The Imperial Troops.

Manawatu Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 7162, 13 February 1901, Page 2

The Imperial Troops.

THE HIGHLAND PIPERS.

The Highland pipers connected with the Imperial troops and comprising Pipe-Major Patterson (Gordons), PipeMajor Boss (Black Watch), Piper McLean (Black Watch) and Piper Gamble (Scots Guards) wereenurtained no dinner ac the Masonic Hotel yesterday by the Manawatu Highland Pipe 3>and.

Pipe-Major Jack occupied the chair. The first toast was The King, and was followed by the chairman proposing " Our Visitors," Pipe-Major Patterson replied, referring to the kindness shown i» the troops throughout New Zealand and particularly in Palmerston N. He also remarked that New Zealand was called at Home » The outpost of the J.ntish Empire," and in his opinion JNew Zealanders could hold their own in any part of the world. The toast was drank with Highland honors. lipe-Maior Ross proposed the health aid prosperity of the Manawatu Highland tand, coupled with the name of PipejJ(? \.ack> who said the band appreciated the honor of meeting the pipers from the Imperial force, and extended them* hearty welcome. This toast was also drunk with Highland honors. Drum-Major J. E. McMillan proposed '•Our foreign Friends," coupled with the name of Standard-bearer L. G. West. The speaker referred to the nationality of the Queen Consort, and spoke of the love and devotion felt for her by the people of England, owing to the many acts of banevolence she had performed. In responding to the toast, Mr West said he felt grateful in being privileged to live under the British flag, and he went on to refer to the benefits obtainable under British rule. He-was proud indeed to live in Greater Britain. The health of Mr J. Hocking, wbo provided fruit for the Imperial troops, was then drunk with enthusiasm. Mr Hocking suitably replied to the toast. The chairman then call,d on DrumMajor McMillan to muke a email presentation to each of the viaitow, which the former did in a very happy manner. J ***

Ihe chairman proposed the health of tbe host and hostess, Mr Mulrooney responding on behalf of himself and his wife. ■•.■•'••

At the termination of tho speechmaking, the visitors were driven to the hospital, and on tbeir arrival there they wmt met by Mr Rutheifurd (secretary). Ihe Imperial pipers played aeveial selections on tho lawn," after which they were shown through the wards by Mr Kutherfurd. While- passing through one ward they met three old soldiers one being a Life Guardsman named Dodswoith, the other a Gordon Highl»nder named McArthur, and tbe thM a Crimean veteran named Crozier. Th& veterans were delighted to meet the. pipers, with whom they convorsed in reference to bye-gene days. After leaving the hospital the pipers were driven to the station, where tber boarded tha train and kit for Wellir »' ton. '?

Ibe coach in which the pipe rs were drnen through the town yesterday was kindly supplied by Mr E. Stevenson free of charge, who was accorded three hearty cheers for bis kindaess by the Imperial visitors.

Thanks are due to Mr ana Mrs L. G Went for suppling fruit and flowers to the Imperial soldiers. They were, assisted by Misses West ,'2), Page, Old btace and Duff. A large portioni of thel>utc was contributed by Mr C J Monro, Co plain Piecce aud others. ' The Imperial Highland pipers were given permission to be present at the dinner at the Masonio Hotel yesterday iJnrough the courtesy of Capruin Scrasel)iekinß( %vho was in oharge of the. force.

One of the pipers holds a medal for Ins setviofs at the battle of Td-.1-Kelir vthon 200 of the Bkck Watch were kiJled in lea minutes.

A number of the Imperial solars were present, d with huia - leather* yesterday by members of the Banj-itar „ tribe.