THE IMPERIALS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1511, 14 February 1901, Page 24

THE IMPERIALS.

WHO CAME TO WELLINGTON ON

SATURDAY

A SPLENDID SHOW

RECEIVED A GREAT RECEPTION

EXHIBITED AT THE BASIN RESERVE.

DINED WITH THE CITIZENS.

FINE SHOW OF VOLUNTEERS

u ;ER TWO THOUSAND ON PARADE

Tommy Atkins in the flesh was the sight which greeted th© eyes of all beholders in Wellington on Saturday. Until then he had been practically an unknown quantity to the colonial-born, though his name has long been worldwide. Whatever conception the public had formed of Mr Thomas Atkins, the applause that greeted each corps on Saturday, though subdued and lacking spontaneity, was full of warmth and admiration. The array of colour was of course- very brilliant and varied, much more so than would be the case at an ordinary garrison town; andj the imposing appearance of the procession, together with the regard born of hundreds of years of loyal and faithful service by the diiferent regiments represented in the procession, secured for the men the warm reception that was accorded them. There was more in the welcome than the playful indulgence with which the ordinary person so frequently discusses the common soldier. Tommy’s records of recent years are housenold words in many homes the world over to-day, but whatever he has done he is just plain Tommy; and it was plain Tommy, the real article, who has fought and bled without questioning, who visited us on Saturday in the gorgeous panoply of the parade ground. Ail types were there. The glittering Life Guards retain, perhaps, more than any other regiment the semblance of the Great Duke’s troops, in their bright cuirasses and steel helmets. Strange to say, the most striking uniforms are those which retain most of the old characteristics. Every button and hackle -tas a history and a tradition, perhaps hundreds of years old, and yet when the army goes into the field it discards all sign of traditional pomp in plain khaki. There were the Artillery, the fine stalwart men who have attained the “jacket,” and are to this day “first among the women and amazin’ first- in war”—the men who have always stuck through thick and thin to their guns. Then there were the Hussars and the 21st Lancers, the latter the most fought cavalry regiment of recent years. After them the giant Foot Guards, including the biggest men of all, the new Irish Guard; the infantry of the line Fusiliers and Highlanders, some of the last-named with the bitter memorv of Magersfontein fresh iu their minds. And lastly came the auxiliary forces and details of the different service corps. Three-fo'uxtks of these troops have already served in the present war, and in the" healthy young faces it is difficult to discern the traces, in many cases, of three or four campaigns. Yet the medals on the breasts of many indicated that amount of service Among the officers are men who have fought through every war of the last ten years. Altogether Saturday’s procession was an historical event which will not quickly be forgotten by civilians and soldiers alike. By the majority it will probably be remembered as the only occasion upon which Imperial troops representing every branch and arm of the service have been seen in the colony, and nv the volunteers, in particular, as affording an opportunity, not to be neglected, of witnessing the drill, discipline and bearing of that glorious army in whose footsteps they aspire to follow. THE PROCESSION. The district orders were that the procession was to move away at 2.30 p.m., but it was found that it would be more convenient to the Imperials if a start could be made at 3 o’clock. As the ♦kick in the General Post Office struck tfce hour, therefore, the procession movoff. Prior to this, mounted squads of volunteers with led horses for the visitors' cavalry came down from Newtown Park, arid the country representatives took advantage of the excellent opportunity to give the onlookers samples of horsemanship as their mounts pranced and curveted round and round the big space at the head of the Queen's Wharf.

Presently all the spare horses were placed at the disposal of those who were to use them, and a busy scene was witnessed by the privileged few wlio were permitted entrance to the wharves. To the profane mind there was something circus-like about the preparations which ensued, the ornate and gay-coloured trappings of the horses, and the eyeattracting uniforms of their intending riders—who dashed about from place to place, and Jet odt girths or took in straps as occasion demanded —all contributing tii the effect, indicated.

The horses provided for the use of the cavalry were only fair samples of what we produce in the way of horse flesh in the these parts. Most of them, were grassfed animals from the country; many were weedy and lacking in mettle. However, in praotised hands and with a judicious armlicatiou of the rowels, they brightened up considerably, and the mounting of the gaily caparisoned caval-

cade left nothing to be desired from a casual observer’s point of view.

By the time the order to march was given dense crowds had taken possession of all. the avenues leading on to the wharf, whilst hundreds of people hnl located themselves in the General Post Office and the offices and warehouses commanding a view of the triangle in which the preliminary parade was to be held. When Colonel Wyndham came into view, wearing the handsome uniform of his regiment, surmounted by nodding plumes of white cock’s feathers. a cheer went up, and there was much hand-clapping and waving of handkerchiefs, renewed again and again as the variously uniformed troops came into perspective ; but it cannot be truthfully said that the onlookers were unusually demonstrative. Admiration and approval of so magnificent a pageant were written on every countenance, but the critical faculty at that stage eclipsed the desire to applaud. Later on, as the troops swept gaily through the crowded streets, it was different. • Then the crowd let itself go. The wait had been a long one for the Volunteers, and no doubt they were glad to get their marching, orders. The length- of the precession may be gauged from the fact that uefore the last of the Imperial troops had left the General Post Office, Captain Loveday and his escort of Heretaunga Mounted Rifles ahead of the procession was passing the “ New Zealand Times ’’ office, at the head of Grey 'Street. As the route was via the Government Printing. Office and along Lambton quay, it will be realised that it was a pageant wnicn presented much variety and interesting detail. It must have been altogether fully a miK and a half in length.

Yes, it was full of colour and incident. but there was one lacking which robbed the whole demonstration of much of its vim, and that lacking was of music. There were ' only four bands in that long procession—the Garrison, the Highland Light Infantry, the Feilding and the Blenheim and Nelson combined but what were they amongst such a multitude? It was a serious omission that other local bands had not been invited to take part. As the various companies of country Volunteers came swinging down Lambton quav in their distinctive uniforms they made indeed a display of which all beholders might well feel proud. As far as setting up, marching method and general appearance went they were, of course, not in it with their Imperial brethren, but, as bronzed, free-limbed, lithe and wiry—with the typical colonial slouch in their gait—they strode along, one could not but feel proud of them, and realise that if ever the call came for the defence of hearth and home, we could count on them to a man, and the enemy would have to count with them, too.

Many of the men in that precession had had no sleep for thirty-six hours, and had been herded together in railway trains for a considerable portion of that time. Nevertheless, they were fit to take their part in that particular act, and no one who. did not know their condition would have dreamt that they had not slept oil down the night before. A number of the country men had been obliged to give up their horses for the benefit of the Imperials, and, to their credit, be it said, although there were those amongst them who could not hide their chagrin, the majority stood ..down like men, and “made no bones about it.”

The local garrison and Naval Brigade were spick and span, and made a most creditable display, marching well, and looking fine and smart. It were almost invidious to single out any particular corps for special mention, but it must be confessed that in Saturday’s procession the busby-crowned D Battery made a nearer approach to comparison with the British regulars than any other Volunteer corps either in carriage, steadiness or marching capacity. The immense crowd which thronged the streets, spread themselves over the verandahs and balconies and looked down critically from the housetops was somewhat cold in its reception of the local troops (although, for some reason or other, the Naval Brigade, and especially the Petone representatives, were very warmly received as they passed the most crowded portion of Lambton quay). But when the Imperials cur.e along, the assembly threw aside its reserve, and cheered and cheered again. The horsemanship of our visitors may have seemed somewhat stiff to colonial eyes, but the machine-like regularity—the free, quick, even, pendulumlike swing—of tbe foot soldiers, must have been a revelation to many of the onlookers. Drill and discipline, discipline and drill, had thus converted men into precise automata. As in Lambton quay, so in Willis street, Manners street, Cuba street and Vivian street. Everywhere people swarmed uyon the thoroughfares, and cried, “Welcome!” from the housetops, as long as this triumphal march continued. AT THE BASIN RESERVE. Long before the troops arrived on the scene the 4000 people to whom precedence had been allotted on the Basin Reserve had taken their places on the green sward or in the pavilion. They, also, had a warm welcome for Volunteers and Imperials alike. As the various companies marched and countermarched over the surface of the Reserve preliminary to the formal proceedings,

they presented a gay and inspiring spectacle. But it was when the mounted Imperials found admittance at the northern entrance gate, and came 'past the pavilion at a swinging trot, that the crowd caught fire, and cheered and cheered again. The Mayor, the Premier and his colleagues, the City Councillors, the members cf the Reception Committee, several members of Parliament, Tamahau Mahupuku (the prominent Wairarnpa chief;, the chaplains of the Imperial forces and several other notable visitors were accommodated on a raised platform overlooking the playing green, upon upon which the troops were picturesquely massed. Proceedings opened with a display or bayonet and manual drill by the Grenadier Guards, performed so precisely, and with such elaborate foot-action as to merit an extempore song of pleasure from an excitable Maori woman in the croud, and to provoke salvos of applause from the spectators. The Hussars and Royal Horse Artillery combined next gave an exhibition of sword drill, the Royal Fusiliers of musical drill, the 21st Lancers of lance drill, and the 4th (Militia Battalion) Norfolk Regiment of musical drill, all performed in a wonderfully proficient manner, and providing a valuable object lesson for the hundreds of onlooking Volunteers ranged up in the vicinity. The Imperials then marched past in column, and drew up m front of the platform—the Volunteers being brought up on the right and left flanks —to hear the speeches. ADDRESSES BY THE MAYOR AND PREMIER. The Mayor (Mr J . G. W. Aitken) extended a "cordial welcome to the visitors. Ij.o said the demonstration thej had just witnessed would prove of educational value. It would prove a revelation to the younger members of this community who had never previously had an opportunity of witnessing displays of such wonderful proficiency. The speaker then went- on to allude to the friendliness which existed between the Imperial and colonial troops in South Africa, and shid the war now in progress had done more to weld the Empire than any other process that could have been devised. Again .on behalf of the citizens, he extended Colonel Wyndhaiu and his troops a cordial welcome to Wellington, and expressed the hope that m the future they would have every success, every! prosperity, and every happiness. The Premier said he took this first opportunity of extending to Colonel YVyndliam. and *ue officers ana men cf the Imperial Forces a sincere welcome to "Wellington. Ho thanked Colonel Wyndham, especially, for trie gracious way in which he had fallen in with the wishes of the organisers of reception arrangements in diiferent parts of the colony. It had been demonstrated from the time the Imperial troops landed it the Bluff, until the present moment how welcome was their presence amongst us. The inhabitants of the towns, villages and hamlets of the South Island hacl turned out to welcome our visitors, and no doubt many life-long friendships would be made as tho result of the advent of the latter amongst us. He (Mr Seddon) regretted that the fact that the death of our late lamented and good Queen of immortal memory had in a measure dimmed the lustre of the reception winch the Imperial troops had received in New Zealand, but he nad no doubt the soldiers would serve their new King as worthily as they had upheld the prestige of his predecessor.. He regretted to say that ill the past there had net been that regard for the British Army to which it was entitled. He ■ believed—without desiring to cast a reflection —that in th e past that army had not been sufficiently paid. What had. transpired in South Africa recently had given prominence to that fact, and, in his opinion, the British Army would, in future, he placed on a better and stronger footing than it had ever been before, and not a bit too soon. Referring to comparisons which had been made between the colonial and Imperial soldiers, Mr Seddon said no such comparisons should be made. Those who made such comparisons were enemies to the country and to the Empire. The Imperial troops were heartily welcome to the colony for a motive which had not hitherto been touched upon. The fathers and mothers of the colony, whose sons were fighting in South Africa, earnestly desired to have an opportunity of seeing representatives of that army with whom their sons were fighting. It cheered them, it gave them strength, it made them feel that there could be only one conclusion, and that was that the more men were sent to South Africa the sooner would the war be over, and the sooner the better. It might be necessary to send away a Seventh Contingent. He did not care how many contingents they sent. What was wanted was more men, and the more men they sent the quicker thev would have them all home again. He felt sure that there would be a response for whatever force was required equal to that which they had previously hacl. He hoped the remainder of the stay of the Imperial troops in New Zealand would be fraught with pleasure, and happiness. (Applause).

Colonel Wyndham caned upon his troops to give ‘Three cheers for the people of New Zealand and the Premier,” which met with a hearty response. The volunteers then cheered the visiting troops by battalions. At the instance of the Premier three cheers were given

for the local forces, and for the visitors from the other parts of the colons. The processiou was then re-formed, anci the Imperial troops"were escorted back to their ship, preparatory to being entertained by the citizens.

THE DINNER. ... y*, No department of the uslS-organised reception was more successful than the splendid dinner given to the men in the evening. It was no light task tc undertake the catering for one thousand - men at forty-eight hours’ notice, but this feat was accomplished bv Mr Pinnock in a manner that gave the utmostsatisfaction to all concerned. The first intention was to have held the function in the Skating Rink —a more commodious building than the Drillshed —bid. difficulties arose in getting the use of that building, and so, perforce, the latter was brought into use, and by judicious arrangement its accommodation proved ample for the occasion. It is quite certain that but for the hearty response to the Mayor's appeal - to the ladies of the city for assistance in laying the tables and waiting upon the visitors, in decorating tne hall, and providing those natty attentions that are so acceptable and are such important factors in the success of such an undertaking, the' proposal to give a dinner would have had to be abandoned. By 9 a.m. quite an army of ladies attended at the Drillshed, “oil hospitable thoughts intent,” and with that set determination of feature that betokens strict attention to business. Under their deft hands order arose out of chaos, and when late afternoon arrived, the usually sombre Drillshed had been converted into a banquet ball worthy the unique occasion.

The committee entrusted with this important feature of entertaining the troops carried out its duties wellTlie Mayor, Messrs F. Moore, W. Allen and A. R! Hislop comprised the committee. There were twenty tables, each seating forty-eight men. At the side of each plate was placed a button-hole bouquet as a present to the men, and although but a trifling attention it caused a smile of appreciation from ‘‘Atkins, Esq.,” to whom flowers are a rarity. A basket of these were sent in to the Reldeption Committee!, with a note: “A token of lore for the Royal Field Artillery from a widow’ of a sergeant.”

The Mayor (Mr J. G. "W. Aitken) presided at the dinner, having on his left the Hon. C. IT. Mills, Minister of Customs, representing the Ministry. The Premier, the Hon. W. Hall-Jones and the Hen. W. C. Walker, who had been engaged during the earlier part of the evening at the other functions connected with the reception of .the troops, “looked in,” and were w’ell pleased at the success of the entertainment. In deference to “Tommy’s” deep-rooted objection to speeches, tradition as far as that- Time-honoured custom is concerned was departed from, and “not a sound was heard.” Jupp’s String Band and the Petone Brass Band alternately discoursed music during the evening. A fair sprinkling of civilians were present at the dinner.

Punctually at the appointed hour (6.30) the first of the troops arrived, the Royal Artillery, folloived by the other troops, and as they filed in and took their seats thely were received with cheers. Having taken their seats, they stood not upon ceremony, but attended strictly to business, and attacked the dishes with a vigour that betokened a keen appetite excited by the lengthy abstinence from food and the fatigue of the parade. The “innelr mail” having been somewhat satisfied, they had time to criticise their surroundings. The bill of fare oil a troopship is neither varied nor generous enough to hanker after, and so when “Tommy” does get a chance of a decent “tuck-in” he improves the occasion in most approved fasmen. And the loaded tables gave outward and visible evidence that this particular occasion was a good one, ana it was “improved” accordingly. “This is all right tack,” said a hearty English trooper, and a man in kilts, with that cautious characteristic of his race, exclaimed, “It’s no> sae bad!”—probably as high a compliment as he could pay. But it was only after he had eaten his fill, and when pipes and cigars were lit, that Tommy relaxed from his seriousness and became and, mixing with the lady attendants and the visitors, in conversation, it was seen that under the stolid and hard 'ceuntenanees, begotten of rigid discipline and what after all is net an enviable life, there is a lot of human nature. There is always an attraction about a uniform for ladies, and in them the warriors found eager listeners to their experiences. For a short hour the social intercourse was mutually interesting, and it may safely be asserted that not the least pleasurable of the memories cf this colony which they will carry away with them will be the altogether too short time they spent during the evening when for the nonce their lives were brightened by the sympathetic concern evinced in their welfare at this the most distant portion of his Majesty’s dominions.

The company broke up about 9 p.m., after .which the troops were free to enjoy the sights of the city. THE SOLDIERS AND THE CITIZENS.

It must he thirty years since the good citizens of Wellington have seen a genuine fighting red-coat in their streets. What struck the old residents —according to some of them—when they came out in their hundreds on Saturday, was

the extremely youthful appearance of umny of the representatives of the Imperial army in the procession. The scarlet ranks in the old days were generally pretty liberally sprinkled with grey' heads. To-day, on account of the short service system, introduced by Lord Lard well—the great est War Minister of the century—-the ranks are largely comstriplings, attracted thereto by a desire for change, the pay, and, above all, short periods of service. The reserves are crowded with seasoned soldiers following trades for the time, but always ready and eager for service when called upon. Old men watching the procession on Saturday shook their heads over the change. But the younger generation were full of enthusiasm. They believe, and rightly believe, that no troops in the world could have behaved more gallantly than these same lads. After listening to manv of them as they talked in friendly groups to the citizens clustering around them, one thing could not fail to strike the attention, viz., the absence of exaggeration in their talk. We live in levelling days, but the barrier between an English officer and bis men, so insuperable aching in theory? is not so in reality. A man of the Black Watch, asked about General Wauchope at a hotel bar,, where much riotous talk was going on, became in a moment grave and spoke of his general in respectfully, subdued tones. He had not forgotten the beloved leader who fell before the trenches of Magersfontein. Where such devoted admiration exists there must be emulation, even if that’ emulation is unconscious. Hence we find the characteristic cheerful courage and modesty of the English officer frequently reproduced in the men-

Consequently it was not surprising to hear men on Saturday night, in reply to questions, invariably talk about their regiments and' their officers in preference to their own experiences. The good temper of Tommy under trying circumstances is proverbial. There was an example of that in Willis street on Saturday nights—a loiterer, about ‘‘three sheets in the wind,” had been freely criticising a, certain general, who shall be nameless. One of the regulars told mm politely to “Go on ,J —not exactly in those words, perhaps—when the citizen struck him. In a moment the soldier scientifically pinioned the man’s arms, and taking no heed of the blow, laughed in his face. The fellow struggled helplessly to free himself. Very quietly and quickly Tommy backheeled him. The fall seemed to sober him. Helping him to his feet, the soldier put his arm round his neck, and said, “You’re a good man when you’re sober, I can tell, so come along with me and have a drink.” The incident seemed to please the crowd, which murmured a little chorus of approval. No wonder the Highland regiments are popular. They see so much service ail over the world, arid are so used to meeting men of every nationality that they can adapt themselves agreeably to any circumstances. As an old Scotch dame said on Saturday, ‘‘They are such douce canny laddies.” The Maoris, it was very noticeable seemed fascinated with the tall, clean limbed, bold-faced Guardsmen and Dragoons. They in turn look on Maoris as ‘■‘’white men.’’ The British army has certain traditions about the Maori warrior. These heavy cavalrymen are ideallooking fighting men of the Ajax type. Quick and sudden they are of quarrel, but as easily pacified. Their sense of dignity, too, is superb. A lively sailor rolled into a big spick and span Dragoon. There were three of them warning in Indian file through the crowd at Fitz Gerald’s corner. The man into whose ribs the sailor lurched turned like a flash with fire in his eye. When he saw the tar, he recognised a brother. A smile of good, humour spread over his face. He merely said, “Hallo, Jack/’ and passed on. As midnight drew near, striking pictures might have been seen on the wharf towards which, from many divergent streets, poured a continuous stream of soldiers, accompanied by admiring crowds of civilians, with whom they had fraternised during the evenng, and who were nqw peeing their new-found military friends home to birnk on the troopship. Reluctant farewells were exchangedFresh introductions took place on every hand. One crowd was gathered about a spruce little drummer belonging to a Fusilier regiment—such a tidy-looking, modest lad that nobody could make enough of him. He was Dover born, if you please, and had been all through the war with his troop. He stood there blushing and laughing while the crowd insisted on shaking his hand and Godblessng him for a fine lad of his years, who had seen much and was an honour to his country. A foreigner was protesting his love and admiration of the English people, who never fought save in a just cause, but the crowd had no time for him; all save a hulking fireman, who wanted to discuss the matter, suo more, but the police wanted him, it seemed, for something he had done earlier in the evening, and ran him off the: scene without ceremony. Another fireman belonging to the great White troopship lying alongside then created a bit of a stir. The guard said, as he wiped the sweat off his brow after the tussle, ‘‘Jim’s as respectable a man as there’s in the ship, but he will argue points when he’s in beer.” A too inquisitive citizen gor under the chain, and was making for the ship, when two stalwart guards collared himThey threatened to make him sleep on board. “Set me Pack, set me back/’ he yelled, while the crowd roared at his discomfiture.

No doubt the men bad. a- glorious jollification during their evening ashore, but they all managed to keep a stiff up-

per lip while getting back to tfieir ship. Several told the onlookers that their hearts warmed to New Zealand. Most of the men are invalided from Africa, and long to get Home again. New Zealand, they said, was like a foretaste of England after the heat of Australia. Indeed, the colony altogether, in the opinion of one of the Royal Irish, fulfilled the mysterious mission of “banging Bamiagher/' ORDER OF PROCESSION. The order of procession on Saturday was as follows : ADVANOE GUARD. Heretaunga Mounted Rifles (Captain Love day, Lieuts. Kinsey and Lloyd), 40. The Mayor and Councillors and Reception Committee, in carriages. Colonel Porter, Lieutenant-Colonel i Collins and the District Staff. THE NAVAL BRIGADE. (Under Captain Duncan, with him Lieut. Commander Campbell). Wellington Navals (Lieut. Commander Bell, Lieutenants Cooper, Biss, Handyside and Merzies), 101. Petrine Navtls (Lieutenant-Command-er Kirk arid Lieutenant Osborne-Liliy), 63. Boys’ Institute Cadets (Lieuts. Dutton and McKeever), So. ARTILLERY. D Battery (Captain Moorliouse, Lieutenants Courtney, Smith and Johnson). 58. H Battery, Nelson (Lieutenant Madigan), 36. FIRST WELLINGTON RIFLE BATTALION. (Under Major Brandon) Wellington City Rifles (Captain W. G. Duthie and Lieutenant I. Johnston), 67. Post and Telegraph Rifles (Captain Morris and Lieut Hart-on), 65. College Rifles (Captain Turner and Lieut. H. G. Lewis), 50; Civil Service Rifles (Lieut. J. O. Wellington _ Highland Rifles (Captain Mclntosh, Lieuts. McLeod and Harland), 43. Wellington Guards (Captain John Duthie, Lieuts. Holmes and Wheeler). 43. Kelburne Rifles (Captain Davis and Lieut. Charteris), 42. Zealandia Rifles (Lieutenants Moore andJßruce), 42. Corps (Colour-Sergeant Slum). 20. Bearer Corps (Surgeon-Captain McKenzie), 11. • Wellington College Cadets (Captain Bee), 60. Feilding Band (Bandmaster Brittle) 26. ’ SECOND WELLINGTON RIFLE BATTALION. (Under Lieut.-Colonel Watt, with him. Major Hall,. Cantain and Adjutant Neill, Captain and Quartermaster Kirton, and Staff-Sergt.-Major Peacock), Captain Cameron, attached. Royal Rangitikei rimes, Marton (Captain Batten and Lieut. Snelgrove), 30. Wanganui Rifles (Captain Hughes anl Lieut. Redmond), 29. Taranaki ±vifles (Captain Oakey. Lieuts. Cock and Hooker), 30. Palmerston North Rifles (Captain Mounsey, Lieuts. Jack and Louissou), 01. Manchester Rifles, Feilding (Captain Barltrop and lieuts. Pleasants ar.d Harford), 39. Wanganui Guards (Lieuts. Dusri i mid Harper), 30. Wanganui Highland Rifles (Lieutenant Grant), 29. Taranaki Guards, New Plymouth (Captain Taunton and Lieutenant Ccok), 01. Greytown Rifles and Woodville Rifles attached. NELSON RIFLE BATTALION. (Major Rogers, Captains Woolfe and Simson, Surgeon-Major Peerless). Nelson and Blenheim Garrison Band, 30. Nelson Rifles (Lieutenant Stewart), 34 . Stoke Rifles (Captain Harkness), 35. Waimea Rifles (Captain Bryant, Lieutenants Ricketts and Arnold), 31. First Westland Rifles (Captain MacFarlane and Lieutenant Johnston), 31. Blenheim Rifles (Captain Powell and Lieutenant Baillie, Captain Sturroch attached), 34. Waitohi Rifles, Piet on (Lieutenants Clinch and Kenny), 34. Greymouth Rifles (Captain Morice), 82. (Ministers of the Crown in carriages). MOUNTED INFANTRY. (Under Colonel Somerville and Captain and Adjutant Dunk). Mounted. Manawatu Mounted Rifles (Captain Dunk and Lieutenants Pringle and Munro), 43. Horcwhenua M.R. (Lieutenants Hudson and Law), 44. Otaki M.R. (Captain Tatliam and Lieutenant Whitehorn), 43. Pahiatua M.R. (Captain Bolt.on, Lieutenants Linton and King), 44. South Wairarapa M.R. (Captain Izard and Lieutenant Jury), 42. Eketahuna M.R. (Captain McDermott), 44. Wairarapa Natives (Captain Remeni, Lieutenants Rangi, Ngaira, and Te Tau), 43. Dismounted. Stratford M.R. (Captain Symes and Lieutenant Liardeft), 40. Hawera M.R. (Lieutenant Matthews), 41.

Alexandra M.R. (Captain James Watt and Lieutenant Morgan), 36. Opunake M.R. (Captain Maxwell), 39. Wairoa M.R., Waverley (Captain Howie), 40.

Marlborough M.R., Blenheim (Lieutenants Ohaytor and Caravan),. 35. Wakatu M.R., Nelson (Captain Kiernan and Lieutenant Oldham), 40. Takaka M.R. (Captain Langridge), 38. Colonel Penton and staff. Wellington Garrison Band (Bandmaster Elerd), 26. IMPERIAL REPRESENTATIVE CORPS. Colonel Crole Wyndham, C.B. (21st Lancers). Commanding Officer’s Trumpeter. Staff: Captain Evelyn Wood (Scottish Rifles), Lieutenant and Quartermaster Collins (King’s Dragoon Guards), Regimental Sergeant-Major Laughton (21st Laucers). CAVALRY. Ist Life Guards, 2nd Life Guards. Scarlet tunic, blue cuirass and helmet, white met-al silver gaiter, star in front, and white plume. King’s Dragoon Guards: (Second Lieutenant 'W. T. V. W. Wood); 24 men. Scarlet funic, blue facings, red plume. Royal Horse Guards (The Blues): (Captain G. C. Wiisdri). Blue tunic, scarlet facings, cuirass and helmet like Life Guards, the latter with a red plume. 7th (Queen’s Own) KSosafa: lieutenant Viscount Cole); 22 men. Blue, scarlet facings, busby with white plume! 21st (Empress of India’s) Lancers : (Lieutenant R. H. Dick-Cunjuigham); 20 men. Bine uniform, gray facings white plume. Prince of Wales’s Own Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry: (Major Fitz R. P. Goddard, Second Lieutenant W. F. Fulled ; 26 men. Blue, facings white, busby bag and plume scarlet. ARTILLERY AND ENGINEERS. Royal Horse Artillery, (Major J. B. H. Askwith, Lieutenant Dixon); trumpeter and 56 men. Blue, scarlet facings, white plume. Royal Field Artillery : (Second Lieutenant G. A. H. Hill); 56 men. Blue uniform, scarlet facings. Royal Garrison Artillery: (Second Lieutenant W. D. Warrington-Morris) : 43 men. Royal Engineers : (Captain Powell, Second Lieutenant T. H. L. Spaight); 54 men. Scarlet uniform, blue facings, gold lace. FOOT GUARDS’ GROUP. Grenadier Guards: (Captain G. C. W. Heneage); 23 men. Scarlet, with blue facings, bearskin cap. Scots Guards • (Second LieutenantLord Falconer); 23 men. Badge, sphinx and thistle, uniform scarlet, blue facings. Irish Guards? (Second Lieutenant R. C. A. McCalmont); 23 men. Scarlet, green facings, badge—shamrock, plume St. Patrick’s blue. Coldstream Guards : (Lieutenant B. T. Hon L. d’H. Hamilton); 23 men. Scarlet, blue facings, badge, star and garter. Band of the Highland Light Infantry. LINE GROUP. 2nd (Queen’s): (Lieutenant B. T. Ohurcher) ; 23 men. Scarlet, blue faeing3. 3rd (Buffs) 13th : ((Lieutenant M. S. Williams); 23 men. Scarlet, with facings. Somersetshire Light Infantry: (Lieutenant C. E. Chichester); 23 men. Scarlet, blue facings. Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry: (Lieutenant A. P. Williams-Freeman); 21 men. Scarlet, blue faeings. FUSILIERS’ GROUP. stli (Northumberland) Fusiliers : (Major J. F. Riddell); 23 men. Scarlet “gosling” green facings, red and white feather in cap. 7th (Royal) Fusiliers: (Second Lieutenant A. C. S. Chichester); 23 men. Scarlet, blue facings. 23rd (Royal Welsh) Fusiliers : (Second Lieutenant A. K. H. Rycroft); 2v men. Scarlet, blue facings. 87th (Royal Irish) Fusiliers : (Lieutenant M. B. C. Carbery); 22 men. Scarlet, bine facings. RIFLES’ GROUP. 26th Scottish Rifles: ( Captain R. Oakley); 23 men. Green, dark green facings, Cameron tartan, and appointments. King’s Royal Rifles: (Captain J. H. G. Feilden); 23 men. Green, scarlet facings. Royal Irish Rifles: (Second Lieutenant C. M. L. Becher); 23 men. Green, dark green facings. Rifle Brigade: (Lieutenant R. P. H. Bernard); 23 men. Green, black facings, Astrachan headdress. HIGHLANDERS’ GROUP. 42nd (Black Watch) Royal Highlanders : (Lieutenant Green); 24 men. Scarlet, blue facings, diced red, white, and blue band round the bonnet, with, red hackles, regimental tartan, Highlander’s appointments. Seaforth Highlanders : (Captain E. A. Cowans); 24 men. Scarlet, blue facings, Highland bonnet, tartan, and regiriiental appointments. Cameron Highlanders : (Second Lieutenant J. M. Dougall); 24 men. Scarlet, blue facings, tartan of the Camerons, Highlan'd bonnet and appointments. The Highland Light Infantry: (Captain S. W. Scrase-Dickins); 24 men.

DEPARTMENTAL GROUP. Army Service Corps: (Second Lieutenant F. W. D. McLean); 11 men. Royal Army Medical Corps : (Captain P. H. Whiston, Lieutenant D. O. Hyde); 10 men. Four Chaplains of the Contingent. Army Ordnance Department: (Captain C. M. Mathew, D. 5.0.). Army Pay Department: (Captain F. W. Hill). MILITIA AND VOLUNTEERS. 4th (Militia Battalion) Norfolk Regiment : (Major O. H. Fisher, Lieutenant R. O. Sutherland). Ist (Volunteer) Battalion of the Devon Regiment: (Captain and Hon Major F. W. Harding, V.D.). Ist Middlesex Rifle Volunteers: (Lieutenant A. R. Davies). The Mounted Rifles from the Manawatu and Wairarapa districts formed the flankers, the Pahiatua company bringing up the rear. JOTTINGSAt Ihe conclusion of the on Saturday Colonel Wyndham complimented the Garrison Band for its playing during the march. On Sunday afternoon "Tommy” wason leave. Many of the men found their way to the country, hut most of them were content to explore the city. They looked spioand-span, as if they had just come out of a well-furnished dres-sing-room, instead of cramped arid inconvenient quarters on board ship. A common subject of remark has been, the excellent behaviour observed by the men, . notwithstanding the temptation to overstep the bounds of moderation. The parade on Saturday had its humorous side. A large number of boys had secured coigns of vantage on the top of the shelter shed facing the Post Office, and the efforts of a policeman to dislodge them caused considerable amusement. Although their number was considerably thinned by the persuasion of the man in blue, the most of them stuck to their guns, and with that “ Robert ” had to rest content, and beat a dignified retreat. A party of Highlanders visited an exhibition in the city where “views” of .thy doings of our troops in South Africa, are shown, amongst them the entry of the Highland Brigade into Pretoria, with Lord Roberts at their-head. “ Ca’ thao Hielanders!” exclaimed a man of the Forty-twa,. as he gazed indignantly at ihe pictorial libel on their oountrymen. “ See their legs! Did ye ever see such things on a human cratur afore? That showman chi el ocht to be ashamed o’ himseF!”

Quite a menagerie was collected by the Imperial troops while in Australia. There must be nearly one hundred parrots on board the Britannic, two laughing jackasses, four emus, two kangaroos, a wallaby and an opossum—a very representative collection. The church parade of the visiting Volunteers, which was to have been held' on Sunday at the Newtown camp, did not take place, but a large number of the men attended divine service at the various local churches. The Permanent Artillery entertained the Royal Garrison Artillery . of the visiting contingent at dinner at the Mount Cook Barracks oh Sunday. An enjoyable time was spent. • When the Seaforth Highlanders wheeled into Cambridge terrace the officer in charge observed the company’s colours being borne in the line by the Wellington Highland Rifles. “Company, eyes left! 55 immediately rang out, followed, when the Seaforths had passed the flag, by “ Eyes front 55 —a courtesy that was received with cheers by the crowd.

The spiritual warfare of the troops is watched over by four chaplains. The Rev fir Townend lias about 750 in his Britannic flook, the Rcw Father Foran 150, the Rev "Mr e Chapman (Presbyterian) 150, and the Rev Mr Allen (Wesleyan) 50. The tallest man among the visiting Imnerial Contingent is likewise the tallest man in the'British army. The giant, Private McOullogh, of the Grenadier Guards, stands 6ft lOlin in his boots, When wearing his busby the top of Mo Cullogh’s head-covering is Bft from the ground. ' . _ Some of the nicknames on the Britannic are very amusing. The Wiltshire Yeomanry have been dubbed the “Pineapple Lancers, 55 a name which resulted in tliis way. During the first stage of the Britannic’s voyage, the yeomanry, many of whom are farmers' sons, turned against the unpalatable food offered them, and bought up all the preserved pineapple, together with other luxuries on board the steamer. Asked by a representative ,what the nateie of his regiment was, a Lancer replied, “ The Seventh Hussars, the Queen’s Own, th© Saucy Seventh, th© Right of the Line, th© Terror of the World, and—the. darlings of th© ladies! 55 Speaking of their visit to the colony to a representative of this paper, the officers and chaplains of the Imperial corps referred in glowing terms- to the exceedingly kind treatment they have received' at the hands of the ActingPremier, th© Hon J. G. Ward. Nothing could exceed, they said, the kindness and courtesy he had extended to all of them, both, officers and men, from the time they reached the Bluff to the present. The Premier had also been most kind to them since their arrival in Wellington. The Hon. J. G. Ward has received congratulatory telegrams from the Mayors

of Dunedin and Timaru, and from other representative men in other centres _. congratulating him on the excellence of tha train and other arrangements in connection with the visit of tne Imperial troops to the South Island. Some cf those persons who found fault with the accommodation on board the troopships conveying New Zealand contingents to the Cape should pay a visit to the Britannic. "Packed like, herrings without the oil.” remarked a Lancer, and his description exactly fits the case. Stumbling down a steep gangway into the holds which have been converted into quarters, a representative of this paper nearly fell upon e top of four sleeping Tommies huddled together on some bags and evidently sleeping with as little comfort as on an African veldt. The air was thick and nauseous; what it must be when the vessel is at seia and in rough weather with port-holes closed and the hatchways battened down can be better imagined than described. The men are supposed to sleep in hammocks ; but hundreds have to seek slumber on the bard boards and in any cornel' they can wriggle into. Under the tables is regarded a choice position. As to food —well, a man must be possessed of an exceptionally strong stomach to relish it. There are some hardships for the rank and file to bear in order to give colonials an idea of the army of the Empire. , Among the experiences of the Imperial troops in Dunedin one of the most amusing was that of a burly Lifeguardsman, cf jovial temperament. He was billeted out to a most religious household, and he was at once regarded as one of themselves. Bedtime was announced at a very early hour, and was preceded by rather lengthy family prayers, which were repeated before breakfast the next morning. After the morning meal the whole family took the Guardsman cut for a walk and shepherded him most successfully. On liis return to the Britannic the man earnestly pleaded that, if there was to be any more billeting, he might not be sent to families so strict as his Dunedin hosts. An unrehearsed incident of the march on Saturday occurred in Cuba street, an elderly lady of unusual avoirdupois beino- the principal actor. The lady in question, while viewing the procession from the vantage of a verandah, the top of which was glass, suddenly made a false step and immediately fell through. But the iron framework of the structure resisted the weight, and the lady was thus in the dreadful precucamemt of being suspended by the middle above a crowded pathway ! The apparition above created a tremendous stir below, which the frantic struggles of the lady only served to accentuate. However, while a number Of people stood ready to make a catch, rescuing arms were stretched out aloft and a prompt and very desirable rescue was made. BILLETING IN DUNEDIN. There is not the slightest reason to doubt the genuine success of the billeting of the Imperial troops in Dunedin. A large number of men who were .spoken to on the subject on board the Britannic expressed themselves delighted with tlieir. treatment, and the officers were very pleased with the success of the arrangement and the Dunedin people expressed themselves as being delighted with the men. One of the chaplain's said it was astonishing to find eom e of the men behaving in so exemplary a manner. The Rev Mr Townend, the chaplain in question, said he 'did not hear of a single case in which the billeting had been a failure. The whole arrangement, he said, showed the exceeding kindness and tact of the Otago people. The experiment, he considered, was well worth repeating. Colonel Wvndham expresses the feeling on the subject entertained by himself and his staff in the following letter to the Mayor of Dunedin : —The name of your beautiful city is engraved in our memories as being a place where we were received in a manner with which no other town in all Australia that we have visited up to now can in any way compare. To this the Mayor (Mr R. Chisholm), replied as follows:—G. Crole Wvndham, Lieut.-Colonel, Commandant —Many thanks for your letter covering kind expressions, which I assure you are highly valued by the citizens of Dunedin. No one can be more delighted with the triumphant success that has attended any efforts to entertain your admirable corps and make their stay in our city memorable than myself and coworkers. Our confidence from the incept oa of this movement in the behaviour and conduct of “Tommy” has not been misplaced, and we have reaped a sufficient reward in the genuine gratitude expressed by every soldier, and the high eulogium by yourself as colonel commanding the corps.—R. Chisholm, Mayor. OUR GUESTS OF SATURDAY. REPRESENTATIVES OF FAMOUS REGIMENTS. The people of Wellington had an opportunity of witnessing last Saturday a unique! collection of British soldiery, in the persons of the 1000 men who left England on November 12 to take part in the Australian Commonwealth celebrations. They 7 were the ‘•crack” representatives of typical “crack” British regiments, and as special. interest attaches to tlieir visit, which is elsewhere fully described, we have pleasure in presenting to our readers

the following brief history of the various regiments, compiled by an Australian authority, which will no doubt be read with the greatest interest: — HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY. First and foremost comes the Household Cavalry, the First and Second Life Guards, and the Royal Horse Guards ("The Blues"). The Life Guards have their origin in a body of SO gentlemen, formed in 1660, in the Low Countries, by King Charles 11., and commanded by Lord Gerard. A month after the corps was formed applications for enlistment numbered over 600, and at that strength “His Majesty’s Own Troop of Guards” was formed. When, at tie Restoration, the King entered London in triumph, three squadrons of the Life Guards headed the procession, thus making their first public appearance on English soil. Tlieir uniform consisted of broad, black cavalier hats trimmed with white feathers: scarlet coals trimmed with gold lace, with broad white collars, and with broad rod sashes tied behind. Very line and imposing ihey looked, too, working havoc among ilie fair sex. In this year of Grace, after several (but not- many) changes, the uniform of the Life Guards, in which we shall presently see thorn, consists of a scarlet tunic with blue lacings, .cuirass and helmet of dazzling white metal —in the case of G lO officers them are of German silver—with the silver “garter” star in front, and a white plume. The trappings are very ornate. The colours of the Guards are the .Hoy a I Standard (first crimson, second blue), and a second standard bearing t ho Three Crowns of the Three Kingdoms, and the Rose, Thistle, and Shamrock. Their battle honours are “Dettingen, Peninsula, Waterloo, Egypt ISS2, and Tei-el-Kebir.” South Africa, of course, is to be added. THE BLUES. The Royal Horse Guards (The Blues) had their origin in an old and t-hrice-famous regiment of the Commonwealth. In the autumn of 1660 the army Cromwell had created was ordered to be •nearly entirely disbanded, and among the troops so ordered was “The Generai’s Troop of Horse Guards.” A petty insurrection suddenly occurring, the Duke ef York advised the King not to dis-* band that corps, and Charles 7.1 thereupon gave orders accordingly. More, he ordered that the regiment should be formed of eight troops, under the Earl of Oxford, to be hereafter called “His Majesty’s Own Troop of Horse Guards.” Like the Life Guards, whose battle honours they share, the “Blues” carry Ihe Royal Standard (crimson), and they are inordinately proud of their second standard —a guidon specially presented to them by William IV. Their uniform is a blue tunic with scarlet facings, and with cuirass and helmet like the JLife Guards, the latter with a red plume. THE DRAGOONS. The First (King’s) Dragoon Guards was raised by James 11. to fight against Monmouth in 1685. It consisted of nine troops, styled then “The Queen’s Regiment of Horse,” and its first leader was Sir John Laurier. Its battle honours are “Blenheim, Ramillies, Ouclenarde, Malplaquet, Dettingen, Waterloo, Sevastopol, Taku Forts, Pekin, South Africa, 1879.” Its colours are crimson, bearing the Royal Cipher within the garter. The present uniform is a scarlet tunic with blue facings, and with a red plume in the helmet. THE QUEEN’S OWN. The Seventh Hussars (The Queen’s Own) was formed in Scotland in 1639, and it first fought at the battle of Killiecrankie under Colonel Robert Cunningham. Its battles include ‘'Dettingen, Peninsula, Waterloo, and Lucknow.” The uniform is blue with scarlet facings, and the busby carries a white plume. TWENTY-FIRST LANCERS. The 21st Lancers (Empress of India’s) is a very modern regiment indeed. Its only battle honour is “Khartoum,” which it won for its gallantry at- Omdurman. Uniform blue, with grey facings and white plume. ROYAL ARTILLERY AND ENGINEERS. Artillery.—“ The Royal Regiment of Artillery,” to give its full title, is : The corps Which is first among the women An’ amazin’ first in war, as Kipling puts it. It- was established in 1716, after the old system of “artillery trains” had broken down. Its first colonel was a foreigner, named Libert Borgard, a most able and distinguished soldier, who brought liis com|pand to a wonderful pitch of efficiency, he regiment is now divided into three groups—-Horse, Field, and Garrison. The Royal Arms form the badge of the corps, which in character is essentially national. Its mottoes are the proud “übique” (above a cannon), with “Quo fas et gloria ducunt” (where right and glory lead) below. The uniform is blue, with scarlet facing and a white plume. The Royal Horse Artillery, whose boastis to go wherever the cavalry go, was formed as part of the regiment in 1793. Its battle honours are legion.

Royal Engineers.—“ The corps of Royal Engineers” was formed in the year following the establishment of the Royal Artillery. Its record is likewise a magnificent—a national —one ; and its badge and mottoes are the same as those of its sister corps, but without the gun. Its first uniform was scarlet, with a white collar and cuffs of black velvet ;

at the present day it consists of a scarlet uniform with blue facings and gold lace. GRENADIERS. ' The Grenadier Guards —the corps d’elite of the infantry and owners of tlie world-famous banc!—was raised in 1660, when Colonel John Russell (ancestor of the Dukes of Bedford) was commissioned to form a “Regiment of Royal Guards” of 12 companies or 100 men each. Another regiment, which had gathered round Charles 11. in exile, in 1656, was included nine years later (1665), and the regiment was then dressed in .scarlet coats faced with blue, and with blue breeches and stockings and plumed hats. In 1678 the Grenadier company (from which the regiment takes its name) was added, and 30 years later the badge of the Hand-Grenade was adopted. In the same year (1708) the famous tall bearskin caps were given to the men. There are three battalions, the second and third being seat to South Africa. Uniform : Scarlet with blue facing*. On the regimental colours are the names of “Blenheim, Ramillies, Oudenarde. Malplaquet, Dettingen, Liucelies. Corunna, Barossa, Peninsula, Waterloo. Alma, Inkerman, Sevastopol, Egypt 01382), Tcl-01-Kehir, Suakin, Khartoum.” REGIMENTS < >F GO AItDS. The Co Id''l tea m Gunnl-i. Tine celebrated regiment- tidies ibt name if! er the little border Imvu where, m 10 ->w, Monk bad Ids liemlqmi »i ere. 11 was raised by Cromwell lor Monk by diall - ing five companies from Fenwicks regiment and li' e companies Irom I lie im - mortal “Ironsides,” (lie new corps being put under the command of Sir A. Ilasu*rig. After tin* Best oration the three regiments forming the Brigade oi Guards were assembled on Tower Hill, where they formally lenounced the Commonwealth by grounding their arms. Then, having obeyed, at a signal they took them up again “in the King’s service.” Battle honours: “Oudenarde, Malplaquet, Dettingen, Liucelles, Egypt (ibok), aim Suakin.” Badge, the garter and star: uniform, scarlet with blue facings. There are three battalions, of winch the first and second went- to South Africa. The Scots Guards.—This regiment was raised ill 1639, but it is not known where or by whom, as all the regimental records were burnt in 1841 in the fire at the Tower. In 1661, however, it is known that the regiment was first placed on the English establishment under the title it now bears. It was brought south (from Scotland) in 1686. Its badge is the sphinx and thistle, and its battle honours are the same as those of the Coldstreains, with the exceptions of Marlborough’s battles. The uniform is scarlet, with blue facings. The Irish Guards. —This is a new regiment established in May last; so far only one battalion lias been formed, and the command lias been given to Colonel J. R. Cooper. Badge, a crowned harp ; uniform, scaret, with green facings. BLACK WATCH AND SEAFORTHS. “The Black Watch” (the Royal Highlanders). —This, the oldest- Highland regiment in the service, and almost the most famous of them all, was raised in the years 1725-1729. The list- of the “Forty-twa’s” battles speaks for itself — “Mysore, Mangalore, Seringapatam, Egypt with tlie Spinx (1800), Corunna, Feuntes, de Onora, Pyrenees, Nivelle, Nive, Orthez, Toulouse, Peninsula, Waterloo, South Africa (1846-47), Zwaa’t Kopjes and Boomplatz, South Africa (1851-2-3), Alma, Sevastopol, Lucknow, Ashanti, Egypt . (1882-84) Tel-el-Kebir, Nile (1884-85), and Kirbekan.” Badge (on Highland bonnet), silver thistle and star; motto, “Nemo me impune lacessit”), (“No one injures me with impunity”). Uniform, scarlet with blue facings, diced red, white, and blue band round bonnet, with a red hackle, the regimental tartan, and Highlanders’ appointments. The Seafortli Highlanders.—“ The Rosshire Buffs.”—This regiment was primarily raised by Simon Fraser, Master of Lova-t, the son of that Lord Lovat who was executed in 1746. Young Eraser was a student at St. Andrew’s University, but at his father’s desire he left his studies to lead Clan Fraser in the cause of the Young Pretender. After the “Forty-five” was put down he received the Royal pardon, and, resuming, liis studies, was subsequently called to the Scottish Bar. On the outbreak ofthe Seven Years’ War Fraser,' who had refused tempting offers to enter the service of proposed to raise a Highland regiment for the British service. Pitt accepted, and the regiment was formed, being known as the “Second Highland Battalion”; but it was speedily brought into line as the “78th Regiment of Foot.” It went to Canada, in 13 companies of 105 men each, where, under the great Wolfe, it much distinguished itself. He said in a letter home that it was “a very useful, serviceable regiment, commanded by the most- manly lot of officers I have ever seen.” This original Seafortli Regiment was temporarily disbanded in 1763, but it was reformed in 1778 by Kenneth Mackenzie, Earl of Seafortli, the chief of the Clan Mackenzie. Badges : A stag’s head and an elephant. Uniform •. Scarlet with buff facings, Highland bonnet, tartan, ancl regimental appointments.

“THE OLD SEVENTY-NINTH.”

The (Queen’s Own) Cameron Highlanders.—Formerly the 79th Regiment, originally raised in the years 1757-1764 by the celebrated Sir William Draper,

the captor of Manila and wilom literary opponent of “Junius.” After temporary disbandment.*, similar fo that of the Seaforths (they v. ere always disbanding corps in those days directly the particular war for which they were raised was over), it was re-raised in 1776 as the “79th (Royal Liverpool Yojs£keer.-.> Regiment of Foot.” xt again disappeared for a Qme. Finally, tinder a letter of service, dated August 17. 1793, the “79th” was formed by Alan Cameron, of Erracht, Inverness-shire. Uniform, scarlet with blue facings, tartan of the Camerons, and Highland bonnet and appointments. Bonnet badge, St. Andrew with Cross, surrounded by thistle design. Battles and campaigns : “Egmont-op-Zee, Egypt with the Spinx, Fuentes de Onora, Salamanca, Pyrenees, Nivelle, Nive, Toulouse, Lucknow. Egypt (1S82), Tel-el-Kebir, and the Nile (18841885).” A FAMOUS REGIMENT. The Buffs (East Kent Regiment).— One of the oldest and most famous regiments in the world. It was formed in 1572 by the London Guilds ancl, under Captain Thomas Morgan, some 300 strong, was reviewed by Queen Elizabeth in the “merry month of May.” It 1 will bo admitted that a regiment which has lieen reviewed by Queen Elizabeth and also by Queen Victoria has something to be proud of. The second battalion was added in 1702. The Buffs, possess the very uncommon privilege or being allowed to march through London with drums beating and colours flying without let or hindrance. The badges are a dragon and the white horse of Kent, with the motto, “Invicta.” It is the 2nd battalion which has just served in Africa. The uniform of the Buffs is scarlet with the facings which give it the name. Battles: “Blenheim, Ramillies, Oudenarde, Malplaquet, Dettingen, Douro, Talavera, Albuera, Victoria, Pyrenees, Nivelle, Nive, Orthez. Toulouse, Peninsula, Punndar, Sevastopol, Taku. Forts, South Africa (1879), and Cliitral.” TWO NOTED RIFLE CORPS. The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles).- — This famous regiment must not be confounded with “The Camerons,” already mentioned. Its history is interesting, beginning with its origination from, the sect known as the “Cameronians,” which was so greatly persecuted by James 11. In 1688 a number of these people formed themselves into a self-appointed bodyguard of the historic “Lords of Convention,” to whom “Claverhouse spoke.” In the year succeeding, James, Earl of Angus, enrolled 20 companies of 60 men each, to be known th en and thereafter as the “Cameronian Regiment- of Foot-.” It is recorded that one of the conditions under which the men took service was that the regiment should have a chaplain of its own persuasion, and that each conmany should be provided with an elder, “that piety might be preached and evil-doers rebuked.” The 2nd battalion was raised in 1804. The regimental badge is very ornate, comprising a crown, thistles, a spinx, and a. dragon, a bugle and strings, and a star, each and a.ll of which carry significance. The uniform is green wna dark green facings, and the Cameron tartan and appointments. Battle honours: “Blenheim, Ramillies, Oudenarde, Malplaquet, Mandora, Corunna, Egypt- with the Spinx, Martinique, Guadaloupe, China 1841 (first war). South Africa (1846), Sevastopol, Lucknow, Abyssinia., and South Africa (1878-1879).” The King’s Royal Rifle Corps.—The celebrated “Sixtieth Rifles” have an unusual history. From 1741 to 1748 a cc-rps of Irish foot of two battalions, wearing black facings to a green uniform, ranked in the British army as the “Sixtieth Foot.” They were disbanded -in 1748, and on the eve of the Seven Years* War a new “Sixtieth” was called into being. This regiment was re-num-bered in 1757 as the ‘"Fifty-eighth Foot” (now the second Northants). To fill its place a new regiment was created, and it was formed by the Earl of London, then commanding, the British forces in the new world. The regiment was raised in New York and Philadelphia (Chicago not then being available as a British recruiting ground), and was given the high-sounding title of the “Royal American Regiment of Foot.” The uniform was a striking one, consisting of scarlet coat, white knee breeches and gaiters, dark blue facings on the tunic, and white lace with two blue stripes, with threecornered hat to match. However, brilliant by habit, it soon did brilliant deeds, for Wolfe conferred upon it its present fine motto, “Celer et Audax’* in recognition of the alertness and intrepidity of the Grenadiers of the 2nd and 3rd battalions of the 60th (Royal Americans) before Quebec. In 1797 the first green uniforms were issued, and at the present time the corps still retains .Haem. Like other rifle regiments, this, the senior rifle corps of the army, carries no colours, but on the officers’ silver pouch ornaments are the glorious names of Louisburg, Quebec, Roleia, Vimera, Martinique, Talavera, Busaco, Fuentes de Onora, Albuera, Ciudad Rodrigo, Badajos, Salamanca, Yittoria, Pyrenees, Nivelle, Nive, Orthez, Toulouse, Peninsula. Punjaub, Mooltan, Goojerat, Delhi, Taku Forts, Pekin, South Africa (1851-52-53), Ahmed Khel, Kandahar, Afghanistan (1379-80), Egypt (1882-84), South Africa (1879), and Tel-el-Ivebir.” The badge of the corps is a large Maltese cross, with a bugle and strings, tlie whole surmounted by tlie crown; uniform, green with scarlet facings.

A GLORIOUS RECORD. X. The Rev a I Irish' Rifles (late 83rd F cot) ha- had a raffed aivi much-interrupted career. No less thaS three regiments in succession have ranked as Fcot, the first being raised in 1758 in Ireland. It was disbanded in 1763, but in 1775 the municipality of Glasgow raised a “loyal” 83rd Regiment to fight against the rebel American colonies. However, its career was not fated to extend to the New World, and after serving against the French in the Channel Islands, it was disbanded in ÜB3. Tne first battalion of the present regiment vras raised in Dublin 10 years iater »)y Colonel William Fitch, the coiqis being known as "Fitch s Grenadiers” on account of the men's diminutive stature. A second battalion was added to it in 1704, which afterwards became the 134 tii llegiment (JRoval Limericks), but, like otnei corps of the period bearing high numbers, it was speedily broken up and chatted into other regiments. The present second battalion was first raised undei a Letter of Service by George, Lord Forbes, in 1756, and after undergoing the customary disbandment it was reraised in 1i 1 6 by Cnarles, firth Dmce of Rutland, at his own cost. This battalion took filial shape in the year 1794; wnen Colonel Cornelius Cuyler recruited extensively for it through Shropshire, Lancashire and Yorkshire. Tor two years it served us u murine corps with, the Channel squadron. In 1799 the regiment went to India. 1300 strong, and was absent for over 20 years. In the first 10 of that period it established a wonderful record, having twice rounded tne Cape, twice traversed the Red Sea, twice crossed the desert, served in South Africa (1806), Egypt, Ceylon and all the Presidencies of India, and in five years it lost 10 officers and over 1000 rank and file m the great dependency. The list of its honours includes India, Cape of Good Hope, Talavera, Busaeo, Fuentes de Onora, Ciudad Rodrigo, Badajos, Salamanca, Yittoria, Nivelle, Orthez, Toulouse, Peninsula, Central India. The uniform of the Royal Irish Rifles is green with dark green facings. The regimental motto is “Quis separabit ?” and the badges comprise a crowned harp and the Sphinx superscribed "Egypt.’! PRINCE CONSORTS OWN.

The Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort’s Own) was th© result of the selection of the best inusket shots in the 1 army taken in 1800 from the different regiments, and put under Colonel Coote Manningham, It, too, saw sea service, a detachment of the corps going to Oopen-ha-gen with Sir Hyclo Parker > taking part in the “Battle of the Baltic f u Nelson’s ship the Elephant. It was then known as the "Corps of but in 1802 it was brought into the line as the 95th (Rifle) Regiment of Foot, bo it was known until after Waterloo, when it was taken out ot the line as the Bane Brigade. The second battalion was formed “in 1805 at Canterbury, and, many years after, two more battalions were raised to participate in the Crimean War. Its roll of b a ivies and campaigns is a fine one, as witness : “Copenhagen, Monte Video, Roleia. Vimiera, Corunna, Busaco', Barossa, Fuentes de Onora, Ciudad Rodrigo, Badajos, Salamanca, Vittoria, Nivelle, Nive. Ortliez, Toulouse, Peninsula, Waterloo, South Africa, 1846, 1851-2-3, Alma. Inkerman, Sevastopol, Lucknow Ashanti, Ali Musid, Afghanistan, Burin ah, Khartoum, and now once •again South Africa.” The uniform of the Rifle Brigade is green with black facings and an astrakan headdress. The badge is a Maltese cross with a lion in each quarter-joining.

FOUR REGIMENTS OF FUSILIERS

The Koyal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment), formerly the 7th, like so many other famous corps, was added to the army through the Monmouth Rebellion. The Earl of Dartmoor was the first colonel of ‘‘‘Our Royal Regiment of Fusileers,” as it was named, which was started with 12 companies of fusileers and one company of miners. For , 70 years it had no ensigns or second lieutenants, owing to its peculiar functions yjaot demanding such ranks in it. When William of Orange came to England the regiment, with other suspected corps, was shipped off to the Netherlands as being too Jacobite in tendency; but soon afterwards it was brought back, and jrouaht with William in Ireland, and later in Flanders. It was brought home again in 1700. After The Seven Years War. and the operations of 1773 in Canada, it enjoyed a spell at home, but it fought magnificently all through the Peninsula War unuer the gallant Pakenham, and 1 , according to Napier, it “entered France a superb battalion of 1200 bayonets.” In the siege of New Orleans it was very roughly handled, and Pakenham was killed. On its colours are “Talavera, Martinique, Albuera, Badajos, Salamanca, Toulouse, Peninsula, Al-ma-Inkerman, Sevastopol, Kandahar and Afghanistan.” The second battalion was sent to South Africa. Uniform, scarlet with blue facings; badge, the rose within the Garter, surmounted by ihe Crown, and (2) the White Horse of Northumberland Fusiliers, the “Fighting Fifth,” the only Fusilier regito wear a feather {red and ca ps, is a famous regiment. February 1674, peace was made wittt the Dutch Government ■obt ermissio n to take _ into its pay certain regiments of British auxiliaries. These “Holland regiments,” as they were called (not to be confounded with the old

the surviving representatives), wove eventually six in liumoer, and included an Irish foot regiment raised by Daniel O’Brien, Viscount Clair. A year later this corps was given to Sir John Fenwick, and put on the mngiish roster, to become the “lighting Tiftli" of later times. In the Seven Years’ War the regiment was dubbed “rhe Shiners, owing to its smart appearance. It is the possessor of a unique “regimental order of merit/’ instituted at the close of the war by the then Colonel (afceiwards Field-Marshal) Studholme Hodgson. This has three classes of aware, for seven, 14 and 21 years respectively for “uninterrupted good conduct, each distinguished oy a medal with a green riband. Its battles and campaigns count in “YVilhelinstahl, Roleia, Vimiera, corunna, Busaeo, Cuidad Rodrigo, Badajos, Salamanca, Vittoria, Nivelle, Iou _ louse, Orthez, Peninsula, Lucknow, Afghanistan (18/8-9), and now South Africa.” The badge of the regiment is bt. George and the Dragon, exactly as pouitrayed on a sovereign. The motto is. “Quo Fata vooant’’ (Whither the rates call), and the uniform is scarlet, _ witn “gosling” gi’een facings. The second battalion was raised in 1745. The Royal Welsh Fusiliers is a regiment of world-wido renown. It lias many quaint customs and observances, among them being the wearing of a leek on St. David’s Day (March 1): the wearing by officers and,sergeants of a broad, black silk riband attached to the tunic collar, known as the “Flash”—for which no authentic explanation exists and the leading of a large wmte goat, with _ a shield and garlands on his horns, at tne head of the drums. Here it may be mentioned that in the recent fighting in China, among the returns of the regiment’s killed and wounded appeared the entry, * ‘Private Gyillyin juiewellyn Jones, severely wounded on right foreleg.” The sufferer proved l to be the regimental goat, presented to the Fusiliers by H.M. the Queen some years ago, which has been under fire more than once and is ranked as a full “private.” The regiment first mustered in 1689, when 13 companies of foot, raised in the Welsh Marshes by Henry (fourth) Lord Herbert, were regimented at Ludlow. I'd© new’corps won a great reputation from its inception, doing good work in William lll.’s Irish and Flanders campaigns. The second battalion was raised in 1804, and had the honour of being the very last regiment to embark after the historic retreat from Corunna. The first battalion lias been fighting the Boers. Among its honours are Blenheim, Ramillies, Oudenarde, Malplaquet. Dettingen, Minden, Albuera. Badajos, Egypt, with the Sphinx, Corunna, Martinique, Salamanca, Vittoria, Pyrenees, Nivelle, Orthez, Toulouse, Peninsula, Waterloo, Alma, Inketrman, Sevastopol, Lucknow, Ashanti, and Burin ah (1880-87).” 87).” The first battalion is in South Africa now. Its badges comprise the Prince of Wales’s crest, the Red Dragon (“the Dragon of tne great Pendragonship”) the White Horse, and the Rising Sun; and its uniform is scarlet with blue facings.

The Royal Irish Fusiliers princess Victoria’s Own). —It is believed that this well-known corps originated as an offshoot from the Black Watch, as in 1/59 three companies, drafted from the second battalion of that regiment, were regimented at Perth under Robert Murray Keith, and called “Keith’s Highlanders.” Increased presently to 10 companies, they went to Prussia, ancl won fame there as fighters. In 1763 they enjoyed the inevitable disbandment, hut were re-formed in 1779 by the (afterwards) Earl Waldegrave. In 1783 tiiey were again disbanded, but 10 years later the “Faugh-a-B'allaghs ,, (“Clear the way!”) came into permanent being under Sir John Doyle. The second battalion was raised in 1804, and promptly gained great Honour under Sir Hugh (afterwards Lord) Gough in the long campaigns of Wellington in Spain and Portugal. Battle honours : . jgypt, with the Sphinx, Monte Video, Tai’ifa, Java, Vittoria, Nivelle, Niagara, Orthez, Toulouse, Barossa, Peninsula, Ava, Sevastopol, Egypt (1882 and 1884), and Tel-el-Kebir.” The badge of the R.I.F. is a crowned eagle with laurel wreath standing on a tablet inscribed “8,” which is the token of their capture at Barossa of the eagle of the French Bth Light Infantry Regiment. The uniform is scarlet with blue facings. “THE LAMBS..” The Royal West Surrey Regiment (the Queen’s). —A celebrated corps, which has for its warlike insignia the peaceful sign of the Paschal Lamb. It was raised in 1661 by the Earl of Peterborough for service in Tangiers, which, with Bombay, formed part of the dowry of Katherine of Braganza, wife of Charles 11. According to Macaulay, the Paschal Lamb was adopted as the regiment’s badge to show that it was "going to fight the infidel,” but the most important African episode of the “First Tangerines”—as the corps was known—was the escorting of its future colonel, Piercy Kirke, on his embassy, into the interior of Morocco. It began wj£h a fighting reputation, as when formed many veterans of the civil war were then idle, and promptly joined its ranks, with the result that it landed in Tangiers in January, 1662, over 1000 strong. After two years there it returned to England. Its record is one of splendid conduct in war and peace the world over. The seicond battalion was formed in 1794. It has two splendid

exuviae- triumphant-” (Even the remnant Triumph) the latter being in remembrance of an incident at Tpngres, near Liege, when, attacked by nearly •-fie whole of the French armies under Marshals Villars and Boufilers, a detachment of the regiment by desperate valour fought for 20 hours m defending the key position, which, if taken too soon, would have allowed the French to destroy the Anglo-Dutch forces under General Alverquerque. The detachment perished almost to a man, the few survivors being wounded and taken prisoners, but the English and Dutch were enabled to make good their retreat into a walled and fortified city. “The Lambs” inscribe on their colours the names of “Egypt (1800), Corunna., Salamanca, Vittoria, Pyrenees, Nivelle, Toulouse, Peninsula, Ghuznee. Afghanistan, Ivhelat, South Africa (1851-2-3), Taku Forts, Pekin.’’ HEROES OF AFGHANISTAN.

The Somersetshire Light Infantry, late 13th, was raised m 1685 by the then Earl of Huntingdon. It was at Killiekrankie that it first got its name up, there being one or two regiments (the other was Lord Leven’s Horse) to save the honour of the army, though the battle was lost. After varying fortunes in 1706 Lord Peterborough, the English Commander-in-Chief, who was very short of cavalry (just as Buller was in 1899), formed 27 officers and 660 men of the regiment into Dragoons—equivalent to our mounted infantry—and gave this separate force to Lieutenant-Colonel Pearce, of the regiment. For seven years these dragoons fought all oyer Europe with great distinction, being then disbanded (1713). The Somersets were at Gibraltar ai/ through the three historic sieges, a unique record. The badge of the corps is a bugle with strings,, with the sphinx between the strings, and a mural crown over it; the whole surmounted by a scroll with “Jellalabad thereon. This was given the regiment for its historic defence, under Sir Robert Sale, of the ruined fortress of Jellalabad, which it held for five months against overwhelming hordes of Afghans, despite the fact that the defences improvised were destroyed again and again by earthquakes. Her Majesty the Queen awarded the embattled crown and the scroll to the regiment for this heroic work. The 2nd Battalion, which is in South Africa, was added ill 1858. On its colours the Somersets near the words “Dettingen, Egypt, with the Sphinx, Martinique, Ava, Afghanistan, Ghuznee, Jellalabad (with badge), Caboc-1, Sevastopol, South Africa (1878-9), and Burma (1885-7).” The uniform is scarlet with blue facings. “LIGHT BOBS.” The Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry.—This magnificent regiment of“Liglit. Bobs” is one of three surviving regiments of marines raised by Queen Anne in 1702. It was originally known as “Fox’s Marines,” and later as “Borr’s Marinos.” It helped to take Gibraltar under Admiral Rooke, was '‘broken,” as the term has it, after the treaty of Utrecht, hut was instantly rebanded as a foot regiment on the Irish establishment. It fought in the Flanders campaign of George 11., and again in the Seven Years’ War. A second battalion was formed at that time, doing good seivice oil the French coast and in the West Indies before being disbanded in 1769. In 1782, when it was “remarkable for its excellent order and perfect state of discipline,” the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry was given its county title. It has a first-class Indian record, and is immortal by its glorious defence of Lucknow, for which it .was rewarded by being made a light infantry corps. The present 2nd battalion was formed in 1741 by Colonel John Price, and it was this battalion which won for the regiment the red feather which figures in its helmet-plate. At an affair of outposts in September, 1776, when the brigade of the rebel General Wayne was defeated by the British Light Division, very severe punishment was inflicted, particularly on Washington Horse. So incensed were the revolutionists that they afterwards sent a message in to say that “the Light Bobs had better look out-, as no quarter would be given them. Thereupon the Light Bobs replied that they “were quite ready,” and in order to assist the Americans to identify ther£ easily, dipped their white feathers red.. Thenceforth the red feather, always to be seen in the forefront of the battle, was the distinguishing badge of the Duke of Cornwall’s L.I. and the six companies of the Light Bobs all through the long war, which they passed out of triumphantly. The badge of the corps is the shield of the County of Cornwall, with the ducal coronet and a bugle. The uniform is scarlet with blue facings. The second battalion is in South Africa. Battle honours: Dettingen, Dominica, Roleia, Vimiera-, Corunna, Salamanca, Pyrenees, Nivelle, Nive, Orthez, Peninsula, Waterloo, Punjaub, Mooltan, Goojerat, Sevastopol, Lucknow, Egypt (1882), Tel-el-Kebir Nile (1884-5), and now once again South Africa.”

SOME OF THE VISITING OFFICERS.

Colonel W. G. Crole Wyndham C. 8., joined the 21st Hussars in 1875, and served in the Zulu war, 1879 (medal and clasp), the Nile Expedition, 1884 (medal and clasp, and bronze star) and the Soudan, 1898. He was mentioned in despatches, and received the Khart omm m ed al —ihh-

last Soudan campaign, and served in South Africa. Captain A. H. Yv o-oci, of the Scottish Rifles, who acts a-3 xiujutant the contingent, is a son of Sir Evelyn V ood, Adjutant-General, a distinguished leader in former South African wars. Captain Wood has served m India, the Soudan and under General Buller in Natal. Hon Lieutenant W. H. Collins, of the First King’s Dragoon Guards, who is acting as quartermaster, received the medal and clasp for services in South Africa in 1879. Captain G. C. Wilson, of the Royal Horse Guards, is the husband of Lady Sarah Wilson, the war correspondent, and served in the early part ot the present war, being through the siege of Maf eking. Lieutenant R. 11. Dick-Cimyngham is a nephew of the gallant LieutenantColonel Dick-Cunyngham, of the Gordon Highlanders, who was one of the finest officers m the army, and was killed in the fighting near Ladysmith. Captain Powell, of the Royal Engineers, received the medal and clasp for the Moiauzai campaign. Captain S. W. Scrase-Dickins, of the Highland Light Infantry,served through the Egyptian war of 1882, and received the medal and clasp and the Khedive s star.

Another officer who has served in Egypt is Captain C. M. Mathew (ordnance officer), of the Durham Light Infantry, who received the medal and star for Egypt in 1885, the star for Ashanti in 1895-98, and the medal and clasp for Dongola in 1896, besides being mentioned in despatches. Captain * P. H. Whiston, of the was employed with the Egyptian army, and was mentioned in despatches for the Dongola expedition. Captain E. A. Cowans (Seaforth Highlanders) served with the Hazara Field Force in 1888, receiving the medal and clasp, and was again with the same force ill 1891.

Captain R. Oakley, Scottish Rifles, served on the Indian frontier in 1897, and received the medal and two clasps for the Tochi and Tirah campaigns. Major J. F. Riddell (Northumberlanl Fusiliers) holds the medal and clasp for the Hazara expedition of 1888, and Lieutenant M. S. Williams (East Kent Regiment) for the north-west frontier, 1897.

VISITING THE COUNTRY

AN EXCURSION TO WANGANUI.

PLEASURES OF THE JOURNEY

AN ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION

Special to the “Times.” WANGANUI, February 11

The visit of the Imperial troops to Wanganui and the West Coast districts to-day was a matter of great significance to the country settlers all along the line. The weather was simply perfect, and as the train dashed through the country the settlers were on the alert to wave a welcome to the soldiers of the Motherland, about- whom they had heard and read so much. At nearly all the wayside stations flags were flying and little curious crowds had gathered to get a glimpse of our visitors, but the* mission of the train being to make up time and land its passengers at Wanganui at 2.30 p.m., very few waits were made, and those of the shortest possible duration. The country is now looking at its best. In the grazing district-s of the Manawatu the grass is plentiful and vividly green after the recent rains, but it was in the Rangitikei that the richest effect is witnessed, for there the fields are ripening unto the harvest for miles and miles, and everywhere the reapers and binders are at work gathering up the golden grain. Th© Wanganui pastures, on the other hand, are somewhat shrivelled, and the country, though ' presenting a pleasing aspect on so bright a day as to-day. seems from the train to have experienced a comparatively dry summer, and to be lacking in grass. The varying panorama pleased the Imperials very much, but especially were they impressed with the rolling downs of the Marten country, whioh irresistibly reminded them of “ home, sweet home.”

THE FIRST STOP of any duration was made at Levin, where the populace had turned out en masse to welcome the soldiers. There for the first time in their lives, but not for (the last time that day, the Imperials witnessed a Maori baka and song of welcome. Long before the train drew up at the station the rhythmic waving of hundreds of tree branches could be descried, and when eventually it came to a standstill it was seen that mu®h of this greenery was waved by a laughingeyed phalanx of willow-betrimmed Maori girls. The Tommies were immediately attracted, and stood gazing open-mouth-ed and smiling at this, to them, novel display. As the train moved off cheers were exchanged between the soldiers and their entertainers. Palmerston North was reached about 11 o’clock, and there, through the thoughtfulness of Mr Ward, a lunch had been laid! by Mr AY. Freeman, the Manawatu Company’s caterer, on tables stretching from one end of the platform to the other. Very soon the troops were hard at work at a congenial task. Crowds of onlookers Stood] on the thoronjrhfnr-A

when the townspeople are to entertain < the Imperials in ib© Square and .showgrounds, a proceeding for which the most elaborate preparations are being , made. The train stayed at Palmerston about 40min, and then recommenced its northward jotijrney. On hoard every , provision w»s made for officers of the Imperial contingent, _ and the ladies who "were travelling with them, Mr Souper, the chief steward of the T'utanekai, having been specially retained for that purpose. The ..excursion through the Rangitikei district must have been particularly interesting to one lady on the train—Mrs Wood, the wife of Captain Wood, of the Scottish Rifles, as she is a native of Marton, and spent several years of her life in that picturesque locality. Mrs Wood and Miss Briscoe are to accompany a number of Imperial officers, who, with Mr T. E. Donne, superintendent of Government tourist and health resorts, as cicerone, are to travel overland to Auckland, via the Wanganui river and Taupo, commencing the journey to-morrow. So admirable were the train arrangements under the personal direction of Inspectors Wood and Dawson, that the troops were LANDED IN WANGANUI. at exactly half past two, notwithstanding all previous delays. There a welcome awaited the troops which, for warmth and expressive* enthusiasm, dwarfed that of the Wellington citizens completely. Immediately upon arrival the men were marched to the racecourse, preceded by the local volunteers, under Lieutenant-Col-onels Sommervilie and Watt- Their entrance into the lawn was a heart-stirring sight. It took place when the afternoon was at its brightest and best, in the presence of ‘ several thousands of people, accompan-, Ted by a volume of inspiring music and amidst surroundings of quaint peculiar beauty, which no one who has not visited the environs of the Wanganui racecourse —with its weeping willows, its fern-girt lakelets and plashing fountains—can realise; and it took place amidst such showers of applause, such cheers of welcome from thousands of British throats, and such yells of exultation from an immense group of bare-shouldered Maoris, who thronged the lawn, that it made the heart throb with genuine emotion and the pulse beat faster. The music and the shoutings ceased, and for a time the afternoon was given over to the Maoris, whose weird dan6es and grotesque gesticulations interested and amused Tommy, and. also won his ardent admiration, • judging by the applause which he showered upon the natives at the conclusion of their separate and performances. Perhaps the most interesting phase of the afternoon’s entertainment was the singing by a number of little native children of a song of welcome, the words of which were in Maori, but the music of which was that of a well-known hymn, moist tunefully and sweetly rendered by the happy childish voices. Then came

THE SPEECHES of course. Mr A. Hatrick, the Mayor of Wanganui, made a speech of welcome, admirable in taste, historical in text, and well delivered. The Hon J. G. Ward contented himself With a few happy allusions to the gathering, and liis pleasure at being present. Then, after the singiug of the National Anthem by all present, led by the school Children, there stepped forth an ancient Maori in the person of Major Topia. Hoary and bowed in years, yet retaining much of the eloquence and fire of his ancestors, he addressed Major Askwith and the warriors present, welcoming them in the name of a departing race. “The old! chiefs have gone,” he said. “Only Tongariro and Ruapehu are left to welcome you here. I, like them, am old and snow-capped, lamenting with you on the death of the Queen.” He yet bade them be comforted, for, like the beautiful superba of the forest—which died away, but which threw out a new prong suffused with leafage to take its place—the Queen, although dead, had left behind her one to take her place as ruler of the people. Obeying the Maori custom of giving precious «iits to distinguished visitors, Major 'opia then laid a valuable mat of kiwi feathers; at the feet of Major Askwith, as a present to Colonel Wyndham, and upon it a bunch of equally priceless huia feathers for the Major himself. Afternoon tea followed ,the tables, under the willows and in the kiosks, being tastefully laid and decorated, and liberally supplied by the ladies of Wanganui. Then the Imperials gave displays of manual dexterity, which in reality astonished the natives, and afterwards paraded the main streets, which were thronged with enthusiastic spectators. The scene in the flag-bedecked main street (the Avenue), as the troops swept along, was most inspiriting, cheers being given for all the regiments in succession, with one more for the Scotsmen every time. The troops are being billeted in various , hotels and boarding houses, and ample provision is being made for their sleeping accommodation in tbe principal public halls. The men were liberated on furlough to-night, and when: last seen were fraternising with the townspeople and having a real good tiin£.

THE TRIP TO MASTERTON.

TOMMY IN TRAIN

tion, excelled; that welcome in its pro* ruse _ hospitality and enthusiasm. in anticipation of the unusual event, a

strong committee had been set up, o£ whom the member for the district, Mr A. W. Hogg, and the Mayor, Mr C. A. Pownall, were the active spirits, and, backed by the spontaneous assistance of the public, they provided a. reception worthy the occasion. Not only Masterton, but the surrounding districts for miles,-, and the neighbouring towns, Featherston, Greytown and Carterton, poured their hundreds into the centre of the plain. When the assemblage united in the Park, where the military display took place, there were not fewer than eight thousand people present. The trip was arranged to give the country people an opportunity of seeing at any rate a section of the Imperial troops. The contingent was divided, one half going to Wanganui and the other to Masterton. The hour of starting from Wellington was 7.35 a.m.. but, as usual with special trains, there was a delay of half an hour, the train being correspondingly late in reaching its destination. The Hon the Premier was the only member of the Ministry present. ON THE TRAIN-. After Sunday’s rest, it might- have been expected that “Tommy'’ would have appeared as fresh as paint ; but he didn’t. The men had evidently not recovered from their hard ten days’ campaign in the South Island—‘-travelling continually, fasting sometimes for long periods, and at other times being gorged to repletion. These experiences, combined with irregular hours of sleep and the indifferent accommodation provided on board ship, tended to prevent Mr Atkins being seen at his best so early in the morning. Once on hoard the train most of the men disposed themselves to take “forty winks” —the rest were “stale.” This is not to be ivon-de-red at, considering that-.,' beyond acup of coffee of doubtful character, they had had no breakfast, and yearned after the good time they anticipated when they reached that “What do you call the place”—Masterton. After an .hour’s rest, however, the men recovered themselves somewhat. Pipes were gingerly ventured upon, and a feeble attempt was made at singing, but the more exuberant spirits were rated as bores, and soon subsided. A few were 'energetic - enough to get up a, game of cards, which had been supplied by a thoughtful visitor, and thus “killed” the tedi-ousnos-s.. of the journey. After the Summit had been passed a frequent qutny was “ When do- we get to- where we’re going, mister? Is it as big as Salford?” “Well, not- quite— at present,” was ike reply, “ but it will be some day.” Ryan d-b ye the normal animal spirits of the soldiers asserted themselves, and they were themselves once more.

Asked as to what impressions had been made on their minds regarding the colony, they exhausted their limited number of adjectives in its praise. One and all dwelt on the warmth of the receptionl they bad! met with generally, and in Dunedin in particular. The most one could get out of them, however, was : “Oh! it’s an all-right country.” There were many warriors on board who- wore medals for Chitral, the Soudan and South African wars, but it is only on exceptional occasions that they will unburden themselves on their experiences during these campaigns, and this particular occasion, was not one of them. The men are like the proverbial Scotsman : It takes a corkscrew to get much out of them. Their experiences in thq places named, hoivever, judging by tlie dim sid6-lights occasionally thrown upon them, were not such as to conjure pleasant reminiscences. The dangers they had escaped—not all of them scatheless —and the fatigues they endured 1 were matters not lightly to, be talked about. The first stopping-place was the Lower Hutt, where a ' considerable crowd cheered the troops. At Upper Hutt, where a stay of five minutes was made,, the whole population seemed to have assembled! on the platform. Their curiosity was only rewarded by a glimpse at the soldiers through the carriage windows. All along the line,at stations where! the trains did not stop, were grouped crowds of people, who, by cheers and waving of handkerchiefs, showed their appreciation of the King’s soldiers. At Cross’s Creek, Feiatherston and Carterton short stoppages were made, but at no place did the troops leave the carriages. AT MASTERTON. The train arrived at Masterton at 12.30, and the contingent was met by the Mayor (Mr C. A. Pownall), Mr A. W. Hogg, M.H.R., and the local Reception Committee. A very large crowd lined the approaches to the station, but a clear space was. maintained by the Native and Eketahuna Mounted Infantry and the Greytown Rifles, numbering over one hundred. A number of wahines gave a native welcome to the troops, much to the amusement of the latter. The Imperial troops having eimevged from the train, they formed up in the following order :—• King’s Royal Rifles. Cameron Highlanders. Seaforth Highlanders. Seventh (Queen’s Own) Hussars. Royal Field Artillery. Royal Engineers. Irish Guards. Coldstream Guards. Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry. jjahaaLaad Fusiliers .

Norfolk Regiment. Prince of Wales’s Own Wiltshire Yeomanry.

Devonshire Regiment Volunteers. First Middlesex Volunteer Corps.

Army Medical Corps.

Major Riddell (Fifth Northumberland Fusiliers) was in command of the contingent, with Lieutenant M. S. Williams (East Kent Regiment) as accingadjutant, and Sergeant-Major Feldg&fce (A.S.C.) was acting sergeant-major. Headed by the Masterton Band, the procession marched to the Town Hall and Drill shed adjoining, escorted by the Mounted Rifles, and as the representatives of each corps made their appearance they were enthusiastically greeted, the Highlanders, as usual, coming in for the greatest share of admiration. Arrived at the buildings mentioned, the troops filed’ in and took their seats at the well-furnished tables, and attacked the dishes without- ceremony, and with a relish that only a keen appetite can give. The menu was varied and lavish, and was furnished by residents of the town. The two halls were profusely decorated, and between them accommodated six and seven hundred visitors. A large staff of ladies attended at the tables, ' and their solicitous efforts to supply the needs of their guests were greatly appreciated. In the meantime the officers and the official party had proceeded to the Olub Hotel,’where the proprietor, Mr M. C. Connell, had provided a dinner worthy the occasion. . The toasts of “The

King/'’ “The Army and Navy and “ThexLadies,” were formally proposed', Major Riddell responding for the Army. The troops, at the conclusion of their dinner, marched to the Park. While enjoying a well-earned rest there the men and spectators were entertained by a large party or Maoris, men and women, who gave several native dances, very much to the amusement of ‘Tommy/ The only military display" was bayonet exercise by the Guards, sword exercise by the Hussars, and physical drill by the Norfolk Militia, The precision with which these various movements were executed, was loudly cheered, the Maoris, of whom a large number were present, being particularly demonstrative in their appreciation. Time did not permit- of further displays, much to the disappointment of the spectators.

Again the troops were formed up, and marched back to the ranilway station where they quickly entrained, and without, much delay the train steamed away amid enthusiastic cheering. The only stoppages made were at Cross Creek and the Summit, the train arriving at Wellington at 7.15. The troops were then marched to the troopship and sot at liberty for the evening. The men are warm in their praise of the hospitable treatment they received at every hand, and declare tnat the day was one of the most pleasant that they have spent in the colony. They are particularly grateful to the Hon the Premier’ for tiie solicitous interest he ,displayed in their welfare. Amongst the visitors present in Masterton were Messrs O. Hall, J. O’Meara and J. T. M. Hornsby, M.H.R/s RECEPTION IN THE SOUTH. CHRISTCHURCH, February 8. There was beautiful weather to-dav for the reception of the Imperial troops, and the largest crowd ever seen in Christchurchj assembled. The line of march from the railway station through town to Eagley Park was densely thronged, and an enormous crowd assembled in the park to witness the review. A close half-holiday was observed, and the town was gay with bunting. Nearly a thousand Canterbury Volunteers took part in the march and assisted to keep the ground clear at the piark. The visiting cavalry were provided with horses here, and made a fine display. After the review the officers were enr tertained at luncheon in the Exhibition Buildings, and luncheon was provided for the men in one of the annexes. The Mayor of Christchurch (Mr W. Reece) presided at the officers’ luncheon and the Mayor of Lyttelton (Mr T. C. Field) at that of the men. The Hon. J. G. Ward was present at the officers' luncheon. Mr Hall proposed the toast of “His Excellency’s Advisers,” referring to the part the Government had taken in bringing about the visit of the Imperial troops and sending contingents to South Africa. Mr Ward responded. The Mayor proposed the health of Colonel Wyndham, who, in reply, said the visiting officers and men keenly appreciated their treatment in New Zealand-. They had admired the colonial mounted corps at all tne towns they had passed through. They had been escorted by fine, good-looking fellows, mounted on fine, serviceable horses, and they knew that behind these men there were thousands more. At the luncheon to the men Bandmaster Evans, of the Highland Light Infantry, responded to the toast of “The Non-commissioned Officers and the Imperial Troops.” At his invitation the men gave hearty cheers for the Mayors and citizens cf Christchurch and Lyttelton. Shortly after six o’clock the troops fell in and inarched to the railway station, where they entrained for Lyttelton. The route of march was crowded and ©very point cf vantage was utilised to get a view of the departing visitors. The Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry acted as advance guard and the Garrison Band All along the route

moved off the men gave hearty cheers ror their Christchurch entertainers! > Tlie mounted men highly pleased at the which they had been norsed. The horses found for them in Christ churchy Were greatly superior 'to tne stamp of those they were suuulied * with in Australia, and nearly all were well educated and easy to handle. Many of the horses supplied to them in Sydney were weedy and ill-mannered, and in some instances almost unbroken. -

THE INDIAN TROOPS.

ARRIVAL AT AUCKLAND.

ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE TOUR

AUCKLAND, February 11. The troopship Daihousie, with the In - dian troops on board, arrived in harbour from. Melbourne at nine o’clock this morning. The Daihousie had a splendid trip across, and the troops are in the best of condition. The officers were met on arrival by Adjutant Reid and Captain McKenzie. The troops will remain on the ship during their stay, cooking their food ashore, and having their meals in a shed on the wharf. They will proceed South after the arrival of the Britannia.

The officers will visit Rotorua for a few days.

Later.

After remaining in the stream for about an hour, the Daihousie came along side the railway wharf, where a crowd arrival. The crowd gave three hearty cheers for the Indian “ Soldiers of the King,” which were as heartily responded to. The scene on the vessel was most interesting, the brilliant- uniforms of the soldiers lending a blaze of colour to the sombre surroundings. The troops, in their turbans and gorgeous uniforms of blue, red, green, grey, and, indeed, of almost every colour of the rainbow, lined the starboard side of the boat, the bright colours mingling into a harmonious picture.

In all, sixty-1 wo different regiments are represented. Some cf the men are clad in khaki, but the majority in more showy uniforms, reel, blue and lightgreen being the predominating colours. After the Daihousie had berthed, Captain McKenzie, of the No. 1 Service Corps, boarded the vessel, and welcomed Colonel Peyton on behalf of the Commandant of the New Zealand forces. Lieut.-Colonel White, the officer commanding the district, and Captain Reid', district adjutant, were also cn the wharf to welcome the contingent. It was decided that a large shed at- the- end of the wharf should be used as a barrack-room for the men. and a spot in the vicinity as a cooking ground, the Indians doing all their own cooking. The wharf is barricaded so as to exclude the public. There was no formal reception at. the steamer’s side, the Mayor being detained at a Council meeting during the forenoon. Later in the day, his Worship called on Colonel Peyton. The English officers have been made honorary members cf the Northern and Auckland Clubs, together with C'aptam Staughton, of the Victorian First Contingent, who is travelling on. the Daihousie. They leave to-morrow, -at the invitation of the Premier, on a. trip to Rotorua, where they will spend a few days, returning in time to take part- in the reception to the Imperial troops. In the afternoon the Mayor, accompanied by Rabbi Goldstein aiid Mr R. R. Hunt, joint secretaries of the Reception Committee, and the Town Clerk, visited the Daihousie, and welcomed Colonel Peyton and his officers, in discussing the arrangements for the entertainment of the troops during the next few days, Colonel Peyton said the Indians would be perfectly content^f they were allowed to wander round ana see the city for themselves. He reaaiiy agreed, however, to the suggestion that the troops should be taken for a harbour excursion to-morrow, and arrangements fco that end are being made. The Indian troops will not parade for review until tbe arrival of the Imperial Contingent. The officers of the contingent all have native servants, there being a total of seventy-two camp fuLowers. Many of the men speak English, and a good number of the many languages of India arc spoken aboard.

There are in the Tnctfan Contingent 100 officers and non-commissioned officers, '52 of whom belong to cavalry and 48 to infantry regiments. Sixty regiments in all are represented. No privates accompany the contingent, bnt each man has his own native servant. The European officers include Lieut.Col. L. S. Peyton (in command), Major Scott, Captains Campbell and Hinegaw, and Lieut. Pocock. Among the native officers is Colonel Dadbha, a hue officer of great attainments, an accomplished linguist, and a relative of Prince Ranjitsinhji': Major Jangi Thapa, one of the “little green Ghurkiias/ J wears numerous medals for different campaigns, including that for Afghanistan m 1879. in which he was orderly officer to Lord Roberts. Subahdar Gurdad Singh, of the loth Sikhs, jjl another distinguished officer. Jfl The Indian Contingent will not for the southern part of tjMgMpny until tli© arrival of the Imperil* -troops atl Auckland. They will a touil of the whole colonf? the Tml perial troops did, but their entertain J meat must perforce be restricted tel sight-seeing, as caste observances prel of feasts prepare*