THE INDIAN CONTINGENT

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4288, 22 February 1901, Page 5

THE INDIAN CONTINGENT

THE WELLINGTON PROGEAAIAIE. •A section of the Indian Contingent If expected to arrive in Wellington on Saturday night, and another on Sunday. Tho public procession will take place on Monday, and the volunteers of ihc city !:;ue been ordered to parade. The visitors will sleep auoard the troopship, ami will have their food provided in a, depot at Harris street, 'ine route of the precession will be similar to that taken by the Imperial Representative Corps, except that there will be no parade at the Basin Reserve. The Mayor has decided to invito the citizens, to observe Monday instead of Wednesday as a half-holi-day.

Air Field, has received tho following telegram from tho Premier concerning the Indian Contingent:—-“Troop trains will stop at Upper Hutt, Lower Ht.tt, Otaki, Porirua, This about all that can bo ’arranged, on account ot time. —(Signed) R. J. Scddon.” Tho Premier yesterday wired to Mr Field as follows: —“I have just learned that the Indian troops will take milk, aerated waters, water biscuits and boiled eggs 1 , so that if any refreshments aro being provided at stations., they' should bo limited to above.”

The management of Dix’s Variety Company have written to the City Council offering free seats at their entertainment to members of the Indian Contingent during their visit to Wellington. . ■ „ Mr Harry Abbott writes as follows : On behalf of Mr Ncrthcote, proprietor of "Pepper’s Ghost” Company, I have the privilege to invito the members of the Indian Contingent to visit the Opera House on Monday evening next, or on such evening as the entertainment eomniitteo may deem fit. In connection with the visit of the Indian troons, holiday excursion tickets to Wellington will-bo issued on the railways. PRESS ASSOCIATION. GISBORNE, February 21. There was glorious weather for the reception of the Indian troops to-day. The Dalhousie arrived at half-past seven, and the troops were landed at ten o’clock. The Premier, Hon J. G. Ward, and party arrived shortly after daylight in the Tutanekai, and landed at BdK) a.in. At an early hour the streets began to fill, people coming in regular procession from the country, including a considerable number of natives. There was a great display of hunting from, Che vessels in port, from the Signal Station, and from every flagstaff in town. A close holiday was observed. There was a largo crowd in town, and the bright attire of the ladies and uniforms: of the local troops made up an animated and picturesque scene. On landing, the mounted section of the visitors provided the prettiest military display yet seen here. The formal reception took place on the recreation ground. Some thousands of people gathered for'a couple of hours. Speeches of welcome were made by the Premier, the Mayor, and the Hon J. Carroll. After luncheon the visitors were taken to the races, where they had a wood day’s enjoyment. They said that a" very pleasant relief from so much marching. The Ministerial party in.d a most enthusiastic send-olt tonight on leaving for Napier.