MAORI TROOPS GO SOUTH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16026, 18 September 1915, Page 9

MAORI TROOPS GO SOUTH.

ENTHUSIASTIC FAREWELL.

OPEN AIR GATHERINGS.

THOUSANDS PARTICIPATE.

SPEECHES AT TOWN HALL.

DEVONPORT CEREMONIES.

Several thousand Auckland citizens assembled yesterday to bid farewell to the second Maori contingent, numbering 312 men. which has been in camp at Narrow Neck for over two months. Soon after mid-day the men left the camp, and marched to Devonport. Along the line of route they were cheered, and flags and handkerchiefs were waved by North Shore residents, some of whom seemed quite downhearted to see the lads march away. Their goal was the Auckland Town Hall, but first they were honoured by the citizens of Devonport, the Mayor, Mr. A. M. Pickford, addressing them. From Devonport, which was left amid scenes of great enthusiasm, the troops were brought across to the city by ferry steamer, and marched up Queen Street, which was thronged with people and bedecked with flags.

Crowds had begun to gather at the Grey Statue soon after 1 p.m. The light drizzle of rain did not appear to damp the ardour of the people, who continued to arrive from the streets which converge upon the Town Hall, till Queen Street and Grey Street, at that point, were densely crowded, save for a narrow avenue which had been left for the troops to march along. A roomy platform had been erected at the corner of the Town Hall building. Shortly after two o'clock a number of wounded soldiers from Gallipoli were escorted to seats of honour on the platform, only a portion of which was occupied by chairs, the remainder being reserved for the native dancers. Viewed from this platform, at 2.15 p.m.. Queen Street was a sea of humanity, while the towers and roofs erf the buildings presented a vista of •flags, looking bright against the dull skies. The flagpoles at Albert Park, dressed in flags, were a blaze of colour. Presently came the sound of a band, faintly at first, but bursting suddenly into louder music, as the air was wafted towards the platform. The gleam of brass instruments flashed brightly in the dark masses of the crowd; then a solid mass of light khaki-colour came into view.

Troops Arrive at Town Hall. " There they are. Aren't they marching well? Like one man." were some of the comments made by the spectators. At a brisk pace the Maori soldiers came on, the people falling back to allow them to headed by the combined bands of the 3rd, Auckland. Mounted Rifles and the Garrison Artillery Band. A space around the platform had Seen cleared by a detachment from the Mount Eden Guards under Lieutenant H. Caughev. and the St. Stephen's School under Captain A. Wilson, which acted as a guard of honour. The departing troons were drawn up on two sides of a space, of •which the platform formed the base. On the platform were assembled the Mayor. Mr. J. H. Gur»on, Colonel J. E. Hume, officer commanding the district, Major J. F. Duiran. general staff officer. Lieutenant-Colonel J. P. Stevenson, Messrs. C. H. Poole. A. E. Glover. J. S. Dickson, and A. Harris, M.P.'s, members of the City Council, and prominent citizens.

Native "War Dances and Chants. A picturesque touch was given by the presence of a party of Arawa natives, including two men in war-paint and mats, and eight women dressed in native costume. who were decorated with ferns, and carried sprigs of tawhinu. On the arrival of the troops this party, which was led by Bella Papakura. greeted them with a native song and dance, the men at. each end of the row making threatening motions with their taiahas, or native spears, and uttering shouts of defiance. Between the speeches similar dances were given, and at the conclusion the storing war-chant which begins with Ka mate,- ka mate." was shouted fiercelv. Three cheers for the Maori soldiers concluded the proceedings at the Town Hall. I

Departure from Railway Station. The troops marched with bands playing to the railway station, and soon disappeared from vie<t- into the building. No one, except officers and relatives of the men, were allowed to enter until a few minutes before the train started. When the crowds that pressed against the barriers were at last admitted, the men were safely bestowed in the train, and the engine was backing down to be coupled on. r

Punctually at 4 p.m., with the band playing ' Auld Lang Syne." and amid cheers, the tram steamed out for Wellington. The last glimpse of it as it rounded the curve showed a helmeted warrior still sitting on a carriage roof, waving a New Zealand ensign. .Captain H Peacock will be in charge of the men *. far a Wellington, when Captain S Rice will take charge, Captain Peacock returning to Auckland.