another steamer on our left, and at the same time, a huge rock on our right. All tha "boys" were very pleased indeed with the cable from the girls of Pollard's Opera Company. We had nob forgotten Mr. Pollard's kindness to us while in Wellington, by inviting us to see "Ali Baba." -The drill of the girls, or rather j r oung ladies, oi the company was a revelation, and I'm sure the men "picked up a few wrinkles" which will come in very handy in Africa. Revolver practice was started to-day. The Regimental Sergeant-Major had a tin tied to' one of the yard-arms in the fore part of the ship, and the officers, etc., let drive at it. By the time the last shot was fired the tin was riddled with holes. Th© evening was passed away singing songs, ■.tc. On Friday, 3rd November, the reveille sounded at usual hour. The sea was unusually smooth. After breakfast tho atmosphere became very warm. Another hnvse died to-day and was promptly thror.n overboard. At 2.30 the men were paraded in "heavy inarching order" (haversacks, waterbottles, etc.). After tea a strong head wind sprang up. In the evening the veterinary surgeon gave the non-coms, a lecture on the treatment of horses for various diseases. During the day a heavy downpour of rain occurred, a tropical shower, but it cleared off a* quickly as it appeared. Saturday, 4th November, was a very busy and anxious day for all. The ship ran into a storm at about midnign., a heavy sea was running, and the waves were breaking over the vessel in quick succession ; and twenty-four extra men were put on guard, thus bringing its strength up to forty - eight men. And they had a very busy time indeed, most of them getting web to the skin, j-'hose of the guard who were not posted were in the hold amidships, which has been used as the guard-room, but a few heavy seas came aboard and flooded these men out, the blankets, of course, getting wet through. When the reveille was sounded most of the men were up. The horses were fed (first feeding hay) with great difficulty, the men slipping, sliding, and falling in all directions, and one serious accident occurred — Trooper Hunt (late Lieutenant of the Christchurch Cycle Corps) falling heavily on tho deck. He was immediately placed on a blanket and carried below by a number of his comrades. To illustrate the force of the etorm, a sack of carrots was hurled along the deck with lightning rapidity. The rough weather made about one-third of the men sick again. It was extremely difficult to get • one's meals during this storm, and many amusing incidents occurred during meals. When dinner was about half over the vessel gave a tremendous roll, and the contents of the tables, which are built across, were sent flying to the starboard side, and in some case the men met the same fate as their food. At one table a form broke, and all the men were thrown in a heap in one of the corners, with soup, mustard, etc., on top. It was 1 great fun for those looking on. All went to bed early and rose at sound of reveille on Sunday morning, sth November. On this day church service was held on deck. The service was not held in the mess-room on account of Trooper Hunt occupying a bunk near that quarter. The service began by singing "The Old Hundredth," and Lieutenant Chaytor read the prayers. The next hymn was "Let Not Sorrow Dim Your Eye." Major Robin, addressing the men, said thefb all hands should thank Almighty God for bringing them safely througu the storm, and should also pray God to help their comrade (Hunt), who had met witn an accident, and to restore him to health to assist them in the campaign to which they were going. A soldier's nrst duty, he added, was to his God, and then to his Queen and his country. He then called upon the men to sing the National Anthem, which was readily responded to. The remainder of the day was passed away in reading, etc. Monday, 6th November, reveille as usual. Fine morning,, sea calm. SeTgt. Hazlett, of the Otago Hussars, lost a valuable horse on this date. '±ne horse raced in New Zealand under the name of Master Sockburn. Mr. Hazlett bought this horse in Dunedin immediately after winning .a race, for £40, so the loss is a particularly severe one. 'In the afternoon the men were taken to tne stern walk of the ship to fire volleys at boxes, etc., thrown overboard for targets. Aa one can imagine, these objects are most difficult to hit, as they get further away every shot, and are continually bobbing up and down, and the motion of the boat makes one unsteady. However, under these most unfavourable circumstances, the shooting is very good indeed, the bullets usually striking the water in a bunch round the object. After tea the men gathered on deck, and Sergeant Grant made them merry with the sounds of the bag-pipes, and several of the men (myself and Trooper Crowe) danced sailor's hornpipes. Guy Fawkes Day having fallen on Sunday, two of the men rigged up a Guy (supposed to be Kruger) and paraded him on deck. While the "boys" were playing with the Guy somebody fired a volley of snowballs from the refrigerators in the midst of the crowd, causing a scatter. Tuesday, 7th November, was a very busy day. After early stables and breakfast the .work of disinfecting the whole ship was proceeded with. All the bunks were cleared, and the coverings, etc., hung out on deck. All the decks wero soon covered with flying blankets, etc., the men climbing in all manner of places to air their bedding properly. All the horses' stalls were also disinfected. At teatfMajor Robin came into the messroom and congratulated the men on the prompt manner in which they had responded to the 'call out' at midnight during the recent storm. After tea we aaw a great shoal of porpoises from the port

side. »Somo of the men played cards during the evening. Sergeant Grunt again made the men merry with his bagpipes, and four Scotchmen aboard danced tho Highland reel in great style. On Thursday, 9th November, the sound of the reveille proclaimed that Prince of Wales's Birthday had arrived, and a fine day it proved to bo, tho sun shining all day. In the evening an impromptu concert was held, to which all our officers and ship's crew were invited, and all attended. Major Robin said that the officers would always be pleased to assist the men, whether in peace or war. They gave us a great programme o. song and recitation, and we wound up witn "God Save the Queen," and cheers for Major Robin and Captain Stuart, of the Waiwera. It had been a most successful ".social." Next day (Friday) va<s taken up principally with instructing the men in outpost duty, and soft-soaping the saddlery. The sea was very smooth again, and more firing exercises took place. In the evening boxing was indulged in. Friday night was very hot indeed, and several men <iept on deck. During the day the farriers were very busy fitting on tho horses' front shoes. This important work will occupy a considerable time. I don't think the horses will be shod behind, as it is unnecessary in the Transvaal. Saturday, ll ill November, was another buiy day, there being a regimental parade in the afternoon with folded great-coats. After parade we had more shooting. The sea was very smooth anu the boat did good time to-day. In the evening the 'retire" was sounded for everybody to assemble in the messroom. Regimental SergeantMajor Rogers then gave the men a short lecture" on "Tactics," illustrated by maps. He told us what we could expect in Africa/ and gave us a number of valuable hints. In the orders the men were warned against sleeping on deck without a covering, as the heavy dews of the tropics are very dangerous. Sunday, 12th, was the hottest day of the voyage to date. At 10.30 all the men had to parade on deck with all the articles which the Government hod provided, to ascertain what was still wanting to complete their kits. This parade was most interesting, as the goods and chattels supplied by the Government comprise some 50 articles, and the deck was covered with blankets, blushes, etc., galore. Tho sun was extremely hot (in tropics), and after the officers had inspected them our kits were packed up again. At 2.30 church parade was held, Lieut. Chaytor and Major Robin conducting. The service was opened by singing "The Old Hundredth," and tne other hymns were ' Eternal Father, Strong to Save," and ' " Rock of Ages." At the finish of the service " God Save the Queen " was sung. Major Robin, in addressing the men, said they should thank God l for bringing them safely so far and for the recovery of their comrade. The day had been very warm, but at about 4 p.m. a cool breeze sprang up, and most of the men lounged about the deck for tte remainder of the afternoon, a large canvas covering having been stretched across a ridge-pole on the top deck. On Monday more shooting practice took place, and after tea some had a set-to with the gloves, but as the atmosphere w«s extremely hot this exciting exercise was soon passed over. On Tuesday morning a new pleasure awaited the men. Our Rogimental Ser-geant-Major had erected a canvas, bath on the deck near the stern to enable them to have a plunge bath. All hands took a plunge, and some had a short swim. It was difficult to get some of the men out, so greatly did they enjoy the dip. In the afternoon a tropical shower fell, but the rain soon cleared away. The sea was rather choppy, and all shooting practices were abandoned. After tea a tug-of-war was hedd between teams of eight men picked from the different divisions, and also a. team comprising the pick of the ship's crew. There was great excitement all over the ship. All hands gathered amidships, where the competition was to come off. No. 1 Division of No. 1 Company defeated! No. 1 Division of No. 2. TJje second pull was between No. 1 Division of No. 2 Company and No. 3 of No. 1, No. 1 Division winning, and next the ship's crew beat No. 2 Division oi No. 1 Company on a foul. Most of the men were out on Wednesday long before the reveille sounded, in order to get first dip in the bath, which has become very popular aboard. In the afternoon a shooting match in sections was held. Each section leader had to provide a small bundle of straw to throw overboard for a target. Captain Madocks acted as judge, ana after a very interesting and exciting competition, Corporal Byrne's section was declared winner. Another horse died on this day, making 11 deaths since leaving Wellington. On Thursday morning, 16th, the sea was choppy. After dinner a regimental parade was held (full marching order), after which there was more shooting. At tea the Regimental --rgeant-Major said that Major Robin had asked him to express to the men his satisfaction with the parade, and with the efficient state of the weapons. At about 5 o'clock ram began to fall very heavily. It continued to do so till about 10 p.m. The atmosphere was extremely warm under the deck, and it was almost impossible to sleep, consequently come of the men began playing larks on their sleeping comrades. The most amusing was the slitting of a'cbrk sufficiently to fix it on a man's nose, and on the other end putting in two matches. These matches were lighted, and the colk slipped on tho nose accompanied by a good shake, but light enough to enablo the disturber to get out of sight. Of course the sleeper usually rose with a terrified look on hia face, probably thinking the end of the world had como at last. On Friday, 17th, we rose at the usual hour — a fine morning. Jiiach man was given two pieces of calico to sew in his trousers — not to stop bu/.lots, but for identification purposes in case we are " bagged." The calico has written upon it the name, regimental number, ana next of kin of the possessor. After- dinner more shooting practice took place. The weather was very warm. After tea the semifinals of the tug-of-war were pulled off. No. 1 Division of No. 1 Company beat No. 2 Division of No. 2, ana won the event. After the decisive pull, the piano waa hauled on deck, ana after we had danced the "first set," the Scotch Reel, etc., a "social" was held. During the day every man was given hia horse's shoes to put in shoe-cases to be nailed on upon landing. On Saturday, the 18th, "packing up" operations commenced. Our wallets were filled with cholera belts, and underclothing and our valises were made up. At about 3 o'clock in the afternoon we sighted the sails of a ship rising slowly about the horizon, and about an hour afterwards the whole ship was in view. Great interest is always taken in all vessels that pass us. During tea hour the lamp-trim-mer—'known aboard as "Lamps" — camo into the messroom, and after taking off his hat in a very gentlemanly) manner, proceeded to impress upon the men the good qualities possessed by himself, laying great stress on his philanthropic acts during the voyage, and then gently intimated to the amused crowd that no was about to take his hat round for a oollection for himself, After canvassing the room and the decks ho departed with a good sum and a grin all over his salty face, probably of opinion that a faint heart never won a fat turkey. In the evening (being our last Saturday night aboard) a dance on a small scale was held in the messroom, and the Sergeants held a smoke concert in one of the cabins amidships.

On Sunday morning the sen was calm, and the watei in the baths was quilo warm, proving the heat of the previous days. Church parade was held in the mess-room at 10.30 a.m., Major Robin and Lieut. Chaytor conducting the servico as usual. At tlio close of the service the National Anthem was sung. In the afternoon an inspection parade was held in full marching order ; also a kit inspection. Great preparations were made for this parade. As the wallets and valises had been packed tho previous day, thoro wore not so many articles displayed as at the last kit inspection. Monday night (20th, November) — a very busy day indeed. All saddles, etc., have been packed ready for uso. At about 2 p.m. we caught the first sight of Africa, and at 3 p.m. we passed the part of East London, which is situated at the mouth of tho Buffalo River. A number of steamers were anchored out of the harbour. At first we thought that these steeamers were men-of-war, but as we draw nearer wo ' could see that we had been mistaken. One of the steamers was the Carisbrook Castle. What buildings we oould sco on shoie were built of stone. There was also a huge camp near the town, and we thought aboard that it was a camp of refugees from the interior. In the evening there was very vivid lightning, flashes occurring every few seconds. I never saw anything in new Zealand to equal this alectrio disturbance. In the evening a concert was held . Tuesday, 21st November— Arrived at Port Elizabeth at about 7 a.m., but orders were received to proceed to Capetown, which is 460 miles from Port Elizabeth. A number of newspapers were put on board, and great interest was manifested in the accounts- of the war. Groups of men gathered' wherever a paper could bo scanned. One lot amidlships were so deeply engrossed in reading that they did not notice a seaman coming with the hose to wash the- decks down, and consequently some of them cot a good wetting before they shifted. There appeared to be a great number of vessels in and near Port Elizabeth. The town itself is divided by a big gully. After starting for Capetown a very large lighthouse was seen, and and soon afterwai'ds we passed a transport numbered! 18. The coast appears to be very sandy. A number of small fishing boats, manned by black men, were passed «, few miles from Port Elizabeth. Lieutenant Neaves's horse died this morning. At about 9.30 we passed another transport (No. 19) full of red coats, and cheers were exchanged between the New Zealanders and the English troops. Steamers are now passing every mile, and anotheir large steamer— the Devon TT/^iS h m? es on board ' has i ust P^aed (10.45). Tho evening was passed away very quietty— a lot of letter-writing. /nJk, 6 sea is ratlxer choppy this morning (22nd). A parade was held in the morning for inspection of arms. Passed a steamer at about 2.15 in the afternoon. Before dinner a foreign sailing vessel, the Peter Reimes, crossed the bow of the Waiwera, and we passed within 50 yards of her. We saw Cape Agulhus soon after. There are a great number of lighthouses on the South African coast. This afternoon an obstacle race was held, the competitors having to pass through the canvas bath full of water, and various flour sacks, ventilators, eto. Trooper Callaway ultimately won. Major Robin has just given us some good advice (9 p.m.) on 'how to act to-morrow. The Major said that an Imperial officer would come aboard in the morning, and it was necessary to have everything in good order before he visited us. The Major wanted no hurrying, but whatever commands were given must be obeyed promptly and quietly. Dr. Chappie, of Wellington, had given him a .number of packages of pills, quinine, etc., for the use of the men in Africa, and he was sure they would prove very useful. As the Major left three cheers were given for thoughtful Dr. Chappie. Regimental Sergt. -Major Rogers then made a few remarks on the Responsibilities that devolved upon non-coms, and section leaders. The Sergt. -Major said we -would probably be camped along with English cavalry, and he told us to keep our eyes open and pick up as many wrinkles as possible, and do our very best to beat the Englishmen. We are now (10.30 p.m.) passing Cape Point, which is soutn of Simonstown, and the sea is beginning to get rough. Shoals of phosphorescent fish are darting about near the vessel. November 23rd, 4 a.m. — Having made arrangements with one of the men on guard to wake me when we arrived near Capetown, I was enabled to see the town when wb arrived there at 2.30 this morning. We anchored outside about half a mile from the wharves. It was a magnificent sight. The huge table mountain, which is famous all over the world, was of course the first thing I saw. Hundreds of lights were burning in the town, and. the flash of a lighthouse could be seen towards the east. There are a great number of vessels in port. A sharppointed mountain on the right of tne table mountain is called "The Lion's Head." (10 p.m.)— The men have had a fairly easy time all day. It was uncertain whether the Waiwera could be taken to the wharf, as another steamer was unloading about 1500 mules at the place intended for us. However, the pilot came aboard at about 5.30, and steered the vessel for the wharf. There was a great number of vessels of all description along the line, • and as we passed down these lines, cheer's, were exchanged. But the most magnificent sight that I have witnessed occurred when we neared the wharf and passed the huge transport Kildonan Castle (No. 44). She has three decks, and' as about 3000 men came to the Cape in her, you can imagine the sight that met our eyes as all these men had gathered on. the decks and on the rigging, and cheered and shouted themselves hoarse, while the bands on j^oard were playing "Soldiers of the Queen." The various uniforms of the Grenadier Guards, . the Northumberland Fusiliers, the famous Black Watch (Highlanders), and the Welph 'Fusiliers made a verypretty sigUt.. Qn.e. company (Highlanders) left for the' 'front' soon after we arrived at the wharf , , and as they marched past the Waiwera, headed by a band, on the way to the railway Btation we gave them a, tinging cheer. There are five bands, on board the Kildonan CasUe, and as the stern of th,e Waiwera nearly touches the bow ; of the fornjer vessel we can converse with the Britishers. This evening songs were sung alternately by the New Zealanders ana the Britisliers, the bands playing selections occasionally. One man died on the Kildonan Castle on the way out, and was buried at sea. A new lieutenant has joined us here — Mr. Matthews, of the Hawera Mounted Rifles. I have ascertained that good horses are scarce at the Cape, and I heard from a reliable source that the New Zealanders will be given a chance in a responsible position to distinguish themselves. All were very anxious to know if we had arrived before the Medic, and when\it became known that we were tho first of the colonials to arrive in Africa there was great glee amongst our happy family. Having seen some of the British troops, and assuming the men I saw to be fair specimens of the British soldiej", I will venture to state that in physique the New Zealanderg are certainly superior to their British brethren. They may not be able to drive as well, but time will tell. I am sure that our uniforms are the most suitable for this country. The reveille will be sounded to-morrow morning at 4.30, breakfast at 5, and all must be dressed in full marching order at 6. We will have a very busy day, as all the horses have to be unshipped.

Friday morning, 24th November.— The wharves are swarming this morning with black men, who are assisting to unload tile vessels in port. This morning's leader in the Cape Times congratulates the New Zealanders on being the first colonial troops to arrive direct from home and to assist the Mother Country in South Africa. We are now (6 p.m.) in camp at a place called Maitland, which is situated about five miles out of Capetown. We are on the ground recently vacated by the Lancers, who are now in action. The Inniskilling Dragoons are here, and a splendid lot of men they are. As soon as we arrived on the ground they took charge of our horses and staked them out for us. The Royal Horse Artillery are also camped here. When we passed through the streets at Capetown to-day the people appeared to take a great interest in us. The place is full of Kaffirs, and there are a great many refugees from the interior. Our horses did not take kindly to the double-decked electric trams which are continually darting along the streets of Capetown. The houses are most irregular here, and some are as much as 15 feet behind others.The authorities paint all shiny parts of the uniforms black. November 25. — The Royal Horse Artillery moved for the front this morning. The houses are very quaint here, and are usually built of stone. The horses that have died up to date are those of Troopers Butler, Crawley, Blair, Bartrop, Coutts, Mann, Joyce, Sergt. Hazlett, Corpl. Ellis, Lieut. Neave, and Capt. Madocks, and a spare horse, _____^_______