THE NINTH CONTINGENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 11987, 9 June 1902, Page 5

THE NINTH CONTINGENT.

PROM ALBANY TO DURBAN. [special CORRESPONDENT.]

The arrival of the Devon at Albany with the North Island Battalion of the New Zealand Ninth Contingent, did not create much excitement either in the town or on board. General leave was granted to all save those on duty and defaulters. The baud played the troops from the wharf to the post office, and created quite a sensation among the local people, it being the first occasion on which a contingent calling at Albany has had a band. The officers were invited to the Albany Club, but beyond that there was no formal notice taken of the visit of the contingent. Owing to the time occupied in coaling and filling the water tanks, the Devon did not sail till half-past ten a.m. on Sunday, April 6. and it was late on Monday afternoon ere the low shores of Australia faded from view.

The weather nas been all that could be wished—bright days with cooling breezes, ; just sufficient to ruffle the calm placidity of j the dormant ocean, alternating with dull, warm days when one feels at peace with 1 all the world, and troublous times seem for ever gone. But whatever the state of the weather, whether stormy or fine, the routine is carried on with but little variation. Several more horses have testified to the severity of our first fortnight at sea, and have gone to their long home. The men are principally occupied in looking after the horses, though occasionally parades are held for special objects, such as medical inspection or boat and lire drill. Chaplain Captain Bates is very busy instructing a class among the officers in military sketching. A signalling class has been doing good work under the able instruction of Lieutenant Grant, who was at one time on General Babington's signalling staff. In anticipation of it being necessary when the enemy is met with to treat wounded men on the, field Surgeon-Captain King is lecturing to the officers and men on ambulance work and first aid. Let us hope though the information he is imparting may improve the knowledge of those being instructed, that it will not be found necessary to put it into practice. On Wednesday night, April 9. the nigger minstrel troupe gave its first performance on No. 3 troop deck. The deck was most tastefully decorated with flags, etc., and the hatch "was reserved as a stage. The major and all officers off duty attended, and there must have been nearly 400 men present. The entertainment was surprisingly good, considering the difficulties that had to be overcome, and great credit is due to Captain Henderson for his management. Rifle practice takes place every afternoon, each squadron in turn being instructed in firing at drifting targets. The men are anxious to become "proficient in tile use of arms, and each day instruction parades are held, with the result that improvement is noticed daily. Three times a day the band practices, and its playing has improved so much that the people of Auckland who heard it prior to the departure of the Devon would not recognise it for the same.

Monday, April 14, proved a red-letter day in the history of the trip, as a full afternoon was given up to sports. The items were those usual on board ship, and were all well contested. The tug-of-wnr between squadrons evoked the utmost enthusiasm, and was noteworthy as showing the splendid endurance of the teams. G squadron first defeated F. and in turn defeated E, which bad lowered the colours of H squadron. Of the other items, the obstacle race was most noteworthy, and provided no end of amusement for the spectators. The sports took some days to get through, and on Saturday night a second minstrel entertainment was given at which the prizes won were distributed. Great excitement was caused when if was known that the officers had challenged the champion tug-of-war team— that from G squadron. The contest was very even, and was won by the men after 11 minutes' pull. During the voyage Chap-lain-Captain Bates has been assiduous in endeavouring to make the time pass pleasantly for all on board, and has given several lectures on Japan, illustrated by limelight views, which were much appreciated. On Tuesday, April 22, the engines went wrong for some hours, with the result that 147 miles was the total distance travelled for i he 24 hours, and Ibis enabled the R.M.s. Salamis to overhaul the Devon when still two days out from Durban. The men have improved in their work considerably since leaving New Zealand, and the discipline among them would be very hard to beat. They seem to realise I bat the officers are instructing them for their own good, and that the method of leading instead of driving is most efficacious. As a result of the opportunities for coming forward as capable non-commissioned officers, the major has made certain alterations in the appointments, and has now settled the complete list. All the officers have worked well, and too much praise cannot be bestowed on the medical officers, Surgeon-Captains King and Bakewell for their labours. All that could be done for the horses has been done by Veteri-naiy-Lieutenants Matthews and Franks, and it is a result of their efforts that more horses have not been lost as a result of the terrible storm between Auckland and Sydney. Probably no other colonial contingent, whether from New Zealand or elsewhere, has taken to Africa more officers and men experienced in war (ban the North Island Battalion of the Ninth. Among the noncommissioned officers and men ale over 60 who have seen service in Africa. Among the officers is Lieutenant. W. Hardham, V.C., who holds the proud position of being the only New Zealander who has won his coveted Victoria Cross in the great Boer war. Captain and Quartermaster Chambers wears the Chitral medal and the medal for the Indian frontier. Surgeon-Captain Bakewell is a Crimean veteran, and wears the English and Turkish decorations. Lieutenant Neale. besides having seen service in the Second New Zealand Contingent, wear the. Egyptian medal. Major O'Brien wears the New Zealand volunteer decoration, which also adorns the breast of Lieutenant Sheppard, who also has earned the Imperial long-service medal. Ten officers out of a. total of 30 wear the South African medal. Their names are: — Lieutenants Barton. Grant. Hardham, V.C., Hawkesby, Mair. McDonald, Neale, Roes. Richardson, and Saxby. Captains Arthur and Wood, who are to join the battalion in Africa, also wear the Smith African medal. Besides fins long list there is Sergeant Langham, attached to join his contingent on arrival, who was recommended for the distinguished ivmduct medal when with the Fifth Contingent.