THE FOURTH CONTINGENT.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CIII, Issue 12160, 26 March 1900, Page 3

THE FOURTH CONTINGENT.

DEPARTURE FROM DUNEDIN. DISPLAY OF GREAT ENTHUSIASM; [Peu Pbess Association.] DUNEDIN, March 25. The send-off to the Fourth Contingent and the Otago Company of the Fifth Conj tingent was enthusiastic and. successful to [ a degree." The rain, .which f elf" on Friday, I cleared off, and the day was fine, though dull, the atmosphere being thus cool enough to make a certain amount of marching a pleasure. The: ground underfoot," both at the oval and th'e'.pbr.t recreation ground was decidedly soft, ;.'ax(d.-mud was not unknown at the'wharves... 'lt was evident to those who knew the : ;hature of ;the work on Friday, that 1 the Gy'meric could not be got ready in time. The Premier, however, was confident that a night's work would permit of the horses being taken on board and a start made down the harbour, but his anticipations were not realised. The horses could not be taken on board, and the Auckland arid Wellington sections of the Fourth, and the Otago section of the Fifth, did not get away, though a start was expected to be made on Sunday. A slight drawback to those ..who saw the demonstration through was the'length of time the proceedings extended over. The ■ Moura and Te Anau accompanied the troopship Monowai outside the Heads. The Te Anau did not get back to Dunedin till after ten, while it was eleven before, the, Moura made fast to the wharf. It was difficult to estimate the ] number of .a crowd spread over a mile or I so'of street, .but it wa's-believed that fully 40,000 persons witnessed the procession. Proceedings at; the camps commenced at an early hour, and by nine o'clock everything was packed up. A little later the ," Fighting.Fifth."arrived, at Fprbury under. Captain Jackson, with. Lieutenants Ross and Macpherson. The Premier arrived and made an informal inspection of the Fifth. He remarked that he believed that there would be plenty of work for them to do in South Africa. He was cheered, and having had a look at the Fourth and bade good-bye to the Westland Colonel Collins gave the order to. fall in, and Colonel Penton and his staff, with Colonel Webb, having inspected the men, the commandant briefly addressed them. They were, he said, going away as colonial volunteers. When they landed in South Africa they would no longer be volunteers, but soldiers. It was a thing for them to be proud of that they were going to assist in keeping the flag flying. lie had no doubt that they would conduct themselves as soldiers of the Queen. He hoped that they would get some fighting, and thought that they would. So far as he could see, they were a lot of men that any officer might be proud to be connected with. He desired to impress on the officers the desirableness of not being too harsh with the men. Many of them did not have a volunteer training, but they would soon come to understand army work, and he had no doubt that they would do credit to themselves and their | country. .He concluded with " God bless j you, boys." The procession then started in the following order:—Colonel Webb and staff, Garrison Band, Dunedin Navals, North Otago Rifles, Southern Band, Clutha Mounted Rifles, South Canterbury Mounted Rifles, Southland Mounted Rifles, B Battery, Gore Band, Dunedin Engineers, Milton Band, Cycle Corps, Dunedin City Guards, Mosgiel Band, North Dunedin Rifles, East Taieri Rifles, Dunedin Pipe Band, Dunedin Highland .- Rifles,. Wyndham Band, Kaitangata Rifles, Kaikorai Band, City Rifles, Dunedin Rifles (Burts), Bearer Corps, Invercargill Garrison Band, Oamaru Garrison Band, Queenstown Band, . Invercargill City Guards, Oreti Rifles, Queen's (Oamaru) Rifles, Dunedin Navals Band, Bluff Navals, Awarua Rifles, Oamaru Rifles, Bluff Band, Gore Rifles, Palmerston Rifles, Invercargill City Guards Band, Port Guards, Port Chalmers Navals, Ashburton Rifles, Geraldine Rifles, Temuka Rifles, Waimate Rifles, Industrial School Band, High School Cadets, Industrial School Cadets, Southland Pipe Band, North-East Valley Band, Colonel Penton and staff heading the Fourth Contingent, Citizens Band, Fifth Contingent.

At the Oval a prolonged cheer announced the arrival of the head of the procession, and Lieutenant-Colonel Webb, with his staff, rode on to the ground, followed by volunteers and the men of the Fourth and Fifth Contingents. Their reception was enthusiastic. Meantime the Governor and Lady Ranfurly, the Premier, the Hon J. M'Kenzie, the Hon J. G. Ward, and the members of the Organising Committee arrived on the ground, the Governor being received with the usual honours and the singing of the National Anthem. On the Oval the Organising Committee had erected a semi-circle of stands. One was devoted to a, strong choir of school children, each pro* vidsd with a red, white or blue flag, the intermingling of colours with the children's dresses presenting quite a taking sight. The second stand was devoted to friends of the contingents, each man receiving three tickets, so that friends or relatives could see him in comfort. The third stand was set apart for the Governor and suite. Ministers, the Mayor, the Organising 'Committee, tha Moderator of the Presbyterian Synod, and Bishop Neville. In front of this was a long platform erected for the contingent. Here they were drawn up in companies, facing the Governor. The Rev W. Bannerman, moderator of the Presbyterian Synod, opened the proceedings by prayer. The Mayor (Mr R. Chisholm) then introduced Lord Ranfurly, who was received with enthusiasm. His Excellency said that as her 'Majesty's representative he was pleased at being present to witness the enthusiastic loyalty of this portion of the colony and wish the men God-speed. Since they had said farewell to the last contingent great events had come to pass, events that would live in history to the lasting honour of the British cause.(Cheers). The whole aspect of the war had been altered, and the grave anxiety which had weighed so heavily for five long months had riven place to hopes which, though darkened, had never been extinguished. (Cheers). Perhaps we did not realise the magnitude of the crisis through which we were passing, but doubtless those who- followed would look back on 1900 as the dawn of a, new and glorious era, the throe birth of the British Empire, for had not the splendid unanimitv of the Anglo-Saxon race been the wonder and consternation ot the civilised world. They might even look forward to the day when not only England and her colonies'would be welded into one great federation, but when our brethren ot the United States would stand beside us as one therefore whatever losses might have been suffered they need not regret them Th°v had been of inestimable benefit, and they must endeavour to forget personal sorrow for the good of their country. (Cheeis). Thank God they had been true to their traditions. He felt these men before him would not fall short of expectations, but would prove themselves as resolute, as steady,, as cheerful and as enduring as any of those who had.preceded them He should watch their actions, he concluded with interest, and we wished them good luck and a safe return. . .. . , , , The Premier, who was received with loun cheers said that that day was the greatest day in the history of Otoffo. She had a bririit history oil acknowledged, but those vfho founded the province little thought that iust after the completion of the jubilee, there should be such a glorious gathering, or that the object would be so momentous in tho historv of the glorious Empire to which they belonged. There was a tinge of sad-net-s. How much would they have liked it if James Maeandrew had lived to see rho sight (cheers), if Dr Burns, or the beloved Dr Stuart had lived to say a prayer that day? After referring to the events which led to the formation' of the Contingent the

Premier said that as a result of the noble .response to the call they ,had before them a;body of men unsurpassed in any :.part of the world going to the. front/, they had blending.of Saxon and Celt, they.had before them the same material as fell at Magersfontein. Otago felt proud that the commander of the First Contingent was an Otago boy, Major Robin. Given opportunities they had Major Robins all over the colony. (Cheers). Great Empires had existed and fallen because their foundation was not sound. The foundation of the British Empire was higher civilisation, the good of humanity, freedom and justice. As representatives of the colony ho felt sine that the men would do credit to the colony, and help to promote freedom, which was liberty, justice, and equality. He expressed a hope that before the men left news woidd be flashed through the wires that Mafeking had been relieved. He continued: —Since the last contingent was sent away you have had the relief of Ladysmith, you have -had the surrender of Cronje, you have noticed by the Press, the disorganisa- ! tion that exists, but don't go away thinking that this war is over. There will be work for you, take my word for it, and be prepared.. (Applause, and a voice, " and they .will do it.") You are a tower of strength to those in the dear old Mother Land. You have noticed how our kindred at Home are cheered by what we are doing in the colonies. It was said that the colonies would be a weakness to the Mother Land, but it has now been demonstrated that instead of being a weakness we are a power. We have shown to those inimical to our Empire that to touch the Mother Country they touch the whole of her sons and daughters, no mutter in what part of the world they may be. (Cheers). Yes, I feel satisfied of that. After careful consideration the Imperial Government have offered thirty commissions in the British Army to our colonials. They know what has been done by the representatives we have at the front already, and with a sprinkling of the colonials as officers and with colonial regiments in the British Army, and that is coming, why then we can again prove to the world that.we are of the Empire and must be reckoned with. (Cheers). I will say nothing more than to wish you. bon voyage. I wish you every success. This morning, visiting you at the camp, every man said he was fit. You did not requiie to tell me that, nor did you require to tell ma how very anxious you ware to get away, and' as you are anxious to get away, and ws are anxious for you to get to the front and do your duty, as we believe you will do and add further lustre to our colonies, I wish you every good luck, I wish you God speed, and a safe return. (Loud cheers). The Mayor, Mr R. Chisholm, said that time and tide waited for no man, and as Colonel Penton informed him that the troops must be away very soon, he would content himself by saying that we are full of hope that while our noble boys are going to fight they will live to fight on till victory crowns their efforts, and the grand old flag floats over Pretoria. (Enthusiastic cheering).

The New Zealand Anthem was then sung by the children.

The Hon J. G. Ward who, on rising, was received with cheers, spoke as follows: " At the first blush of the troubles in South Africa it was never contemplated for a moment by the most far-seeing of Statesmen that their effect upon the conditions under which we have for so many years been accustomed to lira would have been of so farreaching a nature. Looking back at the history of the troubles that have characterised the conduct of affairs in South Africa, it becomes apparent that the men who lave been guiding the destinies of the Boers had made up their minds to pick a quarrel with Great Britain when opportunity suited, and that they relied upon such extraneous aid being given them by Continental Powers when they asked for it as would assist them in making such terms as they believed to be best-suited to their circumstances. In the natural course of events it necessarily follows that all the older countries must have been, during the centuries that have passed, accumulating grievances against each other, but on the whole it will be admitted that the greatest rival of them all, and the nation of whom they have been most jealous, ' has been Great Britain, and in consequence of this their hands have been more or 'ess against our land. , The one thing that has deterred them from open hostility has been their knowledge of the determination of Britons for the conservation and protection of their Empire, and to resist to the last every effort made to circumvent or overthrow it. No doubt a man like Krugcr would reason, and probably believe, that the Avar in South Africa would bring about something on the following lines:—'lf any of the great Powers could be got to take advantage of any critical circumstances in the affairs of our Empire to quarrel with us, then he would indirectly receive the benefit of their men, their money, and the advantages of organisations they possess in their standing armies.' At the inception of the trouble, it is quite evident that his scheme tended in this direction. We find that arch-conspirator, Dr Leyds, sent to suborn the Continental Press, and that every effort was made to rouse national prejudices and to create feelings of, active hostility against the British Empire. That this was in Kruger's mind is further evinced by the fact that he appealed to that great and po\verful nation, America. There is no doubt he thought that with a cosmopolitan population like that which has flowed into the United States during the last ninety years, disunion in the Anks of the masses might, through political channels, have brought pressure upon the Administration of the day, and induced them to assist him by urging a temporising policy upon the Imperial Government. We have evidence of the fact through our cable intelligence that he appealed to America, but happily in vain. (Prolonged cheers. ) We know, also, as the head of the British Government has told 'the world, that this war was not of our seeking, but that it was forced upon us in the interests of the British subjects who have been groaning under the iniquitous laws existing' for so long in South Africa. He has alro told the world that the British Empire will tolerate no interference 'by any outside Power in any course which Britain may take when the final victory crowns our arms, and concinest is the reward of the blood we have shed and the live-s we have expended to uphold the prestige of the British Empire. We in these lands have lived under the very best conditions constitutionally, and the free peoples of these ' fortunate isles' would never have borne the yoke that has been placed round the neck of our brothers and sisters in Africa. The position would h:ive been nr. intolerable one, and would have been fought against and resisted to the bitter end. Fow anyone who has had these inestimable blessings and benefits conferred unon him can for a moment side with the Boers of South Africa is one of those inexplicable enigmas that it is impossible to find a solution of. How gladly had the positions been reversed, would we have welcomed assistance to enable ns to shake-off the galling yoke, and surely we can conceive the jov that has. been' felt by our kin in South Africa when they found not oiilv England coming to their aid. but also that in *he young cubs of the old lion they found men of the same colour and same flesh and blood as themselves ready to provide the means to cross the ocean, and to lay down their lives in assisting them to obtain freedom for themselves and their wives and children, similar to that which we enjoy. I hnvo from the. first firmly believed that this war was an inevitable one, that the Boers had made up their minds to fisht, with a view to obtaining the independence of their territory and its complete control, nnd that they relied on obtaining the arista yep. of outside nations to force the hand of Ergland into accepting such conditions as Kruger and his associates might desire. You men who are now going forward to join your brothers, and to assist them to solve* this problem in such a way as will bo a credit to the best traditions of tb« British Empire, hayft a

great responsibility imposed on you ; and it is unnecessary for mo to add to the eulogisms which the gentlemen who have preceded mo have uttered so far as your bravery is concerned. Of that we are all fully assured, and I have every confidence that in this respect you will not be behind your predecessors. You are assisting in the making of history ; you are helping to unravel the threads of trickery, deceit and diplomatic combinations of man who have laid themselves out, in season and out of season, to bring confusion on our country, if it were in their power. The present war will, I am sure, be the means, of changing the whole attitude of the opposing countries to Great Britain. That, change will be largely effected by the evidence which has j been given in so tangible a manner by Britishers all the world ever, their desire to take a share in the nation's responsibilities, and to help to bear its troubles as well as to participate in its joys, pleasures and progress. This great change will thrust on the statesmen who arecontrolling the destinies of the Empire duties that hitherto have not" presented themselves, and it will also thrust on the people and statesmen of AusI tralia, New Zealand, Canada and Natal, and the other self-governing countries that will hereafter exist in South. Africa., duties and responsibilities which they have nothad previously to sustain. _ The ramification and extensions of the British Empire will be so vast that some improvement will have to take place en the old manner of administering its affairs. It is not, of course, for me to venture to suggest to the men of wisdom controlling the destinies of the Em- ■ pire what course the alterations should take, but I do say that the people p.f the colonies will not be satisfied unless some recognition of them is made in a practical and not merely a nominal way, so that our people's views may be heard through their representative in the Imperial Parliament of Great Britain and its dependencies. While we legislate for our own people in cur own way, and would jealously guard against any interference in our internal affairs, still we realise that we are sharing the responsibilities of the Empire, and it is only just that we should have some voice in the management of that Empire. You men now before me, will be factors in helping to bring this about, and therefore I think I am justified in saying that the outcome of your work will be far greater than might at first blush appear. However, your first work is to do your duty faithfully as soldiers of our Queen, but no man, even though gifted with the great powers of prescience, can possibly say what will be the final result of the efforts yourselves and the brave men who are now"fight-ing in Africa. But that those efforts must be for the advancement, for the expansion, and for the well-being of the peoples throughout that vast territory will, I am sure, be generally recognised. Every man of us is, of course, proud of the gallant deeds that have been enacted by our soldiers in Africa, and the names of" Roberts, White, Buller, Baden-Powell, Wauchope, Hector M'Donald, Kitchener, Kelly-Kenny and Clery will never be forgotten so long as the records of our national history last. (Great cheering.) And the people of this young country will never allow to fade from their annals the names of Robin, Cradock, Jowsey, Francis, Madocks, and other officers under them, while the individual deeds of heroism of men of the contingents will be the theme of admiration for all time. The bonds of sympathy between us and our kin in South Africa have been drawn closer together bv the fact that some of New Zealand's sons lie resting peacefully under its soil. Bradford, Connell, Gourley, Booth and Neave have'not, however, fought and died in vain, for by their noble deaths our country has been drawn more closely to the Motherland than was ever contemplated by the most sanguine man who dreamed of a union of hearts and homes across the seas. Men of the Fourth and Fifth Contingents, I wish you ' God-speed,' and earnestly .hope that good luck .and prosperity may attend you, and that after your work is done you will return fit and well to the land "which is now paying its tribute of respect to you before you leave for distant shores." (Prolonged cheers). Mr T. W. Kempt-home, chairman of the Organising Committee, said that it was a pleasant thing to see the children rallying round the dear old revered mother.. On behalf of the Organising Committee lie wished to thank the men for their enrolment, to bid them goodbye, avid to hope that the God of Battles might keep them in his care. {Cheers).

"The Red, White and Blue" was sung by the children, after which hearty cheers were given for his Excellency, Major Francis and the Contingent, the Organising Committee, Major Robin, and the "boys" at the front and the girls left behind. The Contingent responded by giving hearty cheers, and also shouting their war cry. _ Bishop Neville then pronounced a specially composed benediction. The children's choir having sung " God of Nations at Thy Feet "more cheers were given. While the procession was being re? formed friends of the Contingents were able to say a few words of farewell to the men. The time allowed was very brief, as headed by a band of Blue Jackets from H.M.S. Pylades, the men were soon on the move, and company after company swung into line without "a moment's interval. In a few minutes the procession was on its way to the wharf. The route was along Princess Street, as far as the Octagon, circling round four sides of the Octagon, past the Town Hall, down Stuart Street, into Cumberland Street, turning into High Street, down Rattray. Street to'Vogel Street, and across the railway by the overbridge, down to the wharf. The procession, composed entirely of volunteers, bands, a small body of veterans, the Governor's, and three other carriages, and the men of both Contingents, was about three-quarters of a mile in length. Just as the. front reached Dr Stuart's monument the last of the Contingent was passing the Stock Exchange, so that it thus formed almost an oblong square. Arrived alongside the steamers the work of embarking the contingents and the public was expeditiously carried out. Except those -who had tickets for the steamers the public were excluded from, the portion of the wharf where the steamers were lying. All along the line of route from the oval to the wharf the streets were lined by a crowd which must have numbered 40,000. Every window was occupied, while on the roofs commanding a good view, there were swarms of people. The position of many appeared to be .somewhat precarious, but fortunately no accident occurred. There was a good display of bunting, especially in the way of the small flags, which have become so popular, and hundreds of spectators carried and waved similar flags. Mottoes, good wishes, etc, abounded on shops and warehouses. Streams of flags were shown right -across the street in several places, but beyond these no attempt had been made to decorate premises. The enthusiasm of the spectators was unbounded, and the Rough Riders will have no reason to complain of the send off they received. Cheers greeted the Blue Jackets from the Pylades with their gun, and this was kept up with more or less vigour as each company was recognised, but -when the mtii of the Contingent came into sight the cheering was deafening, and hearty what is usually heard. Men, women and children joined in, handkerchiefs and flags were fluttered, clapping of hands was indulged in, and there were various other kinds of demonstration.

As soon as the men were embarked on the steamers, a start was made for Port Chalmers. The port was gaily decorated. Three triumphal arches were erected in the main street, and the shops were decorated with bunting, evergreens, mottoes and devices. Altogether Port Chalmers did credit to itself, and everything being compact, was seen to advantage. There was considerable delay in getting same of the steamers to the wharf, but the crowd which lined the streets bore it all good-humouredly. Meantime train after train from Dunediii was bringing loads of visitors, and when at last the "contingent were landed, there, must, have been from iiftcen to twenty thousand persons in the streets, on the Recreation Ground and on the hills which overlook it, the latter being simply alive and a mass of colour, the ladies' dresses showing out

[against the background of foliage. ArI rived at the Recreation Ground, the conI tingent were drawn up, and brief addresses I were riven, the programme being curtailed. I The Mayor (Mr De Maus) welcomed the 1 Governor, volunteers and contingent on behalf of the citizens of Port Chalmers, and called on Lord Ranfurly to address the contingent. .His Excellency, in bidding the contingent a final farewell, said that he had only to rive them one word of advice. They should remember that the first duty of a soldier was unquestionably obedience. Witnout that, there could be no success to inexperienced and untrained men. Obey the officers implicitly, trusting them entirely, for a British officer had never yet. failed his men in the hour of danger. (Cheers.) He hoped that they would distinguish themselves personally and.as a,body,..-and .that before long another Victoria Cross would, be won by a New Zealander, and that we would welcome them back in safety, having been a credit to this colony, and having added to the'glory of the great Empire to which they belonged. He concluded: "May the Almighty, without- whdm there can be ho success, watch over you and give you victory." ' The Premier said that the Governor desired to be introduced to the officers. His Excellency and Lady Ranfurly were then introduced' to the officers, and heartily shook each one by the hand. The Premier then presented Major Francis and the other officers with their commis-

sions. . The Premier, who was received witn cheers,- said he had little to add to what he had expressed at Dunedin a short time before He knew that they did not want speech-making at that time. It was the desire of all to make their last moments on shore as pleasant as possible. From what he had witnessed from Auckland to the Bluff, at the various send-offs, the volunteers \vho had come to bid their.comrades rrood-bye and wish them God-speed, would say heVas a craven coward who said there was any danger to the colony which hadsuch fighting material. (Cheers.) They: had sent some 1500 men away, .and there, was evidence, before them that if they wanted 5000 well-trained men they would go as cheerfully to the Gape as the men now before them. (Cheers.) He would always have a special interest in the Fourth Contingent. They all. knew the reason. He hacl never asked any man to do or dare Tvhat he would not do himself. (Cheers.), He thought the men before him would prove worthy sows of this fair land, and would give an account of themselves that would redound to their credit and that of our colony. (Cheers.) Once more he wished them" a pleasant voyage, the greatest of all blessings, good health, and further wished that they would have an opportunity of crushing those who for years had conspired against the Empire, against good government, against justice, and against freedom. (Cheers.) On the call of the Mayer, three cheers were heartily given for the Premier. Three cheer were given for the contingent, and, in response to the call of the Premier, three cheers were given for the volunteers .who had come from all parts of the colony to see the contingents off. The procession then re-formed and proceeded to the Garrison Hall, where the men had some tea. They afterwards proceeded to the George Street Pier, where the men were embarked on the Monowai and some, on the Gymeric. An immense crowd srataered on the wharf, and there was. much, difficulty in preventing friends of the troopers from rushing the gangway to take a last farewell. Some very pathetic scenes followed as fathers, mothers, sisters and sweethearts said farewell to their relatives, in the contingent. A number of patriotic songs were given by the crowd. The contingent on the Monowai lined alongside.of the vessel and sang; "Auld Lang Syne." At six o'clock the Monowai steamed away amidst tremendous cheering and waving of handkerchiefs. She was accompanied to the \ Heads by the Moura, Wanaki, To Anau, KoTiiuiii." and other steamers. The following rifle corps from Canterbury were represented: Christchurch City Guards, Captain Bishop and 31 men; Christchurch City Rifles, Captain Oakes and 22 men ; Kaiapoi, Captain Papperill and 16 men; Rnngiora Binds, Lieutenant D .-luvergne and 29 men ; Christchurch Imperial Rifles, Sergeant Cowper and 29 men ;. Sydenham Rifles, Lieutenant Miller and 27 men ; Linwood Rifles, Lieutenant Johnson and 32 men; Christchurch Cyclist Corps, Lieutenant Finnis and 13 men : Medical Staff Corps, Surgeon-Captain Parsons and 15 men ; Timaru City Rifles, Captain J. L. Gillies and 30 men; Timaru Rifles, Sergeant Higgins and 20 men; Temiika Rifles, Captain Richardson, Geraldine. Rifles, Captain. Montgomery, about 25 men each; Waimate Rifles, 30 ; Ashburton Rifles, 35; E. Company Oamaru Rifles, Captain Rice, 36; total, 365. Ellesmere Mounted Rifles, Captain Boag and 28 men ; Canterbury Mounted Rifles, Lieutenant Peacock and five men; South Canterbury Mounted Rifles, two lieutenants and 22 men; total mounted men, 55. Canterbury Engineers, Captain Dougall and 32 men ; Timaru Port Guards, Captain Raymond and 31 ' men Lyttelton Navals, Lieutenant Hewston and 25 men; E Battery, Christchurch, Lieutenant Maude and'4o men; N Battery, ; Lyttelton, Captain Price and 5 men; total ordnance corps 133. Bands—South Canterbury Battalion, Bandmaster Scott, 18; Oamaru Garrison, Sergeant Mitchell, 24; Christchurch Garrison, Deputy-Band-master Tankard, 25; total bands, 67; total Canterbury Volunteers, 620. In the procession were included no fewer than 157 cadets from Otago schools. In spite of the enormous crowd, the details of the water procession from the Dunedin wharves to Port Chalmers were ably carried out. The order of procession was —Phickv, Tutanekai, Moura, Koputai, Onslow," Express, To Anau, and Invercargill. The Plucky carried the marshals and a number of guests, while on the Tutanekai were the Governor and Lady Ranfurly, the Hons J. M'Kenzie and J." G. Ward and members of the House of Representatives, with the military ■ officers and clergy. On the Moura were the troops and their friends. Just before Burke's was reached a collision occurred between the Onslow and Moura, the bow of the latter being damaged. A small boy, who was thrown into the water by the shock of the collision, was rescued unhurt. Port Chalmers was reached shortly after two. o'clock, and there the final farewells were said.

His Excellency and party inspected the Monowai, when the Governor expressed approbation of the ship as a transport. Short speeches were given by the Premier and his Excellency. All the officers were introduced to Lady Ranfurly. The Wellington and Auckland sections of the Fourth Contingent, with most- of the horses, went on board the Gymeric last night. The Gymeric sailed at 3 o'clock this afternoon with them. As to how matters were gob ready, no information is available.

: The northern -volunteers go away ■ by special trains to-night. . .The streets were •'crowded last night and -.to-day, but there '.was no, trouble of any kind. .The trams ; had to stop running for fear of accident, in the centre of the town', as people took possession of the whole roadway for sauntering about. _,. . .. . No ; serious accident-occurred, .to mar yesterday's send-off. , The Premier, who went on''board the Mcnowai, had some difficulty in getting back, and eventually had to be transferred from her in a boat outside the heads. [From Otjb Correspondent.] DUNEDTN, March 24.

Ife is generally admitted that the "send off" of the Fourth New Zealand Contingent was the greatest function Dunedin has yet witnessed. The initial proceedings may be said to have commenced at dawn, as trains conveying volunteers from ncitk and south kept arriving long before breakfast. All available bed accommodation h.-d lx en engaged, in many cases weeks beforehand, and from 6.30 a.m. onwards knots of volunteers were observed eagerly bent on foraging expeditions. Arrangements for an early "Bend off" had been made, and were carried out with commend-

able punctuality. By nine o'clock the whole city was astir. The volunteer turn-cut was probably the largest ever witnessed in any New Zealand city, and comprised some two thousand men. It goes without saying that the streets were gay with bunting, and the amount of money, lavished in the erection of temporary staging must have been a record for the colony. One,very noticeable feature of the day was the cordial applause, bestowed upon the. Premier and his Excellency the Governor. The march from the Oval was a most imposing sight, and the pipers' bands, the kilted Highland Corps and the slashing uniform' and' turn' out of the Otago Hussars were perhaps the most striking features of the spectacle. The Christchurch volunteers, under Major Day, looked particularly smart, and the Christchurch Garrison Band fairly held its own in- march music.

In spite of the enormous crowd, there was very little crushing, though the tramway and 'bus traffic was not interrupted up to the very start of the procession. I hardly think that a large Christchurch crowd would have suffered this, but here pedestrians appear to be a third consideration, tram-cars being a long way first and drags a good second. The men of the Contingent were in the best of health and spirits. During their march at a point on the hill at the Octagon, a " double " became necessary, and was responded to with alacrity. One trooper determined to do his duty, but, to keep his sweetheart with him until the last moment also, dragged her up the hill at a great pace, and re-joined his section, the other men of which at once found a place for their comrade.

The scene during the* addresses to the troops was a most .impressive one. His Excellency the Governor, the Premier, the Hon J. G. Ward and the Mayor all made excellent speeches. - • PORT CHALMERS, Marcir2s~"

The Gymeric left Port Chalmers for Lyttelton this afternoon at 3 p.m. with the remainder of the Fourth Contingent. A large crowd assembled on the wharves to see them off. The Mayor of Port Chalmers addressed the men, and expressed his confidence that they would do their duty bravely and well when they got to the front. He called,for three cheers for the Contingent, which were heartily given. The National Anthem was sung and cheers were given for Colonels Penton and Collins and SergeantMajor Taylor,, also for the Mayor and- the \ ladies. It was evident; that the men on j the Gymeric appreciated the enthusiastic; send-off that they received from the people ' of Port Chalmers. As the Gymeric passed '. H.M.S. Pylades the yards on that vessel were smartly manned, and hearty cheers . were interchanged between the vessels. A \ detachment of the men stayed behind to j look after the luggage vans on the wharf..! There are many truck loads of stores ."to i reach Lytteltcn by the Te Anau and by rail, j and the Gymeric, which is now only draw- I ing 12ft forward, will stiffen with oats at Lyttelton. The Port Chalmers people did their level best to give the men a good . send-off, and the local decorations were very tasteful. LIST OP OFFICERS AND MEN. The following are the names of those comprising the Fourth. Contingent, which left Dunedin yesterday: No. 7 Company, Wellington sectionCaptain J. Pringle (in command), Lieutenants, M. B. Elder, Robert W. Collins, and W. J. F. Ross; colour-sergeant-major, C. F. Powles; quartermaster-sergeant, W. J. Mason; surveyor-sergeants, H. Fraser, E. M. Grant, W. J. Hardham, T. G. H..Tristleton and J. B. Vallance; Corporals, 0. Colebrook, H. Riddick, D. R.Hewitt,. G.. H. F. Rolleston; bugler, J. A.- Hickling; troopers, W. L. Armstrong, J. Baghurst, W. J.. Baghurst, A; J. Baker,. W. F. Bell,' W. J. Blissett, A. J. Boddington, H. M. Bpddington, C. W. Boyd, S. G. Broadbent, C. W. Brown, R. A. Cameron, H. J. Carter, J. N. Carver, Alex. Chambers, J. M. M'Devery, W. Duncan, F. N. Nixon, N. Nixon, C. B. Easther, J. Fletcher,' W.R..J. Franklyn, T. J. Gardiner, W. G. ; Greenough, J. W. Groves, F. Hall, S. ! Harland, W. A. Hart, F. H. Hill, John : Hill, R. P. Houghton, A. C. R. Isherwood, C. F. Jackson, R. M. Keeling, D. A. Kerr, H. Kerr, C. A. Le Sueur, R. Lyon, E. H. Maunsell, A. Monaghan, D. S. M'Gregor, Arch. M'Phee, Alex. M'Phee, A. M'Cartney, P. M'Dbnald, D. ML Mln-.; tyre, Leo S. Mathews, K. D. M'Kenzie, J. M'Rae, T. -Merson, W. M'Dougall,: D. M. M'lntyre, S. M'Dougall, T- Monkley,' J. R. Orford, E. N. Osborne, F. Pe.arce, B. Penny, James Re'ntoul, A. W. Renall, C. W. Ridley, Claude Retter, A/ J. Rus-.i den, H. :A.' Stephens', R. Sutherland,- W\ ■; M. ; Simcox, E. J. Saunders, Edgar S. Smith,:-j ' W. Stack, J. F, H. Saxon, H. Sycemore, E; R. Sheehan, D. Scown, A. M. Samuel, F. Sexton, M. R. Smith, G. D. H. Smith, F. H. Tavlor, E- P. Tapper, T. Tren'grove, 0. H. Tully, H. H. Uddy, E. A. Vennell, G. T. Vile, G. B. Walker, R. C. Wright, B. E. Westmoreland, A. J. Wallace, Arthur Woodward, George White, E- : Willoughby, R. Wylie, H. M. York, A. 0. Young, J.-W. Young. No. 8 Company, Auckland section—Captain, G. H. Walker; lieutenants, W.. J. A. Thomson, Guy Johnstone, Arthur Beckam ; colour-sergeant-major, C. E. Brown; quar-termaster-sergeant, T. H. Dawron; .ser-geant-saddler, W. R. Craig; sergeants, W. A. Hickson, G. Steele, J. D.' G. Sherd; farrier-sergeant, G. R. Wilkinson; corporals, Alexander, Phoir, Newdick,, College; bugler, C. G- M'lndoe; .troopers, A. Aidred, G. A. Alger, H. S. Atkinson, ,E. A. ; Bailey, Barton, C. C. Beriy,"'B.'R:.'Bollo.nd,< Borgen, W. 8.. .Bradshaw,, R, E. H, Burnett, J. S. BroM'n,. Burch, ;'D. Bruce, F... Bruce, H, G.' Cameron, M. Canavan, E.G. Clarke, J. Condon, J. H. Critchley, H. R, S. Corlett,. C. W. E. Cribb, J. .J. Cunningham, G. Currie,.M. L. Davies, Daw T , i son, E. Davies, C. Dunford,.H. Draper, J.. !. H. Ferris, P, C. Firth, Frankham, Fraser, Gannon, W. R. E. Goodwin, WS. Harris, G. Henderson, J. C. W. Hill, G., Holdell, W. Hubbard, V. S. Hathaway, J. C. Jackson, M. Johnson, P. Keith, L. A. Langham, F. Martin, P. W. Manders,J. F. Moonlight, G. W. M'Ewan, G. S. M'Hardy, W. Millar, J. H. M'Millan, J. ■ P. Mackley, C. C. Munro,' A> F. Miller,.M. Mew Tome, F. M. Nightingale, . W. •' J. O'Dowd, W. Olive, H. B. Paton,' J. C. Pat-on, S. A. J. Paynter, G. 8.. Peacock, Peakman, R. Pearce, J. Pile, C. W. Power, H. Robinson, Rodgers, K. Rosk, : W; Ruddcll, J. L. Runaman, li.E. Salmon, Sharp, E. E. Sutherland, A. C. Suttie, J. C." Sorensen, J. Swann, M. L. Sundin, H. N. Taylor, J. P t Thompson,. Wj, Thompson,.

Topp, J. Tanner, Walker, W. E. ! Warburton, C. W. Wheeler, Whitehead, j R. J. Wigmore, G. Wilkins, W. Withers, F. W. Wiley, "R. Meredith and J. L. Long. ■ .'■ , No. 9, Otago Company—Captain H. V. Fulton; lieutenants, J. M. Nicolson, J. R. M'Donald, J. H. Keddell; surgeon-captain, 1 J. Watt,; company, sergeant-major, W.. MardiaH; quartermaster-sergeant, W. E. Christie,;, sergeant*, -. A., Ross, E. . Jolly, A. M'Lennan;, bugler,.W. Cheeseman; corporals, H.i. Collis, D. A. Hickey, S. ,L. Jones, A..-E. Shalders, H.-A. White,. C. E. Newman; troopers,- D. M'Knight, 11. White, H. W. Spain-, S. A. D. G. Smith, J. . Grajv" T. : Smith, 6. Cairns, A. West, J. P. Heran, "J. A. Mathie, S. F. Smith, S. D. Watt, J. E. A. Clyma, C. Carpenter, R. ■ C. Crawford, D. M. Corson, D. R. Corson, J. J. Moreton, J. C. Mac Lean, G. Orange, H. J. Macdonald, W, J r M. Ross, A. \V. Ro-berts,-J. Sorenson, C. N. H. Cornish, L. C. Tennant, T. G.- Low, J. G. H. Moore, ■ J G. Brown, W. Bunting, W. M. Brown, S. Kyle, C. S. Duff, R. Condon, E White, W M'Kerrow, Wm. Matthewscn, H. Wise, J 'Ross, W. T. Sullivan, Boyd, Thomson, O L Dalgleish, J. T. M'Donald, A. Duncan F Swanwick, W. Man, T. Popham, R M Thomson, J. D. Grant, D. Bowie, H. T.' Lilburn, A. Thomson, R. T W Holden, W. M'Kenzie, G. Williams, D C Gibson, R. Smeaton, J. Sutherland, E' W.'Baxter, J. R. Melville, W.H Buckland, W. Harris, R. H. Wild, A .J. Roberts, J. R. Larnach, T. Hogg S. Lousley, A F Stock, W. Bowling, J.. Salter, C. 11. Ward, J. Edgar, H. Shaldus, A .Clarke, J. Rumble, W. W. Stringer, W R. Duf-fev.-F. Findlater, W. J. Fallowfield, 1. Mee, : A. E. Thurlow, J. Dungey, W. &. Morrison, J. A.'.Palmer, W. Lorrigan, 11. Simmers, E. S. Orbe'.l, J. Jones, G. Bowers, C. D. Burgess, D. Turner, H. Bayley and H. J. Dowlc. - • ■ ■ . . No. 10 Company—Soutiland, Napier, Blenheim, Westport and Taianaki—Captain Harvey in command; lieutenants, Ross, A. Bauchop, R. G. Tubman; sergeants, A. H. Challis, E. Hunter, Jackell; corporals, P. G. Clery, A. N. Duncan, Gorrie, J. Gouk, T. M'Kenzie ; lance-corporals-, Le Braithwaite, L. H. Pansons. Southland section— Troopers; J.' Alexander, J. Banks,.C. Bates, R BissetVJ. Cameron. D. Cameron, H. G. Campbell, G. F. H. Day, P. Dawson, D. Dickson, R. Donnelly, T. Cord, J, Gibb, -J Bart-let,-James Hazlett, W. Hams, T. Howrobin, W. Jude, R. Kelly, A. T. Keown, R, C. Laoey, J. W. Lawrence, J. W Logan, J. D. Maloney, J. W. Morrison, L Murphy, J. M'Auley, R. M'Auley, A. M'Donald, A. M'Evvan, C. M'Gregor, D. MTntosh, J. M'Kay, A. M'Kell-ar, H. M'Kenzie, J. R. M'Laren, J. Robertson, D. H Smith, E. Smoothey. J. Stevenson, D. Stalker,. J. Sheehan, W. Temple-ton, J. Williams, A. E. Waird. Napier seotion— Troopers, H. S. Banks, D. Condon, D. H. Camerflin (farrier), J. Dreen, G. Furyard, W. W. Frl-th, F. R. Gaullett, A. Gilmour, H. T. Haske, R. C Hopkins, H. J. Hawkins, G. A. Howell, C. A. Hertzell, C. Hooper, O. G. Johnstone, J. G. Johnston (saddler), O. Lawson, R. E. Lean, H. Nicholls, J. Orr, E. Pellett, A. Simpson, J. Satterthwaite, S. W. Smith, J. W. Scott, W. Terrill, J. H. Ugan, W. S. Wood, F. Wells, E. Bone, W. M- Porter. Blenheim section—Troopers, F. Gray, O'Maslaine, C. Carey, W. ConnoU, D. Fitzgerald, R. Maud, E. H. Smith, W. Hebley, W. Thompson, H. Rainbow. Westport section—Troopers,' O. Stokes, O. Bottom, T. Murray, A. J. M'Farlane, T. P. Lines, E. Patten, J. M'Kay, R. Smith, W. Vincent. Taranaki section—Troopers, M. Callaghan, B. Veale, G. Thornton, W. Allen, G. Crean, W. T. Jull, Cunningham. Nelson section—Troopers, Bright, Bolton, i Meade, Creswe-11,. Bovey and Best.

The following are particulars of some of the officers of the Contingent: . MAJOR FRANCIS.

Major Frederick Wyatt Francis, V.D., who is going in command of one of the sections -of the Fourth Contingent, was born in Essex, England, in 1856, and arrived in Lyttelton in the. following year. He was educated,/at Mr, Gee's grammar school. After serving for four years in the Postal Department,'he became a partner in the firm of Messrs'.Crowe and Co., wine and spirit merchants, and in 1887 he joined the staff of Messrs S. Manning and Co. Major Francis ha? been connected with the Volunteer .; Force; since; 1874, when he joined the Christchurch '-.'Citj Guards as a private. He became ' a. ; sub-lieutenant in 1878, a lieutenant in,' and captain and adjutant of the First Canterbury Battalion in 1885. Two years later he : was promoted to the rank'of •nt'ajor. Jii 1889 the Canterbury Battalion ;^as' dissolved, and on its being re-formed'he ;? was appointed to the command with the rank of lieutenant-colonel. :■, CAPTAIN HARVEY.

Captain Harvey is a son of the late District, Judge Harvey, and was born in Hckitikalon Sept. 22, 1868. i Captain Harvey is in the .service of the! Bank of New Zealand; & n d hlas been in icharge of the Balclutha branch for some considerable time. His first connection with the (volunteer force was when the Cluttia' Mounted Rifles were formed, three years ago, he] being selected as captainfrom the .initiation of the corps, which forms D.Company of tlje Otago Battalion. Captain "Harvey is an exceedingly popular officer. ■ < ■ ; LIEUTENANT J. H. EEDDELL.

Lieutenant John Henry a son, of Major Keddell, of' Oama-r% • was born in Auckland,-, and was educated at the Greymouth.. : High'School and [Wait-aki High School. - He hais";-; served' as ja volunteer in the J Battery, Oa'maru. '-■■■;■ . ••LIEUTENANT J.." Hi ROSS.

Lieutenant Jaines Horatioi Ross, Napier, is one of the best-known volunteer officers in'the'colony, -for "he isamong the best shots in New Zealand, and .ni Rifle Association- meeting has in late years been complete without ihim.. He won the carbine championship- three years ago, ahd was second twice for the rifle championsiip., Last year he shot .for the Woodville Rifle Club in the teams' match, amd the club Vooi the teams' match, as:, well" as.'the-cliampion teams' match, this constituting a record for the Association:, Lieutena'nt Ross was born in Napier,.and joined the cadet corps in that town in 1870. He then passed into the F Battery Artillery, 'joining as■ a gunner, and leaving, after seven years' service, a lieutenant. .Lieutenant Ross lias been. Seven years on the unattached active service list. ' CAPTAiN..H;.T.'-PIfIiTON.-

Capta'iu-Tvutoivwho goes in command of No. 9 Ota-go, and 'Southland tympany, wus borii in. limUbi ia 1869. JK is'M<>a pf ■*>&.

late General Fulton, so well known in Otago, and a nephew of the late James Fulton, who was member for Taieri for many years. Captain Fulton first went to school in England, but for seven years was a jjupil at the Otago High School. He started soldiering veryj early, and during his fire years in the volunteer force in Otago was successively lieutenant of the Otago High School Cadets,' lieutenant Dunedin City Rifles, and lieutenant City Guards. 1n'1892 Captain Fulton received a, commission in the 93rd High-, landers, and proceeded to India to. join his regiment. From the 93rd he was transferred) to the 14th West Yorkshires, and then joined, the Indian Staff Corps. In 1894 -he was attached to the 26tli Madras Infantry; was afterwards transferred to the Bengal Infantry, and then permanently appointed to the 2nd Ghoorkas. He was on service in! 1897-98 with the Malakana and Tirah Field Forces, and received a medal and two clasps. Captain Fulton was on leave here when he was asked to take a commission'in. the' Fourth Contingent. LIEUTENANT A. BAUCHOP.

Lieutenant Arthur Bauchop was born ati Port Chalmers in 1870, his father being Mi; R. Bauchop, a very old and much respected settler in the district. He was educated all the Port Chalmers District School and Dun-i edin High School. Lieutenant Bauchop; joined the Port Chalmers Naval Artillery in 1897, getting a commission. He applied fos a commission with the Hotchkiss Battery, attached to the No. 2 Contingent, and was disappointed in not getting away. Volunteering for the Fourth Contingent, he.waa at once given a commission as lieutenant, and is attached to No. 10 Company. LIEUTENANT B. ARTHUR.

Lieutenant Becham Arthur, the son of Mtf A. C. Arthur, who for a number of years represented the Poverty Bay district in tha House of Representatives, was bam at Gisborne in 1876, and was educated in the local, school. Joining the Gisbonie Mounted Volunteers three months ago, he was elected lieutenant when the squad of sixteen men from Gisborne were selected for the Fourth Contingent. He will be with No. 8 Conn pany. LIEUTENANT G. F. JOHNSTON. Lieutenant Grey Featherstone Johnston :s a <son of Mr Charles J. Johnston, Wellington. He was educated at the Wauganui Collegiate School, afterwards studying for a time in England. He served in the volunj beer force as lieutenant in the D Battery i Wellington. At the time he volunteered for the Fourth Contingent he was managing Johnston and Co.'s business in Wanganui, prior to that having a sheep farm in the same district. He -goes with No. 8 Company. .. ____ LIEUTENANT R. SEDDON.

A son of the Bight Hon the Lieutenant Richard Seddon is now in hia nineteenth year. He was born at Kumara, and was educated afc the Wellington CoL> lege, and.served in the both the Cadets and College Rifles. Lieutenant Sed-J don recently joined the Heretaunga Mounted Rifles, and, being very desirous of going with one of the New Zealand Contingent* to Africa, has received his appoint men b td No. 10 (South Island) Company. LIEUTENANT R. W. G. COLLINS. Lieutenant Robert Walker Gordon Col? lins, son of Lieutenant-Colonel Collins, id twenty-three years of age, and was bora in Wellington. He was educated at St Patrick's College, and while there was the ~,,.'- r i,i.. d-Uod. • Entering the Civil &*•«' vice as a'survey cadet, he was three years ;.. uw ua,i under Mr James Hay, district! surveyor, '. Hawke's Bay. A few months back he was elected lieutenant in the Wellington City Rifles, and, volunteering for the Fourth Contingent, was selected as one of the lieutenants of the Wellington No. 7 •Company. Lieutenant Collins is a good allround athlete, and is captain of the WeL. lington United Hockey Club.

LIEUTENANT J. R. MACDONALD. Lieutenant John Russell Macdonald was bom in Coleraine, Victoria, and came to Otago in 1885, entering the service of the Otago Education Board. For two years hd was a master in the North Otago District High School, afterwards coming to, Duny. edin. For some considerable time he was first assistant in the Macandrew Road School, and it was while in this position that he wrote a geography which is now ia use in many of the primary schools. He was one of the original members of the North Otago Mounted Rifles, and was senior sergeant when he resigned. Voliin'■beering for the Fourth Contingent, he' joined the camp when it was formed, and was at once selected, as one of the heuJ tenants. He is attached to No. 9 Company;