Returning New Zealanders.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 19, 24 January 1901, Page 3

Returning New Zealanders.

[dv telegram—rnEss association.]

' Dunedin, last night. The steamer Orient left to-night with the northern sections of the returning members of the New Zealand Contingents.. The sad news of the death of the Queen put an end to oven a modified programme for the reception of the returning, soldiers, from the various contingents. The Orient did not catch the morning tide, and remains outside the heads. The Tutanekai, with the Hon. J. G. Ward on board, went alongside, and just as the returning men were about to be welcomed, the Hags on the pilot station were all taken down, leaving the Union Jack, flying at half-mast. The significance of this was at once apparent, and all but the invalids were quietly embarked on the Tutanekai, which steamed up to Dunedin without calling at the port, . where, elaborate preparations had been made ; for. their welcome. The streets of Dunedin were crowded from an early hour. Here also the dropping of flags to half-mast was the first intimation of the death of the Queen, which became the all-absorbing subject. The crowd knew nothing as to which portion of the programme had been dropped. There was a rush to the whayveswben it was known the men were coming by steamer. On the troopers landing they were taken by the shortest route to the Agricultural Hall for luncheon. The Mayor made a brief speech, and the Hon. Mr Ward, after referring in feeling terms to the death of the Queen, and the glories of her reign, gave a cordial welcome to the men returning from the war, speaking of the services they had rendered. On the call of the Mayor the soldiers and a large 'crowd in the hall stood up for a few minutes as a mark of respect to the Queen. The men then dispersed among friends, and proceeded by train to the port, where they re-embarked on the Orient, which left for Wellington, the non. Mr Ward going with her.