SEVENTH CONTINGENT.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 78, 9 April 1901, Page 2

SEVENTH CONTINGENT.

THE SEND-OFF. [By Telegraph—Press Association.] Wellington, last night. The fifth troopship to leave Wellington received her complement of men on Saturday afternoon, the members of the Seventh Contingent embarking aboard the steamer Gulf of Taranto. Camp was struck after lunch at Newtown Park, and after the men had been briefly addressed by the Commandant of the Forces the march to the city commenced. On the occasion of previous contingents leaving it has always been observed as a public holiday, but there was no such observance this time. The embarkation was also somewhat robbed of interest as a spectacle by the fact that the volunteer battalion was absent from the city, attending the field manoeuvres, and therefore unable to take part in the proceedings. However, considerable numbers of people gathered along the line of march to give the men a farewell cheer, and two or three thousand people gathered at Jervois Quay, alongside which the transport was berthed. When the contingent arrived at the quay they were drawn up opposite the band rotunda, and addressed by the Mayor, Governor, and Premier. His Excellency expressed the gratification that he felt at again witnessing such a material proof of the colony’s loyalty, and he wished the men a safe return. Mr Seddon, in the course of his remarks, said that the occasion was hardly likely to arise for the necessity of sending another contingent away, but if it should happen that more men were required more would be despatched to the seat of war. He did not believe for one moment that too many had gone. He impressed upon the men to remember that there was work to do, and not to think they were not likely to be required. The men then marched aboard the transport, which cast off from the wharf amidst hearty cheers, and steamed right out to sea. RETURNING TROOPERS. [By Telegraph—Press Association.] Wellington, last night. The Governor has received a cablegram from Capetown, stating that the Tongai-iro left on the 31st March, having on board Colonel Robin, Major Jowsey, Captains Crawshaw, Chaytor, Bourne, Veterinary Captain_ McEachran, Surgeon-Captain Craig, Lieutenants Boss, Lubb, Somerville, Blair, Kelsall, Fitzlierbert, liallet, Lowin, and 291 men of the various New Zealand corps, and eight men of the South African Irregulars.