The Imperial Troops.

Manawatu Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 7160, 11 February 1901, Page 3

The Imperial Troops.

« Considerable excitement was caused in Pahnerston to-day consequent upon the arrival of the Imperial troops en route to Wanganui, where a short visit is to be paid. The tiaia cohvt->in^ tiK-~ force was -xpected to arrive in Palmerston at 10.15, but the visitors, Who came from W.llington via.-the Welling-ton-Manawatu line, did not roach this town until n< any 11 a tn. Immediately th* train, which comprised fifteen carriages drawn by two engine*, drew up at .ike -aiiwiy station, the force was received by Mr Pu-ani, AJL.H..U., the iUayor and Bjrouj-h Councillors. The men, who numbered nearly uOO, were in charge of Major Asqnith, of the Royal Horse Artillery, Lieut.-Colonc Wyndham having remained at Waikanae to take part, in v, rUhing excursion. The troops .'were, accompanied by tbtHon .7. G. W'arW,"nn<lt!w» following is n list of the regiments represented :— The Housebo d Cavalry u-OHipri^Jntr the First a> <i Second Life Gunrda and the Horse Guaids Blue.i, 21st Laneeiv. Royal Horse Artillery, 'Royal Garrison Artillery, Grenadier • Guatds. Scots Guard*, Highlaud Light . Infantry Band, Royal "Wesc Surreys, JRoytU Fusiliers, Hoval Welsh Fusiliers, Scot tish Eoyal Highlanders, Army Service Corps and Ro,>al Auay Medical Corps, Somerset Light Infantry, Devon and Midland Volunteers, and Highland Light Infantry. ■After the members of each regiment had been drawn up in lino-they weiv inarched to ihc luncheon tables, where they partook of an excellent spread' which had been provided by the Government. The .catering was entrusted to Mr W. Freeman, who carried it out in a manner which reilc'clcd groat credit on him. He was ably assisted by a large staff, of waiters and waitresses. The luncheon tables wore placed underneath the verandah on the platform and were no less than 130 yards in length. The officers were entertained separately m one of the refreshment rooms, the Mayor and Bon. J. G. Ward occupying seats at the tables. The platform was kept clear of the public, tarpaulins having been plaeo-d ;it ihe entrances to the station, and eachoxit was guarded by the police und^r Sergt-Major Ramsay, and also by the railway employes ruder the supn-vision of Mr Smith (stationm aster). Aft a1 luncheon the men were give-* a brief interval of rest, and at 25 minutes to twelve the train seamed out of tl c station for Wanganui, the soldiers giving hearty cheers for the hospitality shown to them, whilst the visitors were also heartily cheered by the public. Among those who assembled at the railway station were Captain Mo'uusey and Lieutnn«.i.ts L<,ui-son and Jai-K. of : the Palmerston North Riiies. The troops speak very highly of the hospitality shown to_ them wherever they have been in New Zealand. Although they were well treated in Australia yet they pi\fer the people of Now Zealand, the litter in their opinion bMng more sociable and attentive. The cl'inaie here suits them admirably and altogether they are delighted with their ! fcip to this colony. I The Highland Light Infantry band accompanied the Imperial troops to Wanganui to-day, and will perform in Palmerston tomorrow on the return of the men to this town. All the' cavalry men foiling part of the Imperial force now on this coast have oeen ordered to South Afriu'u. Ehey will leave for the front after their tour ot New Zoaland is {iuish'pd. The remainder of the men return to England, and to reach there in May." While the Imperial troops were on the station to-day one of their number attracted particular attention owing to his height. The soldier in question is Private McCullougb, of the Grenadier Guards, who stands 6ft lOiin in his boots. He is a north of Ireland man. Included ?n the Imperial force that visited talmerston to-day are a number of men who served with distinction under Lord Kitchener :i the Soudan, several of them wearing medals awarded them by the Imperial Government. On the arrival of the Imperial troops tomorrow ihey will form a procession and inarch round the Square and thence to the Showground. The Palinorston North Brass Band will also join the procession.