THE IMPERIAL TROOPS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CV, Issue 12423, 12 February 1901, Page 5

THE IMPERIAL TROOPS.

ARRIVAL OF THE INDIAN CONTINGENT. ' [Per Press Association.] AUCKLAND, Feb. 11. The arrival of the Dalhousie this morning with the Indian troops on board marked a unique event in the history of the colony. Throughout the whole passage beautiful ■weather ■-was experienced, scarcely a ripple disturbing- the surface of the water. Consequently the men arrived in good health and condition. After remaining in the stream for about an hour the Dalhousie came alongside tire Railway wharf, where a crowd of people had gathered to witness her arrival. The crowd gave three hearty cheers for the Indian "Soldiers of the King," which were as heartily responded to. The scene on the vessel was most interesting, the brilliant uniforms of the soldiers lending almost a blaze of colour to the sombre surroundings. The troops in their turbans and gorgeous uniforms of blue, red, green, grey, indeed of almost every colour of the rainbow lined the starboard side of the boat, the bright colours mingling into a harmonious picture. In all sixty-two different regiments are represented. Soma of the men are clad in khaki, but the majority are in more showy uniforms, red, blue and light green being the predominating colours. After the Dalhousie was berthed, Captain M'Kenzie, of the No. 1 Service Corps, boarded the vessel, and welcomed Colonel Peyton on behalf of the Commandant of the New Zealand forces. Lieutenant-Colonel White, the officer commanding the district, and Captain Reid, the district adjutant, were also on the wharf to welcome the Contingent. It was decided] that the large shed at the end! of the wharf should 1 be used as a barrack-room for the men, and a fpob in the vicinity as a/ cooking 'ground, the Indians doing all their own cooking, and the wharf being barricaded so as to exclude the public. There was a formal reception at the steamer's side, the Mayor being detained at a Council, meeting during, the forenoon. Later in the day his Worship called on Colonel Peyton. The English officers have been made honorary members of the Northern and Auckland Clubs, as also ■has Captain Staughtony of the Victorian First Contingent, who is travelling on the Dalhousie. They leave to-morrow, at the invitation of the Premier, on a trip to Rotorua, where they will spend a few days, returning in time to take part in the reception of the Imperial troops. This afternoon the Mayor, accompanied by Rabbi Goldstein, and Mr R. R. Hunt, joint secretaries of the Reception Committee, and the Town Clerk, visited the Dalhousie, and welcomed Colonel Peyton and his officers. .In discussing the arrange-, ments for the entertainment of the troops during the next few days, Colonel Peyton said the Indians would be perfectly content if they were allowed to wander round and see the city for themselves. He readily agreed, however, to the suggestion that the troops should be taken for a harbour excursion to-morrow, and arrangements to that end have been made. The Indian troops will not parade for review until the arrival of the Imperial Contingent. The officers of the contingent all have native servants, there being a total of 72 camp followers. Many of the men speak English, and a good number of the many languages of India* are spoken aboard. WELLINGTON, Feb. 11. The Indian troops will com© right through the colony, but not until the British Contingent has concluded its tour. For some days it will remain about Auckland, and probably will visit Rotorua, and alter the "send-off" to the British force will come south. THE VISIT TO WANGANUI. WANG AND I, Feb. 11. Wanganui rose to the occasion, and gave the Imperial troops, under Major Askwith, a splendid reception. The function took place on the picturesque racecourse, which was crammed by thousands of enthusiastic sightseers. The troops detrained ,at the crossing near the course, and marched ■straight over. The ceremony in front of the grand stand was very impressive. Addresses were delivered by the Mayor, the Hon J. G. Ward, and Major Tophi, an old Maori chief. The visitors were entertained at afternoon tea., and after mingling with" the crowd fell in, and marched to the drill hall, from where they were dismissed and taken to the various, places arranged for their billeting. Thej streets to-night are filled with soldiers, the 1 business places being lit up as on Saturday nights. At the ceremony the/ Maoris, some three hundred strong, danced hakas, war dances and poi dances, and Major Topia, on their behalf, presented Colonel Wyndham, through Major Askwith, with a valuable Maori mat and huia feathers. The troops leave for Wellington at 8.30 to-morrow morning, stopping at Palmerston en route. PALMERSTON NORTH, Feb. 11. The Imperial troops arrived at'Palmerston to-day, shortly before eleven o'clock. Thev were" entertained at luncheon on the railway platform, and after staying here about "an hour left for Wanganui. The public reception at Palmerston North will take place on the return of the troops tomorrow.