THE NEW ZEALAND CONTINGENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 11199, 20 October 1899, Page 5

THE NEW ZEALAND CONTINGENT.

ARRANGEMENTS FOR DEPARTURE. [BI TELEGBAFH.— ASSOCIATION.] Wellington, Thursday. The money collected from the people who go on board the steamers that will accompany the Waiwera to the Heads will probably form the nucleus of a fund for the relief of any members of the contingent who may be wounded, or the relatives of any who may be killed. Railway excursions from all parts of the country will be run to Wellington on Saturday. The flag which a number of citizens have decided to present to the contingent will be the New Zealand ensign. It has been made in blue silk, and is four-and-a-half. feet long and three' feet wide, with the stars of the

Southern Cross worked in white silk. The staff, which is of polished honeysuckle, bears the following inscription oil a silver plate: "Presented by the citizens of Wellington to the New Zealand contingent on their leaving for the Transvaal. October, 1899. The flag will probably be unfurled on board the Waiwera just before she leaves the wharf. ! The following of the Union Company steamers will carry excursionists and accompany the Waiwera to the Heads on SaturMokoia, Te Anau, Tnkapuna. Corinna, Herald, Brunner, Omapere, and Haupiri. In addition to these, all the coastal steamers which happen to be in the harbour will go and join. Members of the Legislature and representative visitors will be on board the Mokoia. A tremendous crowd is expected in the vicinity of the wharves on Saturday, and extra precautions are being taken to guard against accident. Mr. J. McPherson, chief engineer of the i troopship Waiwera, was entertained by the [ marine engineers this afternoon, the shipping and mercantile interests being largely represented. Mr. Seddon and a number of members of the Legislature were also present. Mr. McPherson was presented with the badje of a life honorary associate of the Society of Marine Engineers of New Zealand. His Worship the Mayor, Mr. David Goldie, has telegraphed as follows to the Mayor of Wellington:—"Sorry that I cannot accept your kind invitation to be present to take part in the ceremonies connected with the departure of our New Zealand contingent, but though not present in person I shall be with you in spirit, and shall ever watch with deep interest their movements, feeling assured that they will do credit to themselves and the country that has sent them forth." Dr. W. R. Close-Erson, Mayor of Onehunga, who had hoped to leave yesterday for Wellington, to witness the departure of I the New Zealand contingent for the Transvaal, was unable to do so. Last night lie sent- the following telegram to the Mayor of Wellington:—" regret that professional engagements prevent my being present with you upon Saturday, to bid farewell to the New Zealand contingent for the Transvaal. Proud to realise, however, that Onelntnga volunteers are amongst those going to fight for our Empire. On behalf of this "town and district, please wish the whole contingent 'God-speed,' and a safe return to our colony, who are heartily proud of them.— Close-Erson, Mayor of Onehunga." Captain Ward, one of the aides-de-camp to the Governor, leaves for South Africa by the Waiwera on leave. I NOTES FROM THE CAMP. I [BY TELEGBArH.—rHES3 ASSOCIATION.] Wellington, Thursday. Although there has been some complaint about the quality of the saddlery furnished to the contingent, the officers state that the saddles are strongly made and serviceable, and considering the difficulties under which they have been made, the work has been well done. News of the reported defeat of the Boers with slaughter was sent to the camp by the Premier this morning. The men were paraded, and given the information by the sergeants. Ringing cheers were given for the British and groans for the Boers. The Defence Department has taken 100 carbines belonging to the Wellington and Petone Navals, and issued them to the con--1 tingent. ! Messrs. Bing, Harris, and Co. have pre- ' sented the contingent with 10,000 cigarettes.

The Governor inspected 116 of the contingent this afternoon. The muster was a most creditable one. The reason of the remainder of the contingent not being inspected was because all the men have not yet received their full equipments. Captain J. Hughes, of Napier, who joined the contingent as a private, has been made • lance-corporal. The officers of the contingent are being entertained at dinner to-night by the Commandant of the Forces. A MAORI WAR CRY. [BY TELEORArn. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] • Wellington, Thursday. The following Maori war cry has been composed for the contingent by Trooper W. Callaway, one of the members of the contingent"Kia kalia Nui Tireni. Wha whai miiea mo te Kuini, to kaianga. Ake, ake, ake." Being translated this means, " Be strong New Zealand. Fight bravely for your Queen, for your country. Ever, ever, ever." All hands in camp are busy acquiring Maori phrases. THE AUSTRALIAN CONTINGENT. By Telegraph— Association-Copyright Sydney, October 19. The Council has agreed to the despatch of the troops. The House is still debating the question. Hobart, October 19. The offer of 80 infantry for the Transvaal has been accepted. Melbourne, October 19. The contingent have been served, and are practising with the new .303 Martini-En-field rifle. Brisbane, October 19. Mr. Dawson's censure motion was defeated by 39 to 28, and discussion on the motion to send troops to the Transvaal was resumed. Ultimately the motion was carried on the voices. The steamer Cornwall has been chartered to convey the Queensland troops. She leaves on the 28th insfc. FODDER AND FEED STUFFS. Melbourne, October 19. Two steameis are to be placed on the berth on account of the Imperial Government for regular transport supplies of fodder and- feed stuffs' to South Africa,