FIRST CONTINGENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15686, 13 August 1914, Page 8

FIRST CONTINGENT.

AWAITING DEPARTURE. DATE NOT ANNOUNCED. QUARTERS ON TRANSPORTS. [BY teixcrXvo.—srr.ciAL COB.RESrOKDF.NT.I Wellington, Wednesday. Shortly before mid-day tlio ■ first section of the expeditionary force marched from the barracks, through the city, to the two troopships, with bands playing. The scene reminded one of the days of the Boer War. Following the long column were baggage waggons, and two motor-earn conveying the nurses who are going with this section of the force. The march through tlio city was quite unexpected, yet crowds quickly gathered. There was little cheering as the column inarched through the streets, for people seemed to recognise the seriousness of the occasion. One feature in the procession -was a flue hound, with a Union 'Jack wrapped about him. which was led at tlio head of the regiment. During the afternoon the wharf at which the- two transport steamers. were lying was thronged by an interested crowd of people, many of them being the fathers and mothers of the men. '/lie object of the embarkation was to enable the men to become familiar with their quarters, so that when the ships depart confusion may bo avoided. , Tlio arrangements for the despatch of tlio transports are- practically completed. They have finished coaling and the decks are heavily Jadcn. The time of sailing and the destination of the troops arc still withheld by the authorities.