THE PROCEEDINGS AT THE AGRICULTURAL HALL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11918, 17 December 1900, Page 2

THE PROCEEDINGS AT THE AGRICULTURAL HALL.

A MOST ENTHUSIASTIC WELCOM*

There have been several gatherings of a kindred sort at tho Agricultural Hail during the pnst few months, hut, enthusiastic as they were, they wore, not mure demonstrative than that of Saturday morning, when a dense crowd assembled to welcome back a number ol those who had done and dared all they con Id for Queen and Empire. Even beiorc tbe Jucky had readied the Dunodin wharf the hall was beginning to get filled, and by the time the men reached the place there was not a great deal of room left, either upstaus or down, and such space as did remain was quickly filled on the Mayor, very soon after Hie proeoedings commenced, railing from the stage to throw open the doors and admit all who cored to enter. The assemblage is all the more creditable to the city when it H remembered that it was Saturday mormug. about 11 o'clock; probably the most awkward day and the most inconvenient hour for the citizens and Ihoir wives to get away from business and domestic duties. However, they made the effort, and were there, and had evidently come to the hall inflamed with patriotic enthusiasm and a buruiii'' desire to let the returned troopers understand how highly they valued what they had done, and how t|«ev rejoiced to see them back safe and well. I'nfnrtunately, one or two of them are none too sound vet, but with the comforts of home and tlic tender care awaiting them, it may be fully expected that they will rabidly recover. N ' opportunity was lost by those present of cheering; in fact, in one instance, the mayor "oodhiimouvedly checked the ar.die-.icc for the protracted nature of their enthusiasm, which' lasted for several minutes. Trooper Johnston was specially honoured in this rcsprel, when the mayor told the. slory of his rescue from peril of Corporal M'Kegg. The short, modestly delivered address of Sergeant Hazlett was another instance in which tho va-l crowd was somowbnl carried away liy the intensity of their feelings, and it was some seconds before tho .-ergcant could get an oppor- I tunity of sneaking. The returiny.l troopers made their entry into the hall shortly before 11 o'clock, passim? between two rows of Bigh street School Cadets, in naval uniform, and on to the stage, where they wot accommodated with front scats. Tho'only one not present was Corporal M'Kcgg, who is st.il! in illhe:ilt!i, but lie subsequently put in an .'ippear-,-mce, though only for a brief time." The troiriers were followed into t'.'.e hnl! by a strong contingent of the High street School Cadets, who were, presumably, intended as n bodyguard or guard of honour. At the first appearance, of the men the scene became a very animated and exciting one. The crowd cheered frantically, and did not seem disposed to stop in a hurry, the shouting and waving of hand flags, handkerchief?, and hats being kept up for several mimilos.

On something: liko o«W bninft restored, a strong choir of about 300 children, cl'.oscn from various public schools, who were seated

'el- in the front of tho gallery, sang " Who"?: ere Johnny comes marching home." Tho Mayor' ido (Mr R. Chisholm) then spoke briefly, and to called on the Rev. Mr Saundcrs to engage in prayer. Mr Saunders offered up an earnest prayov of thanks for the safe return of those present, prtiyed in moving terms for thosa* still surrounded by danger, and made most ™> touching reference to those lost in battle. «r Tlir prayer, though brief, was very affecting, "V and there was more than one eye suspiciously "S moist at the. dose. The school children then 0'- sang the familiar patriotic song " Soldiers of ;»e the. Queen" very heartily; but his Worship ne was evidently anxious to have everyone enby gage in the singing of the inspiriting chorus, r-% and at hi.q request the volume of sound was lle considerably swelled the next time tho chorus as came round. Mr E. Engar sang " The Ensve lishmnn," out] was loudly applauded for hia «c effort. The Port Chalmers'Garrison Band," n S which had come up from Port in the Plucky, to occupied i> position at the back of the stage, I'- and played ono or two items capitally during g8 the time the reception was going on. The S- Dunedin Pipe Rind, under Pipe-major Gray, B° was also present, and contributed several bag. la pipe selections, which were loudly >g applauded. As far as the decorallc tions of the hall were concerned, ' >c therefore strong indications that the hands of '>■• tlio Union Steam Shin Company's employees P- liad boon present. The disp'ay of bunting was >" plentiful, and the arrangement of it was carr" ried out very tastefully. The "brave old w Union .Tack " was suspended above the chair ie man's head, and displayed in other ptrts of the building. Tho rational /lags of England. D Scotland, and Ireland—that invincible trium: viratc—were lump; in conspicuous places, and tlio good old colours—red, white, and blue—' were arranged in long festoons along the front. J7 of the irallcry and elsewhere. £ Among the gentlemen present on the stage t worn Messrs T. W. Kempthorne, J. H. Hosk- ,, nig. D. E. Thenmin, .7. F. M. Eraser, J Mills n -\<- t-'ohen, fi. Eenwick, J. A. Park, D. A. Do .Mans (Mayor of Port Chalmars), J ]? i. Arnold. M.H.R., C. R. Smith, Captain Camor mo, Lieutcmsnr-cnloncl Webb, and Major E. R. Smith. At the close of the welcome, the B National Anthem was sung, and three cheers 0 wore given for her Majesty the Queen, for 0 I''o"tenßiit. c olo nP .i R obin| an(l fcr the Mayor (:\li J.v. Lhisholm). B Tn ■opening; the meeting, hia Worship the . Mayor said: Ladies and Gentlemen,—You . will probably remember that the fourth con- , tingent was the only contingent that we had t the privilege of sending from Dunedin, and T you will remember that the committee thought t it would be a becoming thing, before sending t these brave fellows away to tho dangers they , were bound to face and the difficulties they , would have to overcome, that we should offer , up a prayer on their behalf. The committee ; think, and in my opinion wisely, that in view ■ of tlio return of our boys safe and sound we . should offer a prayer of thanksgiving to God for his goodness to these and to all our troops. • Tho Rev. Mr Saunders. president of the : Council of Churches, will now lead us in prayer. The Rev. W. Snnnders then engaged in prayer, thanking God for the victory vouch- • safed to the Imperial arms: for bringing back in health and with much honour the soldiers who were present that day; for preserving them amidst many perils—perils of sickness and perils of the battlefield; and for bringing joy and happiness to many homes through their safe return. "We mourn before Thee Ibotte who have fallen, and those through whom Thou dost s'.ill remind us that without shedding of blood there is no remission. Lost to us, they are still with Thee. Surely Thou will remember that they gave their lives at tho call of duty. With confidence we can leave them in Thy keeping. Almignty, hear us when we commend to Thee those who are bereaved—our friends and neighbour.?—whose feelings of sorrow are this day re-awakened at the sight of the joy of those who receive (■■heir dear ones back again. Wo commend these sorrowing ones to Thy tender compas.sion. Great and loving God. give to them, wo beseech Thee, a large place in Thy thoughts find in Thy heart. We thank Thee that Thou art bringing to an end tho violence of till war. Wilt Thou graciously be pleased to bring its bitterness to an end also. May those people who have faced each other in war now learn, as members of the same Em- " pire, to live respecting each other and loving each other. Almighty, will Thou bless those lof us who aro here assembled. Bless our colony. Bless our Empire. May we not exalt ourselves in pride before Thee because of our success, but in humility may we seek ever to do Thy will. Lead us as a people, we pray Thee, to fulfil those great duties which Tlio.u hast laid upon us. the chosen among the nations, and may it be our desireever to win tho welcome of God." The rev. gentleman concluded with the Lord's Prayer.

The school children then sang " Soldiers of the Queen," the audience joining in the chorus.

His Worship the Mayor: They say, and_ I believe there is a great deal of truth in it, that soldiers, especially Highland soldiers, fight best under the inspiration of the strains of the bagpipes, and I am not sure that your mayor, who is a true Scotchman, will not ■ speak all the bettor after hearing the bagpipes. I, therefore, ask Pipe-major Gray to give us a tune.

The Dunedin Pipe Band played a capital tune, which was much appreciated by the. audience. '

Hie Worship the Mayor, who was received with cheers, said : Ladies and Gentlemen, —I am sure I am voicing the opinions and the heartfelt sentiments of all in this audience to-day when I say we are proud to have the opportunity of meeting hero this morning to give a right royal hearty welcome to these ton brave fellows who have returned from the seat of Avar and to express in the highest way ou~ admiration of the gallantry of Sergeant Hazlett, Sergeant iUuir. Corporal M'Kegg, and thfir seven comrades who arrived by the steamer this forenoon.—(Cheers.) Ever since the first contingent, under b^avc Major—now Lieutenant-colonel — Robin — (cheers), —with his pioneer contingent left our shores, what has been the subject uppermost in the minds of every citizen in. Dnnedin and every settler in Otago and Southland, and. indeed, of every soul in New Zealand? The position of affairs in South Africa. That is what we have all been thinking about. Every move of our boys ever since they left our shores has been watched with the keenest interest by every person in New Zealand. And no other column in any of the papers has ever been scanned with such keenness aud such intense interest as the page that told us of what was going on there.—(Cheers.) And, ladies and gentie-

1 men, while we are privileged to welcome these s bravo lads and to think of those who are left 1 b»hind, is it not refreshing to think that away 1 in South Africa, where they are to-day and whore, they have been all along, they have been thinking of us? You can imagine my surprise this morning when, sitting all alone in my room in the Town Hall, an envelope all tho way from Pretoria was delivered to me. When I gilt it I shook from head to foot with joy.. I knew it was from some soldier—from somebody who wns thinking about us. Then, to my delight, when T opened the envelope T found this beautiful Christmas card that '• had come all the way from Lioutcnant-colone' : Robin in South Africa.—(Cheers.) Much as I prize it, I will allow any of you to see it. I know how much you admire the brave lieute-nant-colonel, and T will hand it to any of you to sco his autograph, written in the bold, round hand that evidences a man who can nobly wield (ho pen and more nobly wield the sword. —(Cheers.) Now, I said there was no page of our daily papers that was so inIrivsting to us as the page that told us of all that was aoinpc on in South Africa, and I am sum that ovevvono of us reflects with pride— with great pride—on ihr- many deeds of valour and heroism we have from time to time heard recounted of the brave fellows who left New Zealand's shore?.—(Cheers.) And we cannot reflect on that without thinking at the same lime of what our brave boys who are here with us to-day have done.—(Cheers.! Why. Indies and gentlemen, think of that little incident, hut that important incident, that brave, heroic act of Trooncr Johnston, who is now silting to my left.—(C'lpcvs. wlu'eh were increased tenfold when Trooper Johnston rose i"id bowed to the audience.) Ladies and gentlemen, he is not bit—(laughter).—but he is good stuff made up in a little parcel.(Cheers.) Well, what are the facts? Corporal M'Ken-sr another brave fellow—(cheers), —of whom Xew Zealand mHit to be proud— (cheers),—led out a small party of scouts. You all know (he dangers they were subjected to. •Soon after, from'a litrle'kopje. they saw the Boers approaching in large numbers, and the only way to save their lives, po matter how brave they were, was to immediately retreat. . Turning their horses' heads and putting spin's io Mieir mounts thnv hovelled alone the veldt a« fast a« they cmild, with showers of Manse'" bul!ctß falling all round them, when to their dismay Trooper M'Keg'/s horse, through the '•nin of thf! previous night aud the ground b'-iiiiT soft, put its foot into a holo and threw (ho rider heavily to the. around. Regaining its fret, the horse bolted. But Trooper Johnston, l'ke -11 colonials, was p. man of re- ' scun-e*.—(Cheers.! Grasping t!:o situation at a slanee, ho. saw what it wns necessaw to do, and ho said. "With the help of God. I will do ii.'' J'uttinir spurs to his horse, lie caught thf reins of Cerpornl M'Kegcr's runaway horse, i and loadimr it back without low of time to the corporal, he wic! —mark the coolness <»f the brave soldier—ho said, "You had better be quick, sir: they are making the place a ; little bit warm foi us."—(Prolonged cheering.; He obeyed the instructions, and wa.= pretty quick about it.—(Laughter and cheers.) Brave fellow, as ho was, he was equal to the oecas- - sion, and got on his horse as fast as over he could. Amongst a perfect shower of Mauser bullets falling nil round them. Trooper Johnston, Corporal M'Kegg, and tho other brave comrades belonging to the scouts all arrived safely at the camp.—(Cheers.) Ladies and gentlemen, who can speak too highly cl &"

oravery of a man who can dare to do such tilings. No one can possibly speak in too high language or in too flattering a tone of the. bravery and heroism., of men who are prepared to sacrifice their own dear lives for their comrades iv battle.—(Cheers.) Although we know something of these little incidents that have occurred, we know very little compared to those that were witnessed by the men who wero there on the scene, and let me just tell you what one of the reporters—and reporters, of course, always speak the truth —(laughter)— has forwarded as being an expression from Lord Roberts: "Lord Roberts declares that he will never forget the noble work of the colonials, nor the way in which all branches of the service performed their work, as it was absolutely unique in the annals of war, inasmuch as, without rest for a year, regardless of tho weather, frequently in rags and bootless—time not permitting a refit—they were continually fighting an invisible enemy, marching at an incredible speed ovei enormous distances, enduring hardships without a murmur, and through all they had maintained their chc?rvulncss and exhibited the most eonspicuoiK humanity," and, shall I add, most conspicuous bravery and heroism.^(Cheers.) Now, let me tell yon that when Lord Roberts speaks he means what he says— (applause),—and Lord Roberts is a man whom we all revere and respect; he is a man as well as a soldier; and he is a man whose grey hairs arc rendered illustrious by his devotion to duty in the interests of Queen and Umpire.—(Cheers.) Hear, then, what Lord Roberts does say. It is not from a reporter; it is from a trooper, and I suppose if we givv. the reporter credit lor always speaking .the truth, 1 am sure that wo can give tlio troopei who wrote this credit for speaking the truth also.-—(Laughter and applause.) This is what Lord Roberts, a short time before he left South Africa, paid: — "It has often been my lot to thank men of the regular army fot the work they have done, but I never before had the pleasure of thanking volunteers for splendid work done in the field side by side with the regular troops. lam the first Field-marshal who has ever commanded an Imperial army. What you have done forms a page of history which Will never be forgotten, by Great Britain. Now, what I want to say is that many of you, —indeed, all of you,—have had a rough time. Some, I see, have only just come from the hospital. AH of yon left homes and positions to show your 103'alty, and to bear your part in this unprovoked wai. There is no doubt that in many cases your return is anxiously awaited, and you are looking forward to the reception to be accorded you on your return which you so richly deserve. But if the Boers heard you wore going to leave the country, the departure of so many mounted troops, which have proved themselves the mainstay of the British army," Not ornamental soldiers, you will observe, as some predicted, but the mainstay of tho glorious British army.—(Cheers.) Where, I ask, are those pessimists who profess to have regarded our colonial soldiers as hardly worth taking notice of? Hero yon have the testimony of a man than whom nobody knew better of what ho was talking, and he speaks of the colonials as amongst those who have been the mainstay of the British army. Lord Roberts proceeded to say: "If the Boers heard 3'ou (the mounted troops) were going it would give them renewed courage, and even hope. There are many of you whose business calls are urgent, and others whose health Jias broken aown, who of course must return home. The rest of you, I hope, will remain, and help us tc bring this state of affairs to an end." That is the tribute to the :olonials from Field-marthal Lord Roberts. He says, practically: "Wo cannot settle it without you." I continue now the reading of the report: "Then, turning to the Australians, Lord Robert? added: ' I can fully realise the yearnings you all have to return to those who a.re near and dear to you; and wno are counting the hours till your return. But what I would ask of you is to stay a bit longer, and I should feel greatly indebted to you.' " Such wa? the tribute paid to our grand colonial troop? by a m^n fit and capable to express an opinion. And, ladies and gentlemen, lot me tell you there is R. feature in connection with our colonial soldiers that makes them bulk immensely in our minds, and makes Us-prize them the more, apart from their being worthy soldiers. I have read with pleasure, and it went. straight to ray heart to read, how Corporal Buckland wrote concerning the death of one of his comrade?. Ho thought kindly of his comrades, and tells what kind of heart boats under tho khaki ciress.—(Cheers.) Let thPm hear how Corporal Buckland wrote: "We buried our poor mate to-day in the Zoerust Cemetery. After stables I got a pass and went* into '■'town to get a cross for his grave. I found the carpenter in a side street, and got him to work at once. Tn halt an hour he had made me one out of Baltic pine. I then set to work" (he did not leave it to anybody else) " to carve his name and an inscription. This took mo quite two hours' steady work. As I worked away children passed in and out of the hot street, and would stand near mo.in silence and then go awa>. When I had finished the inscription I painted the letters with black, and took the crop? down to tho cemetery, where Tennant got a snade and fixed it in the ground. We are collecting funds from our troop, and will havt> a. suitable stone instead of the temporary cross. At first it was hard to realise that he was really fone: but we felt his absence when we had finished tea and had turned in. This was the time wo mod to chat about the home-coming and the work of the day that had passed." Aye, " the work of tho day that had passed." I want to say that these bravp lads before yon have done well, and Dtmpdin and New Zealand admire them for it. We welcome them bnelc —we wished to give them a right royal welcome back, and I hope you will not forget that, a? well us being soldiers, they were citizens and settlers, and have as fueh yet to face the battle of life. I venture to say that these young fellows will need all the help find encouragement we can give thorn, nnd I trust that you will help them to fight the Tiattle of life as bravely and heroically as they have fought the Empire's battles on tho African veldt. —(Loud and continued apnlause.) Now. to relieve those nresent from the nosition they have been in I will ask you to stand and give fhrpe ringing cheers for the brave bove in South Africn.

The call was instantly obeyed, and the most enthusiastic and lusty cheering, with a genera! waving of flags, handkerchiefs, and hats, followed for some little time.

The. senior sergeant of the returned troopers was then introduced by the Mayor, and Sergeant Hazletl, who was received with tremendous cheering, that continued for several minutes, spoke as follows:—Mr Chisbo'm, Ladies and Gentlemen.— f can assure yon that we are all deeply grateful for the splendid welcome you have given us. Mr Chisholm spoke a few minutes ago about our home-coming. Well, I can assure you it lias been longlooked forward to b,y us all, and now we aro here, we are happy. I can only thank you again for the splendid welcome you have given us, but I am afraid it may have the effect of talcing some of us away again some of these days in anticipation of getting another.—(Laughter nnd applause.)

Tbn next speaker called up wns

Colonel Webb, who was heartily received, snoke thn«: Mr Mayor. Ladies and Gentlemen. —After the splendid—yes, I may say splendid—sneech delivered by yourself., it ■would hardly become me to say very much. When our boys went away—the first part of the first contingent—there was not much of a send-off. I said a few words on their departure, and if I remember rightly T said I Wt.nure they would do t.'>ci. duty. The predirtion lias been fulfiUrd. —(Applause.) Not only have they done their duty, but they have brought credit and honour upon the colony to which they belong, not only on nccount of their bravery and the way thov did their duty, but because of the magnificent Way they adapted themselves to the various positions which theiy found themselves in on all occasions. T::eir inherent intelligence and capability of bo adapting themselves have won for them the praises of the eenerals and the officers they served undei. We all mean the. same thing: wo are all heartily glad lo welcome the boys back this day. T can only say I had to-day the pleasure and rcrivilege of receiving a letter from Lieutenant-colonel Robin from Pretoria, dated the 31st October, in which he expressed the hope that he would be on his way home by the time I got that letter. T hope it will not bo long before wo all assemble again to welcome him and the rest,of our boys.—(Applause.) The Mayor .said a poem had been received by onn of rhe most patriotic gentlemen in IHmedin. He said one of the most patriotic gentlemen because on one oecas'on he (the gentleman referred to) bnd stated that he was I he most patriotic man in Dunedin. whicb statement he (Mr Ohisholm) nt once challenged He (Mr Chisholm) had said he mictht be th" next to the mayor.—(Laucditer.) ' They ail knew Mr Kempthorne, who would read the poem.

Mr Kempthorne said he had received the poem the previous mnrnimr by post. It had been sent by aMr John M'Glashan. He did

TTNNECESSAPvY LOSS OF TIME.

Mr W. S. "Whcc'inn, Cashier of the First National Bank of Winterset, lowa, in a recent letter gives pome experience with a carpenter in his employ, that will be of value to other mechanics. He says: "I had a carpenter working for me who was obliged to stop work for several days on account of being troubled with diarrhoea, I mentioned to him that I had been, similarly troubled and that Chamberlain's Colic, Cholera, and Diarrhoea Remedy had cured me. He bought a bottle of it from the druggist here and informed mo that one dose cured him, and lie is again at his work." For sale by ail all dealers. Price Is 6d and 3s.

not know him, but probably some of those present did. Tho poem was called " Our Boys from o'er the Sen and was as follows: — Eing out tho bells in peals of joy,

Let all your banners free, And welcome homo " our boys " to : day,

Who fought across the sea. With loyal hearts they left their homc3

To right a British wrong. They helped to keep our Empire free,

They fought to keep it strong. So nobly have they done the work

They crossed the seas to do That " Bobs " and all who saw them fight Proclaim them soldiers true. Full well do now the nations know

How brave our lads can fight: They know to wrong a British causa Awalces our Empire's might. Now, though we mourn for those who fell

And fill a. soldier's grave, We know their mem'ries cannot die, They sleep amongst the brave.Then let us bond the knee to Him

Who guide's our Empire's sway, Who brought them safe through war and death, And clangers by the way.

Then ring the bells in peals of joy, And cheer them three times three, To give them all a welcome home, "Our Boys" from o'er the sea.

Loud apnlause greeted the reading of the poem.

The Mayor said they had now got to tlio end of the programme, and it only remained to him to tell those present that the Organising Committee had made every effort to provide for the comfort of the bravo boys who had returned, and who deserved every consideration. The boys would go with their friends to lunch, and the committee would make them as comfortable as possible after that until they returned to their .homes probably on Mondaj'. Mr 0. R, Smith had just suggested to him that it would be a proper thing before they parted to give three ringing cheers for Lieut.-colonel Robin.

The three cheers were given with great heartiness. ,

The National Anthem was then sumg by the children, the assemblage joining in, and three cheers were given for her Majesty the Queen, and cheers for the mayor, M.r Chisholm.

The proceedings at the hall concluded very shortly after 12 o'clock, after which the men were driven to tho Provincial Hotel for " a square meal."

INTERVIEWS WITH THE MEN,

As may bo imagined, officers and troopers wero in great demand as soon as they made their appearance on tlio deck of the Monna. Their time being so fully occupied, it wap an impossible task to pet anything like a connected narrative of their experiences, or any portion of their experiences, from them. A chatty conversation was the most that could bo looked for, sometimes carried on amid the strains of music, the shouting of orders, or some"other interference that militated againrt the object in view.

Trooper Heenan (Southland) was the first to fall into our reporter's hands. Ho has now almost recovered from a severe attack of enteric fever. Ho loft the hospital at Pretoria at the beginning of September, and proceeding to Bloemfontein, remained there a. month, doing duty in the Mounted Infantry Guard. Ho was on the sick list at the time ho was taken Drisoner at Sauna's Post, "On tho morning of that eventful day," he says,

" wo started to march towards Bloemfontein, and in the afternoon the Boers commenced to shell us from the rear. When we wore forced to retire we found the Boers all round us. About 360 of us were captured at that time. Nine of us were down with fever—l;was one of them—and we were certainly not fit to travel to Pretoria, so wo were left at Winburg for a month. Most of the prisoners had to walk the 80 miles to Winbnrg. but the pick were taken in waggon?. After being in Winburg for a month our sick wore put into an ambulance train and sent on to Pretoria. Before we left we could hear the welcome boom of the British puns in tho distance. I spent some time in the prisoners' hospital at Pretoria. Tho English people in the town wore very kind to us, sending in extras in the shape of puddings, fresh milk, and other delicacies that we would not otherwise have got." The climate; suited Trooper Heenan very well until the fever attacked him. " No, we never met the fourth and fifth contingents, but one day, when tve were out in tho direction of Zeerust, we were within 12 miles of them." The opinion in South Africa, says Trooper Heenan, is that the war is slowly working itself to nn end. Referring to the reception in Australia, he says it was most enthusiastic. In Melbourne there was a crush at several places, but the people were all good-natured, and there was no roughness at all.

Trooper Bunion (BaloUitha) is in the enjoyment of robust health, and has been "as fit as a fiddle" all through. After things get more settled he has a notion that ho might go back. He was with the troops riffht up tc Pretoria, and saw many stirring scenes and sights that will live in his memory for eve.. He was engaged in the fight on New Zealand Hill when Sergeant Gourley was killed. He was not in the same division as the much-respected sergeant, but in one that was posted a few hundred yards away. The charge ordered by Major Madock?, he says, saved the position. He has no doulil of that. Nothing else could have saved the Yorks from a. severe loss and the Boers from securing a very strong position. After the capture of Pretoria there were a lot of vacancies in the service of the country to bo filled. Volunteers were railed for. and Trooper Bunton offering himself, ho was given charge of a station on the Rand railway at a ralary of £22 10s a- month.. A lar-ve number of New Zcalandors oeeu'mcd other posts on the. railway, and would willingly have kept them, but the New Zealand Government cabled ovei that it was not desired that the men of the contingents should he given employment, a message that caused the authorities to refuse to tn.lco on permanently any of the. men hailing from New Zealand. It was understood by the men tht they would get their discharges in South Africa, but it was not possible to got them, nnd they have bad to come to New Zealand for a very simple matter. Otherwise, some of the men who are returning would probably hove stayed in South Africa to make homes for themselves. Trooper Bunton does not complain, however. He is young and healthy, and is enjoying-, his return to the colony. If all goes- well ho may go back to work in the mines.

TrooDOr Black (Waikouaiti), like his mmrades. is glad to Fee New Zealand again, lint is ready at any time to take up arms once more if the necessity should arise. Ho was with the Now /colanders all the way to Pretoria, and has many iiiterpstins; episodes to tell of his many experiences in " chasing Krnger." Sergeant Edgar Hazlett (Dnnedin), who had cr.arge. of the contingent t-Jiat came from Sydney on the Moana, is looking remarkably we'll. "We left Barberton," he says, "on (lie lSth October, and the. train took us ie Pretoria. It took five or six days to cover the distance. We travelled slowly by day, and at, night we stopped in ra«e tlie Boers bad blown up the lino. I Fee that since we left that has actually happened, and the Boers have cut off communication with Borbevtoi)." In answer to a question as to the whereabouts of Colonel Robin, Serjeant Hazlett said : " Shortly before we left Pretoria Colonel Robin had gone out with the balance of the first contingent—some 20 of them— and the second ami third contingents on a reconnaiwince to Commando Nek, to the we?t of Pretoria. The Boers bad been troublesome in that locality. They had attacked somn waggons during the week previous to the contingents setting out." Talking of the fight at Rietfontein, Sergeant Hazlett mentioned the interesting fact that there are no Irss than 105 Rietfontcins in the Transvaal. Howevei. the particular one at which the fight took place—the fight at which tlie New Zealanderc loft heavily lately—is near Bronhorat Spruit, where the British met with a disaster in ISBI. Receptions all along the line have been of the very heartiest nature. At the four ports at which they touched in Auftrnlia, the people were wildly enthusiastic and exceedingly kind. In Melbourne Mi Shields, an ex-Dunedinite, was very good to them. He showed them round, and when one or two of " the boys " ran short of cash he at once made arrangements for a supply of the needful. Mr Pileher, at Capetown,, was another good friend to them. Those; *ivho had not experienced his kindness would never know how much he had done for the New Zealanders. Mr Liehtenstein, another ex-Dun-edinite, was also considerate in many ways for the men, and showed them numerous kindnesses. He was engaged in the Imperial Transport Service, and often put himself out of his way when it was a ea=e of dealing with parcels for colonials. "Yes, we always got on well with the ' Tommies.'. They are a splendid lot of fellows, and the gamest men ever bom." The general opinion in South Africa, as far as Sergeant Hazlett could hear, was that the war would go on in a " sniping " way for perhaps a year or 18 months yet. Coming nearer home, kindness without, end was also extended to the men by Colonel Pentoii, at Wellington, and Lientcnanteolonel Gordon, at Lyrtelton, while the Moana people could not possibly have been more attentive to them.

Trooper T-I. (i. Smith (Balelutha) enjoyed the. brat of health all the limn he was away. Ho also hiul a word to say about the men's discharges. It was generally understood that they would pet thorn in 'South Africa—in fact, a promise to that effect was made to tho men, —but when the time came for applications to be inaclc it was found it would be necessary to return to New Zealand for tho acquittal. This is a matter, however, that does not concern Trooper Smith. He is not sorry to have an opportunity of seeing this fair land once more, as he has an idea, of

roturninn- to tho Tranevaal to work in the Mines. Speaking of tho fraternity that existed between the Imperial and the colonial troops, lie says it was of the warmest nature nl all times, and of the Inniskillings and the First Battery, who were particularly kindhearted towards the colonials, ho has more than one sentence of praise. Trooper AValter Johnston (Kaihiku) is the hero of tho returning contingent. He it was who at the risk, of his life saved that of Corporal M'Kegg when the Henley representative was in sore straits. It is no use trying to get tho motkst young man to recount the details of that deed of valour; but those ot our readers who wish to refresh their memories respecting the episode will find a faithful account of it in the speech given by the Mayor of Duncdin at ths welcome meeting in the Agricultural Hall on Saturday. Trooper Johnston's health wa,, first-class up to a n-onlh before he left South Africa, but after a good voyage, together with improved faro for tho last fortnight, he was fast becoming, himself again. He may return to the Transvaal after a while. The climate agrees with him admirably. He thinks that; Johannesburg can perhaps boast of the best climate in the world, notwithstanding that half an inch of ice in winter is no uncommon thing. Trooper M'Kegg (Henley), as before stated, has been 'ill as a result of a fall down the ladder from the troop deck the day after leaving Capetown, but it is gratifying to lie able to report that he is improving. He went to his homo at Henley on Saturday afternoon, and it is intended to see what homo care will clo for him. before accepting the offer of- the authorities to give him hospital treatment. There is no doubt, however, that in the attentive hands of hi? mother and sisters he will soon regain his strength. Trooper H. W. Smith (InvcrcargiH) has enjoyed good health since going to South Africa. His experiences are similar to those of tho other men, and, like some of them, ho has a hankering to return to the Transvaal.

Trooper W. Renton (Stirling) had a " real good time," notwithstanding the many dangers tho contingents encountered. II was all part of tlio game, and, like true soldiers, they did not object to it. It was a hard life, too, in many ways. They put- up with it, however; in fact, they got used to it. Sleeping out in tlio open was a common thing. " Yep, it rained many a time on us at night, and we often got .our blankets soaked through. I never caught cold once, nor did I feel any bad effects-. Shortly before I left I had an attack of what the doctoi said was scarlet, fever, hut I am very doubtful if it was that."

Sergeant John Muir (Waikouaiti), first contingent, who with the other members of that contingent landed from the Waiwera at Capetown on the 23rd November, 1899, appears to have had a large share in the fighting in South Africa, and to have been extremely fortunate in keeping clear of illness and escaping the bullets of" tho enemy. Landed at the Cape, he wont first to Nsauwpoort, and was engaged reconnoitring round there for about three ironths under tho command of General French. Thence ho went to the Orange River, and was one to take part in the march to the relief of Kimberley. On leaving Kimberley, ho went to Paardeberg. and on to J^ocmfontoin, and after being in Bloom fontcin some little time was sent to Thabanchu. He was present at (ho Sanim's Post disaster, and afterwards, under General Hamilton, joinpd General Button, anil, with, the second and third contingents, marched to Pretoria. Ho was subsequently twine at Rustenburg, and twice at Bloomfontein : the last marc!' being to Burberton. Sergeant Muir !:as been in all the engagements in which the New ftpalandfir* took part with the exception of that at Diamond Hill, and there were very few of " our boys" there. Amonsr the more prominent affairs in which Sergeant Muir was concerned were several fights round Colcsbcnr, the relief of Kimberlcv. the capture of Oronje, the fight at Poplar Grove, at Abraham's ICraal. Blop.mfontein, Sauna's Post, and /at Barberton. with General French. He was in some, ninp engagements on tlie road to Kroonstadt. and under fire outside Johannesburg. Sergeant Muir mentions that ho saw Lieuten-ant-colonel Robin at Pretoria, and that Trooper Townsend was attacked with enteric fever, and went into hospital at Capetown just before he (Scrneant Muir) left about, the end of October. Sergeant Mnir, who belongs to Waikouaiti. was promoted to the rank of sergeant at Slingersfontpin. about six wepks after his arrival. It spoms that he had a very slight touch of malarial fever just before coming away from South Africa. He is not in a position to say anything about the hospitals, though he heard a good deal about them, and regards cue of the principal things necessary to qualify a man for service in South Africa to be " a good fossicker after tucker."

SPOILS TO THE VICTORS,

The men have brought back a number of interesting trophies with them. There is a pom-pom shell in the hands or Sergeant Hazlott and a mauser snorting rifle in the possession of Trooper Bunton. Others have assegais, cartridges, pieces of exploded shells, and other articles of note. They could have got any number of relics, they say, but owing to tho trouble of parrying them over a long distance on horseback, they had to leave them. The saddles and bridles used by the men throughout the campaign they have brought back with them, but no horses were taken over.

RECEPTION i>T BALCLUTHA.

The Balclutha .members of the contingent that returned on Saturday go south to-day by the express, and tho town is to be given over to jollification in their honour all the afternoon.

THE PREMIER'S EXPLANATION.

His Worship the Mayor has received a lengthy telegram from the Right Hon. the Premier from Christchurch, in which the Premier says:—"Your telegram conveying the resolutions passed by the committee lias been received. No one feols more acutely than I do the regrettable circumstances that have arisen and which have caused tho committee to come to the conclusions notified. The following, from the Lyttelton Times, fairly moots the position : —

Troopers by the Harlech Castle-Interview with the Premier.—With respect to the complications that have arisen in regard to the retura ol the troopers of the first contingent by the Harwell Castle, Mr Seddon last night Wildly told a representative of this journal that he had communicated v.-ith the Premier oj New South Wales, asking definitely when the vessel was likely to leave, and whether she would come direct from Sydney to Dunedin, or via Hobart. Jhe agents stated that the vessel was likely to leave lor Duncdin on Wednesday, but a cable received yeslerdav from 6-eneral French is to the effect that the vessel is not likely to leave lor n fortnight. In nuswei to a question as to how the whole trouble ove. the Harlech Castle troorjcrs arose, Mr Seddon stated that it was arranged between the Governments at first that the vessel was to bring the Australians, leave some at ile.boiune, others at Sydney, and then go on to Tasmania, where the New Zealandors were tc be transhipped. The New Zealand Government asked that the New Zonlanders should be treated as other colonials, and that, as the Harlech Castle was going to Hobm-t, she should bring the New Zealanders to Dunedin, the intention being to give each of the four centres an opportunity to receive the returned members of the contingent, Dunedin being made the first port of call m; New Zealand, because it was most convenient, since the Harlech Castle was visiting Hobart, The vessel would then have visited Lytteltpn, Auckland, and \Vellin»ton in the order named, Wellington being placed last because nearly ali the troopers and officers who have returned so far have been received there After the arrival of the Harlech Castle in Melbourne, however, application was made by the officer in charge for the New Zealand men to go overland with the Sydney contingent to meet their vessel again in the New South Wales capital. Subsequently, through another channel, the Government learnt thut they were going to tranship to the Moana. Instructions were then given to the officer in charge that the arrangements made bj the New Zealand Government would have to be adhered to. He was cautioned not to allow the men to leave, and the Union Steam Ship Company was informed oi the arrangomentsmr.de. The officer was further instructed that some of the men might wish to remain to see the celebrations, and that if so, ho might grant the necessary permission! Nothing further was heard until Saturday week when a cable was received from Lieutenant Hughes stating that Q0 men had left by the Moana, and that the balance were i»oing to remain for the celebrations. In the face of this disregard of instructions the leave for the men to remain for the celebrations was withdrawn, and they were ordered to come by the Harlech Castle. On arrival in Christchurch the Premier received the following telegram from the Mayor of Dunedin. [Here follows the telegram sent by Mi Chisholm conveying the resolutions passed at Thursday night's meeting in Divnedinj In the face ol the decision of the committee the whole matter will now be reconsidered, as it has been suggested that the men had (rood reasons for not wishing to come on by the Harlech Castle, and trom the delay that has taken place, and the docking of the vessel before coming on, it looks very much as though the agents were not over anxious to carry out the arrangements that have been made.

"At the present time there is a conflict. The agent said that the Harlech Castle would be leaving on AVednesday. The officer commanding in Sydney rays she will not leave for a. fortnight. I have cableil to the Premier of New South Wales and have received the following cable:—' Harlech Castle: Nothing very definite. Probably leave for Dunedin direct about ten clays' time.'—R. J. Shddok."

THE BASUTO BOY.

A Wellington telegram says:—The Government have suspended the provisions of the Immigration Restriction Act in the ca.se of tho Kaffir accompanying a trooper by the Moana from South Africa, and ho will now be allowed to land.