COLONEL STEINBERGER AND THE BLUE JACKETS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume I, Issue 20, 15 May 1876, Page 2

COLONEL STEINBERGER AND THE BLUE JACKETS.

Colonel Steinberger appears to be amazingly popular with the blue jackets of the Barracouta. The " New Zealand Herald " of the 2nd instant says : —" On Saturday morning as Colonel Steinberger, whose actions at Samoa liave been before the public lately j was walking down Queenstreet, having arrived here on the previous evening from Fiji by the mail steamer, he was espied by about forty or fifty blue jackets, on general leave from H.M.s. Barracouta. '' Here's Colonel Steinberger," says one, and immediately the whole of the tars started in pursuit, and brought the Colonel up with a round turn. " How are you, Mr. Steinberger V' they all shouted, and forty or fifty hands were held out to the bewildered American to shake. " Well, you must drink to our heatfch," a few chimed in, and the Colonel was dragged along Ijack until the Cosmopolitan Hotel was reached, into which they good-humoredly forced their charge, for Colonel Steinberger was without doubt again in custody. Drinks were called for, and thfr late Premier 'of "Samoa was toasted withJAfe times three. " But why should me thus?" asked the Colonel. " Because, Mr. Steinberger," answered a strapping young tar, " Tou never did us any harm. We always found you a gentleman." " But is it ; not through nip that some of your men are now lying wounded, - and some of your number killed V'~ "{Not a bit of it !" they all shouted ; " That little brush we had down at Samoa was no fault of yours. If you'd anytliing to settle with them Samoans, darned if we wouldn't fight for you." "Well, men," answered the Colonel warmly, "If I had a dozen such braVe lads as you about me,"; I shouldn't have been treated as I have." " My word, you wouldn't," was the chorus, and three more cheers were given for the Colonel. After some further expressions of undying friendship towards the Colonel, a chair was obtained, and he was carried thereon shoulder-high to the Waitemata Hotel, amidst vociferous cheers.