THE EIGHTH CONTINGENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 11854, 4 January 1902, Page 5

THE EIGHTH CONTINGENT.

The following are the names of the additional 20 men who left for. Wellington in the s. s. Ngapuhi, to complete the Auckland quota of the Eighth Contingent: —Samuel Finch, Alfred Ernest Martin; vp.i; Finch, Hemphill ;< (2), Frank F. Webb, Thos. : Molloy, Honi Pariti, Herbert T. Carter, ;J. N. Braund, E. Wooller, W. A. Harvey, : jun., A. Hi'. Spilman, Hugh Gresham, Henry Geo. Silby, Thos. Wethei-ington, Geo. ;' F. Webster, Wm. Graham, Herbert Ladbrook. Most of these men are from country districts. ■ Nothing definite is yet known ,as to whether Lieutenant-Colonel Davies is going to South Africa in charge of the Eighth. Acting-Lieutenant J. O'Dowd (lately returned from South Africa) left for Wellington yesterday afternoon, having been selected for a'commission in the Eighth Contingent. ■• [BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.] ; Palmerston ; North, Friday. The Palmerston section of 20 men for the Eighth Contingent left for Wellington today. They were accorded a public sendoff, a farewell speech being made by the Mayor.;:' Y--\' •■■,■ }• ' Nelson, Friday. The : Nelson and West Coast members of the Eighth Contingent; left port this afternoon. The Garrison Band and volunteers marched With them from town, ■ and a very large number of citizens assembled on the wharves and quay, and cheered the men as they left > The Mayor (Mr. , Baigent) de-' livered a brief ;address, .and offered the troopers his best wishes. All the vessels in port were decked with bunting, and as the steamer moved off guns were fired. ,' ' Wellington, Friday. i'i It is understood that the difficulties regarding the Defence Office contracts ; : in .connection with the Eighth : Contingent have been overcome by the rejection of cer- ; tain of ; the contracts. \ Timaru, Friday. There was only a small gathering at the departure of the Timaru, '.'■'.'■, Waimate, and ";'•- Fairlie quotas of the Eighth, as no : notice had ./ been given. The small crowd present at the station cheered heartily. They are fine stalwart young men, and many of them have been at the front before. The police arrested a man from Fairlie, who is alleged to be an old poliee offender. His place will be filled to-day by an emergency selection. Dunejmn, Friday. The Southland section of the Eighth Contingent arrived to-night, and were :> taken out to the camp. They leave for : Christchurch in the morning with the Otago Company. Invercargill, Friday. The Southland section of the Eighth Contingent left for the North to-day. They were accorded a public send-off, at which; addresses were given by y Sir J. G. Ward and Mr. Walker. Sir J. G. Ward said that those opposed to the sending of the Eighth Contingent were the enemies of the Empire. FAREWELL TO TROOPERS AT CLEVEDON. A farewell social was given in the Public Hall, Clevedon, on December 30, by the members [of the Franklin '; Mounted Rifles to their comrades, Privates W. and G. A. Atkins, whose services ' have been accepted: in the. Eighth Contingent. -.' Considering the very short S notice, ■'■.. it was astonishing •• the: number ; who i gathered: together to bid - them; farewell, the hall ; heing packed. Captain Wallis opened ■ the I, proceedings .by i referring to the object of the meeting. He said he felt it was an honour to the company that two of its members were to go forth and fight for the Empire. Their ' regular ' at-; tendance at parade (not one of which they;

had missed since the formation of the company), and their strict attention to commands whilst on duty', made him sure that these two men who were going to the front would do what was required of them. Captain Wallis, in conclusion, wished them every success and :a " safe return. Lis". tenant Martin; also referred to the lads as belonging to the WEitfofd "division,- eulogising their behaviour, s wishing them Godspeed and a safe return. Mr. P. Jameson, on behalf of the district, spoke in similar terms, after, which a roost enjoyable dance took place, the Walrea Band providing efficient music. The supper, in the hands of the Wairoa Indies, left no- - thing to be desired. Mrs. R. MrKimzie, Miss : Stevens, and Miss Wallis personally assisted at the table. Private A, McKee was in his usual place as M.C. Troopers W. and G. A. Atkins left the S following morning' to m into camp at the Domain* Auckland.— South ' Correspondent.] CHRISTMAS COMFORTS. The Mayor (Mr. Alfred Kidd) has re. ceived a cablegram from the officer in command at Capetown thanking the citizens of Auckland - for the Christmas comforts sent for the New Zealandars in South Africa." The comforts have, says the cablegram, been distributed to the best advantage to all*