THE INDIAN CONTINGENT

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4300, 8 March 1901, Page 7

THE INDIAN CONTINGENT

THE LAST SCENE. • It was a matter of regret to a large number of people yesterday that the Dalhousio did not conic to the wharf on her final visit to Wellington, and that there was no opportunity alforded the public to go over to the_ ft earner, the. lew who were taken off in the .steamer's launch carried numerous mementoes to different members of the contingent from acquaintances whom the troops made during their short visit to V* e*lington. As tho vessel lay at her moorings in tho bright .sunshine, our Indian visitors, clothed in their full regimentals, were seen at their very best. Grouped on the upper deck to have a final Miake of lianils with the Premier—wno, witli tho Hoii C. H. Alills, had gone mr in tho Ellen. Ballanoe—they presented y, vory gay appearance. -As tho Ijllgb Ballauco steamed away , from tho Dalliousie, Colonel .Peyton- lead three cheers Jur “Air Sodden, the Premier of Now Zealand, 11 and tlicy were very heartily given by the members of the Indian Contingent and tho crew of the Dalhousio; and tho small company. on the launch made a brave cheer in response to tho Premiers call for ‘'three for Colonel Peyton and tho members of the Indian Contingent, 1 ’ and, again for tho “officers of tho Dalhousio.” Cheers wore also given by the contingent, led by Colonel Peyton, for tho Hon Air Alills, and also one for Lieutenant Hughes, who had accompanied the Dalhousie around the colony as the guest of Captain Piffard, of the Dal liousie. Tho Dalhonsie was immediately got under way, and shortly after twelve o’clock steamed out of the harbour on her homeward journey via Hobart and Adelaide. It seemed to be generally agreed by tho European officers of the Indian Contingent that tho Dunedin people excelled those in other parts of the colony in their treatment of the Indian visitors. In the fine Agricultural Hall themen were moat comfortably quartered, liVid'cVery provision made for them in regard to cooking, sleeping, etc., aud—most important of all —-they wore safe from tho staro of tho curious, a strict ride being observed at tho doors to exclude all visitors. : The cavalry section of the contingent found that tho mounts provided'for thorn in New Zealand were much superior to those supplied in Australia, and that in 'regard to the horses provided in this colony, those at Christchurch were tho best, but tho Nelson.lot were very nearly as good.' Speaking of the polo match played at Christchurch, one of the European officers said that only two of tho four Indian? playing, .were adepts at the game, and none of them had ever played together before. Then thejv did not know their horses. The Christchurch people certainly gave them their pick of the ponies, but in India the mounts used by the native players are better trained, stopping smarter and turning more sharply. Altogether the match .could not have been taken as a true indication of what the native players are capable of doing when playing in their own country. The four or five Brahmins in the Indian Contingent can hardly he enjoying their visit to the Antipodes. The strict rules of their faith forbids them eating any cooked foods while at- sea, and on the weary stretch between here and India they will have to subsist o,n grain and crushed peas, with water and aerated waters as their only drink. COLONEL PEYTON’S THANKS. The following letter was received hy tho Premier front the. Commandant of tho Indian Contingent yesterday morning : “R.I.M.S. Dalhousio, sth March.— I To tho Right Hon tho Premier.—Dear Air Seddon, —I write on behalf of myself and every member of the. Indian Contingent to thank you and the people of New Zealand for the great kindness aiid hospitality which we have everywhere received during our tour through the country. The Indian officers and non-com. officers have been much touched with tho enthusiastic reception which ha? everywhere greeted them. I would ask you to kindly convey to the Mayors of the various places we have visited our thanks for the thoughtful arrangements which they everywhere made for the .entertainment and housing of onr men. and at the consideration shown their caste prejudices, which so added to the enjoyment of their visit. They leave this country with the warmest gratitude for the way in which they have been treated, anti will carry away most kind ly feelings for New Zealand and its people.—Yours truly (siguod) L. S. Peyton, commanding the contingent/ 1