THE SIXTH CONTINGENT

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4260, 21 January 1901, Page 7

THE SIXTH CONTINGENT

• CAMP AT NEWTOWN PARK. A multitude visited 'the camp yesterday, both during.itlie morning and afternoon : in fact, it is doubtful if so large a. number of persons has over been seen on the Park before. In the morning a church parade was bold, the service being conducted by Bishop Wallis. The Acting-Premier ami the Hons W. 0. Walker, C. H. Mills and T. Y, Duncan were present. The garrison staff was also represented, and the Commandant of the Forces was present. The proceedings wore of a very hearty character. In the course of his sermon Bishop Wallis paid a high compliment to the men of the Sixth, saying that though the members of the First Contingent had shown themselves brave men and a credit to the colony and the Empire, the contingent that- they wore about to send forth was equally worthy of commendation. When the First- Contingent was enrolled, it appeared as though the war would be over in a. short time, and that the difficulties and dangers to be encountered would he inconsiderable. The contrary had proved to be the case. Yet in face of experience, in face of the fact that not only deatn from an enemy had to be faced in South Africa, bub that djsease, hardship and privation bad to bo encountered as well, the men before him were prepared to go forth at the stern call of duty. For this he thought them worthy of all praise. A service was held in camp last night and largely attended. It was conducted by Chaplain Shirer, and the choir of St. Andrew’s, Newtown, contributed appropriate music. Commandant Pentou-made a detailed inspection of the mqn in camp yesteruay. He expressed himself especial!}' pleased with the physique and deportment of the Otago .section. The Garrison Band played an excellent programme of music at Newtown Park yesterday, greatly to the enjoyment of the listening thousands. The medical opinion is that the Wellington section in camp is of far better physique than the representatives or other districts. This is counteracted by the fact that a number of the Wellington section have been put in by ‘'influence”

after rejection, and tlicit many of them are poor riders. The Gan ison Band came in for a ‘'wigging” by Colonel Pentou yesterday. It appears that sonic cf the members of the band were lounging in a tent when the Commandant passed, and dm not rise immediately to the safute. Whereupon the Commandant made some severe comments about their conduct and appearance, and compared them invidiously with the musical performers i,f a, certain prominent religious organisation. More is likely to he heard of the matter.

The man who was reported ‘-missing’* on Friday night, and who was searched for with lanterns on the sandhills . at Lyell Bay hy a large squad of the Sixth for several hours, had, as a matter ef fact never been on parade at all. lie was away eu leave! Lieutenant-Colonel Banks, of Auckland, has taken command of the camp. It is understood that instructions have been received from the Cape for an extra 200 horses to he sent out as remounts. 'the following additional appointments to the Sixth are announced-,—Lieuten-ant N. S. Markham (of the Federal Contingent) to command the Auckland Company, with the rank of captain ; Captain R. C. Smith (Rungiora Mounted Rifles), Lieutenant A. Hose (Wellington College Rifles), Lieutenant R. M. Williamson and Lieutenant Jl. Jones to he attached to the contingent as oflteers, hut the particular companies net vet indicated. It is understood that Lieutenant-Colonel Watt, of Wanganui, is to receive command of a company. He is still in camp.

It is rumoured that Captain _ Fttlten has been forbidden hy his medical advisers to return to the front.

BRITANNIA’S CALL. (With the compliments of the author. Mr John young, to the Sixth Contingent.) Once more Britannia calls her sons With summons loud and long. Her clarion through the Empire runs, lu accents clear and strong. Zealandi-a at the mandate springs Her tram [lets answer keen. Her pibroch through the welkin rings O’er woods and valleys green. Tlirough hurrying streams, o’er wooded dell. By paths of olden fame. Rushes the cross, of portent fell. The cross ol crimson flame. Her martial sons, from moor and fen. Coming from near and far. With measured tramp, through mountain glen. In panoply of war. From north, from south, with hurrying feet, Her stalwart sciuadrons fonic, To the stern tryst, where warriors meet To light, for Queen and home. Then let Ihe surging billows rave, With fury, dread and grand, XTuitedly we’ll breast the wave. And bring our bark to land. Head-reaching through the tempest's rack, Close-hauled, our course unfolds, Zealandia, on the windward tack, The gage of battle holds. And thus wo sing. "Victoria’s Grace’. God bless her'.” every one, And may her Empire long embrace The circuit of the sun.