THE INDIAN TROOPS

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4299, 7 March 1901, Page 7

THE INDIAN TROOPS

RETURN OF THE DALHOUSIE

The Indian troopship Dulhousio put into port last evening for coal, preparatory to starting bn her return journey to India. Tho Dalhousic’s visit to Wellington will he a very happy remembrance to many people in this city. The exceeding kindness with which all visitors were treated by the officers of the Royal Indian Marine Service’was a subject of general remark. It was a pleasing sight to note the picture which the ship presented from stem to stern; a spotless cleanliness everywhere prevailed. and order ruled in every department. For this Air Hordern, Hie first lieutenant of the Dalhousie. is to be complimented, and it iiuist have been gratifying to that gentleman to hear complimentary references made to Hie ship’s splendid appearance. Unfortunately, Wellingtonians will not have an opportunity of renewing acquaintance with the Daliion.sio’s people, as tho vessel lias not been berthed at the wharf, and will sail from Wellington at 1U o’clock this morning. » The visitors had a very enjoyable time in the South Island, and were everywhere enthusiastically received. The troopship was an hour or 100 late in reaching Lyttelton from Ntliso.n, but nevertheless the arrangements were carried out well up to time. The troops were entrained, and travelled right through to Invercargill, winch was reached at noon on Friday last. The inhabitants turned-put in large numbers and heartily welcomed the visitors. A procession was arranged, and the men wore hospitably entertained during their stay, which lasted until 3.30, when they left by train for Dunedin. At various places en route the residents assembled and cheered the soldiers, who reached Dunedin at 9.30 on Friday night, having travelled 515 miles in twenty-three hours—an object lesson, by the way, as to what could be done in moving troops about the colony in case of emergency. In Dunedin tho welcome was a most cordial one), some of the, visitors being taken to the races and the theatre. On Monday morning the journey to Christchurch was commenced. En route a short stay was made at Shag Point,while the Hon. C. H. Mills (who was accompanyigg tho contingent), Colonel Peyton and Colonel Penton visited, tho Hon. John McKenzie, who was looking much better, and was delighted at the attention paid him. AlTTimaru and Oavnarn and elsewhere crowds of people gathered and heartily greeted the troops. On arrival at Christchurch, the dien, after a short interval, were conveyed to Lyttelton, where they remained all night on the Dalhousie. Next morning they were paraded and’ welcomed by the Mayor; and at Christchurch the Mayor also addressed them. In fact at each place the speech-making was wisely confined to addressed by tho Mayor and Mr Mills. Colonel Peyton has extended his thanks to all those persons who assisted in making the contingent welcome, and has expressed regret at not having more time at his disposal in the) colony.

Mr Mills made arrangements in advance with the chairmen of the various school committees for the scholars to have a holiday, and the youngsters much appreciated the privilege of seeing the! representatives or so many famous regiments. Mr Mills was particularly anxious that the Dalhousie should pay a visit to Picton, but it was found to be impossible, as the tide at Nelson would not pelrmit of the. troopship reaching the Sounds in daylight. It is much.to be regretted that the people of Marlborough have not had an opportunity of seeing any of the visiting troops, particularly as a large number of young men from that province are serving with the contingents in South Africa. Although Mr Mills conducted thel Indians through the South Island, he was unable to arrange for a visit being paid to his own district.