THE SIXTH CONTINGENT

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4259, 19 January 1901, Page 5

THE SIXTH CONTINGENT

CAMP AT NEWTOWN PARK

V Mil ere have the Federate gone to ?'' is a question now being asked in camp. It was cabled from Sydney that twenty places had been reserved for the Commonwealth Contingent who were anxious to rush into the imminent and deadly breach, but only one man has put in an appearance to claim his place. Tlie work-a-day uniform of the Sixth is not so handsome or attractive as that of the Federals, and campaigning in South Africa is not* likely to have so many good points in it as junketing iu Sydney. Anyhow, the Federal men are “ not taking any.” The courteous and capable LieutenantColonel Porter has handed over the control of the Sixth to Colonel Penttm, Commandant of the Forces.

The City Band gave a performance at the Newtown Park last night, which was much enjoyed by a large assemblage. Messrs Craig and Taylor gave a limelight exhibition of South African views which were much appreciated by the spectators. A trooper who went out for mounted exercise on the sandhills at Lyell Bay' yesterday disappeared as into thin air. At sundown a squad was sent in search of'him. Ho was found —at a place less parching than the environs of Lyell Bay. He may not go South Africa, “where the best is like the worst, and there ain’t no Ten Commandments and a man can raise a thirst.'’ Tho whole of the 600 felt hats for the Sixth were supplied by the contrac. tors, Messrs Stafford and Collins, of Taranaki street .

The Acting-Premier, Hon J. G. Ward, rode out with, a portion of the Sixth Contingent to Lyell Bay yesterday morning, and evinced much interest in the evolutions of the troop. It has been arranged that the contingent Shall embark on the troopship Cornwall next Saturday, sailing the same day for Auckland. The seven Petone members of the Sixth Contingent will be accorded a public send-off at the Borough Council Chambers this evening. PRESS ASSOCIATION. AUCKLAND. January 18. At a meeting of the General Committee in connection with the send-off to the Sixth Contingent a motion was carried by nineteen to eleven in favour of providing alcoholic refreshments if required to the 'Sixth Contingent, under the supervision of the committee.