THE THIRD CONTINGENT.

Evening Star, Issue 11167, 16 February 1900, Page 2

THE THIRD CONTINGENT.

A MESSAGE TO "OUR BOYS."

CHRI3TOHURCH EN FETE.

CHRISTCHURCH, February 16. The Countesa Rar.t'urly hai writ ten an autograph message to the New Zealand troops in South Africa, which will be reproduced in fac-simile on the ' Preaa ' souvenir card. It contains the following verseß : For our valiant soldiers, Lord, to Th°c we pray • Guard and keep them, ever be their guide and stay. And if they in fighting should not think of Thee, Do not Thou forget them, still their succor be. c afe beneath the shelter of Thy mightv shield Thou canst keep from danger soldiers in the field ; And although around them tens of thousands die, Thou canst keep-in safety those for whom we cry! (From the English ' War Hymn.)

C. E. Ranfurly. The card will be reserved etrictly as a souvenir for the troops. Cases containing gift 3 from subscribers to the 'Press' More Men Fund to the New Zealand forces serving in South Africa are being shipped by the Knif/ht Templar to-day. Separate packages contain C.kiz extract of meat, three pairs of sooks, 21b of chocolate, lib of tobacco, a packet of cigarettß paper, a 2oz packet of tobacco, writing pad, envelopes, ink, pencil, and the 'Press' souvenir card. Mr Stead has received from an anonymous donor £IOO towards tho War Fuud. Great preparations are being made for the farewell to the Contingent to-morrow. The city is crowded with visitors from all parts.

DUNEDIN'S MESSAGE,

The following, telegram was despatcned this afternoon to the Mayor of Christchurch :

Mayor being absent at Stewart Island, sincerely regrets inability to attend send-off to Third Contingeut. On his behalf and on behalf of the citizens of Dunerlin wish Continent God-speed, trusting their patriotic ardor will reap its reward in "... duty bravely done; Many a deed of valor, And many a victory won." Henrv W. Wilson, Acting Town Clerk.

WELLINGTON, February 16. Half the battalion of the Zealandia Rifles go South to-night to aßsisfc in the send-off of the Third Contingent. Lieutenant-colonol Collins, of the Wellington battalion, will also be a passenger.