THE SEND OFF.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 11201, 23 October 1899, Page 5

THE SEND OFF.

NEW ZEALAND'S CONTINGENT.

FAREWELLED BY 50,000 PEOPLE.

A NEW PAGE OP HISTORY,

PATRIOTIC SPEECHES.

A BRILLIANT AND MEMORABLE SCENE. [by telegraph.—special correspondent ] Wellington*, Sunday. The send-off of the New Zealand contingent for the Transvaal was the most striking sight ever witnessed in this country. Nearly 50,000 people gathered together, the enthusiasm was magnificent, the weather was perfect, and such cheering and such singing were never before heard here. People came from all parts of the country ; many declared it was the sight of their lifetime, and that they would not have missed it for hundreds of pounds. The Imperial feeling was dominant and affected all classes, the ladies especially showing the sentiment strikingly. All Friday night crowds paraded the town and patriotic songs were heard everywhere. Many people never went to bed, and hundreds could not find beds, though every hotel was packed and shake-downs made in every room. Saturday morning broke fair and bright. Every steamer coming into the harbour brought crowds of passengers, and every train, 'bus, tram, and coach was simply laaen with people. Nearly everyone wore the colours of the contingent, the New Zealand flag, pinned to their hat or breast.

Corps after corps of volunteers marched into town to the strains of martial music, and by midday the streets were lined. Flags and banners waved from every building, the Stars and Stripes fluttered with the Union Jack, and every foreign Consulate showed their flags. Patriotic inottos were displayed and every ship in the harbour was gaily decked with bunting.

For an hour or more the greatest crowd ever gathered in New Zealand packed Lambton Quay, while every house-top and verandah, balcony and ridge-pole, in the vicinity, was simply covered with people, and the sentiment that permeated that crowd was loyalty to their country and their race, a determination to resist tyranny in every part of tho world.

It was a wonderful sight, and opened a new page of history, for it was clear evidence that New Zealand has reached the dignity of a nation and enters the world's arena as a champion of the oppressed. A wonderful sight, because less than a man's lifetime ago there was no Wellington, and the few of our colonists then in this country lived under the sufferance of the savage Maoris, who were powerful enough to sweep them from the land. The very fact that in half a century our race have built up in this Southern wilderness order and peace where there was war and hatred ; that they have built fair cities and covered the land with farms and hamlets ; and what is greater still, have made broad and liberal laws, and have opened their doors freely to all the world, shows how worthy they are to support the cause of freedom in South Africa. The Germans and Hollanders now arming to support the ignorant and tyrannical Boers might come here and enjoy every advantage which we have won by war and labour and money, and if they were not blind they would see that their attempt to lock up a great part of South Africa against freedom and civilised law retards human progress. Fifty thousand people thronged the streets of a city whoso foundations were laid scarce 50 years ago—so,ooo people, true representatives of a dominant race that is worthy to be dominant, and they are sending their brothers and sons to the heart of Africa because men of their blood are oppressed. Who shall say that they aTe not taking their part in smoothing the road to a great African Empire, where there will be neither' Boer tyranny nor aboriginal savagery, but order and freedom and civilisation that all the world can enjoy, and if this is the result then amply will our outlay in money be repaid ; and if blood be demanded, then the lives so freely offered will win a great reward. And those countries of the earth that snarl at the British lion, has the sight of this crowd in Wellington no significance to them? It is the youngest of Britain's whelps showing its teeth. It is more ; it is a free and prosperous people showing that whilst they enjoy the advantages of peace their brothers in no part of the wide world shall suffer oppression. It is besides this one of the most striking evidences of Anglo-Saxon federation in sympathy at least. A cheer went up from the waiting crowd. Balcony and housetop echoed it, and the breeze wafted it through the city. Then, headed by bands of music, the contingent marched into sight, a fine, stalwart body of men, full of life and vigour, and showing in gait and bearing the spirit of a strong race. Handkerchiefs and hats were wildly swung, and thunderous cheering followed the men every inch of the way. After the contingent came corps after corps of volunteers, ample evidence that there is plenty of material to make other contingents. The crowd turned and marched with the contingent. Windows, house-tops, balconies,, were deserted rapidly, and the press in the streets was immense. The main body made for the space before Jervois Quay, and this became the gathering ground for the great mass of people, for it was here that the main ceremony of the day was to be held, when the high dignitaries of the land would bid farewell to our soldiers. THE SCENE ON JERVOIS QUAY. Long before the appointed time for the commencement of the official farewell ceremony, those who were fortunate enough to secure tickets for the enclosure at Jervois Quay began to assemble, and by a-quarter to three o'clock every available inch of room was occupied, and still the people came. At the same time the crowd in the street and open spaces in the vicinity rapidly increased, and when the function commenced there must have been 25,000 people within sight of the platform. Every window of the large warehouses which line the street was crowded, and the roofs of the buildings were also alive with eager sightseers. One enterprising person turned the roof of a half-finished building into a grandstand, charging Is for admission. His endeavour to earn an honest penny pjoved ft great success, for the place was crowded. To seaward of the enclosure every vessel from which a view could be gained was crowded; indeed, every point of view swarmed with human beings'. Such a sight has perhaps never before been seen in the colony, and those who saw it will never ■ forget the spectacle. Before a-quarter to three some 2000 volunteers from Wellington, Wanganui, and other places formed in line, and, kept a, passage through the crowd for the distinguished personages who : were to take part in • the ceremony. The appearance of the contingent, escorted by the Heretaunga Rifles," was the signal for tremendous cheering 'all along the. line, They looked well, and their

soldierly bearing was much admired. The Governor, who was accompanied by the '•Countess of Ranfurly and Lady Constance Knox, and attended by the Hon. Hill Trevor and Captain Alexander, arrived punctually at three o'clock. His Excellency was loudly cheered as he passed through the crowd, and as he took his place on the platform the band played the National Anthem, the choir and the vast assemblage taking up the second verse. Among those immediately surrounding His Excellency were the Bishop of Wellington and Mrs. Wallis, Mr. Blair (the Mayor), the Premier and Mrs. and Miss Seddon, Captain Russell, Mr. Rolleston, and other members of Parliament, tha French Consul, and Miss Robin (sister of Major Robin).

While preparations were being made to commence the formal proceedings, the Bishop of Wellington presented Miss Robin to Lady Ranfurly, the Countess speaking a few kindly words to Miss Robin, to whom the departure of her brother was naturally a severe trial.

The speeches then commenced, and all that was said was appropriate and patriotic, without being jingoistic. Not a false chord was touched, unless it was a slip of the Premier in referring indirectly to those members who had voted against sending the contingent. The Mayor of Wellington held aloft a sheaf of telegrams (60 in number) coming from all parts of the colony. He did not read them (time did not permit), but he explained that they might be divided into two divisions, and gave a sample of each. The first wished the contingent a successful and brilliant career, and a speedy and safe return, while the second specimen telegrams called upon officers and men to be united, to be strong, to trust in God, the King of Kings, and then the Empire would be victorious. The sending of the contingent, said the Mayor, was the* embodiment of an idea, and from that point of view it would have the greatest effect on the future of the Empire. This was the answer to those who said out offer was a small thing. Amid loud cheering, lie declared that New Zealand and the other colonies were showing the nations that the Empire was not to be dissolved by any forco on earth. The cheering was renewed even more vigorously when, in conclusion, the Mayor expressed his confidence that the New Zealanders would quit themselves like men.

His Excellency, who got a splendid reception from the crowd, made a most happy speech. He referred to the fact that it was an historic occasion, and evoked a great outburst of applause when he said ho was sure our contingent would prove themselves not unworthy of the dauntless island race whose colours waved over us, and whose record was second to none. It was Trafalgar day, he said, surely a good omen, and, turning to the men, he added " Let Nelson's motto be yours. The eyes of the world are upon you, and we in New Zealand, wish you God-speed." After the cheering had died away, the choir sang "Soldiers of the Queen," the volunteers and the crowd joining heartily in the chorus. The Premier was the next speaker, and he truly said that those actually present represented not only Wellington, and not only the colony, but also the sentiments and sympathy of the whole Empire. When he asked, "Shall our kindred in the Transvaal be free?" a thousand voices shouted, "Yes." The patriotism of the crowd rose I as he told them they were fighting for one flag and one Queen, and that they were forming ft bond between the different parts of the Empire that would last for ever and ever. Mr. Seddon read a letter from Major Robin's father, who prayed that the God of battles would be with the contingent, "a present help in time of trouble." This 1 letter was the signal for another outburst of patriotic fervour, including a few groans for Kruger. A cordial reception was given to Captain Russell. Though suffering from a bad cold, be spoke effectively, though briefly. He spoke as a soldier to soldiers. Though the New Zealanders would have to fight side by side with men who have distinguished themselves in every part of the world, they had nothing to be ashamed of. He was sure they would do their duty. Captain Russell was very happy when he told the men they were working partners in the great Imperial machine. Glorious as the sond-off was, the demonstration to welcome them back would be still more glorious. At this stage the Governor read a number of cable messages from the seat of war, and cheer after cheer went up as the brave deeds of the British soldiers were recounted. Sir Robert Stout said a very few words, pointing out that it would be a sad day for the world if the sun of Britain's Empire were ever to sink lower. The shouts of applause here gave place to solemn silence as the Bishop of Wellington, who wore his uniform as chaplain of the Wellington Battalion, offered a few words of prayer, asking the Almighty to strengthen our soldiers, to defend them in their perils, to comfort them in times of trouble, and to give them victory. The Bishop also prayed God that in the hour of triumph our soldiers might remember mercy. Dr. Wallis concluded by pronouncing the Benediction. The National Anthem was again sung, including the following additional verse:— See all her people throng, To form a rampart strong Round our loved Queen; And should a foe draw near, Then all the world shall hear Rise from our land the cheer, God Save the Queen. As the Governor, the Bishop, members of Parliaments and others left for the boats, which were waiting to accompany the Waiwera down the harbour, the band played "Auld Lang Syne," the final farewell. THE SAIL UP THE HARBOUR. Before the last of the speeches was made, there was a rush to the steamers, which lined the wharves. The Governor had announced the fighting of a serious battle near Glencoe and his words carried through the crowd were strangely mixed. The British had gained a victory said some. No, they had been defeated, and their general killed, said others. But the people hurried to the steamers as they talked, and soon the Mokoia, the Te Anau, Rotorua, Takapuna, Herald, Pareora, Himitangi, Stormbird, Corinna, so generously lent by the Union Company, and half a score other steamers, were crowded with people, and yet the mass of people on shore scarcely seemed lessened. The shores of the harbour were packed, from the railway station to Te Aro, and people simrmed on the rigging and decks of ships at the wharves. The Mokoia, Te Anau, and all the other vessels accompanying the Waiwera, steamed out of the harbour, and slowly ranged in two lines. After a little waiting, the Waiwera, headed by the marshal's boat, and followed closely by the Government boat Tutanekai, moved between the lines, and as she passed, from each vessel rose thunderous cheering, and a burst of patriotic music. The contingent responded to the cheers vigorously, and their throats must have been sore with the shouting. • Gradually the Waiwera passed; vessel after vessel— grand sight, for there were 18 steamers, all gay with flags and crowded with people, and Wellington Harbour was' bright with sunshine. As the Waiwera took the lead hundreds of rockets were fired, and every band that; accompanied - the 'j ahipa struck up I. 1 '- 7. " % ' •<?>' - : ''S: fe'i

I vigorously. Then steamor after steamer I dipped her flag, and the people shouted a I final good-bye, and just as the sun dipped I low over the beautiful harbour, the Waiwera, forged ahead. There were- wet cheeks and sorrowful hearts on every ship, for many knew that their loved ones had gone from I them for many a day. But there were none but were proud of the. gallant fellows who had gone forth to danger, and none that were not deeply moved at the grand expression of loyalty and patriotism shown in New Zealand's farewell to its contingent. SCENES AT THE DEPARTURE ACCOUNT OP THE CEREMONIES. FAREWELL BY COLONEL PENTOX. [or telegraph. rßESS ASSOCIATION'.] Wellington , , Sunday. Wellington was very early astir with its preparations to commemorate the departure of the contingent. Bunting began to break out before breakfast, and town and shipping were soon gay with flags. In the streets small groups were congregating at a time when people are usually given up to business, and uniforms everywhere dotted the thoroughfare. Large numbers o;' volunteers came in from the country, some travelling nil night, and it may be said at once that there was a capital turn out of the local forces, the number being estimated at 1500. AT THE CAMP. At the camp itself matters were much quieter, The chief excitement was the constant receipt of large batches of telegrams, anil despatching of answers. Messages came to hand in bundles, some humorous, and all breathing a hearty atmosphere of goodwill and tender regard. At one o'clock the men formed up in sections to the number of 175, the other 36 being on duty aboard the troopship. After the men were photographed Colonel Penton read a telegram from the Minister for Defence, the Hon. T. Thompson, regretting that he was urtaUe to be present, and from the bottom of Ins heart wishing then God-speed and good luck. Colonel Penton then briefly addressed the battalion. He reminded them that in a few hours they would be part of the British army. He exhorted them to do their duty as good soldiers, to submit to discipline, and obey their superior officers. He only regretted that lie could not join and take command himself, for he would never wish to have a better stamp of men if he were called on for active service. He wished them lots of fighting and the luck to get hand to hand with the Boers, and a speedy rlturn. THE MARCH TO TOWN. The march to town began at twenty minutes past one. The road at intervals was dotted with cameras, which led one humourist in the ranks to remark that this was the march of the camera men. On the way the contingent was met by an escort of tlie Heretaunga Mounted Rifles, and at the isotanical Gardens by the Garrison and Palmerston Bands, who played before them the rest of the way. Most of the route lay through back streets, which were well-lined by spectators, but the real crowd was only l encountered when the contingent reached Lambton Quay. Here people were to be found in thick ranks, which increased in volume as the streets abutting on the wharf were reached. ARRIVAL AT JERVOIS QUAY. . Jervois Quay itself, the broadest avenue in the city, was thronged from end to end, as well as the open land abutting on it. All the roofs commanding a view were lined, the steamers at the wharves were packed even to the rigging, andjhe long breastwork along the quay was crammed. The quay I was lined by a double rank of volunteers, who kept an open space for the passage rf the continent. The latter, after making their way up and down a number of short streets, for the purpose or giving as many as possible a chance to see New Zealand's chosen, reached the quay shortly before three o'clock, and amid continuous cheers formed up in front of a temporary stand 1 projecting from the breastwork. Up to this the weather had been cloudy and windy, but no sooner had the men placed themselves in two ranks than the sun shone out brightly and the wind began to lull. His Excellency, Lady Ranfnrly, and suite, arrived at three o'clock, and the speech-making then began as reported below. THE EMBARKATION. Colonel Penton gave the men a few minutes to take final leave of their friends. The ranks of the Navals immediately opened out, and the crowd poured in. Hugging and kissing were the order of the day, and tears flowed freely as farewells, which, no doubt, many felt might possibly be farewell, indeed, were taken. So great was the crush, that some of the men were cut off .from the rest, and had afterwards to struggle to the steamer as best they could. As once again the battalion formed up, and began to march to the steamer's side, the people massed on the roofs opposite broke out into a corona of white handkerchiefs, The effect at that lofty elevation of these fluttering signals was rather striking. The spectators then moved off to points whence a view of the marine spectacle could be obtained. Thousands lined the shores of the reclaimed land, and spread beyond almost to Point Jerningham. In fact, the water front was pretty well lined for a stretch of three miles. The wharves, of course, were filled, and hours before the steamers announced tc escort the troopship had been packed with thousands of voyagers. The waiters had rather a long interval to fill in, as the embarkation took some time. The substantial gangway, by which the horses had been taken aboard, had notices conspicuously posted on it, warning stowaways that they would be prosecuted at Albany, and under these, Colonel Penton took his stand, roll in hand, and each man's name was checked before he went on beard. This occupied nearly an hour, and the opportunity was seized by some to have another and less public leave-taking of their friends than the one on the way, and as soon as a fair number of the men got on board, demonstrations of friendship and good feeling began to be exchanged between ship and wharf. Baskets of fruit were sent up by rope and hand. One gentleman was able to get a parting snapshot of his son, who had ensconced himself in the rigging. By-and-bye the men broke into " Soldiers of the Queen," 1 and the National Anthem, which was heartily responded to by the volunteers. The crowd ashore then, led by a caste member of thecontingent, gave the Maori war cry composed for them, which was replied to with wen more vigour by another native battle cry from a country corps. Thus the time was filled in till the final shout betokened the passage of the contingent officers up the gangway, and as Colonel Penton stood at the barricade, the men gave him three cheers, and then once moro raised the National Anthem. The spectators joined in, and the Waiwera began to sheet off. ' LEAVING THE WHARF. As the big vessel slowly drew away, cries of farewell, shouts, and cheers, now for individuals, now for all, were unceasing, and amid a scene of the utmost enthusiasm, precisely as the clock struck five, the Waiwera headed out into the harbour, and began her voyage with New Zealand's soldiers of the Queen to Africa's sunny shores. THE SAIL DOWN THE HARBOUR. The demonstration, however, by no means ended here. By this time 14 steamers, blazing with bunting, and loaded with thousands of people, had puili'.d out from the wharves, and formed into two lines, in readiness for the troopship. They were of all sizes, from the stately Mokoia to the tiny Manama, which bore Mr. A. G. Johnson, a veteran at this work, and marshal' of the day. FINAL PARTING AT THE HEADS. At half speed all moved off down the harbour . and escorted the Waiweia to the Heads. ' Here they closed up, and at a signal all the vessels fired bombs, blew their whistles, and generally made as much noise as possible, their passengers waving flags and handkerchiefs, and the men of the contingent shouting themselves hoarse in. return. It was a scene of even more excitement than on the wharf, and could not very well be surpassed fo, spontaneity or heartiness. Then the big ship put her head determinedly to sea, and in a few minutes was steaming out into the Pacific, on her four week/ journey,,''*/ "■ ':'■?s