THE IMPERIAL TROOPS.

Evening Star, Issue 11452, 21 January 1901, Page 6

THE IMPERIAL TROOPS.

LONDON, January 20, (Rcceived January 21, at 9.0 a.m.) The Britannic remains in New Zealand from February 2 to 11, reachen Adelaide on the 17th, Fremantle on the 25th, and Southampton on April 5. MELBOURNE, January 21. (Received January 21, ab 9.50 a.m.) The proposal to hold a review of the Ira* perial troops has been abandoned, Colonel Wyndham considering it impracticable. The men will march through the streets on Saturday and Monday next. ARRIVE AT THE SLUFF ON FEBRUARY 2. SPEND SUNDAY IN DUNEDIN. The following telegram was received oa Saturday afternoon by His Worship the Mayor (Mr R. Chisholm) from the Hon. J.. G. Ward, Acting-Premier: " The Britannic is advised to arrive at the Bluff on the 2nd February, and upon the assumption that the steamer keeps to time the troops will arrive in Dunedin by special; trains about 6 p.m..same day, the Britannic coming on to Port Chalmers and arrivine' there on tho evening of the 2nd. The troops will proceed from Dunedin to Christchurch by special trains on the morning of the 4ih. This will, as you will observe, give the troops two nights and one clear day in Dunedin. Would you kindly let me know what arrangements can be made for putting up the men. Roughly speaking, there are 1,000 troops and 50 officers. The officers would require to be accommodated at the best hotels, and the troops billet«d as comfortably and as many together as possible. The citizens of Dunedin need not trouble about horses. This will be ar r ranged for by the Government. I would be glad if you would advise me by wire particulars of such programme as you propose to carry out. It is unnecessary for me to add that, while the Government will he willing to do all in their power to make the visit a pleasant one, it is the local people 'only who can make the reception a great success. x\ll communications upon this matter vou are authorised to wire me free. "J. G. Wasd."

In reply to the above, the Mayor wired, to the Hon. Mr Ward late on Saturday night as follows:

"Hon. J. G. Ward, Wellington. "Your telegram re arrival of BritannK with Imperial troops to hand. Rest assured everything that lies in my power will be done to make the event memorable, and to furnish you as soon as possible with all the information you,, desire. Could have wished another day than Sunday for their stay in our City. Presume time limited makes this imperative. Convinced Dnnedin will rise to the occasion, and make the brief visit of those brave defenders of our Empire pleasant and profitable.

"R. Chisholm, Mayor. 11

The Mayor will be pleased to hear from hotelkeepers and others as soon as possible as to their ability to accommodate from twenty upwards of the troops from their arrival on Saturday to Monday morning.