DEPASTURE OF THE EIGHTH CONTINGENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 11879, 3 February 1902, Page 5

DEPASTURE OF THE EIGHTH CONTINGENT.

A HEARTY SEND OFF.

GATHERING AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE PADDOCK.

brilliant display ox the waitemata.

Many a woman gazed down at them lougmgly, Scanning- each rank for her boy as it passed; Striving through tears just to" catch. '»/last glimpse of him. Knowing- that glimpse might for aye be the ' last., Many a maiden's cheek paled as she looked at them, . . Seeing a lover from whom she must part; Trying to smile and be brave for the sake of him, Stifling the dread that was breaking her heart.,

Li-very heart of us wild at the sight of them, Beat as it never had beaten before; -Every voice of us, choked though it may have been, from huzza to a deafening roar. Proud! were we proud of them? God! they _ were part of us. Sons of us, brothers, all marching to fight; Swift at their country's call, ready each man and ail. Eager to battle for her and the right.. stuap.t Livingston.

1 in;s, through cheering crowds, whose enthusiasm rekindles at every marching out to war, the North Island Battalion of .the Eighth marched from Government House to the Railway Wharf on Saturday afternoon.

It was a day to he remembered, a day that will live in the memory of all who saw the sailing of the Surrey, until the children are gray-haired and the century is old. From tin* dawn there was a gathering excitement in the city, where flags were speedily flown from every masthead, and displays of bunting early gave token of a public outburst of enthusiasm. All through the "morning strapping lads in khaki were to be seen in every street, and were prominent in every 'bus and tram, and "in every suburban train, as they hurried hither'and thither for their last farewells. But the excitement did not reach fever heat until after the march of the contingent from the wharf to the Metropolitan Grounds, and the official doings there.

It was great at the grounds and in the streets, but where people are lined out enthusiasm does not seem to gather head. It fevered up when the khaki Tanks began to cross the piled causeway oi the Railway Wharf, alongside which the oarsmen had mustered in force, sending up from the water ail ovation that wanned the hearts that heard it, and warned the troopers that they must shout hard to keep up their reputation. It is no discredit to oarsmen and yachtsmen and public generally, to say that the troopers aye the champion cheerers. They returned the oarsmen's ovation with all their might, and from that moment hardly paused until the last was seen of them. Some say. that the colonial has lost the art of cheering. But it was altogether found again on Saturday afternoon.

The troopers got safely back to the Surrey and embarked, but hardfy had they done so before the crowd broke down the barrier at the wharf foot and pouring along, fairly took possession. The rush of men and women and children along the wharf was a sight to see. The contingenters, for their part, promptly took possession of the ship, and from rails, decks, deckhouses, and rigging, .Responded to every cheer and greeting with a lervour that seemed "inexhaustible. '

It was five o'clock before the Surrey got away, and for hours the people of Auckland, swollen by visitors from every adjacent district, and even from distant parts of the province, stood in the broiling sunshine with unabated cheerfulness and patience. Every vantage point was densely throngedthe heads and seaward-sides of the wharves, the slopes of open spaces, decks of berthed vessels, the roofs and verandahs and windows of convenient houses. The glorious day lent itself to feminine adornment, and the sight from the Surrey was one of vivid interest and brilliant colouring. It is difficult to estimate the multitude which extended itself from ■ Queen-street Wharf to the jutting headlands of Pavnell, and figures given vary from 20,000 to 50,000. It could not have been less than 30,000, for Auckland turned out almost en masse, and made of the occasion a general festival. But as was most fitting, it was on the water itself that the great display of popular feeling was made. The yachtsmen had the opportunity to distinguish themselves and seized it. The gulf was deserted by the usual Saturday cruisers. From Queenstreet Wharf to the heads the harbour was white with sails; closer in the rowboats clustered and splashed with supreme indifference to chances of collision. Ferry boats hung about loaded and tilted to the water's edge, a proceeding whic.li the lakelike smoothness of the harbour, skimmed by gentle zephyrs, made for once innocent and harmless. The Harbour Board launch, the Countess of 'Ranfurly, the Moura, and other steamers all bore their load and lent animation to the scene. While the Admiral, chartered by Mr. Witheford, and opened to returned troopers and their friends, steamed around the wharves ; she carried Hunter's Band, and supplied the musical accompaniment to the living panorama. About five o'clock a roar of cheering from the Surrey told that she was moving. There war an answering roar from her wharf, that was taken up and repeated all along the water-front, and joined by the lusty tliroatings of 2000 yachtsmen, and by the passengers of every loaded-' steamer. Steamer whistles were pulled and pulled again. Hats and handkerchiefs and flags were waving in tens of thousands of hands, keeping time to the shouting of tens of thousands of throats. . Thus the men _ of the Eighth, cheering back to the men, kissing both hands to the women and girls, clapping their hands, waving hats and handkerchiefs, singing snatch lines of songs that rose for a moment out of the uproar and sank back into it—each man and each group of men doing as seemed best in his own eyessmothered their heart-yearnings with noise and went without pretence from the land they love and the people they are part of. And if, here and there, mothers broke down altogether and gay girls laughed with wet eyes, it comforted them to see that a whole people honoured their heroes and triumphed in their sacrifice. And now the yachts, which before had but added to the: picturesqueness of' the scene, played their part in the send-off and became the cynosure of every eye. At the call of the commodore, the members of the New Zealand Yacht Squadron had mustered, as before said, with patriotic unanimity. Three hundred sail-boats were afloat, and between the long lane of them the Surrey went to sea. Every sail was ur.reefed to catch the gentle breezes, and as the boats heeled, softly over to windward, like snowwhite butterflies on a meadow of liquid green, they formed a picture of whose beauty words fail to convey a tithe. Beyond doubt it was the most magnificent yachting display ever seen in these colonies. An old and experienced yachtsman declared that nothing like it had ever been seen on the Clyde,- and that it would vie with anything 'possible on England's fairest waters. Nor is this hard to believe. The westering sun, sloping down to the distant ranges, threw a softened radiance over the glittering harbour, and the verdant shores. Every Kill of Waitemata stood out clear and distinct against the heavenly blue, flecked here and there with summer clouds. To seaward, grim Rangitoto stood warding off the ocean surges. Behind were curving shore and jutting wharves, hued with the radiant hues of holiday dresses, alive with the pulsing of an enthusiastic farewell. And the great sea-beaten troopship, swarming with men in khaki, swept with gathering speed into the fairy fleet that; had gathered to do her reverence. None who have .seen it will forget it. Never will greater beauty dim the remembrance of their Auckland parting in the memory of the Eighth.

And with the Surrey vent the steamers, and with her to the harbour mouth brawny oarsmen drove their arrowy shells. Until the cheering of the shore "died away, and the thousands afloat had the Surrey to themselves. . The Premier and his party were aboard the transport, and watched with interest the wonderful scene until in their turn the yachts were left behind, saving for one swift-keeled boat that spread every stitch she could carry and held the ; steamers to the roads. There were half-a-dozen steamers out to see the last of the Surrey, and to their greetings the tireless troopers answered back with cheering and singing that flickered from stem to stern and stern, to stem, but never ceased. The Admiral ran close up and bombarded them with. fruit and bottles —lemonade, no less. The Nile was there with the Naval Brigade. The Countess .of Hanfurly, sparred and rigged, lent an unwonted grace to the steamer-convoy. An - albatross-like pleasure launch, gay with laughing girls, was the needed contrast to the whale-like transport, gray with fighting men. In the roads, off Rangitoto, the Surrey stayed. For lialf-an-hour or so she lay there carefully placing the Premier's party on board the Harbour Board launch, the troopers gathering up their reserve energy for another mighty burst of cheering. It came. The Surrey's screw revolved again; she broke now into the stride of the ocean as if eager to be away; the steamers, whistling and cheering, turned homewards —lastly, the Admiral, whose band had played all the way down, bidding farewell with a hearty " God Save the King." And the last of the Surrey was seen as the sun sank behind the Waitakerei Ranges, and the stars began to light over the opening sea. While upon her . course, now hopelessly out-distanced, still lay the lonely yacht—fittingly the last of Auckland to meet the eye of the departed Eighth. BERTHING OF THE SURREY AND GENERAL LEAVE. Quite a crowd of the relatives of members of the Auckland squadron and others had assembled on the end of the RailwayWharf long before the Surrey—anchored in the stream overnight—came alongside, but long though the wait was, the goodnatured assemblage remained there, deter-, mined to see the first of the North Island Battalion. They were rewarded for their patience by seeing the transport "upanchor" shortly before nine o'clock, and when she came alongside a few minutes later, hearty greeting and loud salutations were exchanged between the khaki-clad warriors' and their many friends on shore. The vessel having been berthed by 'the harbourmaster (Captain Duder), Colonel Davies, accompanied by Lieutenant-Colonel White, boarded her, and the men were granted general leave for a run ashore, the majority being instructed to reassemble at midday, while the remainder were allowed to have the day entirely' to themselves. The •men wanted no second.bidding,-and before many minutes all, with the exception of the fatigue party , told off to see to the shipping of the horses, were off the vessel, some being taken in, hand by their friends, while others in little knots of threes and fours made their way up town. They took full 1 advantage of the opportunity afforded to stretch their legs, but though in town for - three hours with friends • and wellwishers on all sides, it must bo said to their credit that not a single man misbehaved himscllf,. and ono and all instructed to return to the Surrey were back to. time. ... I SHIPPING'THE HORSES. [ The work of shipping) the horses (of i which there were some 160, and which were brought down from the Waikato by StockInspector Clifton on Friday) was carried out expeditiously by a squad of the troopers told off for that duty by Regimental Sergeant Le Strange. By half-past eleven the ! last of the horses was aboard and stowed away in the loose-boxes on deck under the supervision of Stock-Inspector Clifton, Veterinary-Captain Clayton, Mr. Brittain, and Farrier-Major Brotherton. THE SCENE IN THE CITY AND EN ROUTE.

The scene in the city towards noon bespoke the fact that something of a more than ordinary nature was going forward. From many a house-top flags were flying, and along the route of' march ' gay bunting was displayed here and there from window and verandah, which gave a colour to the scene, and denoted that festal spirit which underlay the deeper significance of the event about to be celebrated._ From' the lower end of ; Queen-street the'outlook was especially a festive one, the whole Of the vessels in port bearing their quota of manyhued fiag3 and pennants, and lending additional charm to the intense brightness of the day, the azure sky, and rich blue sea. Shortly after midday groups of people— the fair sex, in light and tasteful summer array, predominating — seen wending their way down Queen-street and along to the Railway Wharf, to witness the commencement of the march to the Metropolitan Grounds. Meanwhile on ttie end of the wharf itself, which was barricaded halfway up, the officers and men of the A, B, 0, and D Squadrons, and the details for the Seventh Contingent, had re-assembled, and after dinner on board were formed up in column of squadrons. By half-past one those of the " noble six hundred" who were not absent on extended leave, were all assembled. The contingent's popular commander, Colonel Davies, arrived _at that hour, accompanied by Captain Reid (adjutant of the local forces), and took charge of the parade. • At a-quarfcer to two o'clock the troops were formed up into marching order, and, led by ap escort of mounted police , and the Garrison Band,., under Bandmaster Hunter, marched down the wharf and into the line of route. Tho sidewalks were lined with spectators all the way along Custom-street, Queen-street, Welle'sleystroct Bast, Princes-street as far as the Metropolitan Grounds, numbers of people also m the windows, on verandahs, and at various places of vantage. There was on the march up but little display of enthusiasm, winch was felt, and which ■ later found vent as the final parting drew nearer, but many were the admiring glances and expressions of admiration which the fine stamp of ' physique of the brave lads drew forth as they strode along. Their marching was most soldierly, and a distinct credit to them. Silent though their passing was, many a, trooper was accosted on the route by friends who darted out from the crowd on either side and gripped an outstretched hand, or walked - awhile beside a khaki-clad contingeriter' exchanging hurried greetings. THE VOLUNTEERS AND VETERANS. Promptly at two o'clock the companies of the Auckland Volunteer Garrison paraded at the old drill hall site, Rutland-street, for tho purpose of taking part in the farewell ceremonies, but. unfortunately owing to the short notice given and prior engagements the muster was not a large one. The parade was under the command ■of LieutenantColonel White, officer commanding the No. 1 Battalion Auckland Infantry, and the companies represented were the -Auckland Mounted Rifles, Seddon Horso Mounted Rifles, Auckland and Ponsonby Navals, Devonport Submarine Miners, "A" Battery Artillery, Auckland Engineers, Victoria Rifles, College Rifles, Nos. 1, 2, and 3 Native Rifles, Gordon Rifles, Newton Rifles, and Volunteer Bearer Corps. After being formed up in quarter column distance in order of seniority, the wliolo inarched to tho Metropolitan Grounds, where they wero joined.by the Eden Cadets and the representatives of tho Empire's Veteran Association, the latter numbering about 50, under _ the command of Captain Mitchell. As the little band who in their day had gallantly played their part ill building up the Empire and defending the Empire's flag moved across the enclosure and. took lip their position they were loudly cheered by the assemblage. REFRESHMENTS AND LEAVETAKING.

Tho par ado ground was reached by the contingent shortly after two o'clock, where a gathering of some thousands awaited their arrival. Here the men were dismissed ! a squadron at a time, and in the ensuing hour they were entertained by His Worship the Mayor (Mr. Alfred Kidd), who had provided a substantial repast for their delectation in a commodious marquee. As the troopers finished regaling themselves each section recognised the Mayor's hospitality by giving

him three .rousing cheers. The refreshments, amongst which the soldiers' beer . was not lacking, were: undoubtedly appreciated after the heat of the march. - The catering was entrusted to the Strand Cafe Company, whose manager, Sir. Speight, with an expert staff of assistants, did all that was possible to provide for the wants of the contingent—both officers and menthe former being attended to in a separate tent. A general leave-tak-ing between soldiers and friends occupied the remainder ;of the hour. The -" fall-in", was then sounded, and the squadrons of the Eighth were drawn tip in company order at the head of the field facing Princes-street, the volunteer: companies taking up the rear in order of seniority. The Premier and His Worship the Mayor (Mr. Alfred Kidd), attended by General Babington (Commandant of the New Zealand Forces), : Colonel Davies {officer commanding the Eighth Contingent), the town clerk (Mr. Wilson), members of Parliament, ' members of the ' Auckland City Council, and a number of prominent citizens, took up their positions fronting the troops, and the speech-making commenced. ' . THE SPEECHES. His Worship the Mayo* (Mr. Alfred Kidd) said the departure of the Eighth Contingent for South Africa marked another page, not only in the history of the colony, but of the Empire, for their departure was a special reply to Continental jibes and sneers of which so much had been heard lately, and plainly indicated that the Empire now, as at tho beginning of this campaign, presented an'unbroken front, and that the colonies were still wiping to send their best sons to defend her rights and honour. (Applause.) Much credit was due to the men for- the hearty way they had responded to the call of the Mother Country, for they knew that they would have no easy task in fighting an enemy who was here to-day, far away tomorrow, constantly on tho move, showing himself in peaceable garb at one time, and then sniping with the rifle at anothei. Yes,; facing that, together with that dreadful enteric fever which had carried off so many of New Zealand's brave boys, and doing all that with the same enthusiasm and patriotism which had at all times animated the colonial boys, the Eighth were now showing to the world what an unbroken front our great Empire presented-when danger assailed tho Mother Country we all so dearly love. (Applause.) Many of them had been members of former contingents, and were satisfied to ; give up comfortable homes to again faco tho discomforts of war and the risks incidental to it. They were the eighth and by far tho largest contingent sent from New Zealand. All of the contingents that had preceded them had reflected honour on the colony and credit to themselves, . had fought side by side with the bravest of Britain's troops, and gained credit from tho best and bravest of. her generals; indeed, had opened tho eyes of the great nations of the world to tho fact that a power existed which was not dreamt of, but which must be reckoned with whenever England's needs necessitated the force of arms. That the Eighth Contingent would uphold the prestige of the country that sent it, and do its duty as nobly as those which had preceded it, was felt by all in the colony, and tho contingent might bo assured that tho prayers of those they left behind would always be for their deliverance from tho perils of war, and their safe return to their country and home. (Applause.) And now, before concluding, allow him to congratulate the officers and men of the Eighth Contingent on having such an able commander as Colonel Davies, who had proved his worth by his gallant conduct, and who had worthily won tho promotion ho had lately received, and upon which ho (the Mayor) was pleased to congratulate him. He was sure that ho was safe in saying that _ Colonel Davies had the hearty congratulations and good wishes of tho whole of the volunteer forces of New Zealand. That lie would have reason to bo as proud of . his present command as he had of his former one, would bo proved satisfactorily to himself and to everyono concerned. In conclusion, let him, on behalf of the ' citizens of Auckland, wish them God-speed on their journey, a pleasant passage there, tho speedy termination of this prolonged war, and a safe return, when lie was sure they would be welcomed back as heartily as they were now sent forth on their journey. (Applause.)

The Premier said it was again a pleasure to him to say. a few words upon a great occasion. That day had witnessed what would go far to prove to the civilised world that the British were one people. (Applause.) The other day there was a send-off to those men in Wellington which did honour to that , city and the colony. The enthusiasm was as great as it was on the first day that New Zealand sent a contingent to South Africa, and that vast representative assemblage in Auckland showed that though there might he on minor questions differences of opinion between Aucklanders and the people of Wellington, when it came to sending away contingents to fight for the Empire the people of the two cities were always as one man, and the mothers of Auckland sent their sons away as cheerfully _as : the mothers 'of any other part of the British Empire. (Applause.) Ho felt sure their sons would do justice to Auckland, to the colony, and to the Empire. It was only reasonable to say that, because he could state, without fear of causing heartburnings among the other cities, that Auckland was truly the military centre of our colony. (Applause.) , That was owing to the Maori war in the past, and it was only natural to come to the conclusion that the military spirit engendered had not died out. As it was in the fathers, so it was in the sons of the military settlers— in their daughters, , too—because lie was of the opinion that if the colony had not men enough to send to maintain the honour of the Empire, , there were women to send. )■ (Applause.) After the cheerful manner in which the mothers had allowed their eons to go, and the sweethearts had allowed their lovers to go, he would be very sorry to think that the men would not fight well in the cause of the Empire. Those circumstances made one almost feel like donning the khaki oneself. (Laughter.) The present was an important epoch in the history of the colony, as it was in the history of the Empire. Ho was of opinion that the sooner men were sent to South Africa in such numbers as would effectually stop the guerilla warfare that was going on the better. He was almost tempted to say that it did not deserve the name of warfare. It was simply a number of banditti going about the country waiting for opportunities to snipe and do things that Britishers would never do. (Applause.) He supposed wo must for the time being , apologise for them, and ho hoped that the men now going away from New Zealand would liolp to bring the war to a termination,, That they would follow in the footsteps of their j comrades who had gone before he was sure. ! He was certain thero would bft no falling off. Ho knew the officers well. There on his left was Colonel Davies, and it was the general wish of the colony that ho should go in command. (Applause from the ranks.) He had responded to the call of duty, and had met the wishes of the people of New, Zealand, and the officers and men under him felt a confidence in him which he (Mr. Soddon) was sure would never be misplaced. (Applause.) _ In command of the' North Island Battalion was Major Bartlett. and one and all would admit that he had worthily won his promotion. He would do his duty and, as far as lay in his power, help the men to achieve, if it were possible, even greater successes than were achieved by their predecessors. Second in command was Captain Rolleston, who had been decorated with the D.5.0., and whoso service in South Africa had proved him worthy of the trust that had been reposed in him. All the other officers had also been carefully selected, and, he was sure, would have the confidence of the men as they had the confidence of the people of. New Zealand, who wer& sending them. Therefore, the men were going off under auspicious circumstances. Ho hoped the time was not far distant when they would come back, and he could promise them a welcome 'that they would remember for the longest day that God would give them in this world to breathe. (Applause.) He thought it would not be out of place' to place before the public some information. He did not wish to say what ho intended in a boastful spirit, but they were facts, and facts spoke for themselves. The total number in the seven contingents already sent away from the colon} war 2975. Adding 2000 for the Eighth and Ninth, Contingents, they brought tho total up to 4975 offieers and men. Add tc that the 100 men sent as details to take the place of men in the Seventh Contingent, and it made a total of 5075 men from this little colony. (Applause.) Then, again, New Zealand had sent horses to the number of 5240. Without in the slightest degree wishing to make anj comparisons, he would give figures that would show that New Zealand had at ail events understood an emergency, and had endeavoured to come up to it. Taking the relative population of Canada, with her 5,376,000 people, she should, to send away men ir tho same proportion as New Zealand, have sent 35,268; Australia, with 3,775,000 people, should have sent 24,549; and Great Britain, with 41,454,621 people, should have despatched 271,817 1 volunteers. New Zealand understood the emergeiioy, and when in the history of the Empire occasion arose the colony sent her men to help, and stood in the first position in the Empire. (Applause.) "He had spoken of the past, ar.cl would '• now touch on the future. Months ago ho almost stood alone in stating that that Was the opportunity to send more mounted men. That was before the winter set in.. 'That was the time to have called on tho colonies, but it. was no use crying over spilt milk. It was intended to relievo the; Sixth and Seventh Contingents,' and bring them back home as quickly as possible. If . more ' men were required then tho Ninth Contingent .would

; go, and help to bring| the i tot tof ft tor* mination. While the Eighth and: Ninth were on their way, or -were at the Ifcoat, r then the Tenth would bo under equipment. *', {Loud Applause.) 'There could 'be; no ' -' standing still -in this ■ movement. The colony must go on, and be prepared, and in case the necessity arose the Tenth Con-. tingent would go, and after the Tenth had; gone the colony would lie ' prepared,* V because the people were determined thai that war should end. They were determined that as they had already sacrificed , men they would go on with it. The question was one ■ as to whether Iho' Empire' should prevail— liberty or selfishness should prevail. The world : must know that he who invaded British territory must die. (Applause.) • ' Personally, L ha hoped that extremes might not be 1 necessary. lie saw a little silver in the clouds, during the last week or two, and 'as more men were being massed, and more mhi ■ were being equipped, the opening in 'tho. clouds would widen, and the dark clouds ' overshadowing the Empire would i disperse. The way to bring sunshine and peace was the ; way , that Auckland and the colony ■ were acting in sending more men to the' front. lie • was deeply grateful to 1 the i - people of this " colony for the manner " in. which they had responded to the Empire's- . . call; and deeply grateful to the officers 1 and- men, who ; were now proceeding to the i front. He hoped and trusted that loyal' Canada, with whoso sons the New 2ca-i landers had . been fighting shoulder to shoulder, and had liked so well, would also assist in bringing the war to an end. In conclusion, Mr. Scddon thanked the men agpin, wishing them' God-speed, 'wishing, them kia ora and aroha, "which is love,. 1 and may this remain for; ever and for ever, and for ever." (Applause.) | General liabington, who was \ askedj by; the Premier to say a few. words, said the! contingent" had " been given every bit of good advice it was possible to give. '.- He' . considered tho contingent a most fortunate : one. - , The commanding - officer- was .per- ; . sonally known to him, and he was sure they could not have a better. Then again,tho contingent was most fortunate taking with it officers and men who had been out' to: South ' Africa. before in other con- *'•>/; tingents.' Tho men of the Eighth had . ' only to 'do what the commanding, officer,' tho other officers, and those comrades who had been out before, told them, and they, eould not go wrong.. They had only, to remember one word.' and that, was,." duty.',' v . Their officers would! not ask them to dowhat , was - wrong. ' . They would only . ask them to do what was right and best. : . He wished them all God-speed and a speedy, and safo return. He trusted that they might live to tho old ago of the veterans , who had come to see, them that day : (and whoso presence lie considered such a pleasing feature of the ceremony), so i that their , children and children's children might, go ' out,- as he was sure they would.■", for the Empire when needed. (Applause.) •_■ oColonl Davics, who was also asked to speak by the Premier, said lie, would not say anything to tho men— would, talk to them later. Ho thanked tho speakers for the kind remarks they had made. . Onething ho would like to" say to - the men." - c vgrthmhuk» - • Ho had no fear of the Now Zealanders, as fighters, but what they wanted was discipline in quarters, in camp, and ill peace times. Tho trouble camo when they wore , travelling, not when they were fightingTho men must bo obedient ; even on board. • 'hips, in lines of communication, and, m . : towns. If not, they. wererabble, " and no :.; ane would respect them as soldiers.., He !iad had to do with five New Zealand con- „ tingents, and ho had no fear as to the ; way in which they would fight. (Loud ?1 Hearty cheerS were then given for General Babington, the Eighth Contingent, and ... [or the Premier. ; . t - RETURN TO THE SURREY AND EM* BAHKATION OF TROOPS. This nart of the ceremony over,: the volunteer corps were formed up on the oadway outside tho Metropolitan Grounds, with the > mounted men thrown out as an escort. There they were shortly joined- by' the Eighth, headed by tho Garrison Band, immediately followed by General Babington and Colonel Davies and -staff on foot, and as the "whole .f moved off along Waterloo Quadrant .to* the-, medley of popular airs—including ..." Old Folks v, at Home," "Tho Girl I Left Behind Me, played by the band, the crowds -'as- . sembled 011 tlio side-walks commenced cheering. At intervals along the Princes, Shortland,'Queen, and Custom Streets to tho Railway Wharf— the crowds were thickest, the cheering was taken up, but it was not, , until tho " boys" began to' make .their waythrough tho barricades entering 011 to the wharf that tho public gave full vent to their . feelings. Then from tho roidway, Emily Place, and the several tees, all crowded with spectators, cheer after cheer-went : forth for . the departing contingent, and ha is and handkerchiefs wero waved in .all directions. " The • people of Auckland may not hive- been as r ; r demonstrative as in the past, they have come to take the sending away of contingents as a ; matter of course and to recogniso it as a • part of their duty to contribute! to tho Em- . pire's defence, but when tho time had arrived to say their final good-byes this was done with £•.$. great heartiness," and as the . lads of the v. Eighth marched down towards tlio troopship they must Have felt that "the old folks'at homo," and for that matter the young folks, ■ ■ • too, were right proud of them. Having been ■ drawn up at tho head of tho wharf and numbored off, a commencement was at once made v with the embarkation of the men, and shortly before five o'clock those who had gained ad- ; mittance to the wharf saw the last member of the Eighth. Contingent safely on board the Surrey, and the gangway, lowered. _ Swarm- - ing up the riggings, taking up positions on : the horse-boxes, and along the bulwarks, the :• troopers beguiled the time until about J a-.- , quarter past five, chatting with those on the • wharf, and cheering their- popular cofamander, His Worship the Mayor, the people of Auckland, and others calling for- attention. Then the ropes wero thrown oft- and.: the troopship slowly swung out to the stream, leaving many weening relatives and 1 enthusiastic well-wishers waving their final adieus, ; which wore acknowledged by rousing cheers*', from those on board. ' - The band on the Admiral* meanwhile struck up "Auld" Lang '■ Syne.". . : . 'V\

THE DISPLAY IN THE HARBOUR. / The aquatic display was the most perfect which lias cv.ci taken place on the waters of • the Waitemata, eclipsing the one which was : given at the time of tho departure of .Lord Onslow somo years ago, and which up Jo the present has always been regarded as tho best thing of its kind in Auckland Harbour. >£ All . the morning the ships in. port were gaily decorated with bunting, lending quite a holiday appearance to the harbour. ..v?ori. ; •' Shortly before three o'clock yachts of all classes, from the stately Volunteer, Viking, and Thelma, down to the small open, boat _ with tlio smallest of sails, began to put' in an appearance towards the rendezvous off the Railway Wharf. There was a nice southerly breeze blowing," just sufficient to fill the sails of the yachts, and as the flotilla came up the harbour it was a sight never to be forgotten by those who witnessed it. Several gentlemen who have travelled all over the world - \ remarked that they never saw such a displayof yachts in any place they had been, and expressed great surprise that Auckland-pos-sessed such a fleet of fine yachts. ; The Government schooner Countess of Ranfurly, which had been kindly placed at the disposal of the committee by the Premier, left the Queen-street Wharf with tho flag of the commodore of the New Zealand Yacht Squadron at . the main. On board _of the schooner was a large party of ladies and gentlemen, who took a keen interest "n the proceedings. Going down tho harbour, the Countess of Ranfurly picked up the yachts, and, turning round, came back again, the yachts following in line astern. After proceeding up to oft' the Queen-street Wharf, the signal " tack in succession" was hoisted, and the yachts presented a very pretty 'sight, as the manoeuvre was excellently performed. Down tho harboiu the squadron, which by this time numbered between 130 and 140 yachts of all classes, followed the Countess of Ranfurly in line astern, and then the signal '.'wear together" was given/ after which the yachts once more formed in line astein. . After several other evolutions had been gone .. through, eager eyes were cast on the big. troopship berthed at the Railway Wharf, to : see if there was any movement to indicate that the time for her departure had arrived, r but it was not until twenty minutes past, five that the lines were cast off, aad the t-oopship in V few minutes was clear, and started on her journey down towards the North Head. The Countess of Ranfurly headed the southern division, and the s.s. Nile, with tiio Devonport. Submarine Miners on ' board, headed tho northern division. The scene was picturesquely impressive as the big trans- • port steamed down the harbour, attended by tho crowd of white-sailed yachts and crowded . steamers. The broad waters of the harbour . slept beneath the ardent afternoon sun, except ■ where they were gently- ruffled : like ;;; chased silver by the Soft southerly i breeze. A hot haze hung over the distant. islands and .V sombre Rangitoto. !■ Off the North Shore the • transport and her attendant, bunting-decked fleet were clustered, and made a memorable .I picture. The sails of the yachts, which were JS dwarfed into very small ; craft alongside too towering Surrey, caught ■/.. the glint ,of' the ' westering sun, the vari-coloured flags'! fluttered lazily >in the light breeze, and over the disappearing fleet hung the heavy smoke c£ i the steamers like a canopy :of 'darb?clouds.%JiE For a brief while the fleet sailed; in company, and ' then tho • transport slowly turned t round tho North Head into ' the ; channel, followed '' by the steamers, and the yachts keeping pn,; j

.; their course" parted company, and went on • in. a bunch down the harbour towards one of • the many yachting haunts. _ . . J Down the channel the Surrey slackened • her speed, and when off the beacon came to a dead stop. v r As the Union Company ft', steamer Moura, which 1 had followed the procession; passed the troopship hearty cheers vi : were given and ■ responded to, the Moura as a parting salute firing off a number of bombs. The Countess of Ranfurly was manoeuvred 'alongside of the Surrey in order to take eff ! the Premier and party, but as it was feared her masts might damage the steamer's boats hanging in the davits, she moved away again from the side of the Surrey, and word, was sent to the Harbour Board's launch to go alongside and embark the party, which included a number of ladies. This necessitated a considerable delay, and during the time hearty cheers were given by the troopers and responded to by those on •board the Government schooner, the p.s. 'Awarua, whoso decks were simply a mass of humanity, the Submarine Miners' steamer Nile, and the steamer Admiral, the band on board of the latter steamer playing "Auld Lang Syne" and "God Save the King.' Cheer after cheer was given and exchanged with great heartiness, a number of the troopers throwing coins to the ladies on the steamers as parting souvenirs, all of which were eagerly scrambled for. ■ At . last the whole of the from the Surrey "were transferred to the Kuaka, the troopers heartily clieerin.j tho Premier and His Worship the Mayor as the little steamer left the side of tho troopship. At a-quarter to seven the troopship got iinc.erwoigh again, and proceeded on her voyage, and the steamers which had accompanied her, turned their bows towards the harbour, the Kuaka. leading. The sun was dipping over the horizon as the farewelling steamers returned '■) the harbour and witnessed a glorious si ni it, singularly calm and peaceful in compari•on with the mission of the gallant baud to • •which the last good-bye had just been said, j The Western sky was r. wonderfully beautiful tint of palest green, and just where the sun had disappeared floated a remarkable long stretch of cloud ribbed like the sea sands and glowing like molten gold. A little higher | was heaped a bank of cumulus clouds, which took the form of waves, their under parts a dull leaden coloug, and their crests a fiery crimson. Against the tinted sky the*m"uses and buildings on tho higher parts of the city were silhoutted a3 though carved in jet, and from one or two flagstaffs? still 'waved in sleepy folds the ensigns -which had been - hoisted in . honour of the departure of another contingent to prove the colony's loyalty to the Empire. ; On reaching the Queen-street Wharf the .visitors on board of the Countess of Ranfurly were landed, but not before Mr. C. P. Murdoch, commodore of the Yacht Squadron, had, on behalf of the visitors, cordially thanked Captain Worsley and his officers and crew for their courtesy during the afternoon's ' outing. Three hearty cheers were given for the genial captain and his crew. There was a large muster of rowing boats of all classes from the various rowing clubs, including whaleboats, gigs, stumps, and pleasure boats, who formed into two lines, some ahead and some behind the yachts, and going down nearly to -the North Head before retiring. ■ : : , ' :. - * [LIST OF THE AUCKLAND SQUADRONS. Of tho five squadrons on the Surrey two (C and D) are composed mainly of Aucklanders. Squadron C, under the command .of Captain C. G. Saxby, comprises five officers and non-commissioned officers and ' men, and the D Squadron, under Captain Sommerville, numbers five officers and 106 non-commissioned officers and men. The complete list is as. under — C Squadron: Captain C. G. Saxby, Lieutenants W. J. O'Dowd, B. B. M. Taplin, G. B. Peacock, T. H. Foster, Sergeant-Major C. J. Burr, Quartermaster-Sergeant A. F. Miller, Saddler-Sergeant J. E. Johnston, Far-rier-Sergeant H. Abbott. Sergeants A. Read, J. Walker. A. G. Taubman, P. Burgess, S. H. Best, Corporals C. W. Swanberg, G. A. Parsons, H. F. Young, J. Carder, H. N. Parsons, W. T. W. Hall, Sergeant W. Cassidy, Shoeing Smiths A. C. Courtenay, D. Smith, Bugler R. D. Brown, Paymaster Clerk M. R. Herbert, Saddler Elbert, Privates .T. Arthur, W. Atkins, G. A. Atkins, C. H. W. Baggerley, W. J. Bell, B. T. Birt, R. Bell, E. W. Black well, W. Browne, J. L. Brownlee, L. H. Bourke, F. W. Blomfield, E. C. Curtis, E. Constable, G. A. Castle, L. Calvert, P. A. Cuff, E. Christian, J. Dean, D. Dean, F. Druewett, E. F. Denyer, R. Dick, R. Dickeon, A. Easton, S. W. Eustace, S. H. Fish, D. G. Farmer, J. 0. Forte, F. Firmston, C k F. Gibbons, J. Graham, C. T. Griffiths, P. Green, 11. Gray, W. C. Gosling, J. Henderson, T. J. Hill, A. M. Hammond, J. Ireland, J. Kempsell, A. 33.' King, R. H. Keating, .W. Lennon, J. E. Lund, J. T. Larsen, C. J. - Little, W. J. J. Lorange, J, Lilewall, W. J. iD. Moore, A. W. Malcolm.. S. H. Mennannet, R. Manning, C. Mason, R. H. McNally, T. McNab, H. F. McGiven, T. McCartney, H. McDonald, E. Noble, M. G. Orr, G. J. Pulford, D. H. Pulien, W. Y. Page, R. Paul, S. Phair, G. Pye, M. A. Pearco, A. G. Renwick, M. H. Ryan, J. Steed, C. A. Stevens, E. P. Smith, H. Sauer, S. T. Silcock, G. F. Sievers, A. Tonks, W. G. Thomson, W. J. Taylor, B. E. Turner, H. A. T. Urquhart, J. H. Wilson, E. H. "Walker, A. H. Watts, J. H. Walsh, E. Young, Geo. Younger. D Squadron: . Captain Somerville, Lieutenants W. J. Parker, A. W. Roberts, D. P. Simson; G. G. Bullock, Sergeant-Major M. J. Bell, Quartermaster-Sergeant E. G. Fraser, Farrier-Sergeant E. Hedley, Saddler W. Taylor, Sergeants W. H. Denby, D. C. Snelling, Flavell, Armen, W. E. Linkhorn. A. A. Allen, J. A. H. McLeod, Corporals J. J. Wilson, N. C. Stichbury, F. J. Petchell, Sergeant D. H. Cory, Corporals J. Shcahan, J. Pile, N. C. Malcolm, H. T. Carter, H. C. Robson, Bugler L. N. Jacobs, Pay Clerk H. C. Williamson, Saddler A. A. J. Petersen, Saddler W. A. Harvey, Farriers J. W. Hcdley, A. E. Martin, Privates J. Arnold, E. G. Appleton, P. G. Andrews, A. E. Brown, E. J. Bennett, A. J. Baker, P. Brewin, H. G. M. Buejdey, T. A. Barker, J. N. Braund, H. F. Brown, L. Colquhoun, H. C. Coc, C. A. Cohen. W. Chester, F. C. Calagher, A. H. Christian, C. T. Cimino, F. J. Cox, H. B. Drower, J. Douglas, E. W. Elvers, U. Elliott; R. J. Fenton, J. W. Foster, W. J. Finch, J. Fox, T. Finch, S. Finch, F. Gornez, ! E. A. Gaby, F. V. Gillander, H. Gresham, j J. E. Holmes, A. 0. Horspool, It. R. Home, ■ J. Hamilton, A. C. Hemphill, T. Hethering- j ton, G. R. Johnson, F. Kobler, A. H. Lin- : nard, T. L. De Labrosse, G. Lysaght, H. | Ladbrook, A. McKenzie, J. A. McGregor, J. j G. Milne, S. H. Mcßurney, M. J. McLeod, J. H. Mcßae, W. McFarlane, W. R. McLaren, D. C. Murray, J. Mahon, T. Molloy, J. A. Moore, D. P. Neil, A. O'Neill, F. H. O'Neill, R. Pike, F. C. Parkinson, R. A. Pevreal. J. A. Robertson, K. J. Rennic, H. O. Ryan,' E. Scanlan, F. A. Stevens, H. T. < Sifleet, J. H. Smith, E. L. Smith, H. G. Selby, A. M. Spilman, F. M. Spurdle, E. F. . Thwaites, F. L. Vaughan, S. Wilson, H. Walker, F. J. Ward, R. Wyman, W. J. Wray, H. J. Wykes, A. W. White, G. F. Webster. .

STRENGTH OF THE NEW ZEALAND . CONTINGENTS.

The following figures show the number of officers and exclusive' of reinforcements—sent from New Zealand in the contingents preceding the Eighth : — Contingent. Officers. Men. Total. First ... ... I! 20+ 215 ■. Second ... ' .... ... 14- 254 263 : Third ... ...... 12 252 264 Fourth ... ... 24- 442 466 Fifth ... 24 v 571 595 Sixth ... ... ... 22 : 560 582 Seventh ... ...... 31 562 593 FURTHER COMMISSIONS FOR AUCKL ANDERS.

On Saturday the Premier informed Mr. J: M. Shera that his son. Sergeant Louis M. Shera, of the Auckland College Rifles, who joined the Eighth Contingent as a trooper, had been granted a commission as a lieutenant. The appointment is to a great extent in recognition of the services rendered by Sergeant Shcra's brother, Lieutenant J. Shera, at the front recently. The latter, as mentioned a day or two ago, is at present in the hospital suffering from enteric fever, but from a message received by Mr. .1. M. Shera through the Premier, it seems that his condition gives no cause for alarm, Major Andrews having cabled that all enteric fever cases are reported as "dangerously ill," and that in Lieutenant Shera's case there is nothing alarming. Both Mr. Shera's sons were non-commissioned officers in the Auckland College Rifles. Another Auckland boy to receive a commission is Mr. B. Davis, son of Mr. Moss Davis (Hancock and Co.), of Princes-street. Mr. B. Davis joined the Eighth as a trooper and received _ notification of his promotion to commissioned rank, on Saturday forenoon. J MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS. It is understood that on arrival at Albany the troopship Surrey will .await the coming of the Southern ' Battalion of the Eighth, which leaves Lyttelton at the end of. the present week, , 'j.iiis will enable the contin-

gent, to arrive in South Africa at tlie same . time,: and will thus prevent a separation of • the battalions which might have occurred had ■ they arrived there on different dates. ' -i; Acting on behalf of the British and Con- . . tinental Piano Company, the Auckland manager, Mr. Hegraan, has supplied the contini gent with a piano for use on the voyage. The V ; instrument was selected by Mrs. Seiklon. r.-;Lj.y.®j ® a twday morning Trooper 'Reginald ° - Eighth Contingent,. was the re- °/ * handsome pair of ■ field-glasses, .. • Entn Ami y *\,, IE * ny friends of the Waiateur /Athletic Club, of which ho was SSSL bl M° r ar & , The presentation was ■'"'of tho 4w 7o°i E i ac^orn:l . president data S.®JTi Zealand Amateur - Athletic Asso- . ciation, who, in the course of a neat speech, • .: - • > r .

made reference to Trooper Pike many estimable qualities and wished him good fortune and a safe return. „ , , Lieutenant Peacock?, of Devonport, who holds a commission in Squadron C, was also cordially farewelled by his friends on Saturday. Lieutenant Peacocke has already seen considerable service at the front with one 01 the previous contingents. ■' The Southern members of the contingent propose forming a brass band. Quite a number of the men are musicians, and steps are being taken to purchase instruments. Should the project be carried out the Eighth .will be the first New Zealand contingent to go to South Africa equipped with a band. Sergeant-Major Saxby, a brother of Captain Saxby, commanding C Squadron, came on to Auckland by the Surrey, and left the vessel here. He lias received a commission with the Ninth Contingent. In addition to the squadrons comprising the North Island Battalion of the Eighth about ! .90 ■ men left by the Surrey as reserves for i the Seventh New Zealand Contingent, now serving in South Africa. Among those present at the farewell ceremonies to the Eighth Contingent at the Metropolitan Grounds on Saturday afternoon was Sergeant Forsaith, a half-caste native, originally from the South Sea Islands, but for .many years a president in the Auckland volunteer district, and a member of one of the country corps. Forsaith was chosen as one of the members of the Eighth Contingent, and was sent to Wellington with the Auckland section. He stayed in camp for several days with the troops, and by his knowledge of volunteering and smartness, gained promotion to the rank of non-com-missioned officer, only to be thrown out at a later stage on the score of colour. Strangely enough, while Forsaith was excluded other half-castes with less knowledge of military matters, were alloyed to retain their positions, and left on Saturday for South Africa with the contingent. His case is certainly ono of great hardship, and it is understood that some of his friends will take the matter tip and make representations to the authorities with a view to getting Forsaith aWay with the Ninth Contingent. Mr. Brakenrig, general secretary of the Y.M.C.A., sent two parcels of selected maga- ; zines and illustrated papers for the use of the men, through the chaplain, the Rev. M. Compton. , A MASCOTTE. ' The Premier has presented to the North Island Battalion of the Eighth Contingent a fine king penguin as a maseotte. • The bird was captured at tho Macquarie Islands recently, and was presented to Mr. Seddon by Captain Post, of the Government steamer Tutanekai. THE MAYOR. For a send-off which had been got up somewhat hurriedly the arrangements were very good indeed, and were carried out admirably. Mr. Alfred Ividd, the Mayor, was indefatigible in his efforts for a successful ceremony, and the result was in no small measure due to him. That his kind attention to the troopers was appreciated by them was proved by the heartiness of the three cheers which they gave him before he left the side of the Surrey .in the Harbour Board's launch Kuaka. , THE PREMIER'S OPINION. The Premier while on board the Surrey from, the wharf to Rangitoto reef had His attention divided between saying good-bye to the officers and admiration of the splendid pageant on the waters around. He stated to the Mayor that it was the most splendid send-off ho had seen in the colony.

THE TROOPSHIP CORNWALL. [BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Wellington, Saturday. The troopship Cornwall arrived from Sydney at mid-day to-day, and will leave for Lyttelton at five o'clock on Monday afternoon to embark the Southern portion of the Eighth Contingent. DEPARTURE OF SOUTHERN SECTION. [BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Christchubch, Sunday. It is officially announced that the Eighth Contingent leaves here next Saturday. PRESENTATION TO LIEUTENANT SIMSON. Previous to the departure of the troopship Surrey on Saturday afternoon a number of the Auckland section of the Seddon Horse, on behalf of the corps, met and made a presentation to Lieutenant Donald Simson, who has gained a commission in the D Squadron of the Eighth Contingent. The presentation, which took the form of an address and a powerful pair of officer's field glasses, was made by Sergeant W. Lewis, who, while congratulating Lieutenant Simson on his position in the contingent, expressed tho great regretthat the company felt at losing the services for a time at least of an officer who always did his utmost to further the interests of his corps and the men under him. Lieutenant Simson, who was completely taken by surprise, acknowledged the address and the appropriate present in suitable words, and hoped to resume his position in the "Seddon Horse if spared to return. After several members had spoken in a eulogistic manner of their departing comrade, three hearty cheers were given for Lieutenant Simson. Previous to the presentation the Non-Coms.' Club entertained Lieutenant Simson.

THE NINTH CONTINGENT. RECRUITING TO COMMENCE TODAY. The Recruiting Boards in the various centres of the Auckland district will commence the examination of applicants for enlistment in the Ninth Contingent this morning, the Town Board, under Major Holgate and Surgeon-Major Walker, com-, mencing at the Choral Hall at nine a.m. Applicants who intend making alternate applications for positions as officers, and also as troopers, should apply to the nearest Recruiting Board for acceptance as troopers, and send on applications for commissions to the officer commanding the district.

On Sunday General Babington, Commandant of the New Zealand Forces, accompanied by Captain Reid, District Adjutant, visited the site fixed upon by the Premier at Onehunga as a camping-ground for the contingent. The commandant expressed himself satisfied with the ground, and it is understood that arrangements will be made forthwith to erect the tents there, and carry out other necessary preparations for the reception of the men there. • . THAMES APPLICANTS. [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT -1 Thames, Saturday. Over 60 applications have been received by the local Recruiting Board from young men anxious to join the Ninth Contingent tor South Africa. The examination tests are to be conducted on Monday. THE SYSTEM OF SELECTION. [by TELEGRAPH.OWN CORRESPONDENT.] _ Wellington. Saturday. The Wellington district is to supply 129 men for the Ninth Contingent. A different mode of selection from that followed in regard to the Eighth Contingent is to be adopted on this occasion. There will be no muster of the men at the drillshed for selection. The Board will sit in private on Monday, and will then select from the applications available the men who seem likely to answer requirements. These men will be subjected to a riding test on Tuesday, and that evening the Board will go over the test list, reject the failures, and send on the others for medical examination. On Wednesday, after the medical men have furnished their report, the Board will make the final selection. The successful 129 are to be sent oil to the Auckland camp at the end of next week. THE OFFICERS. I"UY TELEGRAPH. — ASSOCIATION.] Wellington, Saturday. There is much speculation as to who will command the Ninth Contingent. One possibility is that no colonel will be chosen, but that the contingent will be attached to the New Zealand division under Colonel Davies, in which case it will sail under the battalion leaders, one of whom (Captain Jackson, for the South Island Battalion) has already been chosen. In case a colonel should be chosen, the possible appointments are said to be Colonels Robin, Newall, Owen, and Porter. It is stated that applicants for commissions should make alternative applications as officers or troopers, that is, they should apply to the ..Recruiting Board for acceptance as troopers, and to the officers commanding the district for commissions, in order to avoid disappointment.