THE IMPERIAL TROOPS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1508, 24 January 1901, Page 56

THE IMPERIAL TROOPS.

PREPARATIONS FOR THEIR VISIT. The Hon. J. G. Ward,- Acting-Pre-mier, has cabled to the Secretary of State fer the Colonies (through the Deputy-Governor) suggesting that as the Imperial troops now in Australia are to come to New Zealand, they should, as far as possible, travel by rail between the chief centres in the colony. It is expected that they will leave Australia next Tuesday week, the 29th instant, and if the Hon. Mr Ward’s suggestion is adopted, arrangements will 'be made to receive them at the Bluff on 3rd February. After visiting Invercargill they will go to Dundin and Christchurch by train, picking up the troopship at Lyttelton, and coming on by her to Wellington. From this city they will go overland to Napier, where they will embark for Auckland. Mr Ward does not expect that the troops will be able to spend more than two days in each cf the cities. The object in sending them from place to place by rail is to enable them to gain some idea of the-.country, and also to afford an opportunity to the people of the towns and villages en route to catch a glimpse of the military visitors. The Acting-Defence Minister has decided to ask the Mayors and Commanding Officers in the various districts through which the Imperial troops will pass to give them a fitting reception at the centres. The local cavalry corps will also be asked to place their horses afc the disposal of the visitors, so that they may present as imposing a display as possible. Probably a review of local troops will be made at the various centres through which the Imperials will pass, and every effort will be made to impress our visitors by the warmth of our welcome and the character of our hospitality.