THE RETURNED TROOPERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11650, 11 May 1901, Page 5

THE RETURNED TROOPERS.

ENTERTAINED AT CHRISTCHTJRCH.

SPEECH BY THE PREMIER.

DESPATCH OF ANOTHER CONTINGENT SUGGESTED.

[Br TEnE'JKAPH. — ASSOCIATION.] CiJßiSTcaußCir, Friday. The luncheon in connection with the reception of the returned contingent, held in the Art Gallery, was a great success. The hall and tables were artistically decorated, and the other appointments were on similar lines.

The Premier, in reply to the toast of his health,, said that just as he was going into that hall he had received a celegram from Colonel Porter staling that iDe Seventh Contingent had arrived all well. When the men were enthusiastic and fresh and strong, that wits the lime to put them into action, and he hoped to hear soon that the Sixth and Seventh had been put on the track of De Wet, and would not let him escape in the night. He had it on reliable authority that after a few months in .South Africa, it was wise to withdraw the men and replace them. Supposing, now, he was to say send another contingent. Tie knew he was stepping on dangerous ground; but what did he care if lie was prepared to say that the Imperial Government would equip and pay the num. the colony only finding the bono and muscle. Why should not the colony send another contingent? The Government voukl be within its constitutional rights in doing that. They did not know the day that fresh trouble would arise, and the sooner the Boer war was stopped the better for the colony and for the Empire. He referred to the value of the experience gained by the New Zealanders in South Africa. If they had men with experience amongst their volunteer force who ?mongst the nations of the world would dare to assail New Zealand? They knew how troublesome' the Bows had been, but they would be as nothing compared to what New Zealand would be. Tin ought to ask for an increase in the. Australian squadron, and New Zealand would be glad to contribute to it. as that was the first line of the colony s defence. He referred to the fact that oats had been sent to South Africa. Horses would be sent, ami he had received an order for 5000 tons of cheese, so that there were two ways of looking at the matter. He- announced the promotion of Lieutenant Lewin and Lieutenant Sonnnerville to captaincies. In connection with the visit of the Royal party, medals would lie gven to a!! those who bad fought in South Africa, and they would also be piescnted to the friends of those who had died at the front, flags would lie given to each company that had been represented at the front, and he hoped to follow the precedent of the Old Country in having them placed in the cathedrals and churches. The Mayor proposal the "Contingents" in an enthusiastic speech.. Colonel Jowsey replied, and said that he was then taking farewell of his official position in command. He spoke in high terms of the men's obedience to discipline from the first fall-in to that hour, a.nd made feeling reference to tho3e who had laid down their lives for Ou«'a and country. Major Crawshnw spoke for the Second Contingent in terms of high praise, and also j made feeling reference to the fallen. Seven fell in action by his own side. Captain Somraerville and Captain Lewin also spoke. After luncheon the men marched through the principal streets to Cathedra' Square, where they were dismissed. Enormous crowds, loudly cheering,, lined the whole

route. The soldiers -were entertained at a conversazione to-night, and at ten o'clock the Northern men left for Lyttelton to em-, bark on the steamer. The luncheon in connection -with the re* ception of the returning contingent, held in the Art Gallery, was a great success. The hall and tables were artistically decorated, and the other appointments were on sunt lax lines. The town, is gay with bunting. The Northern troops leave Christchurch at ten clock to-night.