THE IMPERIAL TROOPS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11956, 1 February 1901, Page 5

THE IMPERIAL TROOPS.

THE BRITANNIA. LEAVES MELBOURNE. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright, MELBOURNE, January 31. (Received Feb. 1, at 0.10 a.m.) The Britannic, bound for New Zealand, passed Cape Schanck at 12.30 to-day. A PARADE OK THE TROOPS ON TUESDAY. ARRANGEMENTS FOR BILLETING.

The Imperial troops are exported to arrive at the I'Juff early on Monday morning, when they will be met by the Hon. J. U. Ward, Acting-Premier, and welcomed to the ooloiiy. At Invercargill they will ho entertained for four or fivo hours, and reaching Gore by special train they will remain there for ail hour and a-half, subsequently coming on to Dunedin, where they will arrive between 9 and 10 p.m. On Tuesday the visiting troops, mounted, will parade the streets for a distance not to exceed three miles, at an hour to be arranged by his Worship the Mayor and the military officer commanding the district. In the evening the Mayor proposes that there should be something in the shape of a smoke_ concert I ov other entertainment in the Agricultural Hall. The troops will leave Dunedin early on Wednesday morning, probably at 7 o'clock. As a result of a conference between his Worship the Mayor and Colonel Webb arrangements are being made for the carrying out o£ a complete scheme for the distribution of the men to their respective homes on the night of their arrival. The following telegrams passed between the Aeling-Prcmier and his Worship the Mayor yesterday; — From the Hon. Mr Ward to his Worship the Mayor: " I desire to advise you that on Tuesday in Dunedin the Imperial troops will be marched through such streets as you think fit after consultation with Colonel Weill). It is essential that the march should not be longer than three miles. Of course, upon the evening of their arrival by express the men will require to be entertained at dinner, and 1 am advised that in connection with lunching or dining the troops and officers require to bo entertained separately. The Commandant of the Forces is now making arrangements to get as many horses into Dunedin as possible, so as to have the men mounted. You will, of course, recognise that the programme can be materially altered inasmuch as her late Majesty's funeral will have taken place, While it is regretted that festivities cannot he fully entered into, everything that can ho done to render the visit pleasant and memorable will he done," From his Worship tjic Mayor to lac ActingPremier, in reply: "The men arrive between 9 and 10 p.m., and it is obvious that not a moment's delay must take place in getting thorn to their respective homes. Your telegram was probably sent in ignorance of the hour of the men's arrival. It will be rather difficult to arrange for a citizc-ns' lunch the following day, as the citizens are all going to a certain amount of expense in making provision for the men's entertainment. Could not a big gathering be arranged for the foK lowing night in the Agricultural Hall. The citizens propose to look aftev Che men's amusement when not on parade, but if no broach of etiquette is involved I see no reason why they should not be gathered together in the Agricultural Hal! as suggested. Will bo happy to do what I can. I would very much like to confer with you if you are passing through. I could meet you at Port or Heads if you are going direct. Colonel Webb asked mo to inform you that whilst desirous of assisting citizens and myself to carry out scheme the latter, in his opinion, is practically impossible; but I think, as a civilian, that with intelligent and willing assistance all difficulties can be overcome." In a later message to his Worship the Hon. Mr Ward states: " The troops will leave Dunedin for Christchureh on the morning of the 6th: stay about an hour at Palmorston; stay an hour at Oamaru, an hour at Timarn, and an hour at Ashburton, arriving in Christchurch that evening; stay in Christchureh until the eveniue of the 7th. and then leave ■by steamer for Wellington." ADDITIONAL OFFERS OF ACCOMMODATION. The following are additional names of those who have offered to provide accommodation for tho Imperial troops:—E. Bowers (2), J.

Neil (2),..W, Lane, juri.. (2), Mrs King (2), J. S. Ingram (2), A. Maffoy (3), T. R. Shepherd (2), Mrs Macdonald (4), C. E. Reynolds (?,), G. Caldor (2), A.' J. Bartli (1), J. H.Roy (2), H. M'Callum (2f, Q.S.Smith (1), - Wilkinson (2), W. R. Smith (2), A. Tapper (1), Mrs Lewis (1), Win. Clark (2), T. Silk (3), T. Rodgors (2); J. Hutchison (1), 0. H. Statliam (1), J. Ritchie (2), G. C. Israel (2); total, 826, not including an offer by the Fernhill Club to accommodate six officers and servants,. . . . THE RECEPTION' AT GORE. • Thg Mayor of Gore has taken steps to suitably entertain the Imperial troops during their brief visit to that rising town. The reception will take place in the Agricultural Association's show, ground, where the troops will be ontertained. by the citizens. The Acting-Premier and several members of Par-. Jiament 'will 'travel with the troons. Arrangements are being made to convey residents from Heriot, Clinton, Kingston, Wyndham, and other stations-to Gore to see the visitors,