THE IMPERIAL TROOPS

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 41, 18 February 1901, Page 2

THE IMPERIAL TROOPS

THEIR VISIT TO AUCKLAND. [By Telegraph—Press Association.] Auckland, last night. The Imperial troops received a very hearty reception to-day. Enormous crowds lined the streets, and the men were heartily cheered. Speeches were given by the Mayor and Premier. Mr Seddon has received a cable from Lord Roberts extending the visit of the Imperial troops until Monday or Tuesday. A most successful luncheon was given in the Domain, followed by military sports, at which .£IOO was given in prize money.

The Imperial troops, accompanied by the Hons. Seddon, Ward, and others, left on a short visit to Rotorua early this morning. They are expected back in Auckland to-morrow (Monday) morning.

MESSAGES FROM THE PREMIER

THE INDIAN TROOPS.

TO ARRIVE ON WEDNESDAY.

TROOPS TO LAND ON THURSDAY.

The Hon. J. Carroll last night received a telegram from the Premier stating that the troopship Dalhousio, with the Indian troops on board, will arrive at Gisborne on Wednesday night, and land on Thursday morning. They leave Gisborne on Thursday night, so as to arrive at Napier on Friday morning. “ I hope this will meet with the wishes of the good people of Gisborne,” Mr Seddon remarks in the message. In another telegram Mr Seddon suggests that as tho people cannot offer to entertain the Indian troops as they might do in the case of other troops, one phase of the hospitality might take the form of supplying them with plenty of live poultry, as they will partake of such food when killed by themselves. The Premier telegraphed as follows to His Worship the Mayor last night:— “ Dalhousie, with Indian troops, will arrive Wednesday night, and troops will land on Thursday morning. Leave Gisborne again Thursday night. Feel assured that right good Gisborne welcome will be extended to tho visitors.—R. J. Seddon.”

Colonel A. P. Penton telegraphed as follows to His Worship the Mayor last night:— “ The Indian troops will require fiftytwo horses, including five for officers. Approximate number are myself and one staff officer, three European officers, fifty native officers, fifty non-commissioned officers. The only entertainment you can offer tlie natives is biscuits, fruit, and aerated waters. Colonel Peyton will not accompany troops. The only display they can give is a short march through your town; route on no account to exceed two miles. All local volunteers should turn out. —A. P. Penton.”

The Premier has suggested that if a really good polo pony could be obtained, the Indian troops might give the people of Gisborne an exhibition of feats of horsemanship. Wherever tlie Indians have been they have won very high opinions for the way they have looked after the horses placed in their care. The fact that the races are fixed for Thursday should be a pleasant one for the entertainment committee. The complaint in regard to the troops in some places has been that instead of being given a holiday outing, they have been kept hard at work for the entertainment of spectators. Gisborne people should try and get out of that beaten track. The telegram to the mayor shows what can be given to the troops in the way of eatables- and drink. The troops should land early in the momning, and we would suggest that the morning programme be relieved with a diversion for the afternoon. It is probable that the majority of the Indians are fond of witnessing horseracing, and in that case it would be well to invite them out to the races after the mid-day meal. A meeting of tho reception committee is fixed for 10 this morning.