THE SIXTH CONTINGENT.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 26, 31 January 1901, Page 2

THE SIXTH CONTINGENT.

THE GISBORNE BOYS. REMEMBRANCES TO DEAR OLD GISBORNE. (Special to the Times.) Auckland, last night. The s.s. Cornwall, with the southern aud Gisborne portion of the Sixth Contingent, arrived from Wellington at 11.30 last night. The men were delighted to get ashore off duty this morning, and showed their delight in a rousing cheer. In conversing with the members of the Gisborne section they state that all are well, with the exception of Trooper Buslinell, who has suffered severely from the effects of sea-sickness, and has been under the doctor’s care. Trooper Bushneli tells me that the few hours ashore has restored him to his usual health. The Auckland company speak hi glowing terms of their drill instructor, Sergt.Major Crespin (late of the 21st Loncers), who recently paid his official visit to Gisborne. Under this popular Sergt.-Major’s able tuition, he has now taught the men to become smart and active soldiers. The contingent marched front the drillslied, and at 4.80 reached the Railway Wharf, where the Cornwall was berthed. By this time the crowd had grown to immense proportions, and all the wharves and surroundings were a living mass of humanity. The last farewell moments was a time of affecting scenes, as comrade, mother or sister seized the opportunity for a farewell or two. Troopors Hurrcy (2), Moore, Fraser, and De Lautour, of Gisborne, were on leave to-day, and did not join in the march from the drill-shed. To Trooper Sheet I heard among the farewells, “ Good-bye, Ernie,” to which the popular Trooper Sheet responded “ Good-bye, old fellow; remember me to one and all my friends in Gisborne.” All the Gisborne section wish, through the Times, to be remembered to all in dear old Gisborne.

MESSAGES FROM GOVERNOR AND PREMIER. “ 'WILL WORTHILY UPHOLD THE DIGNITY OF THE KING.” [By Telegraph—Press Association.] Auckland, last night. The Auckland section of the Sixth Contingent received an enthusiastic farewell to-day, though owing to the Queen’s death the ceremony was practically curtailed to a few speeches in the vicinity of the drill shed. Though it was not a holiday an enormous crowd gathered in this neighbourhood, and the whole line of the inarch was witnessed by a vast number of spectators, and the troops were heartily cheered as they passed along. The crowd was most orderly and good humored. The Southern section met the Aucklanders at the drillshed. The speakers were the Hon. J. McGowan, the Mayor (Mr D. Goldie), and Rabbi Goldstein (secretary of the Send-off Committee). All spoke in patriotic terms, sympathetic reference being made to the death of the Queen, owing to which sad event much of the original programme for the send-off had been abandoned, Mr McGowan read the following telegram from the Governor:—“On the eve of your departure for South Africa to serve His Majesty, I pray that the Almighty may grant you a safe passage, a successful mission, and a happy return. I feel sure that the Sixth Contingent will ever uphold the dignity of the King and the honor of the Empire. Our eyes will be on your movements, and our Hearts on your success.” ' The Premier cabled as follows :—“ Convey to the officers and men of the parting contingent my hearty and sincere' good wishes for their welfare. I feel sure they will acquit themselves in the manner worthily done by those of our contingents who are now in South Africa, and bring home laurels to our colony. Give them my best wishes, and wish them Godspeed.” The ceremony closed with the National Anthem, and hearty cheers were given for the contingents. The men embarked at about 5 p.m., the Cornwall being followed down the harbor by a number of yachts and other vessels.

AN UNLUCKY TROOPER. FELL DOWN STAIRS. [By Telegraph—Press Association.] Auckland, last night. Trooper O’Sullivan, a Southern member of the Sixth Contingent, fell down stairs at an hotel through his spurs catching. He hurt his back, which had previously been injured. Ho was sent to the hospital, and had to bo left behind.