THE NEW ZEALAND CONTINGENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 11196, 17 October 1899, Page 5

THE NEW ZEALAND CONTINGENT.

ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SEND-OFF. PUBLIC MEETING IN WELLINGTON. [by telegraph.— association.] Wellington, Monday. The Defence Department lias been informed that the Waiwera will be ready .to leave for South Africa at three p.m. on Saturday next. A. publio meeting', called by the Mayor (Mr. Blair), for tho purpose of arranging a fitting send-off to the Transvaal contingent on Saturday next, was held this afternoon. There was a large attendance of prominent citizens. , The Mayor, who was in the chair, in opening the proceedings, said ho felt suro the gathering that afternoon had the sympathy and support of every inhabitant of the city. He outlined the programme which it was proposed to carry out. It was suggested that a procession of citizens should meet the contingent at tho boundaries of the city on its maroli from Karori camp to the steamer. The Commandant of the Forces had notified that no ceremony would be allowed until the contingent was on the point of departure. There could be no ceremony at Karori camp, as the men's whole time ma required for drill. The prooession having met the contingent, it was proposed to accompany them to the Basin Reserve, or (Other suitable place, where addresses would be delivered by the Mayor, the Governor, Mr, Seddon, Captain Russsll, and Major Robin. The contingent would then be accompanied to tho wharf for embarkation. Mr. Blair explained that there would be very grave danger in having the fundi in on tho wharf. Mr. Fisher, M.H.R., moved, " That a general committee bo appointed to carry out a programme on the lines mentioned by the Mayor, with power to make any modification, if found necessary." Ho predicted that Saturday would see the greatest celebration and the greatest assemblage over held in Wellington, and that the function would bo unparalleled in the history of the colony. Mr. Duthie, in seconding the motion, said they were all proud of the manly spirit wliioli had induced the members of the contingent to come forward to fight under the common flag. He thought the whole of the volunteers should be called out, and that the send-off should bo of a colonial character, and that tho Mayors of the other towns should be asked to join in. Mr, Blair explained that it was proposed to do this. The motion was carried unanimously, and a representative committee set up to arrange details. The meeting decided to cordially prove of any movement that might bo got up for the social entertainment of the contingent, prior to Saturday.