RETURNED TROOPERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11716, 26 July 1901, Page 3 (Supplement)

RETURNED TROOPERS.

ARRIVAL OF THE TAGUS. Dunedin, July 11. The Tagus brought 10 officers and 285 men of the Fourth Contingent, and 13 officers arid 375 men of the Fifth Contingent; also 6 invalids.,/4 details, and 12 men be- : longing to corps not connected with, the colony. The invalids are: —Farrier Wilson (Second Contingent), Trooper McKinder (Third Contingent), Trooper Boyes (Sixth Contingent), Sergeant Smith (Sixth Contingent), and Troopers Woeller and Martin-(Sixth Contingent). ..".; .].-.<:■:; ■•:.-;■.;- ; -'.-. ; : The details areW. Hutchinson and Corporal Humphries (Seventh (: Contingent)/ Lieutenant" Landon (Second Contingent), arid Sergeant Fraser; (Second Contingent). ■ : V There are 28 men in the hospital, the majority suffering from pneumonia./. There are 16 convalescents. Eleven of the cases in the hospital are -somewhat serious.; The 44 eases of those invalided and in the hospital will be landed at Port Chalmers.'..-; RECEPTION AT INYERCARGILL. '[ < IVERCARGILL, July 12. Brilliant sunshine after the sharp frost made the Invercargill decorations look gay as t. (the train with the returned | : troopers steamed in at thirty-nine minutes past eleven a.m., ; their, arrival (being the signal 'for rounds of cheers from a very large gathering of people. The contingents having been formed up outside of the station, '- where a stand had been erected, the Rev. Mr. Luxford offered up prayer, and the Ven. Archdeacon Stocker, addressing {the '< men, said they would never i realise the anxiety that had been felt for them until they sent sons on a similar ; mission.' : r The " Old Hundredth" was then sung. ('" ; (.---"; : Lord Ranfurly, who \ was, received with cheers, said it had been his painful duty on many occasions to bid farewell to the youth and flower of the colony when starting at an hour of strain on the Empire's resources for the 5 seat of war. . To-day he '■ had the extreme pleasure of welcoming those in' front of him back, having fulfilled the task allotted to them with credit to themselves and the colony. , The assistance given to the Mother Country would make a chapter in the history of the Empire which would have a lasting influence. (:,(If had been shown that the spirit of our ancestors : :existed in us, and Great Britain, alone had not to be reckoned with, but her sons in Greater Britain would stand shoulder to shoulder with her. No conscription or pressing was required, '■ for at the trumpet call the colonies had shown that they would spring forward in far larger numbers than needed. ; New Zealand was proud' of the way. her sons had conducted themselves and of their names appearing in despatches. We regretted that all were not here who left our shores. Some had been taken, and their memories would ever be green in the annals of the colony as brave men who had given up their lives for their Sovereign; and the honour of their country. 1 * or himself personally, and in the name of the people of New Zealand, he heartily welcomed them home. (Cheers.)' - > The Mayor (Mr. Longuet) extended a heartfelt welcome to 'the men, on behalf of the citizens. ' '. .The Hon., C. H. Mills said it was a fact to be proud of that the colonials had proved themselves soldiers in word and deed. There could be no doubt that later: on their experience would be of ; the greatest assistance m the councils of the nation, and that those who had . ventured would show themselves tone thoroughly good citizens. ■:■'. He apologised for the:absence of the Premier and Sir J. G. Ward, and on behalf of'the Ministry, Parliament, and the colony, he gave i them a very hearty welcome. ; .Three cheers for : the Government and the contingents having been given, the contingents and volunteer corps, with the Garrison, City, Pipe, and District Bands, marched along the streets to Zealandia Hall, where luncheon was in ■ readiness. The principal toast, "The Fourth and Fifth Contingents," was proposed by Mr. Hanan, M.H.R., and responded to by Colonel . Davis. During the afternoon the troops went" to the Queen's Park, where His Excellency distributed the medals, and -witnessed the parade and march-past, and a programme of sports. The troopers were, afterwards taken off by hostesses to tea. : In the '-. evening a conversazione was held, nd, a torchlight procession passed through the principal streets, x The centre of : the town ■: presented a brilliant show, many -of the business places being decorated and illuminated. The railway station made a fine display, an electric light plant being imported for the purpose. With few exceptions the returned troopers looked very fit. * . —i ...- ■■ , ' RECEPTION IN DUNEDIN. Dunedin, July 13. • • A. very large crowd assembled in the vicinity of the railway; station to, welcome the Tagus' contingents returning from the war. The day was beautifully fine, though with: the recent frost and snow somewhat damp under foot. • The train was over: half-an-hour ( late,( by .( which time ( the crowd had lessened somewhat, those on the outskirts having realised that there was little chance of v seeing much. ". A volley of cheers greeted the train as it steamed into the station. ;: The men got out smartly, and were drawn up in the Triangle, where they were formally welcomed by the Mayor and Colonel E. R. Smith. ; There was much cheering,' remarkable for its heartiness. ;,:. It had been arranged that the men should be taken ! ' to their ; quarters , by the xvolunteers, s and Colonel Penton was just congratulating the police on keeping the place clear for the purpose of arranging the ; men -.when :the( friends and relatives r of the men drifted rather than rushed through the ranks of the volunteers and police,- and in c a few seconds the , returned troopers were surrounded. . It was at once seen that the men of the Fourth and Fifth outside Otago had .warm friends while in camp at Forbury before their departure, and these friends ; now took possession of them. It Avas, perhaps, a heartier and more appreciated .welcome home than the more formal one as each trooper was surrounded by a small knot of men, women, and children, and taken away to some home. ■ v; The men are being entertained at a social to-night, and put in an appearance in large; numbers. . : The Northerners-.ap-pear in excellent spirits, and have only one complaint, that they are being rushed away too soon from friends in the South. ~ July 14. : The military funeral of Gunner W. F. Forbes, who died on the Tagus, took place to-day, and (was: very largely: attended. Dense crowds lined the streets, and all the city and. suburban volunteers were strongly represented. V The. Governor was represented by the Hon. Hill Trevor, and the Ministry I by, the Hon. C. H. Mills, and the Defence ; force by Colonel Penton and Major N. : Smith.. Wreaths were sent by the GovernI ment and Colonel Penton, and the coffin on the B"( Battery's gun carriage was covered I with flowers. About 120 of, those who returned with deceased attended. Genuine regret was felt for the pathetic death of Forbes. He lost: his father before coming to the colony with his mother. V( When she died friends in Dunedin sent him . Home to his relatives, but he returned five years ago, and resided in Auckland, %vhere he joined j the contingent, I ARRIVAL AT WELLINGTON. (; : Wellington, July 15. - [ , -The transport Tagus made a smart past sage from Port Chalmers, and was moored j at the Wellington wharf at noon. (; Notwithstanding the unexpectedly early arrival there was a large attendance of the public «'it the wharf/and a hearty (reception was J given to the troopers, who were met by | Colonel Messenger, Major Owens, and Lieutenant London. The Premier and Mayor of Wellington addressed a few words of welcome to the men, who were .then set at liberty, and went ashore with their friends. -l The arrival of the' Tagus was earlier than was "expected this morning, and the proceedj ings at the wharf were very informal, but | none the less hearty. The cold weather largely accounted for the sickness which prevailed I throughout the voyage. Men who were "just touched" with enteric fever when the Tagus left the Cape, .rapidly developed the disease ■: on the; voyage, and others who thought they had recovered (from malarial | and, enteric : contracted just after the landI ing. at Beira in : the first stage of the campaign, were attacked with increased violence. All acknowledge the untiring and I unselfish efforts of the two nurses, who were sent on ; board ', by;; the Imperial authorities I at Capetown..; At times during the voyage

the nurses had as many as 50 patients on .their; hands. ((, On (. reaching (Dunedin the troopers presented a purse of sovereigns to each of the " ministering ( angels." ;(' ' " Wellington, July 16. The officers and men of the Fourth and Fifth Contingents (were '(entertained r : at luncheon to-day by the citizens of Wellington/, the Mayor presiding. Amongst those present were the Premier and Mrs. Seddon, Sir Joseph and Lady Ward, ?Hons. ; C. H. Mills, and J. Carroll. The hall was gaily decked with bunting. : There was a large attendance of troops. .The customary toasts were proposed,; and enthusiastically : honoured, " the Returned Troopers" being proposed by the : Premier. During the proceedings a corporal of the Fifth v Contingent ; presented: the Premier with a kaross, or rug, composed of the silver jackal skins. . He explained that when they arrived at eking the New Zealand battalion which he represented took part in the sports, and after winning everything Mr. Muhlenbeck took them to his house, arid entertained them. 'He had five sons fighting against the Boers. ( He expressed his high esteem for; the Premier, and desired them to present this kaross to him with : his best wishes for his continued success. ; : : ( v RECEPTION AT OAMARU. ( Oamaru, July 16. The returned troopers of the Fourth and Fifth Contingents. 1 had ; a splendid reception to-day. There was : one of the largest gatherings of the public seen here, and the cheering was exceptionally hearty. A large procession (' marched through the town to the: park, where a few words of welcome were said. ■•; A social was held to-night, at which the • formal welcome :took place. •-;,;- AUCKLAND'S RECEPTION. A CORDIAL GREETING. .(: The welcoming of'; troopers \ from .the scenes of war. has now become; a. familiar sight in Auckland, as in other. New Zealand cities, but familiar though; it be \: such; an' incident has never failed -to arouse; great public interest arid a warm and cordial citizen's reception.''Flags were flying from the Municipal Buildings,-.and; from nearly all the principal buildings in Queen-street, the crowd cheered enthusiastically as the men emerged from the railway station and passed along' Queen-street, ' and in every way the reception was, a most cordial and enthusiastic one. : The train from Onehunga was due at Auckland at noon, but long before ■ this crowds gathered round the gates of the railway station, only to find that (admission was only to be granted to persons officially connected with the. inception. The volunteers assembled at the drill ground in Wel-lesley-street ( and marched down ; Queenstreet, headed by the Garrison Band, ( arriving just in time to take up their : positions on the platform before the train drew up.' A detachment'of returned troopers attended, under Lieutenant BosArorth, the cadet corps, from the public ! schools .were present in large force, as well as the cadets from secondary schools, including the Grammar School, King's College,; and St. (John's College, and the volunteer companies: were also well represented. ( The volunteer officers present were: Major Pirie, Major Holgate, Surgeon-Major ' Walker, P.M. 0.; Captains Wall, Reid (district .adjutant), Parker, O'Brien. Myers, Hutton, Knight, Mcintosh,: W./;R.; C. ; Walker,' Lieutenant-Com-mander. Patterson, Lieutenants Salmon, Bosworth, Spinley, Wynyard, White, Ewen, Davis, Lipscombe/ :Gardner, (Lees, Bigg-: Wither, Cumming, Cox, Blopmfield, Katjen,' Kay, Derrom, Hon. Lieutenant Norrie, geon-Captains '(•: King, (, Goldie, and ; Murray,,-; Sergeant-Majors ' Tunks, 'Carpenter,' and: Hoare. Among. the civilians on the platform • were: His Worship the ( Mayor (Dr.] J. , Logan Campbell) a.nd Mr. ;H. W. Wilson (town ; clerk); the ; Primate ((Bishop Cowio), Canon .MacMurray/•'-:Mr.■; Jas. Kir-( ker, Mr. A. Kidd, Mr. J. Stichbury, Mr. 1 ; J. H. Hannan, Mr. A. E. Glover, Mr. ,C. J. Part, Mr. ; H. T. "( Garratt, Mr. Seymour Thorne George, Dr. A. G. Purchas, Mr. J. W. Shackelford, Mr. Weslev Spragg, Mr. J. M. Shera, Mr. J. McK.;Geddes. Rev. W. E. Gillam. Mr. W. J. Courtney, Mr. H. ,T. Gorrie, Mi-. J. Savage, R. R. Hunt, Dr. Grant, and Mr. J. E. Taylor. Hearty cheers were raised as the train dre%v ,up at the. platform, and were renewed again ■ and < again by (the cadets and, volunteers: as the returned troopers stepped from . the train. The officers of ; the contingents were first , heartily welcomed by the: Mayor and others oh the platform, and a short in- , terval was , allowed the ( men to receive the greetings ;of their; relatives ? arid friends r before they, were formed up for the march to the Municipal • Buildings. ■ An advance escort was formed of members of the Auckland Mounted (Rifles * and Seddon Horse,; and as the procession moved up ' Queen-street the Garrison :Band ?played "When Johnnie Comes;'', Marching ; Home," . T! See (the Conquering Hero Comes," and : other ( appropriate airs. ■'■';".'; As the men passed along the street they], were enthusiastically cheered, and the large crowd (gathered in Wellesleystreet gave them a most : cordial reception as they passed to the front of the temporary platform which had been (erected in • Philson Square. ; Loud- cheers were raised as the venerable? and { venerated Mayor of the city/( attired in his,robes of office, and accompanied by the town clerk, stepped from the Municipal Buildings and took his place on the platform.. 't ( * ' ,; Dr. Campbell, who was received with loud cheering, said :± My brave boys—With full hearts we welcome you back amongst us. In the days of peril when the Mother Country was in danger you took your lives in your hands . and went to the front. ' You have "upheld the honour of your adopted land. Lord Kitchener himself has said that the New 'Zealand contingents were the best of his troops. While being glad to see you, we must nevertheless sympathise with the relatives of: those who; have sons sleeping on v the (field of battle. ; (l wish you all'a. happy »return;; to : your • families. (Loud cheers.):.. .;, . ' : . ,

(Canon MacMuiTay, also addressed the troopers. : '((.-,.(:■ ■.'.' .v ..((, '~:.'.-',--:'-:■ At the close of his speech Canon MacMurray called on the citizens to give three hearty cheers, in testimony of their thanks, to the returned troopers for their service to New Zealand and the Empire. The call was heartily responded to, and the citizens' reception closed. . Before the returned troopers 3eft the ground for \ the luncheon, Captain Walker heartily thanked his men for their conduct during the. war and since their arrival in New. Zealand. ' .(( Following is a list of the troopers- returned : •' '_' . . t . . •( rOT/BTH CONTINGENT. Captain G./ H. Walker, D.5.0./ Kihikihi, Waikato. ' " '' \ ,-; Lieutenant W. J: A. Thomson, Remuera/ Sergeant-Major W. A. Hickson, Green Lane, Auckland. :• - '-. , •": * % Sergeants ~i\ W. H. Newdick, Waihi; • C. Power, Auckland; J. W. ( O'Dowd, ■ Auckland. - ( / (.■(-; ; . /Saddler-Sergeant W. A. Craig, Symondsstreet, Auckland. ;. Bugler-Major C. Macindoe, Grey-street, Devonport. ;. ~ "i . (: f Corporal J. E. Alexander, Mt. Eden. ' ' Troopers: A. Jackson, Onehunga; P. Firth, Mt. Eden; H. E. Salmon, Te Aroha j R., - Pearce, Remuera; C. Berry, Pirongia, Waikato;. B. Monro, Auckland George Wilkins, Mt. Albert W. ; Hubbard, Paeroa ; G. McHardy, Manngaturoto; Geo. W. McEAvin/ : : Papakura;"-(' W. Olive, Helensville; J. L. Runciman, Mount-street, Auckland H. ■ Swainson'Atkirison,: Parnell; J. Condon, Clevedonj Wairoa South: ', W. Withers, Opotiki; V. Hattaway, Pakuranga; B. Bolland, Cambridge; , H. ( Paton, Dargaville;: E. Goodwin, Epsom, Auckland; P. Mandeno, Awamutu: E. Davis, Ellerslie; I R. Holden, Waikato; W.; Thomson, Auckland; J. Pile, Opotiki. FIFTH CONTINGENT. ■( Sergean-Major F. W. Bezar, Mt. Roskill. Sergeant W. G. Clarke, Waihi. , .. : Corporal E. Harris, Auckland. Bombardiers: P. Bayley, Church-street, Devonport; A. (Allen, Mt. Eden; R. .J. Smith, Clevedon, Auckland. •• Troopers: J. ( Copeland, . Birkenhead R. D.' Connell, Pukekohe ;T. Finch, Awhitu; W. N. Gordon, Augustus-street/. Thames; C. H. H. Hinton, Porisonby ; E. ■ Henley, Ponsonby; E. Innes, , Hobson Bay Road, Parnell; A. , Mikkelsen, Waihou Peaks, Auckland; H.; G. McLeod, Auckland ( W. Manktelow, Auckland; J. Pepesch, Pirongia, : Waikato; : R. Smith, Mangere; P. Ussher, Melford-strcet, . Ponsonby; E. Woodward, Albert Road/ Devonport; F. C j Saunders,. ' ' '.-('V ' : l

LUNCHEON TO THE TROOPERS. .-•' The returned troopers by the Tagus were entertained to luncheon at the Strand Cafe on the 18th of July, by the officers of the Auckland : Garrison. ; His Worship the Mayor (Dr. J. Logan Campbell) presided, having His Excellency, the Governor on his right, and the Most Rev. the Primate on his left. There were also seated at the head of the board the Hon. Hill Trevor, A.D.C., Captain Boscawen, A.D.C., Captain Walker, D.5.0., Lieutenant- W. J. A. Thompson, Captain Reid, district adjutant, Captain A. Myers (Newton Rifles), and Messrs. A. Kidd and' J." Kirker. ' After full justice had been done to the excellent menu provided the Mayor rose and proposed the health of "The King," the toast being drunk, combined with the singing of "■: the first verse of ' the National Anthem, the Garrison Band stinking up " God Save the King." .* • "The Health of His Excellency the Governor" was then proposed by the Mayor and enthusiastically honoured."'-' '-■•■"■ His; Excellency briefly responded, and said he could only: say that it gave him great : pleasure to' be present on such an j auspicious ' occasion, when the 'Mayor and I the citizens of Auckland were welcoming j back those of their sons who had. fought so j nobly in the war. , He would not engage in a lengthy speech, as, no-doubt, the sweethearts and wives . of : the men were waiting outside to receive; them./He concluded -by thanking all for the, kindness they had displayed in drinking his health. - The Primate,; in proposing, the toast of " The Returned ' Troopers," said be appreciated the valour shown by: the New Zea- : landers in. South Africa. All they had gone through would 'long remain in our, minds. His friend Lord Roberts had written to him ! telling of what he had seen of the New Zealanders, and •expressing his approval of I their service. He ', wished, all good . health, and joined in a hearty Welcome home. ■ ;' ' Captain Walker responded. .'He said that | on behalf of the returned members of the Fourth and' Fifth v Contingents he thanked the . citizens x and: garrison .'for ..their;; very hearty welcome. ? On leaving Auckland 16 months ago they had received a hearty sendoff, and they considered it would be worth while going to the front again if only for the sake of receiving/another: .i ; Their reception had; been no less hearty, and he was sure it gave the men great pleasure to be met in such a friendly spirit. ./Again he expressed thanks for the cordial welcome extended to the men. ~ ',-/': Canon Mac Murray : then \ proposed the toast of "The Army, Navy, and - Colonial Forces." He said our lads had shown/that they were not behind in valour, faith, ? and loyalty. : '' The day was not far off when it would be shown that the colonials were : not failing to take some part in self -sacrifice, in order that Britannia might still rule the waves,; as; they, had already played an important part in upholding the prestige of the Empire. ' ■ • ■■ : - - The toast was then drank with enthusiasm, the band playing "Red, White,.and Blue." :,:. ./;.-,;,; '..'.'-'<', ". ;. Captain Myers, in responding, said a few years : ago the colonial forces were not included in such a toast, but the aspect had changed since the war in South Africa, and it now j remained to be seen what position volunteers were to occupy in the ; future. Those who had gone forth to do battle had proved themselves .worthy of the heritage handed down 'to them by the British army, and , they had upheld the prestige of the army and of the Empire, and the colonies might well feel proud of them. -; He thanked all | heartily : for the " manner in which the toast had been accepted. : , """ " ' The final toast was that of "His' Worship the Mayor," proposed by His Excellency the . Governor, who said that Dr.? Campbell held the position of first citizen in our fair ; city at a most unusual time. : /. He ■ had ■ not only accorded a reception to the returned men, but had held the position of Mayor during the visit of their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall'and York. His. Excellency congratulated Dr. Campbell^ on the great success of the reception in- Auckland and on the display of loyalty and : enthusiasm evinced by all. , He would not say that their Royal j Highnesses had been received better in any other town, as he " saw no difference even in country villages; -if the enthusiasm was less: there it was because there k "were ; not so many throats in the village to welcome the ' Royal \ personages. • He' would. call; on all \to ■ join in drinking the health of the Mayor. • ■ '/The toast was then honoured, all joining in the \ singing iof ' "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow." •' ' ' ' • •' i

Dr. Campbell briefly returned thanks for the honour done him, ■>■ and said that what he had done he considered - only! his ..;duty. (Cheers.) ~ Since he had taken the position he occupied, he had' endeavoured to ; do bis utmost for the } city, arid; if they had considered I that* he had • done his duty he felt amply rewarded.'; (Cheers.) ; The whole arrangements, which were perfectly carried out, were under the direct superintendence of Captain Reid : (the ' district adjutant), ably assisted by Captain A. Myers, Captain H. Parker, and Canon Mac- ■ Murray. V : -■-■ ; :■■■..-'■ '"''^■ r /. / /~' : y',j''- ,'':'y "■:..■ ARRIVAL OF A FURTHER BATCH OF . ANDERS. -~.". A further batch of Auckland members of the ; Fourth land Fifth New Zealand Contingents ; arrived at Onehunga by the s.s. Ngapuhi shortly after ; nine o'clock ; on July 19Quartermaster-Sergeant Robertson ; in ' charge—and came on } to town by rail, .; The following is : a list, of those who returned: — '.; .-.■■' i :.■■■•,•:-.■...■;:- : '..-'--i Quartermaster-Sergeant Robertson, Fifth New Zealand Contingent (Auckland). : ..-' Sergeant ; Hefford, Fifth Contingent (Waihi). Gunner Armer, Fifth Contingent- (Cambridge). , _. Gunner: Fahey, Fifth Contingent (Bombay). /:■ ■ .-. :■ , • ■ .-, ,; • Gunner Harsent, Fifth Contingent (Devonport). '■ >'•;•■ ■.'■■'■'■■ '■■"■■'■' v;.'" ;■.'. ■ Farrier Abbot, Fifth Contingent (Otahuhu). • ' •• ' " Gunner McGruer (Karangahake). Trooper Brown, Fourth Contingent (Cambridge). ... ~..,..". - • . ; Trooper Appleton, Fourth Contingent (Auckland). ..;. - Trooper Cameron, Fourth Contingent. ; • Another batch of troopers forming part of the Fourth and Fifth Contingents ..arrived from the South on Saturday, July 20, via the West Coast, by the s.s. Takapuna Major Major, who left Auckland with th» Fifth Contingent, was the only officer. The others were Gunners Watkins and Douglas, and Troopers Stitchbury, McLeish, and Nightingale, under the command of Regimental Sergeant-Major Parker. . " The village of Wairoa South was en fete on the day the troopers returned from the Transvaal, ; C i The reception, in ' spite of showery weather, was an unqualified success, and ; reflects great credit:on those who had the management: of affairs, considering ;the hurried preparations consequent on the •uncertainty ; or the arrival of the ;; contingent. The troopers travelled by train to Papakura, arriving at half-past ten a.m. - They were met by ; the ; Franklin Mounted Rifles, who formed a guard of honour. On the returned troopers alighting ; from the train, the • Wairoa, Brass Band struck up " See the Conquering Hero Comes," and great enthusiasm prevailed. ■:■:■'■ En route to Clevedon they received an ovation from the Ardmore school children, led by Miss Muir, their teacher. Arriving at Clevedon, they were greeted by the cheerful strains- of "The • Soldiers of the King," lustily sung by the school children, under Mr. Jemieson's leadership. Congratulations and hearty handshakes poured in from all sides. Never has any event in cur district brought with it such gladdened hearts or so large a: concourse of people together. A most successful banquet followed in the Masonic Hall at one o'clock, the returned troopers,: J. Condon, R. Smith, C. Munro, and J. McKeown (Papakura), being present. Mr. H. Walsh occupied the chair, Captain Walli3 acting as vice-chair-man. The banquet over, " The King" was proposed by Mr. Walsh, to which the band responded with <■ God Save the King." In giving the "Army and Navy," Mr. McKnight said the record of our army and navy was great and glorious. Its actions in the present war had been severely criticised by foreign nations, but was there another Power which could have done as well as we have? - The best thing was to ; be prepared, and it was with a feeling of security they found'both army and navy being raised to tins highest standard. The European Powers had always looked lightly on Britain's land forces, but when our boys took the field with other colonial comrades, that astonished; the whole world. 'Though perhaps not having the military: training of the Tegular tiey proved themselves,

quite equal in valour . and , natural ; resource/ Captain Wallis suitably: replied. Mr. fH. •"-■'■■{, Walsh \ proposed! the health of the * guests; / He felt it : a personal honour to have the .';•',' toast to propose. •• Knowing them all from early boyhood, he knew they were of the' right sort. .He was proud that our district had been so well represented in South Africa, and was sure that our. boys; had ac- '..' quitted themselves with honour. Trooper - . Munro, for himself and comrades, in a few , : words conveyed; thanks for "the hearty reception, and said he was sure those present; were not more pleased to see them than they were to get back. The health of the* \ troopers' parents was then proposed by Mr. Jemieson. Mr. Munro, in reply, said ribwas their fust duty to thank God: for his care over; our boys, at the same, time ex-" pressing the deepest sympathy for the rela- ': tives of those who have lost their lives in South Africa. The remaining toast* were:' " The Absent Ones," which was drunk in . silence; " The Press." Lieutenant Shaw,:; responded tc by Mr. Schmitt; : "The Ladies," Captain Wallis, responded to by Mr.; R. Martin. The banquet was brought to •a , close by all singing ." God . Save the King." Further demonstrations took place in the evening in the form of a social, about; " 120 persons being present. - ; -' Mr. C. Atchi- ; . son proved an efficient M.C. .: Dancing was ' !:■/'■ kept up till an early hour, thus terminating -."?/ a red-letter day in the annals of Warroa V South.—[Own Correspondent.] : ;; " Our Helensville correspondent writes:—».- / Quite an enthusiastic reception was accorded ;'.'/ Trooper William Olive, oi this V township, „ who -went away as a Rough Rider in s theFourth Contingent to South Africa, and »*;;-'■'■: turned lately te New Zealand in the Tagus.- ; A lofty and ' picturesque if illuminated t arch*, |•§ had been erected at the entrance gate to" the • railway! station, under the management of >C Mr. /R. Dickinson, the illumination* bearing : ;: the words "Welcome to our Troopers." On;; : the ' arrival of the t evening . train T Trooper Olive was welcomed by a mass of friends and townsfolk, headed"iby Mr.! W. Spinley, the; chairman of the Town Board, who, after ia few well-chosen ; words of welcome, publicly; :'■ read a telegram he had just received from • Mr. Richard Monk, M.H.R., as follows ]ft " Publicly > express my congratulations to Trooper William Olive on his safe return. I associate i~. him with ■• - the .' achievements ■" of. / young/New' Zealanders, of H which ■;.'■ I '/am'!: // justly proud. ; Their deeds in South Africa' have adorned with unfading lustre tha re- : .;v cords of the blue flag with the badge of the* : [ Southern Cross." The reading of this mes- /;' sage was received with a spontaneous bursft - of applause from those assembled, during which Olive . was conducted: to * s his father's ■ residence, close at hand, his brother and' sister bearing his war • trophies. After -an; ' affectionate vreception by his parents, the returned trooper attended a smoke concert/ - prepared in his honour at the v Terminus Hotel by his Helensville friends, when, after toasting "His Majesty the King", the chair* man (Mr. Spinley) proposed the health of "The Welcome Guest," which was drank ■ with musical honours. /Mr. Olive suitably;; :responded, and afterwards gave some reminiscences of the war that he had passed through!'. Songs were rendered by Messrs. J.; R. , Martin,. T.: Manning, ; Stockley," J. Constable, and.R L. Somers, and a very pleasant evening was passed. . ; i Our Waihi correspondent writes: — very hearty welcome-home was accorded to Sergeants Clarke; and Newdick on "i Saturday. • night by the Waihi Friendly. Societies, the ''\--- : ; two brass bands, the two local volunteer companies, the, Fire Brigade, and a representative gathering of the "general public. At) half- past seven p.m., the Rev. T. Eykyn,j /1 vicar of St. John's Church, Messrs. H. P.) Barry, county chairman, IV P." Clarke, IV -' j Clarke, jun., R. Newdick, and J. E. lay- , lor, left in a break -to meet the returned -' troopers, and after a short drive met them just outside the; township. ,; The *,combined party then proceeded to the Waihi Hotel, where the returned contihgenters, amidst* : hearty handshakes, were transferred to th* v processional coach, beside the county chairman, ; and others. The word of command being given by Captain F. Walmsley*the two bands struck up a, spirited- march,, and led the lengthy procession up the main street and back to opposite the Academy of Music,: Rosemusnt-street. „/- Here, from \ the ? coach, Mr. H. P. Barry made an impressive speech of welcome, at the conclusion calling for three cheers, which were given withe vigour by the large assembly. Mr, R. Newdick (father of Sergeant Newdick), suitably" responded, on behalf of. his son. The torchlight procession then marched >to: Lawles s1*~ Hotel, where, for a brief period, general hos/i;;,': pitality;,prevailed. Over, a hundred volunteers and others accompanied the ,' soldiers into the club-room, when three toasts were heartily honoured, namely, ". " His Most? '*,'? Gracious Majesty; Kirife; Edward V 11.," proposed by Mr. Barry, in a loyal speech, " Our Returned Heroes," patriotically proposed by; !■ Mr. J. E. Taylor; and " Our Volunteers, by Mr. J. M. Wrigley. Sergeants Clarke and Newdick responded in fitting terms,, and explained f that Sergeant Hefford and Trooper Fahey had been detained on/their! j| way by. relations. ,< Mr. T. P. Clarke (father of Sergeant Clarke) made a few appropriate remarks. ; Mr; Walter Phillips, in referring | to' the excellent ; campaigning /qualifications of the returned soldiers, complimentad Captain Walmsley on the good training they had received in his crops, prior to going to the front. Captain Walmsley'briefly replied.' >! Messrs. J. E. Taylor and A. H. Benge, on behalf of the Waihi residents and Mr. A. Kate, on; behalt of the Oddfellows, ; each spoke in eulogistic terms of the bravery of [New Zealanders in South■ Africa. During I ■the evening vocal ' items were contributed . by Messrs. «T., McCarthy, Thompson, and others;) the ;>; concluding item being the I lusty singing of " God Save\the King. Mr." j Sydney Gubb effectively played the several £■-■ accompaniments. '"•"■'•'. i -;.' i v' v // , :;: y ;;r;.-- : " ;; :.';-- : : " I\fa: Thames, July 20. , / The two local volunteer companies, [ with.' their respective bands, turned out this evening - and accorded Trooper W. N. Gordon a ! very ' hearty b welcome home from; South Africa! -/ The trooper arrived by the twenty [ minutes to seven train from Auckland, and | was met ;at . the ; Grahamstown station, where he was cordial!/ received by Captain Adams, of the Hauraki Rifles, and Captain Shand. of the Thames No. 1: Rifles. -He was afterwards placed in a carriage, arid a' procession formed, which, headed by the combined bands marched up as far as Marystreet corner, and then back to the Pacific" Hotel, where an impromptu smoke concert was given. - There was a large turn out of the public to witness the reception, but,.unfortunately, heavy rain set in, which some-; what marred the proceedings'. "' Very hearty: cheers were given, however, by the public to the returned trooper at the railway station., . ' ■ ,( '"-., ' ■ ; / ; ' : Cobomandee, July 22. ■ Notwithstanding a;/ heavy downpour^of "/J ? ram, our local volunteers^;: under Captain em Kenrick arid Lieutenant Inder, and the Town Band wended their way to the wharf to meet our returned troopers, Hector Campbell and ;J. "Hinton. When the s.g. Rotor. mahana came alongside, Captain Kenrick ( went on board and welcomed the troopers back, and . on stepping ashore ■• they : were placed between the band and the volun- ;; i teers, arid the procession marched through I the town /to the Caledonian'l Hall; where '■' a ; y j large assemblage had congregated. -"■'*■ The chairman ;of the County Council ' (Mr. R. McEwan) presided, and on / the / platform; - ' were the Revs. Harrison (Anglican), Norrie •: (Presbyterian), Mitchell (Wesleyan), Cap- ; ; tain Kenrick and Lieutenant Inder. When the troopers entered the hall, the audience .--■_'■ gave them a come they will not soon .-;.- forget. The Chairman, in a neat: little (-: speech, gave them, on behalf of the County, Council,' the county, and Cpromandel a hearty welcome back to their native town.:/ Trooper. Campbell responded thanking all. present, and staring that he was glad to be : once more home in his native town. Troo- , . per Hinton expressed the surprise it was tf> ;':-;/- both of them to meet with such a hearty.re-/- \' ception, more especially when .the -■ lateness; of the hour (half-past nine , p.m.) ■•"-' and : , ; the / • wet night were taken into consideration. < All those on the platform addressed; a few ;: ; words of welcome, and: expressed the plea- 7 sure it was to see them, back from South Africa, strong, well, and; hearty. ,; Captain Kenrick worked well to make the' reception' ;; a success, 'and to get his men, the band, and. such a' large "gathering of 7 the public J together in such ( a short; time, as he only re- ! ceived word about five p.m. that the troopers were coming home by the s.s 1 . Rotomahansi that night. " Gisboenjs, July 18. : Arrangements had been made to give the Gisborne men among the Tagus troopers a . good reception this morning. -. The volunteers and bands were called out, but when the steamer arrived it was discovered there, was only: one Gisborne man "-board, tll,, others ;having' remained, behind at , ftxeJJiD^' ' . ' .

- ■■ ■;.■.:■ ■■'■', ■■ ton, and he stepped; ashore at the first opportunity to avoid an ovation. ; ; • , ,„ • . J Napier, July 18. The Hawke's Bay section of the Fourth and Fifth Contingents arrived by train to-night. Although it was raining heavily, a, large number attended; The men were welcomed by Major Chicken, commanding the fcast Coast Battalion, in the absence of the Mayor, and Dean Hovell, chaplain of the forces, also extended a hearty welcome to :■■-■- the men. ? The Gisborne^ men ; are the guests of the Hawke's Bay Reception Com- ; -'."I; mittee until they leave by steamer to-rnor-MW * ■■'■"■ Timartt, July 21. ' Timartt, July 21. Dr. Thomas, of the Fourth and Fifth Contingents, was given a most enthusiastic reception on his return to Timaru last night. . The Mayor publicly welcomed him. and the . 'thousands present gave prolonged cheers. Dr. Thomas was placed on the manual en- ,/■■ gine of the fire brigade, and the Port Guards <his old corps) manned the drag ropes, and 3rew.the engine through the town to the doctor's private residence, the battalion and pipe" bands being in attendance, and the brigade 1 forming a torchlight procession. The heartiness of the reception eclipsed all : : that have gone before. Dr. Thomas, in a , short speech, • said he had merely done his; duty, and like others was glad to be home •gain. Cheers were renewed, and the doc,tor then retired. ■ ■ ' Wellington, July 20. " - V 'At Woodville a hearty welcome was given the returning troopers at a social in the evening. It was resolved that the balance of the more men fund in hand be devoted to ''';■' the erection of a brass tablet in some promi nent position in the town in honour of ths J men enlisted from this district. c ' ' .. _ n GnETMOUTn, July 19. _ The returned contingenters landed this afternoon at two o'clock. An immense crowd . assembled on the wharf, including a great many ~ from country places. The troopers were received by the Mayor and members of : the local bodies. The Mayor made a short speech, expressing the satisfaction of-the townspeople at seeing them back again.": and paying a tribute to their hero- j ism. He called for three hearty cheers. The Blackball Band was waiting, and furnished suitable music, playing the troopers through .the town. The returned men were entertained at a banquet at the Opera House this evening, the Mayor presiding. Fully 200 were present, the gallery being full of ladies. The banquet was most successful. ; Westport, July 19. The returned troopers -were taken for an excursion to Cape Foulwind to-day, and this evening, after joining in a procession through Palmerston-street, were entertained at a social in Victoria Theatre. Mr. Scan- ':., lon (the Mayor), Major Wolfe, and others made speeches, eulogising the work accomplished by the contingent, of which the returned men formed a part. The proceedings throughout were of an 'enthusiastic character. ; ""PRESENTATION TO CAPTAIN THOMAS. r " Wellington-, July 16. ■ The members of the Fifth Contingent presented Surgeon-Captain Thomas with a cutlery and plate cabinet and a silver spirit stand, and the officers gave him a marble Clock and silver cigar case. The gifts were meant as an acknowledgment of his services in South Africa, especially in his fight with fever at Beira. DEATHS OF TROOPEBS. 1 ■ > Timartt, July 22. r Trooper D. McKay, of the Geraldine Mounted Rifles, and a member of the Fifth "*• Contingent, has died at Temuka from; pneui monia* • ..■'.■.■/'. .■■■.'■'■.' . *" : _'' Dttnedin, July 23. "Louis McKechnie, of the Fifth ContinV - gent, died in the hospital this morning. He »' belonged to Hawke's Bay. His parents had been with him several days. W. N. Gordon, one of the recently-re- ? fumed troopers of the Fifth Contingent, was entertained' at a social at the Thames on ' July 23rd, at which he was presented with a handsome gold pendant. The giftwas subscribed for by a number of. his . friends, and it was handed "to the recipient on their behalf by the Rev. Dr. O'Callaghan. '.A social was - held on July 23 in Mary's Parish Hall, Parnell, in order to accord a welcome home to Troopers Swain- . sou, Atkinson, and E. Innes. The interior of the building was I gaily decorated ■ with national flags and greenery. The indemerit" weather militated somewhat against the attendance, which was never- ! ■ theless good. - : '■ i '-. > y-"',-. y '- ','. '.- ' ; ■■': ■ ■***'■? ■"