THE IMPERIAL TROOPS

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1511, 14 February 1901, Page 36

THE IMPERIAL TROOPS

TOMMY IN THE COUNTRY

RETURN TRIP FROM WANGANUI

CHEERED, FEASTED AND

APPLAUDED.

GREAT DEMONSTRATION AT PALMERSTON NORTH.

RECEPTIONS AT MARTON, FEILDi ING, SHANNON AND OTAKI.

(By Our Special Reporter)

(Continued from page 28.)

Th© Imperial troops left Wanganui with many pleasant recollections. They had been excellently treated the night before, and if there were some sore heads,’well, it is the penalty one has to pay for a sojourn amongst hospitable strangers! The people of Wanganui had opened their hearts and their doors to the visitors, and the Cosmopolitan Club, especially—a commodious and comfortable building—was the principal resort of the Tommies during their stay. A smoke concert was in full blast when our representative visited the club at an early hour in the evening. Later on the Hon J. G. Ward put in an appearance, and made a spirited address, which was wannly received by colonials and Imperials alike. The officers were entertained by the members of the Wanganui Club at th© Rutland Hotel during the evening. The Maoris paid especial court to the troops, showing preference for the Highlanders, and it is said that some of the privates were loaded with trophies which no money could have purchased. A fact that contributed to the warmth of the reception was that many of the inhabitants are themselves representative either in the first person or by their descendants of the Imperial troops who, from six to ten- thousand in numher, were garrisoned at .Wanganui and fought against the rebel Maoris in the days of long ago*. In fact; the first prominent man upon upon the . VISITORS CAST ENVIOUS EYES on' landing at the railway station was Ensign McKenna, the stationmaster, a veteran of the Maori war, who wears proudly upon his gold bedecked uniform the Victoria Cross, won in those stirring days when New Zealand was merely a “place on the map/’ All Wanganui was out to witness the departure of the Imperials On Tuesday morning—as eager, curious and enthusiastic a gathering as that of the . previous day. The local hand turned out even at that early hour to serenade the departing guests and to cheer and be cheered an turn. All along the route to Aramoho groups of citizens were congregated, cheering and fluttering flags and handkerchiefs in token of adieu. The Wanganui College boys assembled and gave the Imperials a great ovation. So the train moved slowly out and climbed the hill on to the terrace above, and was soon clear of Wanganui and its

environs, and well on the way to Marton. Again the weather was fin© and \ clear, and the landscape, with Ruapehu shining calm and clear—amidst a murk of clouds—for background, presented a charming panorama to all beholders. The Tommies w r ere somewhat tired and depressed after their exertions of the night before, but soon their natural good spirits reasserted themselves, and before many miles had been covered they became as blithe and gay and musical—almost as larks. A fortuitous break iu the journey enabled them to make - A RAID ON THE TOI-TOI. growing by the side of the track, so that by the time Marton was reached many of their carriages were decorated with these feathery ornaments, greatly to the delight of the school children who . had assembled in large numbers to see the soldiers and ; to. give them a warm welcome. ' In fact, the whole countryside had turned out, headed, 'by the Mayor c-f Marton, Mr BecketJv to cheer the Imperials on their way. d The Highland Right Infantry Band having played a selection and the : soldiers having marched and down, th© platform to display their uniforms, greatly to 'the delight of all beholders, the train moved off again, never stopping, until the town ■ of Feilding hove in sight. Here an immense congregation of townspeople and settlers had assembled, and here again the troops were made heartily welcome by Mayor Gbodbehere, on behalf of the people of Rangitikei. Cases of fruit collected by the school children were distributed amongst the men, who marched out on to the road fronting the railway station- to see and to be seen, and to be cheered and .cheered again. It remained for Palmerston North, however, to accord the visitors one of tine heartiest welcomes they have enjoyed since coming to New Zealand.Between ten and fifteen thousand people were present in and about the Square, in the centre of the town, when the train drew up and a scene of life and enthusiasm ensued such as has probably

NEVER BEEN .PREVIOUSLY WITNESSED. - in the Manawatu district. The men

were at once formed into marching: order, with the local Volunteers, mounted and foot, at their bead, and the piper > and town band assisting the Highland Light Infantry to supply a full volume of music, and marched round the Square and out to the show grounds, about a quarter of a mile distant. Groups of sightseers lined every balcony and coign of vantage en route, and pjeans of applause went up as the representatives of the different regiments swept by. On the show grounds themselves the sight was a very remarkable- one. The capacious main grandstand was crowded with ladies ; the children had possession of a large grandstand to themselves ; while the fence surrounding the oval was thickly lined with spectators, who ate in with greedy eyes every detail of the proceedings. The sword and lance exercises of the troops were watched with the keenest, interest and approval and liberally applauded, and the only regret was when the troops disappeared into the pavilion for luncheon. They were

MOST SUMPTUOUSLY- REGALED,

a< most elaborate feast having been provided by the Borough Councillors and local residents. Amongst those prominent in promoting the arrangements were Mr H. Hay don, the Mayor, and. Mi' F. Pirani, the Parliamentary representative of the district .

During the luncheon the Mayor proposed the toast of “ The Imperial Representative Corps,” pointing out that the visit was. a cementing link in cue chain of British, Empire. The toast was drunk with musical honours.

Captain Dickins, responding, expressed the thanks of the Imperial Contingent for the cordiality and hospitality with which Palmerston North, in common with all other parts of the colony, they had visited, had received them. They had hoped before they started that they would be: able to come to New Zealand, because tkey realised that they would find here a country more like the Home land than any other which they would visit, not only in its conformation, but also in its inhabitants. They had been overwhelmed with kindness everywhere since landing at the Bluff up to the present time, ana their only regret was "that they could not make a longer stay in New Zealand and amongst its hospitable people. In " turn Captain Dickins asked his officers and men to drink the health of the people of Palmerston North. This they did, and cheered their entertainers right heartily. The Mayor then proposed “ The Advisers of his Excellency tlie Governor.” The Hon J. G. Ward, responding, expressed to the people of Palmerston on behalf of himself and colleagues liow pleased he was at the very complete and creditable manner in which they had made arrangements for welcoming and entertaining the Imperial troops. After lunch the troops were given furlough for ten minutes, during which a group of the officers was photographed, and much amusement was caused by the taking of a picture of Private McCullough, the tallest man in the army, and a diminutive local resident (Georgia Lett) exchanging a hand-grasp. The Maoris gave * a hah a under the leadership of Hare R.akina. The latter, through Captain Preece made a speech welcoming the Imperials on behalf of the natives, to which Captain Dickins appropriately responded. The troops then formed up. and were marched to the station. They were warmly received on arrival at Shannon, where Captain Dickins was presented (as trustee for Major Askwith) with a historical carved taiaha by Tarau Nga, Whenua on behalf of the Maori people.

At Levin also Maoris and Europeans alike vied in welcoming the troops, who were liberally. SUPPLIED WITH -iUTT aYD CORDIALS by a committee of ladies. So pleased were some of the bandsmen with their treatment that they came near to heinoleft behind. At- Otaki a great crowd had assembled to give a passing welcome to the Imperials, who were ao-ain delighted by a Maori war dance. ~ Id fact, all along the line, and wherever they went, our visitors were welcomed and feasted by the country people, and they cannot fail to carry with them wherever they go very grateful remembrances of their trip up the West Coast of . the North Island of New Zealand. VISIT TO THE HUTT BC6STRIOT. GARDEN PARTY AT McNAB’S. The detachment that visited the Wailarapa on Monday was entertained at a garden party ac McNab’s Hardens on Tuesday. The weather was perfect, and the entertainment was beyond ail doubt the finest that the troops'have had during their stay in Wellington. The detachment, which numbered between four and five hundred men, entrained near the end of the wharf punctually at two p.m., under the command of Captain Powell, R.E., and SergeantMajor Feldgate. A.S.C. The afternoon was observed as a holiday at Petone and the Ilutt, and despite the short notice given, the arrangements for the entertainment of the visitors were very complete, indicative of the amount of enthusiasm the occasion inspired.

The train pulled up at the Esplanade crossing, Petone, where a very large crowd had assembled, and the visitors were received by the Mayor (Mr R. C. Kirk) and Reception Committee with cheers. The troops having been lined up, Mr Kirk addressed a, few words of welcome to them He pointed to the woollen mill and the Gear Company’s works in view, saying that in the former the material for the uniforms of a great many of the troops that- had gone to South Africa had been manufactured, and from the latter tons of meat had been sent to the front, while the carriages in which they travelled that day had been built close by. Mr. T. Wilford, M.H.R. for the Suburbs, also welcomed the troops, in the name of the district he represented. He noticed that some of the men belonged to the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, and in Cornwall there was a place named Land’s End. He explained that the native name or the town., Petone, had a similar meaning in the Maori language—the land’s end, so that in a sense they were not so far from home after all. (Laughter).

Then, headed by the Petone Band, the troops marched up Jackson street, which was ablaze with bunting, on to

the Hurt road by way of Nelson street, an d re-entered the train from the platform at White’s line, arriving at the Hutt a few minutes later. The line of march was thronged with people. A half-holiday was observed at the railway workshops and woollen mill in honour of the occasion. The Gear Company, being in the thick of the season, was unable to cease operations. AT THE HUTT. The residents of this delightful borough rose to the occasion, even at the short notice given them, and they provided a most enjoyable entertainment. Arrived at Hutt station, the troops were again formed up and welcomed by tlie Mayor, Mr E. P. Bunny. He said it was not the first time that Imperial troops had visited the district, as the 58th Regiment was stationed there in 1846. He related an incident that occurred at that time, when the garrison was surprised by hostile natives, and the bugler had his arm tomahawked as he raised his instrument to sound the alarm. Seizing the bugle with his left hand, he succeeded in sounding the alarm, and so saved the situation; but that arm was also immediately afterwards struck down.

Again headed by the Petone Baud, the troops marched to the gardens, which had generously been placed at the disposal of the committee by Messrs Orr and Lodder. Bunting was freely displayed along the line of march, and the decorations at the entrance to the railway station and on the bridge were specially profuse. Tables were laid on the lawn and under the grateful shelter of the trees, loaded with all 'sorts of delicacies, and attended to by an army of ladies, who, as usual, were most enthusiastic in their work. The disues were attacked with relish, and their contents disappeared at the “double-quick ” There was abundance of fruit and light liquid refreshment during the* whole afternoon, which Tommy much appreciated. Sports of various kinds were provided, and to the music of the Petone Band large numbers joined in dancing on the lawn. The piper of the “Black Watch” also played a number of selections on the pipes. Tlie troops arrived back in town at 7.15, well pleased with the sociable and .interest!og entertainment The Hon. the Premier was present, and by his genial direction of affairs generally did much to make the affair a success. At his call real hearty British cheers were given for the ladies who presided at the party. The Hon J. Carroll put in an appearance for a short time at the gathering, and Messrs G. Fisher, W. H. Field, and T. Wilford, M.H.R.’s, were also present. The fact that the men were in undress uniform and without arms enabled them to enter more thoroughly into the spirit of the occasion. The officers were entertained at luncheon in the speeches being tabooed. OFFICERS BANQUETED. A dinner tendered by the Government to the officers of the Imperial Contingent was hold' at the Empire Hotel on the 12th. The Right Hon:. R. J. Seddon presided, having on his right and left respectively Colonel Wyudham, the commander of the troops, and Colonel Penton, Commandant oi the New Zealand Forces. There wove present besides the officers of the Imperial Contingent, Commander Rolleston and Navigating Lieutenant Kenneth Dixon, of EL.M.S. Archer, Lieutenant-Colonel Porter and Major Owen, of the Commandant’s staff, the officers and medical officers of the Wellington Garrison, Sir Arthur Douglas (Uncler-Secretary of Defence). Mr Back (General Manager of Tasmanian Railways) and a number of leading citizens.

At the conclusion of the dinner the toasts of “The King ” and “His Excellency the Governor” were duly honoured'.

The Preimier then proposed “ The Combined Forces of the Empire.” He said the officers of the British Army, despite prejudicial comment, had proved themselves worthy of the best traditions of the race from which they

had sprung. New Zealand was the most miitary colony in the British Empire, owing a great deal to the fact that her .sons were descendants of those who hact come here to light our battles in the early days, and who bad remained here as settlers. He was satisfied that our safety lay in our first ling, of &*Penee that the navy would buvv the enemy dean out of tlie water long before he fflould have any hope of setting foot in New Zealand. Pie felt, however, that under the altered conditions now existing, the time was ripe for the colony to ask the Imperial authorities to strengthen the Australian squadron. New Zealand would have to lead the way in this as in other projects. He took the opportunity of announcing that his Administration had considered the question, and after discussing the matter with the statesmen of Australia, the conclusion had been arrived) at that representations must be made in. that direction. If extra contributions were required for a first line of defence, the people of the colony would willingly pay the additional amount required. He repeated a former statement, that a standing army in New Zealand would not eventuate. We would, instead, persevere with and strengthen our volunteer system. The toast was drunk with musical honours. Colonel Wyndham, responding, said the tour of the Imperial troops through the colony had been one of continual and continued hospitality, and uninterrupted and hearty cheering. Some of the cheers should, however, have been given to ex-President Kruger, for if, as Britons believed, he was responsible for the: war in South Africa, he had done more to bring about union between the Home Country and the colonies than anything else that could be done. He expressed his thanks publicly to the defence forces of this district who had assisted in keeping the streets clear on Saturday last, to the mounted corps for having given up their horses to the Imperial troops, to the people of the Wanganui, Wairarapa and Palmerston districts who had given such a warm welcome to the troops, and to the Maoris, whose figuring qualities and honourable conduct the British officers had learned to respect thirty-six years ago, and whose presents he personally would very much prize. They were gallant, honourable enemies; they were now good friends. Commander Rolleston, referring to, the chairman’s remarks, said the battle which would decide the fate of Australasia would be fought nearer the English Channel than here.

Colonel Pent on said the New Zealand Forces had something to learn from the Imperial troops, but the latter had something to learn from: us. He trusted that the visit of their guests of that evening would be mutually beneficial. The (duly jobber toast was that of “The Ladies,” proposed by Hon .J. G. Wai-d, and responded to by Major Riddell and Mr Jas- Coates.

Perhaps the most popular man on board the Britannic is the Rev Father Fcran. Tommy has particular regard for him, due principally to the good father’s joviality of manner and to the kindly interest he takes in the private troubles of the men.

The magnificent stature of some of the Wanganui and Masterton natives has greatly impressed Mr Atkins. He considers the Maoris to be the biggest men he has ever seen. “Why,” said a sergeantmajor, “some of them have calves like small hogsheads.” For physique and general grace of figure, however, individual members of the Indian native regiments are considered superior to the Maori. In a tug-of-war on the Britannic between officers and sergeants on the way to Australia front Home, eight men a side, the total weight of the officers, says the “Gazette” published on board, was lOOst 41b. and the sergeants 106st 111 b. The lightest man of the latter team was list 111 b, and the heaviest 17st 71b (Sergeant Garrott, 2nd Life Guards). The officers won. This was accounted for by the fact —so the editor of the “Gazette” concludes —that they had just previously eaten an enormous lunch.

Lieut. Viscount Cole, of the 7th Hussars, is one of the most popular of the visiting officers. An action whicli increased his popularity with the men was his working as a stoker in- the engineroom of the Britannic from Aden to Fremantle. His attention to his self-im-posed and grimy,duty was never relaxed for a moment, and several stories are told of his difficulty in passing a sentry on his way to the officers’ quarters with an old cap on the back of his head, a handkerchief tied round his neck, and! black from head to foot. In the “I.R.C. Gazette,” the published doings of the contingent on board the Britannic, reference is made to the Viscount’s masquerading, under the diary of the voyage out, as follows: sth: "The speed of the ship was greatly accelerated to-day, owing to the additional supply of ‘ cole’ to the stokers.” In view of the doubt which has been expressed in regard to the nationality of the men constituting the Scotch and Irish regiments, it is interesting to note the nationality of the representativemen at present visiting the colony. Of the twenty-two men of the Cameron Highlanders seventeen are Scotchmen, nineteen of the twenty-two in “Black Watch,” and twenty-two of twenty-four in the Seaforths, but v one of the twenty-three Oameronians or