THE ORIENT'S CONTINGENT.

Evening Star, Issue 11451, 19 January 1901, Page 6

THE ORIENT'S CONTINGENT.

PREPARING FOR THE RECEPTION. EVERYTHING PROMISES WELL. A meeting of the Organising Committee, presided- over by the Mayor (Mr R. Chisholm), was held at the. Town Hall yesterday. There were present—Messrs H. Bell, J. F. Arnold, M.H.R.. J. H. Hosking, C. R. Smith, G. L. Denniston, M. Cohen, A. M. Loasby, C. Speight, J. Hutchison, J. F. Kirby, W r . Law. J. A. Park, H. C. Campbell, and Captain Mitchell. An apology was made for the absence of Mr Hazlett. The Naval Band intimated that although not prepared to pledge themselves, they would do all they could to make the reception a success. It was stated that the Citizens’ Band would attend the demonstration. The Mayor said that as far as the arrival of the steamer was concerned no official information had been received beyond the acknowledgment of the last telegram, and a statement that full information would be sent next morning.—Mr Cohen said he h*d received information that there were 163 men and four officers on board. The Mayor read the following telegram that he had received from the Acting-Pre-mier “ The. Admiral has consented to give instructions to have the Mildura at Port Chalmers to welcome the returning troopers on the 23rd.” The Mayor of Port Chalmers had received the following message : —“ Mddura wall arrive Port Chalmers afternoon 21st. Will bo glad to co-operate reception. Please let me know early what you would like ur, to do.” The Mayor of Port Chalmers had replied that the men would head the procession, and proceed to Dunedin with the troops. —Mr Cohen suggested that the captain of the Mildura be asked to allow the same body who joined in the Port Chalmers demonstration to head the Dunedin procession with one of the quickfiring guns.—Suggestion approved. It was resolved that the Committee a-’k the Acting-Defence Minister to hold oyer till after the completion of the reception ceremonies the inspection by Colonel Webb of the returned men, in the event of the Orient reaching Port Chalmers on Wednesday morning.—lt was also decided that the Mayor request Colonel Webb to call nut the city and suburban volunteers and the mounted corps throughout Otago.—-Mr Orbell telegraphed that he expected to get forty men and horses to come down from Waiktmaiti and Seacliff. The Union Steam Ship Company have received a cable from Captain Kershaw, R.NIR., of the Orient, stating that the troopship would arrive at Port Chalmers at six o’clock on Wednesday morning. Many of our city business firms are preparing their premises for the illumination of the City on Wednesday evening. The Port Chalmers Band advise that they will have pleasure in giving their services on Wednesday. The secretary of the Organising Committee reports that Messrs Brown, Ewing, and Co. have agreed to supply the leather tags which are needed to be put on all saddles and bridles. THE RELIGIOUS SERVICE. It is found that the musical part of the religious service arranged for the reception of the troopers who were expected bv the Harlech Castle cannot be carried out on the arrival of the Orient, owing to the holidays having scattered the Choral Society, and also made it difficult to get a meeting of -church choirs. The short service which will begin the proceedings at Forbury Park will be as follows:—The singing of the Hundredth Psalm, in which all are expected to join ; the reading of the 46th Psalm ; prayer ; the singing of the doxology, 1 Praise God from Whom all blessings flow’: and the benediction. This service, in which the proceedings will suitably begin with the recognition of God, will occupy a little over a quarter of an hour. PATRIOTIC CONCERT AT PORT CHALMERS. A concert for raising funds to welcome the returned troopers by the Orient was given in the Garrison Hall, Port Chalmers, last evening. The hall was full, and the programme an excellent one. Messrs Ibbotson and Moss sang ‘The larboard watch,’ Mr J. Jacjo ‘Sons of New Zealand.’ and in response to an encore ‘ The Empire boys.’ Mr Moss sang ‘ The King’s courier.’ and Mr J. Cashman recited ‘ The man from the Snowy River,’ for which he was encored, and in response gave ‘The Dutchman’s mistake.’ Mr P. Denton sang ‘ Summer showers ’ and ‘ I love her.’ Mr Rivers gave A tale of a tramp ’ and ‘ The new curate.' Mr Ibbotson gave the patriotic song ‘ A-lighting we must go,’ Mr J. M‘Connell gave a cornet solo, and during the interval the band played selections. The second part commenced with Mr Jago singing ‘ Love and bravery. Mr Rivers gave imitations of popular actors. Mr Moss sang ‘ Only once more,’ Mr Denton ‘Good news,’ and in response to an encore ‘ Pretty Sally.’ Mr Blaskett recited ‘ Christmas in the workhouse,’ Mr Ibbotson sang ‘ The old brigade,’ and Mr De Mans told ‘The story of the Union S.S. Co.’ His Worship then, on behalf of the Committee thanked the gentlemen who had assisted, and those who had attended.