THE INDIAN CONTINGENT.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4292, 27 February 1901, Page 5

THE INDIAN CONTINGENT.

RECEPTION AT NELSON. PRESS ASSOCIATION. NELSON, February 26. The steamer Dalhousie was, .berthed at the Railway Wharf at a little before 3 o’clock this afternoon, when Colonel Peyton and the Indian troops disembarked. Horses were provided for the visitors. All the Volunteers of the district were present. There was a procession to Cathedral Hill, where the school children were grouped, and theupe to the Botanical Gardens, where fruit and refreshments were provided for the visitors. The Mayor (Mr J. Harvey) briefly welcomed the Indians, and the Premier made a short speech. The whole town was gay with bunting. This evening the officers were entertained at dinner by the Volunteer officers-. The remaining Indians attended th# theatre, where a special entertainment was organised for- them. To-morrow morning the visitors are to be taken into the country.

CHRISTCHURCH, February 26. The Mayor has received a telegram from Colonel Pole Penton stating that the Indian troops will arrive at Christchurch on the evening of the 3rd March, and leave on the 6th. There will be a march through the streets on the morning of tho 4th, and it is proposed to arrange a polo match between a team of native officers and a Christchurch team for tho afternoon.

The Hon C. H. Mills will leave tomorrow by the steamer Rotomahana for Lyttelton, where lie will join the Indian troops, and personally conduct them on thoir tour through the South Island. The troops .are to leave Nelson to-day, arrive at Lyttelton to-morrow ab 4 p.m., travel all night to Invercargill, arrive there on Friday morning, and leave for ; Dunedin that night. They will have a short rest, anil leave for Christchurch either on Sunday night or Monday morning.