DEPARTURE OF NO. 3 CONTINGENT.

Evening Star, Issue 11168, 17 February 1900, Page 4

DEPARTURE OF NO. 3 CONTINGENT.

AN IMMENSE CONCOURSE.

CHEERING THE DEPARTING SOLDIERS FORMATION OF THE ENCAMPMENT. FOR THE HONOR OF THE FLAG. This afternoon the Third Ne.w Zealand Contingent—:the first band of the Rough Riders —are taking their departure for the Imperial battlefield. They sail from Lyttelton, and we gladly take the opportunity of congratulating our Canterbury neighbors on the consummation of their special movement, and on the patriotic zeal which will cause the name of their province to be lastingly connected with the Third Contingent. Here in Otago, where every man, woman, and child are looking forward with proud eagerness to the despatch of our own Fourth Contingent, it is easy for us to sympathise with the mingled feelings that are thrilling our Northern friends to-day—feelings of gladness and sadness. pride and loving anxiety, strong confidence and the foreboding thought that refuses to be quite banished. But the gladness and the pride and the confidence are uppermost to-day, as they were in October and January, and as they will be on a Ityjkedfor day next month.

Still, while it is right to pay special honor U, Canterbury upon this occasion, we have no wish unduly to emphasise the provincial ncte.' This is primarily a colonial matter, and these are New Zealand Contingents—the Third as the First and Second, the Fourth as the other three—even though the State, as controlled by the Minister of the day, has (as we think) in seme measure fallen short in the performance of its duty. The bulk of Britons at a distance will not draw distinctions between the circumstances of the different companies: to all practical intents they will be the four New Zealand Contingents. And it will be said that New Zealand has done well—that she has worthily and conclusively proved her kinship with “ the blood.” She was the first- colony to send off a contingent, and her heart is still afljme with the desire and the determination to help the harassed Mother in supporting the pillars of the House. What was it that Mr Justice Williams said at Christmastide? “What we want now is reasoned and sustained enthusiasm, a dogged determination, and vigorous action.” The weeks go by. and the people of New Zealand arc still enthusiastic, still determined, still active. Small wonder that the fervor and persistency of the colonics are exciting the grateful admiration of the Empire’s prominent statesmen and soldiers—aye, and exciting the irritation and disgust of the Empire’s foes. The propheev which ‘ Punch ’ placed in the mouth of the British Lion fifteen years ago has como true :

When and how I may have to meet them, My banded foes in a mighty fray, Where I shall have to face—and beat—them,

I know not, but ’twill come some day. And what care I whilst I see around me, Mustering up with a manful noise, The lads who in love-links fresh have bound

me— These whom I look on, ray Boys, my Boys,

Look at them, look at them, gaily trooping Up to the Standard, the old, old flag! Slips of the stock there is no up-cooping, Talking the tongue that no tyrants gag, Like strong young lions to help the old one, Swift of footfall and firm of poise. By Jove! that foeraan will be a bold one

Who’ll face us bonded, my Boys, my Boys! The difficulty (as Lord Ranfurly remarked on Thursday) is not in getting the lions to come forward : it is in deckling as to which of them are to be left behind.

We shall institute no comparisons as to the value of the different contingents; suffice in to say that the Third Contingent are the fellows and equals of the First and Second—■ iictuated by the same high motive, aglow with the same ardent resolve, bound on the same glorious errand. They go, as their predecessors went, to light for the Empire and for Liberty ; they go—all of them—to do their duty ; some of them go, it may be, to tread the dark road which Bradford and Gourley and Connell and Booth have trod before. So ho it; what says Newbolt?— Qui procul bine—the legend’s writ, Tho frontier grave is far away— Qui ante diem perut, Sed miles, aed pro patria! Yes, “ ante diem,” before his time—but

" miles,” as a soldier! —“ pro patria,” for Ins country! On the whole, the Third Contingent go under favorable circumstances. On the one hand, the Imperial situation is still sufficiently grave to give the mark of reality to their high emprise; on the other, the latest intelligence from the scene of war is calculated to cheer the spirits of our departing soldiers. Kimberley has been relieved ! The wearisome and perilous trial of the brave garrison is at an end ; aud, though the happy hour for Ladysmith has still to come, the Empire will now begin to breathe freely. There is every reason to believe that this morning's welcome news represents the beginning of the end. “ Bobs” is marching on to victory! Who can doubt it?—and who can think of being sad? Moreover, our boys who depart to-day arc animated by the knowledge that their brothers of the First Contingent have earned substantial credit, laid received the signal commendation of the Imperial generals and statesmen. To quote the Governor’s pithy lorn ark ; “ The First Contingent have done their duty and made their mark.” On December 15 the general informed the Secretary of State that the New Zealanders were “most steady under hot fire at short range” ; and we know of many a gallant feat and more than one exhibition of cool resourcefulness on the part of Major Robin—our own leal Dunedin soldier—and his brave and ready comrades. Our - best wish for the Third Contingent is that they may follow the example of tbo First.

And so God speed them ! Why should we multiply phrases?-—wiry strain to express the feelings that still elude expression? God speed them to honor and triumph, and finally to that peace for which the-Empirc is paying the heavy price of war! THE ENCAMPMENT. [From Our Special Reporters,] CHRISTCHURCH, February 17. The encampment of the Third Now Zta land Contingent, now named (he “ New Zealand Rongh Riders,” at the Christchurch Show Grounds, and which began on February 3, has borne a unique reputation for discipline among previous New Zealand military camps. The method employed in the selection of the men, though unavoidable under the circumstances, naturally gave a good deal of dissatisfaction. The main facts were that no less thon CFO men of suitable weight and age volunteered for the Canterbury troop, the establishment of which at first only permitted of fifty-six men. Though the establishment was subsequently increased to 118 rank and file, it will be obvious that practically five-sixths of the applicants wore certain to be rejected, and as all claihned their right to come before the Selection Committee and the staff surgeons for examination, and as the men were spread over a very wide area of country, frequent preliminary examinations were necessary, and this meant the constant introduction of recruits among men who had already acquired a fair knowledge of their work. It was noticeable that on the first preliminary selection many city men were preferred to their country fellows, but it was equally evident that when the roll had been thoroughly purged by the application of riding, shooting, apd drilling testa most of the town men would have to stand aside in fivor of those from the back country. There is not a particle of truth in the suggestion made that the (election went by favor ; aqd it may he definitely stated, once and for all, that although owing to the large number of applicants many men were 'rejected who would have been a credit to uny troop in the world, yet the choice was well and carefully made, and it would be hard, indeed, to

pick another 121 such men in the Canterbury province. Discipline prevailed from the very start of the encampment, which was under the command of Lieutenaat-colonel Slater, V.D., the originator of the mounted rifle movement in New Zealand, and a man who has made a hobby of military studies for the past th rt/five years. It is also safe to say that no better drill instructor could have b“en found than Bombardier Coleman, of the Permanent Artillery, who was subsequently appointed camp sergeant-major. He didall the foot drill and manual practically single-handed for the first five days, and after the first five minutes in camp the men had no doubt about who was “ boss.” Though the discipline enforced by Bombardier Coleman war strict from the start, and appeared even harsh to au outsider, it was thoroughly appreciated by the men, who will always work best for a man who does not spare h'mself, and the valuable presentation they made him on the eve of breaking up the camp was not. only a mark of respect, but of gratitude for what they had learned in such a short rime. The arrival on the scene of Staff Sergeant-majors Jones (South Canterbury) and Taylor (Dn .•■lin), who, on their arrival, undertook 100 ioutdrill and musketry instiucu'oo, greatly f mill titled the general teaching, us the smaller tiza of the tqnads made it possible to watch individual men for small mistakes.

But the greatest wonder in connection with the camp waa the excellent work put in a,t great personal trouble and expense by the rfficera and non-coms, of the Canterbury Y’eomanry Cavalry volunteers. Captain Lindsay took charge of the mounted drill throughout, and until Major Jnwsey was appointed to the command,- his efforts were ably seconded by Lieutenant H. D. Buchanan and Sergeant-raej >r G. E Rhodes,, of the same corps. Lieutenant R. Hea’on Rhodes, M.H.R., assumed the whole responsibility of the conduct of the stable lines, and when one considers that at one time there were about'seventy lent horses with their saddles and bridles, and that horses purchased for the troop were daily coming in, it will be easily recognised that, his tusk was no sinecure. Corporals W. E Earnahaw and Parkinson, of the same corps, were also extremely useful in their various capacities—the former having the charge of all the stores and equipments of the Canterbury troop, while the latter acted as convoy guide to all the newcomers and generally “bossed” all the entraining work.

Until a week ago the Contingent camp was practically an encampment of the Canterbury troop alone, but the gradual arrival of the Hokitika, Westport, Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, Taranaki, Hawera, and Wanganui detachments tended to make it more and more a contingent camp. About this lime, too, the word “contingent” began to bo dropped in favor of that of the New Zealand Rough Riders. The men are throughout an exceptionally fine lot of young fellows, and only a very few are not considerably above the average of colonial horseraetL in their riding capabilities. The horses are good throughout, the mounts of the North Islanders allowing a lot of breading, and including such wellknown performers as Blackberry, Orizaba, Daring, a half-brother to Seahorse, Quartz, Jerry, The Druggist, and The Maori. The Canterbury horses, on the other hand, are mainly of the weight carrying class, and are a sound, useful lot. The saddlery fquipment of the Napier men is the best on the ground, nothing but good English leather having been used. The Wanganui and Gisborne stuff is also good. The Canterbury saddleiy ia very fair, with the exception of the wrapping and girths, which are not what they might be. The supply of clothes and requisites for the wen ia more than ample throughout, and the general quality of these ia very good. The camp catering of Mr P. Batke has been first-class throughout, and will long be remembered by the men when they come to exist on biscuit, bouilli beef, r.nd tea.

The public have been lavish in their gifts of choice food and comforts of all kinds for the men, whose general modest demeauor and capacity for learning hove made them prime favorites not only with their instructors, but with the public generally. 'LEAVING_THK camp. An early start was made in camp this morning, as all the kits had to be packed and outside the tent lines by 6.30.* The reveille was sounded at five o'clock, and ( here was no delay in getting to work. There was no difference in the demeanor of lire men from that of an ordinaiy routine day, and but for the linos of kits the idea of the final break-ui) of the camp would never have suggested itself to an ordinary spectator. After breakfast, Regimental Sergeantmajor Walker, who had just, been promoted from color-sergeant, presented Sergeantmajor Rhodes and Corporal Parkinson with riding crops, as marks of the esteem in which

they were held by the Contingent. The troops -were photographed, after which Licutcniint-coloncl Sommemllo addressed the Wanganui men. At 8.50 Colonel Ponton rode on to the parade, escorted by advance and rear guards of (he Canterbury Mounted Rifles. The parade strength consisted of 101 non-commissioned nilictrs and men of the Canterbury troop, under Captain Rose, and 112 rank and file of No. 2 Company,, under Captain Cha-yior. Thirty men of No. 2 Company, under Lieutenant Berry, had been left in Lyttelton on the previous night, in order to attend to the horses on hoard the Knight Templar Colonel Pentou, briefly addressing the Contingent, said that all provincial jealousies must now bo done away with, and they must one and all work together for the good of the Contingent. The officers must ever consider the welfare of the men and horses, a.nd be considerate in their manner of addressing the men, while the men must obey implicitly the orders of their officers, wlio had practically the power of life and death over them while on sendee. If they did this they would be as good as the previous Contingent, which, he was proud to say. had earned New Zealanders the reputation of being the best, scouts among the colonial forces. Ho could only say " God bless you. May you have the best of luck and plenty of fighting, and show the Boers what good soldiers New Zealand can turn out.” The Contingent, escorted by the Canterbury Mounted Rifles, then left the camp gate, led by Colonel Ponton, who, with (he sole exception of the Mounted Rifles, was the only officer on horseback. Lieutenantcolonels Slater and Soinmerrille and Major Wright followed on fool, and inim-diatelr behind them came the New Zealand Rough Riders Contingent, in column of sections, headed by Staff Sergeant-majors ,tones and Taylor, Camp Sergeant-major Coleman directing the right of (he lending section of the Canterbury troop. THE PUBLIC_SEXD-OFF. IN HAGLEY PARK, where the final function in Christchurch took place, extensive preparations had been made. A piece of ground had been enclosed and a platform erected for the accommodation of the dignitaries, the members of the War Fund, and Demonstration Committees, and such invited guests as had received that hoaor. The speakers’ platform provided safety from the crush, and for a massed choir of adults mid children. Of the latter there were over 2,W0, mid they were so arranged that the smaller children were in front of the others in tiers on ris'ng ground. The chilcir-n oirr.e from city schools most!), but there were contingents present from numerous country schools. Each child carried a little flag, and the pretty effect can be imagined. The children, choir, visitors, and Committee had all taken their places by ten o’clock, at which hour the local volunteers, reinforced by detachments from most parts of Canterbury, arrived in the park and tookupiheir positions in the space reserved for them in front rf the speakers’ platform, but leaving a wide opening between themselves and the platform to be occupied by the rough riders, who came on the scene almost immediately after, haviog marched from the camp to the park, their horses having been shipped on board the Knight Templar the previous evening. After the arrival of the Rough Riders His Excellency’s equipage drove up, and the arrival of the Governor was the signal for the ringing by the choir and children of the National Anthem. The Governor, on coning to the front of the platform, was greeted with ringing cheers. He said : “Mr Mayor, ladies, and gentlemen, We aro met together to-day

to bid farewell to the Third Contingent) despatched by the colony to uphold the rights of Great Britain in South Africa. Iu the moment of heartfelt anxiety we feel the utmost pride and pleasure when we see many brave and fine young men, the flower of the land, who are ready —yes, and more than ready—to leave their homes and cross the seas to a distant land ia order to vindicate the honor of England and to champion the cause in the Transvaal of their fellow-subjects. Theitf patriotic action is not without sacrifice both on their part and on that of' their relations and friends, who have to bear the anxiety of their absence.—(Cheers.) We all sympathise deeply with those who have to part with their dear ones, but we must remember that we are all citizens of a great country, and we come of a great race, which has spread itself over a large portion of the world by virtue of its indomitable pluck and endurance. And we must uphold our glorious traditions at any personal sacri« fioe, even to our dearest and our (Cheers.) The generous enthusiasm whiok has equipped and sent out this Contingent is be>ond all praise. It proves that the old British spirit is still present with us, and so long as that spirit animates us England need fear nothing. (Cheers.) That spirit has been abundantly shown already in this war by the valor and endurance of our men and the splendid gallantry of our officers, and how admirably they have displayed the bast qualities'of the soldier is apparent to all.—(Cheers.) This is the first time in history that Canadians, New Z.alanders, Australians) and Cape colonists stand side by side with their comrades of the Imperial troops—one race under one Queen, fighting in freedom’s glorious cause. May the God of their fathers s‘and by them, and give them the victory.— (Continued cheering.) ‘ The Rsd, White, and Blue ’ was sung by the children and choir, after which the Premier spoke as follows : Your Excellency, Indies and gentlemen, and you, soldiers of New Zealand—soldiers of that-vast Empire to which we belong—let me say that I feel proud to have the opportunity to meet you under the existing circumstances of to-day. To-day is one of the proudest moments—one of the proudest experiences that the people of Canterbury ever enjoyed. Little did those who founded the Canterbury' settlement think, when flax was growing here—and I am told that this was a fine wild shooting ground—that in the year of Canterbury's jubilee such a spectacle as is now being witnessed would be possible. There is nothing impossible to the race to which we belong. (Applause ) Y r es, you have here to-day the flower of Westland—(cheers and laughter) and of Canterbury. Y’ou have here from Wanganui, from Taranaki, and from the Buffer district men who are prepared to go and fight for their country as did the heroes who fell at Waterloc—who are prepared to show the world that they can do as their fathers did before thorn. The same blood flows from your veins, and the hittorian of the future will show to the world that there has been no drawback—that yon are as good to-day as thoeo who have gone before you. (The Premier here read telegrams from the mayors of Wanganui, Hokitika, and Westport.) I can only say this : I know that from each and every part of the colony there will be envy because of the opportunity that has been given to those here to-day. His Excel-’ lency briefly referred to the fact in conucct;on with this Contingent, sent to help our Motherland to help in an emergency, U., fc me whole of the iquipmcnt h-,1 been pn - vided by public contribution ; that every expense in connection with it has been defrayed by the patriotic people of the colony. We have shown in this case, nnd without detracting in any way from those who have gone before—l say that from no part of Her Majesty’s dominions has a contingent been sent as you arc sent on this occasion : no cost, to the colony, no coat to the Imperial Exchequer, folly equipped, ardent, and desirous of doing your duty to our Queen and our country, of doing your duty to those who have sent you—sent you as thoir deputies to fight for m r country. The question arises now, Wh.t has led to the present situation? I say io was one of two things, and a case of ohoosing Iho lesser of two evils—war or dishonor. Dishonor? No, we must never suffer that. Dishonor has .never been connected with our race or our nation, and it shall! not be in the emergency I hat has now arisen. Tyranny und oppression wkb on the other side. I say our dc* mands were moderate, that they were placed moderately before the Transvaal Government. The reply was, as you know—watching nnd waiting, tiff weak as they thought they had found us, they embraced the opportunity. Macau a /has said that a traveller from New ZcaUud would stand ou a reined arch of London Bridge and would sketch the ruins of St. Paul’s. But, sir, that time is not yet. When Macaulay spoke thus people little thought that from all coiners of the earth those of our race would bind together as we have done, nod that our Spartan mothers would send their sons und our sweethearts would say to their lads; “Go and fight for your country, and come back, and then wo will take you with honor.” I tell you what I think will como to pass, and that which I hope and pray may happen—namely, the day shall come when our New Zealand troops shall bo at Pretoria, and shall help to hoist, that grand old flag on the forts.--(Cl errs.) 1 say God spend you. You have our sympathy ; you have our good wishes ; and as our representatives we feel you will come back covered with laurels, having earned the respect of the Englishspeaking race. As the Contingent now fighting in the front have done, und as they have been brave and bave.beon steady under fire, ao when you are at the front and iu the thick of the tight, nows will bo again flushed to our colony of th) brave. New Zealanders. (Applause ) May you also bo mentioned iu the despatches; that is my earnest and my heartfelt desire. I ' will say nothing more than that I feel that at the present moment I am speaking to men who are going to do or die. —(Prolonged cheers.)

The Premier shortly after rose again and added : I urn almost sure that when we get the details wc shall find that our New Zealand Contingent have been with General French, and have taken part in the relief of Kimberley.

Upon Mr Seddon’s call, three hearty cheers were hero given for Major Robin and the First Contingent.

‘ Unit-, Britannia ’ having been Fung by llii' massed choir, The Mayor of Christchurch (Mr W. Reece) spoke as follows; 1 luive received from a huge number of the mayors who were invited to be present to-day telegrams regretting their inability to attend. Time will not permit of my reading all their messages to yon, but they one and all unite in desiring me to express their fervent wishes that you may lx* very successful and return safely. I lis Excellency and the Premier have expressed, on behalf of the colony, the groat debt we owe yon. 1 wish (o do so as representing Canterbury. You have shown great courage in volunteering to assist in a work which is now known to be fraught with considerable danger. Courage, in my opinion, is the chiefest virtue. As we worship beauty and purity in a woman, so does oar heartfelt admiration pour forth to the man of courage. It is hard, at & time so close to that in which wc arc wont to wish “ Peace on earth and goodwill to men,” to feel otherwise; hut there is a time to pray and a time to fight—a time in which our manhood asserts itself -and we arise in the nobility of our Anglo-Sifecon blood and insist upon seeing justice done. However Britain may he envied, and perhaps hated, by some, even her enemies have to admit (lie. beneficence of her rule. You are going to a strange land to assist in extending that rule, and may your aid, so eagerly and nobly proffered, help such a desirable end. It is needless to remind you that the eyes of Yew Zealand will he upon you, and our hearts with you. You are the trustees of our good name, and wc confidently leave it in your hands, knowing full well that, whether in camp or on the field, you wilj act your part nobly ; and 1 can only add that ; 1 trust that an all-powerful Providence will" guard and watch over you, and bring you safclv hack to us.

The Right Rev. Dr Grimes, Roman Catholic Bishop of Christchurch, followed. After comparing the present war to the early crusades to the Holy Land, the bishop said that a few months ago a cry reached us from the distent shores of Europe. It told us how the liberty aud rights of those hound to us by

t ties of flesh and blood, or bonds of a common brotherhood, were trampled antler foot. It t®ld nshpw a threat of defiance had been terted is. tfeo face of the Mother Country. Thin by a tyrannical oligarchy, the foe of all trtte civilkattwi «r ■ptifgreai'. 'Flint cry told ns how the gauntlet had been thrown down by a race reckless of truth, unfaithful ti the most solemn promises—a nice described as one subject to alternate fits of lethargic sloth and wild animal-liko courage—ft race as narrow-minded, prejudiced, and fanatical as it is fell of craft and cunning. That cry was taken np by everyone beneath the Southern Cress. But nowhere did it find a more sympathetic response than in the hearts of our young New Zealanders. Like the crusaders of old. it was taken up by a First, then by a Second, and now by a Third Contingent., made np of the noblest and best in this fair land.—(Cheers.l With a "God wills it! Cod wills it-'. God wills it!” they answered io deed ; and in a word : “We too will it; we too are willing—aye, eager, to go to the rescue of our downtrodden brothers or kinsfolk.” Is it not, right and meet that we should be gathered together io our thousands to-day to bid our dear modern crusaders a hearty God-speed? Is it not right that we in our thousands should gather together to congratulate that noble hand on the splendid lesson they are giving the whole world? ‘Have wo not reason to ho proud and grateful to witness an outburst of loyalty and patriotism which receives; its culmination in the send-off of this day? I repeat, an outburst not. merely spasmodic or sentimental, hot an enduring outburst of practical, loyal patriotism unparalleled in the annals of any nation, ancient or modern ; for where or when before was so cheering a sight displayed as that of every colony, even the remotest, rail-ring round their Sovereign and Mother Country in the hour of her own or her children’s distress? Others may marvel thereat.: for us there is no room for

surprise. From the descendants of a noble race we look for ’deeds worthy their noble sires. Ye men of this Canterbury Contingent, like those who have gone before you. yon too arc sons of a valiant, race ; yon will be worthy of their name and their fame, whatever be the accident of your birth, hs it Britain, or Saxon, or Celt. Poes not British blood flow in your veins? Arc you not ready to shed that blood for your Queen and the Mother Country, whence you directly and indirectly receive it?—(Chc*rs.) Wo feel that with men like you the honor of our common country and our Queen is in safe keeping. Brave-hearted Now Zealand Rough Riders, are envy you your solemn, sacred charge. Compelled by circumstances beyond our control to remain behind, wo accompany yon in spirit, in heart, and desire. On? ardent aspirations and most fervent prayers will follow vou too.—(Applause.) Before concluding I would crave your indulgence to utter a. word of warning. It would seem that grave mist,-ikes have been made by others. No less grave may occur. You may have reason to deplore fresh reverses or appalling disasters, but never harbor or

encourage a spirit of criticism, against legitimate authority. Blind obedience is a soldier’s duty, the sole pledge and assurance of success. No matter whether there be present or future reverses, British valor must ultimate!'" triumph and lie victorious. Never he downcast or disheartened. To lose courage or be dismayed is neither English nor brave. The memory of your deeds, together with that of" this" day, will Tong be enshrined in our hearts; they Brave men and true, go forth to defend the outraged rights of your own kith and kin. Go forth, strong in the strength of your calling, and may the God of Armies guard, guide, and defend you. May he make you victorious, and bring you back safe to your homes and the hearts of those who, with the deepest, holiest emotion bid you God-speed, Farewell once more. With mingled feelings of admiration, trustful anxiety, farewell—or rather, “ Sans adieu ! Mais an revorr!”—(Cheers.) Prayer was offered by Bishop Julius, who also pronounced the Benediction, and tho choir—and, in fact the whole crowd—then sang a verse of ‘ God save the Queen. ’ There was a tremendous gathering of people in the Park, and their cheering was something to be remembered. As the troops marched out of tie Domain and took their way by Armagh, Colombo, High, and Manchester streets to the station, the streets WERE LINED MY MASSES OF SPECTATORS all the way to the station, and, while flags, banners, and floral decorations with loyal legends emblazoned at interval", were conspicuous everywhere, every window on tho route, and every commanding position was occupied by people anxious to catch a last glimpse of the plucky fellows who had-come from tho four quarters of the colony to make up this Contingent, and who brought up the rear of the procession, immediately in front of them being His Excellency's carriage, the volunteers leading. The 'Contingent entrained at Christchurch amidst ringing cheers, and

ARRIVED AT LYTTELTON at half-past twelve. At one o’clock they v:gro entertained at luncheon in the drilished, and from two tn three o’clock they spent in saying farewell tn friends and relatives. At three o’clock they fell in again, and marched through London and Oxford streets and along Norwich quay to No. 7 wharf, where the KNIGHT TEMPLAR lay. At 5.30, His Excellency again addressed the Contingent, as did also the Premier a-nd the Mayor, and Bishop Jnlius again offered prayer and pronounced the Benediction. ‘Auld king syne’ was sung by the choir.

A HUGE SUCCESS.

The proceedings were enthusiastic to a degree, the crowd by far the largest* ever gathered together in Canterbury, and" perlect weather and all eh« tended to make the demonstration

A SUCCESS ALL ALONG THE LINE of march. From the camp to Hagley Park, and from the park to the station, the cheering was loud said constant. A very noticeable feature was the

LARGE MUSTER OF VOLUNTEERS, Dot a corps in the whole province having failed to send a contingent. There were men from the far South, while the North Island sent Its quota. The Zealandia Corps, from Wellington, the Wellington College Corps, the Post and Telegraph Corps, and the Civil Service Corps from the same city, with the Kilbirnie corps, were all represented. The Sooth Canterbury battalion mustered almost its full strength, and the Hampden Rifles the Palmerston South Rifles and the Dunedin Highlanders all seat detachments. There were There were pipers also in their various elan tartans. The Canterbury and Dunedin Engineers were also there; so, tco, were the Lyttelton, Dunedin, Wellington, and Cbriatchnroh Artillery Batteries, the Lyttelton, Wellington, and Port Chalmers Navals, and the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry, bsi»ldes several corps of mounted rifles. The ■volunteers were posted at quarter distance, one* at either side of the enclosure, wliile Wto Woelston Garrison, Stanmore Engineers, ®}..Burnham Banda filled the space behind tirt Contingent. The Canterbury Mounted moos formed a guard of honor. The arot the Governor was the signal for a great: outburst of cheering, and when, later «n, ho announced the relief of Kimberley, excitement know no bounds, the

cheering was in one continuous roar, whilst handkerchiefs, and flags were wildiy vavved. Everything was orderly throughout demonstration. There was a complete tSfr’-TOee of rowdyism, and no accident of any kind marred the general enjoyment. VISITORS IGNORED. The Management Committee’s arrau<*emoots worked well, but there were scvcial matters on which improvement could easily hare been made. The absence of the veterans was a dlitinct loss, and when it is known that tbeir absence was entirely due to their being ignored by the Committee, one can easily see how greatly the authorities have blundered. The local Press managed

to be recognised, but visiting Pressmen were absolutely refused any privilege. It was enly through the persistence of the local men that your special was granted admission to the Press table in the park. But beyond that the Committee woold do nothing either for me or anyone else bailing from outside the Cathedral City. Even Mr W. A. Shields, the accredited representative of the

Dunec/in Contingent Committee, whilst being shown all that waa to bo seen at the camp, was not extended the courtesy of beii;g invited to take any part in the send-off proceedings, or to a seat os fas platform or in » drag. The Weatlaodera have been included in Ihd Canterbury troths. MARINE PROCESSION. The troopship hauled off at 5 p.m. The following were the positions occupied by her and the escort steamers : Port Starboard Division. Division. 1. Mararoa Marshall's boat 1. Kototuahana 2. Flora (Waiwera) 2. Hawes 3. F.osamond KNIGHT 3. Wakatu 4. Jane Douglas TEMPLAR 4. John AnderTutanekai son •. ' Yachts and Tug Yachts and boats. boats.