THE PROCESSION.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 3955, 22 January 1900, Page 5

THE PROCESSION.

LEAVING NEWTOWN PARK. I PICTURESQUE SCENES EN ROUTE. The march began at 1.10 p.m., Jupp’s Band leading the way, playing a lively tune. As the contingent left the park three hearty cheers were given by the crowd, many of whom sang out “Good-bye and safe return.” Handkerchiefs and flags were waved as the men marched along the ready' and ."many of those who clustered in front of their houses to take a last look at the contingent had hung out banners bearing all softs of kindly sentiments. “Farewell, brave hearts,” was one, and another read, “For home and country. God bless our boys.” “Good-bye,” piped the voices of children, as the rcec. marched, and “Good-bye” came in failing accents from aged men and _ women, who, . having lived their /liyes, yet rejoiced in the vigour and - strength of the fine band of young men with the joy that comes to the old on such occasions. “Good-bye,” said the maiden, wishing, perhaps, that nature bad cast her in a sterner ' mould, and “Good-bye” sang out the strong and lusty man, regretting, aS so .many ’did, that he was unable to go with “our boys in khaki.” Some little way along the road a number of the . Heretannga Mounted Rifles, under Lieutenant Kinsey, fell in behind the contingent, and served a very useful purpose in preventing the crowd encroaching too Closely on the men. At the Trinity Wesleyan Church a choir of ladies had assembled, and as the men marched past they sang “God be with you till we meet again..” Above the tramp of feet and thehum of the crowd the words and air fell distinctly on the ear, and ch© simple prayer, so" ; sweetly siing, made; many an eye grow dim. Away on Mount Victoria could be secii a', group of people taking a bird’s-eye view of the procession. On both ; sides of the road crowds accompanied the troops, and 1 every -verandah and doorstep' and fence was thick with spectators, who waved their handkerchiefs and shouted their farewells till their voices grew hoarse. At the Basin; Reserve the Petone Band fell in behind the contingent, and in Sussex square a halt was called while the volunteers, who had assembled at Mount Cook, took up their ' positions in front; and a brave show they made as they marched down Buckle street, many of the companies/ with bayonets fixed, as they took up their several positions—the veterans in front, carrying the citizens’ flag, and followed by the Southern volunteers, the D Battery, the' East* and West? Coast • Battalions, the Wellington Rifle Battalion, the men-of-warsmen, and last of all “inc boys in khaki,” a number of bands, being placed at intervals in the: procession, Amid loud outbursts of cheering, the procession,. which was .by now fully half a mile long, once more commenced to move, the crowd pressing more heavily every minute.- Ever and anon a girl would rush out of the crowd and take a hurried, farewellof one of our boys, caring nothing for. the narrow escapes from plunging horses and the crushing from the spectators, “Good-bye” must he said,, come what will, and she would take any risk to say it. The march was long and hut and dusty, and-the troops gladly welcomed the arrival on the scene of a truly patriotic individual,. who earned a glass and a huge jug of water. . The attention was received with heart-felt thanks, and the water, soon disappeared down dust-caked throats. 2 'And still, i as the procession continued’ -up;Vivian I street and Ingestre street the crowd bei came denser, and the- enthusiasm, increased, and even little'toddling ypt-pg--1 sters crowed with delight Us they’ were 1 held up by their parents to see_ the j contingent go by. Such a scene is s_el- ; dom seen. The enthusiasm was in- ! tense. Cuba street appeared to b( I one vast mass of people, crowding th( < verandahs and upper windows and fill i ing the roadway ■ from one side tort hi other. - The display of -bunting her<

was particularly effective. Around the verandah of Messrs' Veitch and Allan’s establishment were a number of flags of red, white and blue, while Mr Barber had on his verandah a banner bearing the inscription, “We would dye for the Queen, but not for Kruger.” Across the road was stretched a huge banner, having on one side the words, ‘Tor the honour of our Queen, our country and our colony,” and on the other, “Good luck to you.” Almost every building in the street was decOr■ated for the occasion, and a fine show it. made, while the fluttering handkerchiefs, loud cheers and a constant chorus of farewells testified to the enthusiasm of the spectators. So great was the. pressure of the crowd that the ranks of the contingent were several times broken, and some little difficulty took place iu re-forming- them. The Royal Oak balcony and windows were crowded with sightseers, who gave hearty cheers as the contingent passed; A halt was called at the top of street extension. “Close up, boys, .'r a 3 the order given; “keep youf ranks; and off they went again. The profress of the contingent was very slow, ut the crowd, though persistent, was kept back as the rendezvous was reached by the Heretaungas, and with a rush the contingent gained the enclosure leading to the grand-stand at 2.10 p.m.