WELCOME TO THE IMPERIAL TROOPS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11579, 18 February 1901, Page 5

WELCOME TO THE IMPERIAL TROOPS.

A FESTAL DAY. THE MILITARY PROCESSION. THE GREATEST ASSEMBLAGE EVER SEEN' IN NEW ZEALAND. 35,000 PEOPLE IN THE DOMAIN.

On Saturday the citizens of Auckland, and indeed the residents of the provincial district, welcomed the Imperial troops by a "Teat demonstration, to which every circumstance of weather and scene contributed. From early morning, when it was known that, the Britannic had arrived with the troops, while the Tutanekai had also come in with the Premier and the Minister for Railways, till late at night, the cityl '.was abandoned to the holiday. The object of Queen Victoria in sending a. representative body of British troops was to enable the colonists, many of whom have never seen a British soldier, to realise the unity of the Empire. And this was amply achieved on Saturday. Every citizen turned out to take part in the welcome, and the attendance from the country districts was greater than at any previous time.

From goldiields and gumfields, from timber camps and forest clearings, from rich pastures made but yesterday, from fruitful orchards and desolate uplands, on horseback, on foot, by steamer and train, they came in thousands, the founders and builders of a 60-year-old nation. They flood into Queen-street, and fill it to overflowing with a stream of magnificent humanity. For awhile this stream flows along the pavements, then it begins to show on verandahs, on house roofs and at windows, but it still swells in the streets, for every 'bus and tram, every ferryboat and train, add to the multitude, till the crowd is such as was never seen in Auckland before. There is no noise, no ringing of bells, no firing of guns, not even the sound of a bugle, yet great forces are, being organised by quiet orders. Down the edge of the harbour are gathering volunteers and civic officials, veterans of a score battles, political leaders, wealthy citizens, and a dense eager . crowd to welcome the troops of the great Empire— Empire of which they are a part. And then'begins that procession the most wonderful Auckland has ever seen, the most stately and .magnificent pageant New Zealand has witnessed. Up the main street of the Northern capital come first the soldiers of the province, free volunteers every one—naval brigades and rifle brigades, batteries of artillery, rifle corps from city and country, from colleges and workshops, mounted and on foot, a thousand strong. They march between the living walls of people under the eyes of their friends and relatives, but getscarcely a word. Then the cry goes up, " They're coming!" " Here they are 1" and a thunderous cheer rises—Aucklanders welcome to the soldiers of the British army, and there passes into view men of worldfamous regiments— Life Guards, in their gleaming cuirasses and gay uniforms. From roof tops and windows, from balcony and verandah, handkerchiefs flutter and flags wave. Regiment after regiment file by in stately procession. How magnificently they march, how martial they look. Easy indeed to be proud of such men, even if they did not carry with them the glamour of a glorious history. The cheering rose and fell like the thunder of surf on the West Coast beach. It ran along with the advancing column, it swelled from the crowds in -lower Queen-street, it pealed for the Royal Artillery, it boomed for the Highlanders—it was the deep inarticulate voice of a people welcoming the military power of the Empire, showing its pride in the men of the old lands who visit their brothers in this new country of the south. The welcome was for all—it was not for Englishmen or Scotchmen, or Irishmen, it was for the British army, as represented by the troops marching in the procession, and the swarthy soldiers of India, picturesque in their gorgeous uniforms, were included, Goorkha and Sikh and Bengali, and all th<; races of.our Oriental Empire. Under the soft Auckland sky, in. the flashes of summer sunshine, the spectacle whs magnificent. From the khaktirdadS colonial horsemen in front to the Indians in crimson and gold, bringing up the rear, there was colour and form in infinite variety. It was such a pageant as Aucklanders have never seen before, and may never see again; and it is worth describing in detail. ARRIVAL AND DISEMBARKATION. Soon after six a.m. the troopship Britannic officially known as " No. 62," a large fourmasted two-funneled ex-Atlantic Jiner, painted white from stem to stern, showed up round the North Head, and within half-an-hour she was berthed at the Railway Wharf, where her arrival was watched with interest by the Indian Contingent, on board the .• Dalhousie. Breakfast over, the big steamer's decks became the scene of much bustle and preparation, as the troops began to furbish up their accoutrements and get ready for tho procession. The horse regi-, ments took their kits ashore, on to the wharf, where they arranged the numerous trappings for their steeds, and the foot regiments polished up their arms aboard. To those colonials, who, though familiar enough with the soldiers of the King by name, and through pictures, had never before seen a company of Mr. Thomas Atkins and his friends, the sight was one of the deepest interest. It all seemed so strange, yet so familiar. There were enormous Life Guardsmen buckling on the very cuirasses which young colonials had always admired so much in pictures, possibly because it is one of the last remnants of the picturesque armour which used to be worn " in days of old, when knights were bold." Alongside were the Hussars, scarcely less imposing, and then came the heroes of Omdurman, the 21st Lancers, while at other parts on the wharf were the Royal Horse Artillery and the Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry, each man sorting out his kit and waiting the coming of tho horses. Wandering about the busy groups, who were laughing and joking among themselves, strange, yet familiar, accents fell on tho ear. All round could be j distinguished fellow-townsmen of that typical j trio immortalised by —Mulvaney, Learoyd, and Ortheris— : if you wandered near the kilts you would also catch a dash of " gjuid Scots " in the buzz of talk, while now and again a lance-like sharp-voiced ser-geant-major would rap out some order to his men. ' OFFICIAL WELCOME. His Worship the Mayor (Mr. David Goldie), accompanied by Mr. Alfred Kidd, Mr. H. W. Wilson (town clerk), and some of the Reception Committee, boarded the Britannic at half-past nine, and officially welcomed Colonel Wyndham and his men to Auckland. MOVING OFF. About ten o'clock the country mounted corps, who brought their horses down lor I the use of the Imperials, began to arrive, and each company was soon busy saddling up. in this part of the S -tic-^ndian pnntinf ent was specially int€resun 0 w 3 S ? tho finishing touches were put to horse and man by the obsequious syces. White "he cavalry were bus engaged, the Ely lad been getting themselves into parade condition, came ashore and took

1 up a position near the troopships, so that* the wharf from end to end was a mass oil colour and activity. While these preparations were going on the crowds of spectators could be seen collecting in large numbers from the barricades at the head of the Railway 'Wharf, all alonfc Quay-street, and away tip on the hill at Emily Place many more people could be seen stationed to catch a glimpse of the procession as it moved off.' '.'■'. THE PROCESSION, The following was the order of the pro* cession: —■ Escort of Mounted Rifles. City Council Carriages First, containing His Worship the Mayor (Mr. D. Goldie),; Messrs. Alfred Kidd, Hewson, and the town clerk (Mr. Wilson); second, containing Messrs. J. Patterson (Grafton), A. Aitkin, R. Salmon, James Stichbury; third, containing Messrs. J. Jamieson and R. Farrell ; r fourth, containing Messrs. J. Hannan, R. Tudehope, John Court; fifth, containing Messrs. A. J. Entrioan. F. E. Baiime, C. J.' Parr, Graves Aickin. j Ministerial carriages (preceded by mounted] | escort). First, containing Hon. J. G.r ! Ward, Hon. A. J. Cadman, Mrs. and Miss j Sedclon ; second, containing Hon. T. X. Duncan, Hon. Jns. McGowan, Mrs. Hales (wife of the Engineer-in-Chief). The mounted rifle batallion, under Captain Holgate (officer commanding the Auckland Mounted Rifles). Companies represented : Auckland Mounted Rifles, LieutenI ant Harrow ell in command : Seddon Horse, Lieutenant Brittuin ; No. 1 Waikato Rifles, Captain Hume; No. 2 Waikato, Lieutenant! Barry; No. 5 Waikato. Captain Richardson ; Piako Rifles, Captain Clifford; Marsden Mounted Rifles. A number of the men! were on foot, their horses having been handed over to the Imperial troops. The Naval Brigade, under Captain Parker, and preceded by the Thames Naval Band.! Companies represented : Auckland Navals, 1 Lieutenant-Commander Clemens ; Ponsonby Navals, Lieutenant-Commander Patterson ;' Devon port Submarine Miners, Lieutenant Davis ; King's College Cadets. The Principal Medical Officer (Surgeon-Major Walker) and Commandant Leßoy, paraded with the brigade. The artillery brigade, under Captain O'Brien. Companies represented: "A" Battery Artillery, Lieutenant Stewart;'Auckland Engineers, Captain Walker; Devonport Coastguards, Lieutenant Gardner. The Auckland Cyclists' Volunteer Corps, on foot, Lieutenant Lonias Smith in command.

The No. 1 Battalion Auckland Infantry, preceded by the battalion drum and life band. Companies represented: Victoria Rifles, Captain. Skinner; College Rifles, Lieutenant McHardy; No. 1 Native Rifles, Captain Hut ton ; No. 2 Native Rifles, Captain Bartlett; Auckland Rifles, Captain tain Caughey; No. 3. Native Rifles, Captain Reecf; Gordon Rifles, Captain Knight;; Newton Rifles, Lieutenant Derrom teer Bearer Corps, Surgeon-Captain Knight and Superintendent Tnnks. The battalion /colours were borne in the centre of the column. Lieutenants Bloomfield and Boyca beino- the subaltern officers of the party. The No. 2 Infantry Battalion (country corps), preceded by the Hauraki Brass Band, and commanded by Major Porritt. Com-, panies represented : Ohinemuri No. 1 Rifles,; Lieutenant Hubbard; Hauraki Rifles, Cap-; tain Adams Ohinemuri No. 2 Rifles, Captain Walmslev; Coromandel Rifles, Lieutenant Inder; Huntly Rifles Captain Ralph; Onehunga Rifles, Captain Mcintosh ; Whangarei Rifles. Colonel Pole-Penton, Commandant of the New Zealand Forces, and staff, gliding, Cant Joyce, with mounted escort of Seddon/ Horse, Lieutenant Wynyard acting as the Colonel's orderly. Lieutenant-Colonel White officer commanding the Auckland Forces with Major Morrow, Acting-Mapl Schofield, Captain Reid, D.strict MjgjJ, and Surgeon-Captain King as staff officers. Major Pirie (militia) also paraded Hank- « were also thrown out by both the Aucb land Mounted Rifles and the Seddon Horse.

THE IMPERIAL TROOPS. The Imperial troops were preceded by the Garrison Band, under Bandmaster Hunter, the order and 'constitution of the visiting soldiers being as follows-.— • „..,_" Colonel Cro e-Wyndham, C.B. (,21st x.an« , cerTcommanding officer, attended by L.eutenant Bosworth, as orderly. Staff. taptakand Adjutant Evelyn Wood (Scottish. Rifles) Lieutenant and Quartermaster Col(King's Dragoon Guards) and Regimental Sergeant-major Laughton (21&t .Lancers). HoSehold Cklry, Ist Life Guards, 2nd L So> G al l Horse Guards (The Blues) Captaid P C Wilson King's Dragoon Guards : Second Lieutenant W. T. V. W. Wood. 7th (Queen's Own) Hussars): Lieutenant Viscount Cole. ~-'■■ 21st (Empress of India's) Lancers: Lieutenant R. H. Dick-Cunyngkam. Prince of Wales' Own Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry: Major Fitz B. V. Goddard, Second Lieutenant W. F. Fuller. _ Royal Horse Artillery: Major J. B. 11. Askwith, Lieutenant Dixon. Royal Field Artillery: Second Lieutenant G. A. H. Hill. Royal Garrison Artillery: Second Lieutenant W. D. Warrington-Morris ' Roval Engineers : Captain Powell, Second Lieutenant T. H. L. Spaight. Grenadier Guards: Captain G. 0. W. Heneage. . __ 'J _,' Coldstream Guards: Lieutenant 13. 1. Hon. "L. d'H. Hamilton. Scots Guards: Second Lieutenant Lord Falconer. • . , / „ „ Irish Guards: Second Lieutenant R. O. i A. McCalmont. Band of the Highland Light Infantry. 2nd (Queen's) : Lieutenant B. T. Churcher. 3rd (Buffs) 13th: Lieutenant M. S. Williams. . . Somersetshire Light Infantry : Lieutenant C. E. Chichester. Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry Lieutenant A. P. WilliamscFreeman. sth (Northumberland) Fusiliers : Major J. F. Riddell. 7th Royal Fusiliers: Second Lieutenant A. C. S. Chichester. '" . 23rd (Roval Welsh) Fusiliers: Second Lieutenant A. R. H. Rycroft. , , 37th (Royal Irish) Fusiliers : Lieutenant .-. MB. C. C'arbery. _ ... ' 26th Scottish Rifles: Captain R. Oakley. King's Royal Rifles: Captain J. M. <*< F Royal Irish Rifles: Second Lieutenant 0. 1 Rifle Brigade: Lieutenant R. P. H. Ber"Pipers of the Scottish groups. 42nd (Black Watch) Royal Highlanders* Lieutenant Green. . < Seaforth Highlanders: Captain E. AL Cowans. . : ' ■ Cameron Highlanders: Second Lieuten* ant J. M. Dougall. - :,'..••;: The Highland Light Infantry: Captain S. W. Scrase-Dickens. „ ;-, Armv Service Corps: Second Lieutenant p. W.'D. McLean. , / * .Royal Army Medical Corps: Captain I*. H. Winston, Lieutenant D. 0. Hyde. / - " j Four chaplains of the contingent, ; '""■'■ , ■■:■ .Army Ordnance Department: Captain C. M. Mathew, D.S.O. 1 J.' "...'.:;/ Army Pay Department:" Captain F.Wi Hill. 4th (Militia Battalion) Norfolk Regiment :1, Major 0. H. Fisher, Lieutenant R v . 0 4 - Suth.e«iu!d, t -.. '-■"■'■ y*-*' v

Ist (Volunteer) Battalion of the Devon Regiment: Captain and Hon. Major F. W. Harding, V.D. „ , T . ■ Ist Middlesex Kifle Volunteers: Lieutenant A. R. Davies. THE INDIAN CONTINGENT. Lieutenant-Colonel L. S. Peyton (14th Bengal Lancers), officer commanding, attended by Captain Hume, as orderly. Captain H. W. Campbell (18th Bengal Lancers), commanding the mounted section, with native officers of cavalry, "™ unted ' the principal officer being Colonel Dadbha. Jamnagar I.S. Cavalry. . Kota Duffadars (troop sergeant-majors), with swords. Duffadars (sergeants), -with lances. Captain Hanegan (10th Madras Infantry), commanding the infantry .section), Lieutenant P F Pocock (19th Bombay Infantry) and Major Scott, I.M.S. (medical officer to the contingent). . Native officers of iniantry. with swords. Havildars (sergeants), with rifles. A detachment of the Auckland Mounted jiffies acted as the rearguard. THE IMPERIALS EN ROUTE. The last of the local and country volunteers having cone past-, the Imperial troops came into view, headed by the Imperial representative staff, comprising the following officers :— Colonel Crole-Wyridham. C.8., 21st Lancers (commanding officer). Captain A. H. Wood (Scottish Rifles), Lieutenant and Quartermaster Collins (King's Dragoon Guards). Regimental-Sergeant-Major Laugh- j ton (21st Lancers), and the commanding ■ rfficer's trumpeter. I

CAVALRY GROUP. Immediately in the rear of the staff came the eavalrv groups. First were seen the waving plumes and glittering steel cuirasses and helmets of the Ist and 2nd Life Guards, and the Royal Horse Guards (the famous Blues), representatives of His Majesty's Household Cavalry, the King's Bodyguard, under Captain G. C. Wilson." Cheer after cheer rent the air as these magnificent'soldier?the finest cavalry regiment in the world—went past. They were moderately well-mounted, and sat their itteeds with a "nonchalance, and withal an air of unrivalled horsemanship which added to their fine and soldierly appearance. Each man (there were some 30 of them) was tall and stately of build, and every inch of Stature was"effective. The Life Guards wore ecarlet tunics with blue facings, their plunvs being white. The tunics of the Horse Guards were of blue (from whence their name) with scarlet facings, and their plumes were red. As they rode' past one could not fail bur think how glorious have been their achievements, from the days of the Stuart Kings to our own time, with their liecord of splendid service in South Africa, The next to pass under review were the King's (Ist) Dragoon Guards, a noble regiment bearing on its colours such memorable names in British history as Blenheim. Ramilles, and Waterloo, amidst a host of Others. This regiment owns, as its Colonel-In-Chief, the Emperor of Austria. The contingent was commanded by Second Lieutenant W. T. V. W. Wood, and comprised 24 men, whose uniform was striking. They Wore scarlet tunics with blue lacings, and steel helmets surmounted by scarlet horsehair plumes. Their horsemanship and general upright carriage won them rounds of enthusiastic applause. The smart and well-equipped 7th (Queen's Own) Hussars, in their tunics of blue, lavishly braided with yellow, under Lieutenant" Viscount Cole, and consisting of 22 men, were the next to pass. They were splendidly set up, soldierly fellows, and won a large share of public acclamation. Their busbies, with scarlet busby bags and -ed plumes, gave their uniforms a fine finish. Following these came the gallant-' 21st (Empress of India's) Lancers (the youngest cavalrv regiment in the service), under Lieutenant R. H. Dick-Cunyngham. nephew of that courageous and brilliant colonel of the same name, who lost his life in South Africa. This was only a small detachment—under 20 men all told—but the crowd did not notice that. They were the dashing Lancers— ' was enough—and heads were bared, hats waved on high, and hundreds of voices A joined in British cheers fot British deeds of oft-recounted valour. Omdurman was remembered as the Lancers rode along, as well as many another gallant charge. They wore uniforms of blue, with gray facings and white plumes in their head-gear, and carried their lances at the rest. By this time the cheering along the route had become continuous, the plaudits of the multitude of people lining the pavements and verandah tops, and filling all the available windows on either side of the street,

mingling together into one spontaneous burst of welcome. Cheers rang out along the entire length of the pageant, and at one time the volume of sound, punctuated, as it were, bv the clapping of hundreds of hands, completely drowned all other sounds—and Still the troops in true British stolidity, rode on or marched on, nor looked to left or right. What a sight it was ! A long unbroken line of Britain's warlike sons, in all the gorgeous array of warlike pomp, and sturdy, perfect manhood. No wonder we colonials " enthused" as out noble defenders of the Empire passed before our eyes. The cavalry group was completed by the Prince of Wales' Own Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry, under Major Fits,, R. P. Goddard, and Second Lieutenant W. F. Fullei. They were about 26 strong, and presented a splendid appearance in their bluejiniforms. faced with yellow, looking very simila. to the 7th Hussars. The irregulars were distinguished looking men, and gained a popular reception as they passed. »

ARTILLERY AND ENGINEERS GROUP. Next came the gorgeously uniiormed Royal Horse Artillery-, under Major J. B. H. Askwith and Lieutenant Dixon. This magnificent arm of the service, upon which so much depends in time of war, was represented by upwards of 50 men. The regiment takes precedence of all other British regiments. They wore uniforms of blue, With gold facings, the jacket being richlybraided in gold across the chest. Their busbies bore scarlet bags and white plumes. In appearance they exhibited a polish and military finish which it would be hard tc excel. " Remembering their record in the Peninsula and in the Crimea, in Egypt, China, and in South Africa, the people cheered them to the echo as they passed. The Royal Field Artillery, tinder Second Lieutenant G. A. H. Hill, and consisting of upwards of 40 men, came next. Theii blue uniforms, with scarlet facings, gave them an important place in the picture. These were on foot, as were the Royal Garrison Artillery representatives—3o strong, under Second * Lieutenant W. D. WarringtonMorrisand it was noticeable that the marching of both companies was on a par with that of the infantry regiments. The predominant blue in the uniforms up to this point in the procession now gave place tc the Scarlet jackets of the Royal Engineers, under Captain Powell and Second Lieutenant T. H. L. Spaight, and consisting of 50 men. The blue facings tc their tunics and their gold shoulder cords gave them a very striking appearance. Some wore helmets, the mounted section wearing busbies with blue busby-bags and white plumes. These men represented that splendidly efficient scientific branch of the Imperial army, which has done so much, and had so much to do in all the wars of Britain, and as .such were greeted with the most

intense enthusiasm. Stories of the almost incredibly'swift bridging over of rivers and chasms, the railway lines laid or repaired, the roads made passable for an army and other feats of engineering, came back to the onlooker with vivid force as the doers of these deeds went by.- Their inarching wa no less » noticeable,, feature than their striking equipment. THE FOOT GUARDS GROUP. Another blaze of scarlet, and the Grenadier Guards, 23 strong (under Captain G. C. W. Heneage) swing past with rhythmic step and upright carriage, leading the Infantry regiment*. Their huge bearskin caps caused many expressions of sympathy to be evoked on all sides, but gave them a significance and style which well became them. These were the giants of British infantry, the greatest giant of them all being Private McCullagh, who stands 6ft 9£in in height. They have done battle for Great Britain in many " foreign clime, and their historical associations are brilliant. Their welcome "was a Warm one. The gallant Coldstreams followed, 23 Strong, under Lieutenant B. T. Hon. L. N. H. Hamilton. Their uniform was like that of the other Guards, but they wore the distinguishing badge of the star and garter. The Coldstreams fought at Waterloo, in the Peninsula, and at many another bloody fight. Their appearance was imposing i '■■'-. :■'. . '

I enough to warrant the cheering 'which ; greeted them. The Guards were one and all men of tall stature and powerful build, and their marching was a revelation. More giants followed in similar uniforms. These were the Scots Guards of splendid achievements. Their distinguishing mark was the badge of sphinx and thistle. They were commanded by Second Lieutenant Lord Falconer, and numbered 23" men. Like the Grenadiers their fine bearing and uniformity in marching was greatly admired, and secured them hearty plaudits. Then came the Irish Guards, under Second Lieutenant R. 0. A. McCaJmont, numbering 23 men. Being the latest formed infantry corps in the British army they claimed very general attention. They looked splendid fellows in their scarlet uniforms, faced with green, with shamrock badges and plumes of St. Patrick's blue. The reception they came in for was deservedly warm, and showed that their countrymen's loyalty to the Empire in South Africa had not been overlooked. THE HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY BAND. At this point of the procession marched the Highland Light Infantry Band, in tartain plaids and trousers. Their appearance was novel, but very picturesque, and the martial strains of their splendidly-rendered music proved rousing and invigorating, and seemed to affect the marching of the nearest regiments in just those ways. This band was heartily applauded all along the line i of march.

THE LINE GROUP. Behind the band came the first of the line regiments, ''he 2nd (Queen's) Royal West Surreys, which has won fame in all parte of the world. Their leader was Lieutenant. B. T. Churcher. and they numbered 20 men. The rank and file proved to be younger soldiers than those who had gone i before, some indeed being mere striplings. Their esprit de corps was, however, admirable, and they marched in perfect time, handling their rifles with the skill of veterans. Their uniforms were scarlet, with blue facings, and they looked a soldierly lot. The other regiments of the line group followed in the order named : The East Rents (the "Buffs"). 23 strong, under Lieutenant M. S. Williams, ot equal fame to that of the Surreys; the Somersetshire Light Infantry (Prince Albert's), 23 strong, under Lieutenant C. E. Chichester, of splendid sen-ice in South Africa in the seventies, and in Burma in the eighties; and. finally, the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry. 21 strong, under Lieutenant A. P. illiamsFreeman, a regiment which has fought side by side with the colonial troops in South Africa. The Rents were the only one of these not uniformed the same as the Surreys, the difference being in the facings of the former, which were white instead of blue. These line regiments are an extremely useful section of the Imperial service, and invariably fall in for a large share of the hard work when fighting is to be done. They were not allowed to pass without their full share of applause.

THE FUSILIER GROUP. Foremost of the fusilier regiments came the sth Northumberlands (well known to fame as the "Fighting Fifth"). There were 23 of these stalwart, well-drilled, and beautifully-marching fighting men, under Major J. F. Riddell. They were in scarlet, with "gosling" green facings, and carried red-and-white feathers in their busbies. The gallant Fifth have had much to say in the making of our Empire, as the records standing to their names proclaim, and loud were' the greetings showered upon them. Then .came the 7th (Royal) Fusiliers, the City of London regiment, with another brilliant record. Second-Lieutenant A. C. S. Chichester was in command, there being 23 men in the detachment. The 25rd (Royal Welsh) Fusiliers, 20 strong, under Second Lieutenant A. R. H. Ryeroft, followed, still crowned with the glory of their deeds in the past. Next- marched the Royal Irish (Princess Victoria's) Fusiliers, 22 strong, under Lieutenant M. B. C. Carbery. In this regiment is combined the old 87th and 89th. Each of the fusilier regiments has its distinctive badge, and » peculiarity common to all of them is the cap of fusilier pattern. They were all the recipients of loud applause.

THE RIFLES GROUP. A sharp colour-contrast was effected by the giving place of the red-coated regiments to the rifles group, which followed on. The first was the"26th Scottish Rifles (the Cameronians)? 23 strong, under Captain R. Oakley. They were dressed in uniforms of dark green, with darker greea facings. Cameron tartan and appointments. They looked extremely well, and marched with wonderful precision. Their appearance was greeted with the utmost- enthusiasm. Then came the Royal Rifles, 23 men, under Captain J. H. G. Feilden, m green, with scarlet- facings. This fine regiment used to be known as the 69th, and has had a famous career. Their advent was the signal for renewed cheering. The Royal Irish Rifles, 23 men, under Se-cond-Lieutenant C. M. L. Becher, followed in green uniforms, with dark green facings. This regiment's record is one of many famous battles.

The rear o* the group was brought up by the Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort's Own), Lieutenant R. P. H. Bernard in command, with 23 men in the detachment. Their green uniforms with black facings, and Astrakhan hats, gave them a distinguished look, which was borne out by their splendid carriage and marching.

THE HIGHLANDERS GROUP. Notwithstanding the outburst of popular feeling preceding them, the Highlanders, who now came under review-, met the full flood-tide of the enthusiasm of the public. ! They were ushered along the route with clamorous shouts of delight, and hurrahs resounded till the air vibrated with their force las the kilted heroes nove into sight. It j was as though the restrained and pent-up feelings of the multitude had broken bounds, and swept away all consideration but the one—that the " braves" of dear old Scotland, the men of might and muscle, sturdy, rugged, and untiringwere at hand. They made a. glorious sight—a never-to-be-forgot-ten sight—as they swung past with unswerving precision of step, and with irresistible power stamped upon them from head to heel. First came the 42nd (Black Watch) Royal Highlanders, 24 strong, under Lieutenant Green, in full glory of scarlet jackets with blue facings, a diced red-white-and-blue band round their bonnets, red hackles, regimental tartans, kilts and Highlanders' appointments. The Seaforth Highlanders (Duke of Albany's Ross-shire Buffs) came next, and after them the Cameron Highlanders (formerly the 79th regiment). There were 24 of each corps, the former commanded by Captain E. A. Cowans and the latter by Second lieutenant J. M. Douglas. The Highland Light Infantry, formerly the 71st and 74th Highlanders (in trews") brought up the rear, there being 24 men, under Captain S. W. Scarse-Dickins. It was a veritable triumph, this passing of the Highlanders, besides affording the most picturesque sight of the day. How well they locked in their glory of busby, plaid, kilt, puiiabeg, sporran, and gaiters, was fully testified to by the civilians abroad on that great day.

DEPARTMENTAL GROUP. Now came die various corps in the departmental group, headed by 11 men of the Army Service Corps, under Second Lieutenant F. W. D. McLean. The Royal Army Medical Corps, or 10 men, under Captain P. H. Winston and Lieutenant D. O. Hyde, followed, after which came detachments from the Arrnv Ordnance Department, under Captain C. M! Matthews, and the Army Pay Department, under Captain F. W. Hill. These useful, hardworking, and soldierly members of the service were all warmly greeted.

MILITIA AND VOLUNTEERS GROUP. The Norfolk Regiment (Militia Battalion), under Major 0. H. Fisher and Lieutenant ! R. O. Sutherland, passed next, followed by the Ist (Volunteer) Battalion of the Devon Regiment, under Captain and Hon. Major F. W. Harding, V.D., and the Ist Middlesex Rifle Volunteers, under Lieutenant A. R. Davies. The reception of these detachments was a recognition of their importance as a factor in the defence oi the Empire, and the crowd applauded them lustily as they passed. The representation of these branches of the Imperial army came home with especial meaning to the public, whe recollected that our own brave " boys" have gained for themselves so great a reception at the hands of British people at Home, by volunteering in a similar spirit. The militia wore scarlet, with white facings, the Devons green, with black facings, and the Middlesexes black uniforms, with black

' felt hats tourned up at the side, and bearing ' black cocks' feathers. They looked smart, and marched most admirably. The Ambulance and Naval Brigades workmanlike and efficient-looking corps— completed the British section of the troops. THE INDIAN TROOPS. A brilliant kaleidoscopic effect was given to the rear of the long procession by the appearance there of the Indian troops, of whom the officers of cavalry and troop ser-geant-majors, with drawn sabres at shoulder. and the sergeants with lances, were mounted (and splendid horsemen they proved to be), the infantry marching in their rear, headed by their sergeants with rifles. Familiar as these dusky sons of the Empire have become to Aucklanders during the last week, their reception at the hands of the public w{us a spontaneous one indeed, expressive of the utmost goodwill and friendship, and by no means lacking that spirit of admiratio for brave deeds done which leavened the popular outburst of welcome throughout the day. The grim-visaged warriors were under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Peyton and Captain Campbell, the chief native officer. Colonel Dadbha, also riding in front. MARCHING TO THE DOMAIN.

The word of command to march was the signal for an outburst of cheering by the crowd gathered- round the approach to the wharf, and as the brilliant train wound its wav through the city between broad lines of humanity the shout of welcome and admiration was taken up from point to point, rolling onward continuously like a wave, to culminate on the Domain, where it dissipated among the trees as the troops halted. Queen-street was a river of people. From the edge of the strip of roadway, kept clear in the centre for the procession, right up to the parapets of the buildings, the people were as thick as bees. The street was lined with men, women, and children, all expectancy ; the verandahs and lamp posts bore small boys, who could not get nearer the line of march ; the verandah roofs from one end of the thoroughfare to the other supported thousands of business people and their friends : the upper windows of every shop and office were filled with bodyless heads and faces, all smiles and laughter: and the spectator's gaze attracted still higher by faint shouts from somewhere high above him. caught sight of rows upon rows of men and boys (and even some venturesome girls), who lined the parapets, from where the procession must have had the appearance of a gorgeously-coloured snake, winding its way along. Flags flutter in the breeze from hundreds of points, and several of the business places have their facades gaily decorated with lines of bunting, noticeable among these the warehouse of Mr. A. B. Donald. Let the reader imagine he secured a coign of vantage somewhere near the town clock to see the "regiment acomin' down the Grand Trunk Road," and watch the eager crowd of watchers. There is a blare of martial music, almost drowned in cheers, and the local troops citizen Tommies—pass by. They march well, and are a fine useful-looking lot of men; how useful has been proved by those brave fellows who represented the district so creditably on the South African veldt. As the sober-coloured khaki column moves on the cheering clown the street increases in volume like a rising wind, and looking towards the wharf a blaze of scarlet- and gold strikes the eye. " Here they are!" is cried out from pavement to roof, and the cheering, which, while the local forces have been passing, had a familiar note in it, a sort of " Hallo, old fellow" ring about it, now expresses unbounded admiration and delight. The Life Guards are actually in Queen-street! The excited throng can scarcely believe it, and enthusiasm runs high. At the head rides Colonel Wyndham, of the 21st Lancers, who is in command of the contingent, and a very handsome soldierly commander he makes as he goes by on his fine charger. Accompanying him is his adjutant, Captain A. H. Wood, of the Second Cameronians, a son of General Sir Evelyn Wood. Then came the Life Guards and the Horse Guards, or the " Blues." as they are called. For the first time in their lives thousands of colonials realise the meaning of that familiar saying, "Why, he would do for a Guardsman." Here were the very men whose name had passed into a synonym for a grand specimen of a man.* As they pass, in all the glory of scarlet tunics, brightly polished cuirasses and helmets, which catch the sunlight, and flash like silver, these splendid fellows are cheered to the echo. Boys shout and whistle, the people on the parapets look perilously like waving themselves on to the street below, men cheer lustily, women give expression to their admiration, and smile a frank welcome to the Empire's defenders; handkerchiefs of all sizes and shades, from the dainty bit of lace, fluttering from some fair hand, to the expansive bit of linen, wielded by some elderly citizen, are frantically waved; hats, sticks, and umbrellas are used with a celerity that would make a flag-signaller's fortune; in fact, everybody seems to be hurrahing and waving something. Everywhere there are shouts of welcome and indications of admiration.

As but few colonials are familiar with the distinguishing marks of the regiments of the British army, it is only natural that the most pronounced outbursts of applause are excited* by those with the most attractive uniforms, and if one were to locate the crescendos they would fall on the Life and Horse Guards, the 21st Lancers, the Guards, the Highlanders, and the Indians, but one at least was familiar to all for its deeds as well as its dress, and that is the 21st Lancers, who come in for marked attention. Who would have thought to see those stalwart men, in their striking uniforms, quaint head-gear, with the waving plumes of snow-white feathers, the red and white pennons fluttering from the lance heads, that some of them had, with their Colonel, been through the awful charge of Omdurman? From somewhere overhead comes the cry, " Omdurman! Omdurman!" through the cheers, and raises an answering smile on the faces of the Lancers. "Where's McCullough?" can be heard in more than one key, as the imposing bearskins of the Grenadier Guards came along, and different people with different ideas of height indicate the tallest man in the British army in a surprisingly different number of places. A weird skirl on the bagpipes preceded the Highlanders, and gives the signal for renewed hurrahs. Then follow the rifle detachments, which, though some are not remarkable for physique, are all applauded for their splending marching, which is a revelation to colonials. The next outburst occurs when the Indians come in sight, with Colonel Peyton and Captain Campbell riding at the head. In front are the Lancers and other mounted men, all garbed in the rich colours of the East. Gold bullion used with Oriental lavishness, the bright turbans, the flashing lanceheads and swords, the gaily-coloured sashes and costumes, make up a brilliant spectacle, which will long be remembered in Auckland. The way the men sit their horses makes one wish "that they could be seen at some of those military sports and pastimes in which the Indian horsemen excel. After them march the infantry, who also come in for a hearty reception, particularly the little Goorkhas, whose fame as fighters seems to be very widespread. And so the. procession wended its triumphant way through the town. Outside Queen-street the crowds were, of course not so dense, but still thousands lined the route, and the enthusiasm from the wharf to the Domain never flagged for a moment. Ah the last of the troops passed any point "i Queen-street it was most interesting to see the populace flocking off by side-streets and short cuts to the Domain, in the hope of arriving there in time to witness them march on to the cricket- ground.

ARRIVAL AT THE DOMAIN. I hough the crowd during the march was mostly in the streets, many hundreds went early to the Domain, satisfied to witness the spectacle presented by the troops on their arrival there. All the seats in the grandstand had been early reserved, and many who w-ould willingly have paid for standing room had to go away disappointed and content themselves with places among the crowd. The procession set out from the Railway Wharf at nine minutes past eleven, and at five minutes to twelve the first of the local volunteers arrived at the Domain. It was just about noon when the people who had witnessed the march through the streets flocked in thousands through the Domain gates, all anxious to secure as good a position as possible from which to view the proceedings of the afternoon. The Mayor and city councillors and Ministers of "the Crown left their carriages at the gate and walked to the pavilion, and the volunteer section of the procession marched along the outskirts of the cricket ground and opening out into extended order, formed a square right round the level ground, thus leaving a large open space for the soldier visitors. The approach of the Imperial troops was signalised by loud and vociferous cheering, which was repeated again and again as the

representatives of the different regiments came into view, the kilted men being treated to particularly hearty cheering all along the line. The cavalry dismounted in the outer Domain, but Colonel Wyndham on horseback led the infantry portion of his force on to the cricket ground, the artillery group leading the way, followed by the fusiliers, the band of the Highland Light Infantry, and the kilted troops. It was the spectacle of the day as the Imperials, with their easy and regular swing, marched on to the cricket ground. No better site could have been found anywhere for such a review. There was the broad stretch of level ground for the regulars to parade, and all around there was ample room and opportunity for many thousands to see such a sight as until the present visit few colonials have been privileged to witness. The uniforms of the scarlet-coated regiments showed up magnificently in bright sunshine, and it was little wonder that the enthusiasm of the vast crowd which by this time had gathered all round the Domain rose to a high pitch as company after company marched round inside the enclosure and formed up in front of the pavilion. Following,-the infantry came the Indian troops, who were received with great cheering, and when the cavalry appeared on foot, having left their horses in the outer Domain, they were cheered again and again, their reception even outrivalling that given to the Highlanders. Ample opportunity was given for the public to view the troops and identify the various regiments, and then the commanding officer gave the order to "Lie down,'' and the troops enjoyed a wellearned rest prior to the commencement of the programme arranged by the Citizen Committee. WELCOME TO AUCKLAND. First in the order of proceedings came the formal welcome to Auckland, though the men in their march through the streets had had a thousand welcomes shouted to them. The Premier, who had been engaged at the telegraph office, and was not able to join in the procession, arrived just in time to take part in the ceremony. The troops were called to attention, and the Mayor, accompanied by members of the City Council and Mr. Seddon. Mr. Ward (Minister for Railways). Mr. Duncan (Minister for Lands), and Mr. McGowan (Minister for Justice), and representatives of the Citizens' Committee, took up a position on the cricket ground, immediately in front of the Highlanders, where were also Colonel Wyndham and Colonel Peyton, representing the visiting troops, and Colonel Pole-Penton and Major Morrow, representing the New Zealand forces. THE MAYOR'S SPEECH. The Mayor (Mr. D. Goldie) addressed the troops on behalf of the citizens of Auckland, extending to them a very hearty welcome to the city. He did this the more willingly because upon his arrival here some 38 years ago, he, with many other young men, was called upon to enter into active service with the Imperial troops, who at that time were stationed here, and who were assisted as far as possible by volunteers in their endeavours to protect this province from our brave and warlike foes the Maoris. (Cheers.) New Zealand colonists then saw and heard sufficient to convince them of the bravery and heroism of those whom England had sent forth to protect the inhabitants of this land, and to turn back the tide of war. They knew with what British pluck and daring the British troops fought at Rangiriri. Rangiaohia, Orakau, and at the other battlefields in this and other districts. (Cheers.) Those brave men who fell at that time, and who ! now sleep in our cemeteries, ever remind j us of the deep debt of gratitude we owe i to them for their self-sacrificing efforts on | our behalf which only terminated with their j death. England then gave us of her best, and she has now sent you forward (and j with you these brave and loyal troops from j India, who are not one whit behind you in j their bravery and loyalty to the Throne, for ! they were proud to serve their Empress, and will be equally proud to serve their King), to remirfd us that although most of those who fought so bravely and well at that time are now at rest, others have ! stepped into the ranks, and taken their j places, who arc just as brave and just as . self-reliant as those to whom we have re- j ferred. (Cheers). And so, to-day, Auck- j land was called upon to give a hearty j welcome to officers and men from some of the most famous regiments in His Majesty's service, and whilst they recognised ! the fact that some of these soldiers before them had not for some years seen much [ active service, yet they knew that they be- : longed to regiments which possess glorious ' traditions, and whose regimental records ; teem with deeply interesting and heart-stir- i ring accounts of battles fought and won, and j of deeds of bravery innumerable, in their endeavours to uphold the honour of our country and our Sovereign. (Cheers.) Nothing grander or more soul-stirring could be said of the British army as a lighting ; force than that which was said by the old j Kaffir woman at the relief of Ladysmith, j when she, in an outburst of enthusiasm for I the magnificent bravery and endurance of I the soldiers who took part in that protracted I struggle, declared that the British soldier ; could conquer anything but death. New Zealand was pleased to have been able to place side by side with the regusoldiers upon the veldts of Africa, hundreds of her best and bravest young men, who in the struggle had mingled their blood with that of their British comrades, and were to-day (all too many of them) lying side by side in South African grave*. On behalf of the city of Auckland he had to thank the representative soldiers present, and the army they represented, for the noble words which had been used by their greatest generals in eulogy of the young men sent forth from New Zealand, who, though new to the work as they were, conducted themselves under the most trying circumstances in the most exemplary manner. (Cheers.) Fighting shoulder to shoulder with the regular forces, they had shown to the world that the honour of England is just as dear to the people of New Zealand as it is to those who dwell in the Fatherland, that England's battles are our battles, that England's extremity will always lie an opportunity for us to manifest, our loving regard to her for giving to us the freedom and glorious privileges we enjoy under her beneficent rule. (Cheers.) The stay of tire troops in New Zealand must of necessity be a brief one, but the earnest desire of the people of Auckland and of the whole of New Zealand was to make it, as far as they could, a pleasant and profitable one, both to the visitors and to themselves. They trusted that the Imperial troops, although far away from those who are very dear to them, would maKe many friends'here, and that they had found in New Zealand those whose hearts have been knit to their own in truest brotherhood, and that when they had left behind them these seagirt isles they will have nothing but pleasant recollections of their brief and happy time in New Zealand. (Cheers.) Till-; PREMIER'S SPEECH. The Premier said that was probably the last opportunity he would have of saying a few words of welcome to Colonel Wyndham and the officers and men who are with him, representing the flower of the grandest army known to the world. (Cheers.) The British army had of late years been spoken of somewhat disparagingly, but when the opportunity came, as it came in South Africa, , the army had proved itself worthy of its best traditions. With the hour arose the man, and on this occasion the man came in Lord Roberts. (Cheers.) Colonel Wyndham and his officers and men had now reached the most military part of New Zealand. He did not wish to disparage the military feeling of the people in the other parte of the colony, but they never had to face the same necessities in the matter of military service as the people of Auckland. All parte of the colony, however, had vied with each other in giving Colonel Wyndham and his troops a right hearty welcome. (Cheers.) They had , now with them, in addition, Colonel Peyton, and the. representatives of the Indian army. \ They differed from us in colour, but they ! ] had fought to uphold the Empire in a way ! ] deserving of every credit. On behalf of the ! ' colony of New Zealand he tendered to the : I Indian contingent a right hearty welcome. 1 (Cheers.) He was sure the representatives J of India wore pleased to come to New Zea- 1 land, the first colony that sent assistance to ' c their kindred when they were in dire dis- ! ( tress through the famine. Mr. Seddon then I proceeded to compliment the Hon. J. G. i ] Ward on his management of the earlier part : ] of the tour of the troops, and on the call of I some of the veterans, three hearty cheers ' t were given for Mr. Ward. Speaking next i with regard to the departure of the Imperial 1 troops Mr. Seddon said there had almost > been a grave injustice done to Auckland, as i 1

i ' w hen in Napier he received a communical tion from the transport officer through His - Excellency the Governor that the Britannic • must leave immediately. The telegram ex- • pressed the hope that he would accelerate : he/departure. Let them just think of the > i( j €a 0 him accelerating the departure of the ■ troop' while Auckland had been entirely ' neglected. (Cheers.) At first only 10 days ! ere allowed for the stay in New Zealand. - but that, was not sufficient time to enable the ; men to see all the beauties of the colony. i When he received the urgent communication i in pier, he accordingly sent the follow- • ine'to the Secretary of State, through His • Excellence- the Governor :—" His Excellency's advisers desire that the following : | communication be sent to the Secretary of . i g(- a .te : ' The New Zealand Government ■ i regrets exceedingly the refusal to allow the I Imperial troops to remain in the colony an . ; additional three days. The troops were de- ! tained two or three days in Melbourne pendi i ng the decision of the Imperial authorities l whether or not they should proceed to New ' Zealand, and this detention, to which exi ception cannot reasonably be taken owing { to the sad cause which led thereto, at the ' same time it is unreasonable to cut short ' the stay of the troops in New Zealand, and Ito say'the stay of the troops has been too ! prolonged in our colony is a mistake. The ! New Zealand Government declines to ask | reconsideration, but at the same time wish ' to draw a contrast between the action of ! Imperial authorities and the people of New Zealand. It would detract from the services rendered the Empire by our colony during the last few months. Great service i.» being rendered at the present time, and will be continued, and almost every wish of the Imperial Government has been cheerfully met. The Secretory for State was asked to extend the visit of the troops three days, and this reasonable request was deI clined. The result will be, the troops arrive on Saturday morning at Auckland, and have to leave in* the afternoon. It was naturally the desire of the people of the colony that at. least in the four large centres the people should have the opportunity of seeing the representative troops of the British Empire, and that this should be denied the people of Auckland is a matter for sincere regret.— R. J. Seddon'.' " At the same time he took the liberty of sending the following private cable to Lord Roberts: — "Regret exceedingly three days' extra extension for Imperial troops refused. Time will not permit effect being given to preparations made at Auckland. The detention in Melbourne took from New Zealand two days of the time we believe you allotted. Programme has been rather stiff for both officers and men, and it is the opportunity of a lifetime that they should see geysers and hot springs at Rotorua. and the rest would have set them up for the voyage Home. Under present orders Britannic reaches Auckland on Saturday morning, and leaves same evening. Some of the officers went overland to Auckland, and it is very questionable whether they will be able to catch steamer.' In reply, he had just received the following cablegram : — " Approval is given for Imperial troops to stay in New Zealand for 13 days, including day's arrival and departure, instead of 10 days. Much regret reasons against any further extension.— London." The reading of this message was greeted with loud cheering, and Mr. Seddon explained that he had received confirmation of the message from the Agent-General in London, who had interviewed the authorii ties on the subject. This meant that the | troopship had to leave on Monday, but he | hoped yet to be able to get the stay ex--1 tended till Tuesday. (Cheers.) He wished j to thank all present, and all those throughi out the colony who had assisted in giving I the troops such a welcome as they would J remember as long as they lived. The j mayors of all the cities had vied with each other in making the visit a success.. As Premier of the colony he was proud of them all, and he knew that the officers and men of the Imperial Contingent were proud of i them. He trusted that in the little time ; left to them in New Zealand Colonel Wyndi ham and his men would enjoy themselves thoroughly, and that they would cany home ! with them pleasant recollections of New Zeai land, the best nart of the British Empire. j (Cheers.) CHEERS FROM THE IMPERIALS. J At the close of the Premier's address ! Colonel Wyndhnm turned to his men, and ' called for three cheers for the Mayor and 1 people of Auckland, and three rousing cheers ! rang forth from the whole of the troops, led 'by the Colonel. Then, at the call of Colonel , Wyndham, the men gave three ringing ! cheers for the ladies of Auckland. The Premier then called for three cheers for Colonel Pole-Penton and the members of the New Zealand forces, which was responded to by the crowd, and still, at the call of the Premier, cheers were given for j Lord Roberts and Lord Kitchener, in recognition of their work in South Africa, and a voluntary cheer was raised from the crowd j for the Premier. Before the troops passed i over to the luncheon tents the Premier ha.d a I chat with some of the veterans, and led three hearty cheers for Mr. Alex. Whisker, of the 58th Regiment, a veteran who was present at the coronation of the late Queen Victoria. OFFICERS' LUNCHEON. Luncheon was provided for the officers of the Imperial force in a tent on the Domain. The Premier presided, and had on his right Colonel Wyndham, commanding the Imperial troops, and on his left Colonel Peyton, commanding the Indian Contingent. There were also at the head of the table, the Primate (Bishop Cowie), Colonel Pole-Penton, Commandant of the New Zealand Forces, the Hon. A. J. Cadman, M.L.C., Mr. J. H. Witheford, M.H.R., Commander Tilley (Governor of Tutuila). Dr. Solf (Governor of German Samoa), the Hon. T. Y. Duncan (Minister for Lands), the Hon. J. McGowan (Minister for Mines). Among the guests present in addition to the Imperial officers, were : Surgeon May and Lieutenant Rideout, of H.M.s'. Mildura, officers of the U.S. transport Abarenda, Captain Holgate (Auckland Mounted Rides). Mr. Theo. Cooper (the new Supreme Court Judge), Mr. C. Seegner (Consul for Germany), Mr. H. Reese George (Consul for Portugal), Mr. F. E. Baume (Consul for Denmark and Norway and Sweden), Messrs. A. Kidd, R. Farrell, Court, and Graves Aickin (members of the City Council), and Mr. H. W. Wilson (town clerk). Mr. H. Campbell (Mayor of Parnell), Dr. Erson (Mayor of Onehunga), Messrs. A. IT. Nathan, and J. McK. Gcddes (representing the Citizens' Committee), and a, number of private citizens. Though the Citizens' Committee decided against providing intoxicants at either of the luncheons, there was a supply of champagne and of various other drinks on the tables, provided by the local military authorities in accordance with instructions from headquarters. The Premier gave the toast of "The King," which was loyally pledged. The next toast was " The Combined Forces of the Empire," also given by the Premier. He said the toast had been changed from that of navy, army, and volunteers, because of recent events. They had that day an opportunity never before bestowed on the people of Auckland of seeing representatives of the leading forces of the Empire. A hearty welcome had been given to the visitors, although, in his opinion, the welcome had not exactly been as it ought to have been. Representatives of the British army should never in any part of His Majesty's dominions be brought into any political discussion, or be m«de parties to an issue. That was really what had been done. He did not wish to say anything that would subsequently cause any further trouble, but he was a Britisher, and it was not in accordance with the traditions of our race that we should say to the guests we entertain what they shall eat or drink. The men were to have cold water, aerated water, or tea, and as they had not had sufficient even of that, he thought it was cause for inquiry later on. If anything unpleasant had occurred the responsibility must rest with those people who would force their opinions to the front at a time when they should let them remain in abeyance. As the Premier of the colony he could say that this was not in accordance with the wishes of the great mass of the people of New Zealand. He apologised to the officers and men for what had occurred, and asked them to take it for granted that everybody had been desirous of according them a hearty and sin- j cere welcome. The toast was heartily pledged, the company singing "For They Are Jolly Good Fellows." Colonel Wyndham, in responding, thanked the people for their kindness to himself, his officers, and men. Auckland was unfortunately the last city they would be able to visit in New Zealand, and he wished to say how much they had all enjoyed theii tour.

It had been a sort of public function, but it had also been a pleasure to the troops; they had been able to combine pleasure with dutv. He could not thank the people of NewZealand enough for all their kindness. They had treated the visiting corps as their own kith and kindred, and had everywhere given them the same generous, hospitable, and enthusiastic welcome. They would all go back to the Old Country with the very kindest thoughts in their hearts for the people of New Zealand, and they would be able to tell their comrades at Home what they had seen, what they had done, and how they had been treated. " They hoped also, in parting, that they had left a slight impression in the hearts of the people of New Zealand, and that in their memories there would in the future dwell some kindly thoughts of the Imperial troops. (Applause.) Mr. H. Campbell. Mayor of Parnell. gave "' The Premier. Ministry, and Parliament, of New Zealand." He forcefully complimented the Premier and Ministry on having united the people in the Imperialistic sentiment, which, at the lead of the Premier, had taken hold of the country in the past 15 months. Every particle of party feeling had been sunk* and all were united in supporting the Premier and Ministry in promoting thai feeling. It was impossible that New Zealand could have had a Premier or Ministry which could have carried out the wishes of the people, and expressed the popular view in a more fitting manner than Mr. Seddoil and his colleagues had done. (Applause.) The Premier, Mr. Cadman, and Mr. Witheford replied, the latter expressing uie hope that many of the visiting soldiers would return and settle in New Zealand, as the -Minister for Lands was arranging a scheme whereby all who had retired from military service would find a resting-place in New Zealand. This closed the proceedings at the luncheon.

THE LUNCHEON TO THE NON-COM- ! MISSIONED OFFICERS AND MEN. Three large tents were devoted to the entertaining of the non-commissioned officers and men, capable of holding each 320 men, aad connected with each other by smaller tents, so as to keep the public from hampering operations. As soon as all were seated, His Worship the Mayor (Mr. D. Goldie) and the Hon. J. G. Ward (Minister for Bailways) came in, and presided at the head of the tables of the centre tent. The Rev. W. E. Gillam (one of the volunteer chaplains) was also present, and a number of the returned troopers from the South African contingents. The repast provided was a substantial meat luncheon (with fowl or duck), hot potatoes, and vegetables, bread and cheese, jelly, bananas, plums, damson, and peach pie, and a number of young ladies went round with baskets, and placed ever half a pound of hothouse grapes with each of the men, a gift which was very much appreciated. In .addition, every man had a bottle of ginger beer or lemonade, or aerated waters, and tea ad lib. A number of the Auckland Navals were told off to each table, as waiters, and at the close of the meal a glass of the beer donated by the Auckland brewers (three hogsheads), was dispensed, a glass to each man, under the supervision of Lieutenant-Commander Clemens, and Lieutenant Salmon, of the Auckland Navals. A number of the Imperial men declined to take beer, being temperance men. Seventy dozen of ginger beer and lemonade were consumed, and the Mayor, who was indefatigable in attending to the wants of the men, ordered 100 dozen more on his own authority, and when it came on the ground two cases were given to the veterans (who were entertained after the troops), and the balance was kept for the troops to refresh them after the sports. There were no speeches in the men's tents, as they had been surfeited with that sort of thing at the various banquets throughout the colony.

LUNCHEON TO THE INDIANS. The men of the Indian Contingent had a separate tent set apart for them, where their wants were attended to by a sub-committee, consisting of Messrs. J. McK. Geddes, Caleb Wood, Chas. MacCormick, and Captain Morrow. THE MILITARY DISPLAY AND SPORTS. The luncheon over the troops were marched back to the centre of the oval, where, divested of their belts, swords, etc.. they were allowed to hike their ease on the grass, and a commencement was made with the military sports. Colonel Wyndham acted as judge, and was assisted by\Captain Evelyn Wood and others of the Infperial officers' present. The first item was an exhibition of physical drill, by a squad of 28 of the Northumberland Fusiliers, under the command tf a non-commissioned officer, the Highland Light Infantry Band, drawn up on the western side of the squad, providing the music to which the movements were gone through. The precision with which the drill was gone through, the minute attention to detail, and the splendid time kept, delighted the onlookers, who loudly cheered the squad for their fine work. They worked as one' man, and the drill proved a revelation to all present. Bayonet exercise by the Grenadier Guards drawn from the English, Scotch, and Irish regiments represented, and consisting of 28 men, under a non-commissioned officer. A feature of the exhibition was the general smartness, the quick time when the men had to go through the movements without musical accompaniment being particularly fine. 'Hie bayonet exercise was followed by the manual and firing exercises, everything' being done sharply, the firing exercise in particular appealing to the public the clicl&of the rifles in the process of loading, firing, and unloading, being so well together that it was hard to imagine that a whole squad was at work.

Sword exercise by Royal Horse Artillery and 7th Hussars, consisting of a squad of 24 men, under a non-commissioned officer. This display was given in splendid style, in fact, it may be said that never before have colonials been privileged to witness such precision and unanimity of action in an exercise of this description. As the glittering swords flashed through the air in the various cuts and thrusts, it was not difficult, to imagine the havoc that such a fine and highly proficient body as the cavalry men taking part would play were the swords being wielded in grim earnest.

Free gymnastics, by a squad of 30 men, drawn from the rifle group, under a gymnasium instructor. Attired in singlets and khaki pants and goloshes, to give free play to the muscles, the exhibition was one that

impressed the puWic with the benefits accruing from gymnastic instruction,' and greatly pleased all present, owing to its being entirely new to the colonies. The display included marching on the toes, hopping first on the one foot, then on the other, " knees up," quick and slow time, the double, and a course of muscle work similar to the extension motions to which recruits are sub-

jected in the process of setting up. The performed were a sturdy lot of young fellows, of medium height, splendidly developed, deep-chested, and supple and dean in their movements. As in the preceding exercises the time kept was a feature of the display. and the men came in for round after round of applause. The exhibition will be recognised .us all the more praiseworthy, wl»en it is mentioned that no similar item has been given since the arrival in New Zealand, and that the only practice indulged in was at Wellington. So delighted was the Premier, that he gave voice "to his feelings in the Maori tongue— ! kapai ! kapai ! —thus greatly impressing the visitors with his knowledge of the Maori language. Physical drill by a squad of 20 of the Norfolk Militia, under a non-commissipned officer. The militiamen proved themselves splendidly up in the drill, and one old veteran, who closely watched the movements throughout, paid the visitors a high compliment, saying, " I never saw a militia squad do better, and I have seen them at it often enough in the Old Country." Lance exercise by a squad of 12 of the 21st Lancers, with bugler, and under the direction of the regimental sergeant-major. Everything was done by bugle call, and the exhibition was a fine sight to witness, the time kept being again a rare object lesson to the onlookers.

Tug-of-war, eight men a-side, open to groups. This event attracted teams from the Garrison Artillery and Engineers, the Guards, the Yeomanry, the Horse and Field Artillery, and the Fusiliers. The teams in the earlier pulls were splendidly matched, and, boing line, stalwart, powerful fellows, the tussle for supremacy proved most protracted and sternly contested, The Guards' team and the Horse Artillery eight were brought together in the final, but the latter getting away from the word "go," quickh pulled their opponents over the mark. The winning team was under Sergeant Kirk, and consisted of Privates Walsh, Thompson, Gallagher, Porter, Barry, Bird, Cobbe, and Corporal White..

Flag race, for teams of eight men from the various groups. In this the men had to run a given distance, round swords stuck in the ground, and "back to the starting point, bearing a lance on the shoulder. The first man hands the lance over to No. 2 of the squad, who goes through the same performance, and so they go on to the last (No. 8) man, the first No. 8 in to decide the event in favour of his squad. Teams were entered from the Rifles, Guards, Auxiliary, Fusilier. Militia, Line, and Artillery groups, and the contest was entered into with great enthusiasm by the men. so close did the finish prove, that Colonel Wyndham ordered the first four teams, the Fusiliers, the Artillery, the Line, and the Auxiliary squads to run again, with four men a-side, to decide the winner. This time the Line group prevailed by a narrow margin from the Fusiliers, the teams taking first and second prizes respectively. Band Race, 100 yds, competitors to play their instruments all the way: There were eight starters, all from the Highland Light Infantry Band, and as the men were allowed to please themselves as to the tunes, or rather snatches of tunes, the event created considerable amusement with many conflicting tunes and instruments essayed at by the competitors while running. Lance-Corporal Macey won the first prize, and Bandsman Edwards. Kenny, Lockyer, and Ryan, finished in that order.

Trumpeters and Buglers' Race. 50yds, competitors to play their bugles all the way : Ten trumpeters from the various regiments started, and. like the bandsmen's race, the noises emitted from the bugles in the attempt to comply with the conditions created no end of amusement. The winner turned up in Trumpeter Smalley, of the Welsh Fusiliers, a little fellow, who had to be given several yards start. THE VETERANS. The veterans of His Majesty's naval and military forces, residing in Auckland, attended at the Domain, and were accommodated in a prominent position in front of the Imperial troops. Captain Richardson was in command. Luncheon was provided for the veterans by the committee. About three o'clock, 'during an (interval In the sports programme, the veterans marched round the ground, and were greeted with loud and prolonged cheering from the Imperials. THE SCENE IN THE "DOMAIN.

The crowd was a record one for Auckland, and the Domain during the afternoon presented as pretty an animated picture as one could witness anywhere. The redcoats occupied the centre, a picturesque group in their many-coloured uniforms, the magnet, which had drawn to the surrounding slopes almost the whole population of Auckland. On Friday night and Saturday morning country visitors had nocked into the city from all quarters, and there were few town residents who did not make it their business on Saturday to see the Imperial troops. Many were content with seeing the march through the streets, but in spite of this there must have been 35,000 people in the Domain witnessing the evolutions. The well-shaded ground, sloping upward from the cricket reserve, gave everybody ample opportunity of seeing what was to be seen, and the fullest advantage was taken of Auckland's splendid parade-ground, the slopes being everywhere packed with people. Seen from the centre of the ground, the sight was one to be remembered. The ladies were in their gayest costumes, and the scene was sparkling with colour and full of life and animation, such a scene as Auckland has not witnessed since the late Queen's Jubilee, and even that lacked the brilliance given to Saturday's display by the scarlet coats and waving plumes of the Imperials, while most people agreed that in point of numbers the turn-out on Jubilee Day must take second place to that of Saturday. There was a considerable interval while the visitors were being entertained to luncheon in the tents, but the crowd waited patiently for the commencement (ft the sports programme, and there was scarcely any sign of the numbers decreasing till the last event was got off, and the troops fell in to march back to the ship.

THE MARCH BACK. The display over, the infantry companies were drawn up in older en route, and marched back to the Britannic via the Hospital Hill Road, Stanley-street, and the Breakwater Road. The mounted companies returned to their horses and rode back in detachments to the enclosure at the railway sheds, where the trappings were removed, and the horses returned to the members of the mounted volunteer companies. SATURDAY NIGHT'S LEAVE. As soon as the men had changed to undress uniform, they were given leave till midnight to visit their friends, see the various objects of interest, or attend the places of amusement. A nuumber of them went round the town, guided by various citizens, members of the returned contingents, or volunteers. They enjoyed themselves greatly, and returned on board the Britannic when their leave had expired. They behaved themselves splendidly, and although 1000 troops were about the town, of all branches, there was not the slightest disorder of any kind. DEPARTURE OF COUNTRY VOLUNTEERS. The country volunteers who came to town to take part in the reception to the Imperial troops returned to their homes by rail and steamer during Sunday. Orders were given in camp on Saturday night, and Captain Reid, district adjutant, was in attendance at seven o'clock yesterday morning to arrange for drafting the troops back. The first company, consisting of the Cambridge, Pirongia, Kihikihi, Huntly, and Raglan troops, marched to the railway platform, and entrained at ten o'clock, the Hamilton, Thames, Paeroa, Te Aroha, and Morrinsville detachments following at a quarter-past ten, and the Pukekohe, Franklin, and Waiuku men at half-past eleven. The Whangarei men left by boat last night at eight o'clock. The troops before leaving cheered Captain Reid. who had been responsible for the whole of the arrangements at the camp, and the despatch of the country troops. Evidently all were well satisfied with the manner in which this officer had carried out his duties and attended to their comfort.