WELCOME AT ASHBURTON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 14301, 22 February 1910, Page 6

WELCOME AT ASHBURTON.

PATRIOTISM OF THE PEOPLE.

[BY TKLEGRATH. —rnxss association.]

Ashburton, Monday. A crowd of over 1500 people from various parts of the borough and surrounding country gathered at the railway station this evening to seo Lord Kitchener us he passed through by train en route to Christchurch. An address of welcome was presented by the; Mayor, to which the Field-Marshal responded. Leading citizens were introduced, and the proceedings during the stay of the train were very enthusiastic. The Prime 'Minister, in the course of a brief speech, said that this was the first time since Lord Kitchener's arrival that ho (the speaker) had referred to his presence in the country or to tho objects of his visit, and he did so now in order to express the gratification of, he. might say, all New Zealand, at the Government having secured the benefit of the . knowledge, experience, judgment, and skill of I/ord Kitchener to advise them in regard to all important questions- of internal defence. It was an epoch in the Dominion's history. Sir Joseph concluded by referring to the general enthusiasm which had prevailed in connection with the visit from tho Bluff onward, which evidenced tin? patriotism of tho peonlo of New Zealand for the British flag.' The Prime Minister was heartily received.

TROOPS FOR WELLINGTON,

[NY TKLEGRAriI. —PRESS ASSOCIATION".]

Wellington, Monday.

The Government steamer Tutanekai left Wellington this afternoon for Greymouth, Wostport, and Nelson to bring troops for tho Kitchener camp at Jolinsonville, near Wellington.