THE IMPERIAL TROOPS

New Zealand Mail, 21 February 1901, Page 56

THE IMPERIAL TROOPS

DEPARTURE FOR NAPIER. Warmhearted as the hospitality of the AVellington public has been to the representatives of the Imperial army, there was little enthusiasm shown by the crowd—which might surely have been greater, considering the half-holiday—-which gathered to see the last of them at the Queen's Wharf on the 13th instant. Tommy, however, showed something of the gratitude he felt for the kind treatment he has received in Wellington by cheering again and again. As riieT Britannic backed from the north tee of the wharf, and again swept past it, she presented a remarkably pleasing sight, the numbers of red coats setting off the blue and khaki uniforms, and, with the light colour of the steamer, making a much brighter picture than did any of the transports which toon away our own contingents. There is no doubt that Tommy had a most enjoyable time while in Wellington, and will retain many pleasant recollections of his visits to Wanganui and Alasterton. New Zealand, he says again

and again, will always be a delightful ~ memory, and the Dunedin people are first in his remembrances. Dunedin, of course, is the finest place they have . ever been in—for which statement billeting is responsible—and many of the men carried away valuable mementoes from their hosts, which will help them to remember Dunedin hospitality. The Maoris—with tlieir fine physique, weird dances and great generosity—were, however, the most interesting people the. men met in the colonies, and no doubt tlie noise of Tommy practising the haka will be almost as troublesome on board the Britannic, to-night as it was last night. By the time he has seen more of Alaori life in Auckland, perhaps, Air Atkins will be able to give a very fair imitation of a war dance at the regimental shivoos of barrack life. As the steamer left the wharf the band of the Highland Light Infantry struck up "Auld bang Syne, ’ and afterwards played “Rule Britannia,” in which some of the crowd on the wharf joined vocally.

As the steamer got beyond hearing distance the soldiers still continued Ho wave handkerchiefs and caps to their friends. Thus was all the excitement of the past few days brought to a close —the city resumed its ordinary aspect, and the figure of the British soldier is but a memory.

The thoughtful action of Air Jas. Aloore, of the Alissions to Seamen, in providing, by means of several large tents, a place where the men could go to write and read, was greatly appreciated by a large number of Guy visitors. Hundreds of the men took advantage of the tents, and hundreds of letters were written. On Tuesday evening Air Aloore and his friends entertained the sailors of the Britannic to a very enjoyable entertainment, consisting of a lantern entertainment and music. Before the Britannic sailed Air Aloore presented a number of buttonholes to the men, and also distributed comfits from friends of the Alission. Air C. Russell Brown, lieutenant in the Royal Engineers, who was invalided from South Africa, is recruiting his health on the Britannic. He has filled in his leisure moments on board by edit-_ ing a redord of the life on the Britannic out to Australia, entitled the “I.R.C. Gazette.” Air Brown is at present engaged on a second number, which is to chronicle the experiences of the . Imperial visitors in Australia and New Zealand. A third number will be published of the journey Home. . The first, number, which was printed in Sydney, is a cut above the ordinary “published at sea” journal; it is nicely arranged, and contains some very original matter. It is not, however, the lieutenant's first appearance as a pressman, for he has acted on more than one occasion as awar correspondent, and the success of the “I-R.C- Gazette” is no doubt*due to that experience. One of the most interesting things in the kit of the British soldier is the pocketr-book issued to him on enlistment by the Government, and . known in the army as “the small book/’ The title reads : “Account Book, or Pocket Ledger of —, No —.” With the first book issued a fictitious name of “Thomas Atkins” and’ a number were written in for the purpose of indicating what the blanks were for, needless as it may appear. The name has stuck to the British private ever since. The book contains the owner’s description, a certificate of education, drill certificates, savings bank account, a blank form for his will (to be witnessed by a doctor, or is accepted' as legal even without a witness), names of campaigns, descriptions of medals awarded, promotions and reductions in rank, etc. The book is abdut the same size and thickness as an ordinary Post Office Savings Bank book. While the Britannic was in port some curiosities in the shape of letteraddresses reached the orderly-room through the post. One letter was addressed : “ To the .soldier in red with a medal on his breast,” and another to “ The soldier with two rifles on his arm and a medal and a blue coat.” One of the fair correspondents said she hoped he—“ the soldier in red ” —would send down the buttons he promised her. The letters never got beyond' the orderly-

room —for a very good reason —and they are now forming a collection of curios, made by the Adjutant’s clerk during the present cruise of the Britannic. The Imperial troops know all about Sydney harbour. A picture of the harbour stuck on the wail of the orderlyroom of the transport is surrounded by such quotations a.s : —“ What do von think of our harbour?” “Have you evei seen such a fine harbour?” “This is the finest harbour in the world.” etc.etc.

A member of the Imperial Contingent —Corporal Egglet.on, of the Royal Horse Guards —is one of the . crack swordsmen of the British army. At the ■Sydney military .sports Corporal Eggieton won over £3O in prize-money?

As a memento of their visit to Wellington each member of the Imperial corps was presented by Air Jas.' Aloore, of the Alissions to Seamen, with a copy of the order of proceedings of the .united memorial service held on the Parliament House grounds.

As a result of an appeal from Air Aloore, of the Alissions to Seamen, for reading matter for Tommy, about a quarter of a ton of books, magazines and papers were put on board the Britannic yesterday morning. A number cf ladies and gentlemen connected with one of the offices in town subscribed £3, which enabled Air Moore to provide some comforts for the troops and crew. The ladies cf the Mission also sent a large quantity of delicacies for the men in the ship’s hospital. Alessrs W. and G. Turnbull and Co. gave for distribution among tlie corps over 10,000 biscuits, several dozen tins of condensed milk, and large tins of sweets for each deck. Needless to say the gifts were greatly appreciated. Air W. A. AlacLeod writes to the editor as follows: —With regard to the nationality of Highland- regiments, as represented by the Imperial troops now in Wellington, you state "of tlie Cameronians and Highland Light Infantry” not one are Scotchmen. As to the latter of the two regiments. I can contradict this statement. Having been present at the very successful entertainment in the Federal Theatre last evening, I counted in all quite half a dozen of the Highland Light Infantrymen, all of whom were Scotchmen. The PipeAlajor of the representative contingent is not only a Scotchman, but an enthusiastic Highlander. A sergeant of the same regiment informed me that quite eighty-five per cent, of the regiment are Scotchmen. DUNEDIN, February 13. The hotelkeepers who entertained seme of the Imperial officers who were not billeted with citizens have notified the Alayor that they will make no charge.