THE CONTINGENT AT PLAY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 11198, 19 October 1899, Page 5

THE CONTINGENT AT PLAY.

ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION AT THE OPERA HOUSE. [by telegraph.—special correspondent.] Wellington, Wednesday. Probably never before was there so much enthusiasm shown in a New Zealand theatre as was manifested to-night- on the occasion of the visit of the officers and men of the contingent to the Opera House, where Mr. Pollard's company was playing in the pantomime of "Ali Baba." The street outside the main entrance to the building was almost blocked with a large crowd anxious to get a sight of our volunteers. Inside the place was packed. The contingent came in in batches, the various little parties being cheered as they entered, while in the intervals the pit whistled in chorus " Soldiers of the Queen" and other martial airs. The theatre was decorated with many flags. The Governor and the Countess of Rnnfurly, accompanied by their daughters, the Lady Constance and Lady Aileen Knox, and by Captain Alexander, arrived punctually at eight o'clock, and as they entered their box the audience rose, while the orchestra played the National Anthem. The officers of the contingent came in immediately after the Governor, who sent his private secretary with an invitation to Major Robin to take a seat in his box in the centre of the dress circle, and as lie did so the commander of the contingent received quite an ovation from the audience, who at this graceful recognition 011 the part of His Excellency cheered heartily. The whole of the performers and hundreds of people in the audience wore badges of white silk ribbon, on which was printed the New Zealand flag, and above it the words " Good luck to our contingent's colours." The performance went with a swing from the very beginning, and as it proceeded and various patriotic songs were sung the enthusiasm of the splendid audience knew 110 bounds. The reference to the red-white-and-blue, and the wavings of numerous flags by tile chorus in the second act, completely roused the people, and subsequently the various tableaux were cheered to the echo. The curtain had to be raised again and again on the scene representing the battle of Omdurman, while the audience and the contingent joined in the chorus of "Soldiers of the" Queen," which was repeated with increased vigour several times. A portrait of the hero of the late Soudan campaign was hailed with rapturous applause. Then someone in the •dress circle cried, "Three cheers for Kitchener!" These were given lustily. Towards the close of the last scene, the height of the enthusiasm was reached when Mr. Fitts sang "Sons of the Empire," and the Union Jack and the New Zealand flag were unfurled amid a scene of wild enthusiasm. Then audience and performers joined in singing " Rule Britannia." As the Governor took his leave at the close of the performance, the whole audience rose and sang " God Save the Queen," the contingent standing at the salute. Cheers were given for the Queen, and His Excellency, and groans for the President of the Transvaal, and then we filed out, a bronzed member of the contingent remarking to his comrade, more in sorrow than in anger, "Poor old Kruger!" [BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Wellington', Wednesday. There was a large and representative gathering at the social tendered to members of the contingent by the Women's Social and Political League. The proceedings were marked by the utmost enthusiasm. The same remarks apply to the dinner given to the officers of the contingent by the officers of the Wellington Garrison. Replying to the toast of the contingent, Major Robin made a very eloquent and patriotic speech. He said he had every confidence in his men, and felt sure they would perform their duty in a manner reflecting credit upon themselves and upon the colony. Referring to the great labour that had been entailed in preparing for embarkation, he expressed the hope that the volunteers would be kept in a greater state of preparedness, and if a similar crisis occurred in the future it would be found easier to accoutre 2000 men than it had been to despatch the present contingent. AUSTRALIAN FORCES. By Telegraph Press Association.—Copyright. Sydney, October 18. In the Assembly the Premier, Mr. Lyne, explained that the Governmeut had considered several rival schemes concerning the composition of the New South Wales contingent, and were awaiting a reply from the War Office whether they would accept a battery of artillery before finally deciding on one. The cost would be over £30,000, If the resolution were adopted the arrangements would be such that troops could be landed before those sent by the Medic. The majority of the speakers supported the proposal. Mr. Copeland moved an addition to the words of the resolution, giving stronger expression of loyalty, and the necessity for securing the social and political rights of the Uitlanders. Messrs. Hughes and Ashton opposed. The latter said it was the most unrighteous war of modern times. It is expected the motion will be carried by a good majority. Perth, October 18. The Transvaal contingent lias gone into camp. A FIELD HOSPITAL. Sydney, October 18. The Imperial Government has accepted the offer of a field hospital. AN OFFICER FROM AUSTRALIA. Adelaide, October 18. Captain Lascelles, aide-de-camp to the Governor, goes to the Cape to join his regiment, the Royal Fusiliers. THE REFUGEES' RELIEF FUND. Mr. A. Kidd, Acting-Mayor, lias received the following subscriptions in aid of a fund for the relief of destitute British refugees in South Africa, in addition to those mentioned yesterday: — Archibald Clark and Sons ... £10 10 0 Campbell and Ehrenfried C 0.... 25 0 0 Devonport Naval 5 0 0 A. Buchanan 110 Captain Parker, of the Devonport Navals, in forwarding the subscription from that body, wrote that though they were denied the opportunity of fighting for the Uitlanders, they were glad of the chance of showing their sympathy with the distressed refugees driven from their homes by the action of the Boers in subscribing towards their relief.