THE IMPERIAL TROOPS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11957, 2 February 1901, Page 7

THE IMPERIAL TROOPS.

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THE ORIGINAL PROGRAMME TO BE CARRIED OUT.

TROOPS TO BE BILLETED

WITH CITIZENS.

THE INDIAN TROOPS TO

FOLLOW,

Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. MELBOURNE, February 1. (Received Feb. 1, at 9.55 a.m.) The Dalhousie, with the Indian troops, is expected to sail for New Zealand on Monday. They will remain in the colony for 10 or 12 days.

(Per United Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, Febmary 1. A committee of citizens was formed today- to make arrangements for the reception of the Imperial troops. It was decided to invite the public to provide accommodation for 900 men.

CHBISTCHUIiCH, February 1. The committee met twice to-day to make arrangements for the reception and entertainment of the Imperial troops, but in the absence of replies to telegrams sent to the Hon. J. 6. Ward but little can be done. It was decided, if the troops sleep on board the Britannic, to give them a lunch and dinner in town on Thursday, and entertain the officers at a separate luncheon in the afternoon. There will 'be a parade and review. THE BILLETING OF THE MEN. The following telegraphic correspondence passed between the Mayor and the ActingPremier yesterday in regard to tho disposal of the Imperial troops during their stay in Dunedin:— The Acting-Promier to the Mayor: — I "Thank you for the information contained in your wire. _ The time of arrival of the Imperial troops is not'between 9 and 10 p.m., but about 9 p.m. The men will be well looked after all along the line, of course, throughout the day, but I think upon their arrival they ought to be entertained with suitable refreshments, after their journey. After having refreshments it would bo more convenient, as the hour w}ll be late, for them to proceed by special.trains and deep on board their own ship at Port Chalmers that night. This would enable a suitable start to be made with all the men together next morning, and after that day's procedure is over they could spend evening in Dunedin, and you could entertain them in the gricultural Hall, as you suggest. I think the idea of having this ehtertainment is a very good one. The chief point at the moment is to see that suitable refreshment is available for them on their arrival on the first night, the first train arriving not later than 8.30 and the second train certainly not later than 9 p.m. In any case, please note that the second special train will arrive at Dunedin half an hour after the first train. The first lot of men (500) will be formed up immediately on arrival and marched off for refreshments, the second lot (500) following on their arrival. -J.fi. WAm" The Mayor to.Acting-Premierl must confess I am both surprised and disappointed at the receipt of your telegram. Every preparation has been made, down to the smallest detail. Lists of hosts are printed, and a meeting was to be called 6f hosts to-morrow night. Preparations have been made by the citizens, and cxpenso incurred on all sides, and the ut-

most enthusiasm evinced by the entertainer A subcommittee of officers meet me at & o'clock, an deverything is progressing favourably. I have had practically neither encouragement nor assistance from the commanding officer here, and have been furnished with no reasons why the scheme is impracticable, and, moreover, you expressed your approval of this scheme as against Colonel Webb's proposal to camp the men. Whilst I am prepared to give my time ungrudgingly to carry out the wish of the citizens in the billeting of the troops, I must decline to accept the responsibility at this late hour of entertaining tie troops in the manner indicated in your telegram. In short, consequent on this and iecent disappointments, I fear I cannot approach the citizens of Dunedin and ask their co-operation. This city lias done more than any other city in the colony to evidence its patriotism, and it is singularly unfortunate in its experiences, and therefore respectfully ask that the new proposals, evidently suggested by, the military, be left to the military to carry out, as I decline any responsibility—A. CmsUOIM, Mayor." The Acting-Premier to the Mayor:—"l am just in receipt of your wire, and regret to see that, any misunderstanding has arisen. The military authorities have received instructions that they are to do what yourself pnd the citizens desire, subject, of course, to Colonel Wyndham approving. The point, I presume, of difference is that immediately on arrival at Dunedin your desire and. the others is that the troops should be taken in hand at once by the private citizens. Personally, I have no objection to this if, it can Ibe done. It was the lateness of the hour of arrival that caused me to suggest the course that I did to-day; but lam only too willing to do anything in my power to comply with the wishes of yourself and_ citizens. I ftdly recognise the valuable services that you have performed, and they are more than appreciated. I am surprised beyond measure to find that you are not receiving the cooperation of the local military people. Colonel Webb has received specific instructions from the Commander of the Forces here that he was to co-operate with you, and render every assistance to you. I liave sent for the Commandant of the Forces, and will wire you later.—J. G. WaHI)." The Acting-Premier to the Mayor:— " Kindly note for your information that if Colonel Wyndham, 011 seeing me at the Bluff on Monday morning, will agree to officers and troops being billeted as you have arranged by private citizens upon, their, arrival at Dunedin on Monday night, this will be carried out. If he will not agree, then we shall send them through by trains

| to Port Chalmers to sleep on board the ship, j and return to Dunedin in the morning. I I shall advise you from the Bluff or InvercarI gill early on Monday morning which course is to be followed If they go down to Port [ Chalmers we shall arrange to give them sup; | per beforehand; and though you have your j hands so full, I shall be glad to have your personal assistance in this matter, and the Government will pay for the supper.—J. b. Ward." r. The Mayor to the Acting-Premier "Thanks for your courtesy and consideration in promptly replying to my wire. I Will loyally co-operate on behalf of the citizens, and trust that you wilt yourself undertake to explain scheme for billeting fully to Colonel Wyndham. lam perfectly willing and ready to act with military authorities in manner suggested by you, and if Colonel Wyndham , does not see his way to bil!et_ the men in manner proposed, I will do all in my power to give effect to your proposal.-R. Cill> holm, Mayor." SUGGESTIONS BY THE MAYOP

Tlie following suggestions will be made by no Mayor at a. meeting called by him in the Victoria Hall to-night, and will probably be adopted-:— . . , As the proper and expeditious billeting ot the Imperial troops on their arrival. at the railway station is a matter of importance and of proper management, I would suggest that | all who have offered to billet the men should be called together on Saturday night and ! formed into a Hosts' Committee, to managd tho billeting and enjoyment of the men otitride the duties of the local military authorities. At t'lO meeting, districts should ha apportioned as near as possible to billet each | companj'. i A ballot should be lield to decide which company goes to A, B, and C district, >f I Colonel Wyndham does not allocate the men. The gentlemen in A or other districts Bhould become a District Committee, and a list of same completed, with chairman, to attend at i the station 01 elsewhere as arranged, and ! accompany the troops under volunteer guides, | and as they approach the separate houses the gentlemen fall out with his men at hig_ own i house, and so on. The different committees are suoppsed to look after their particular company, and make arrangements for their ; enjoyment when their company is off duly, ; and "look after the men's kits.

The arrangements for the smoke concert for Tuesday evening l should be left in the hands of the Hosts' Committee, who only should be allowed at the smoke concert outside the usual officials,

If possible the parade through the streets should end at 1 o'clock, so as to give the District Committees the opportunity of showing their company about the oity and suburbs. It would also be the duty of the District Committees to see that their men be paraded at the Agricultural Hall for the smoke concert if ordered to parade by their officers:

if not, soe that they turned up in the committee's company, and leave for home with them after the concert.

The officers should be entertained on Tuesday evening by the officers of the district and prominent citizens, who would assist in the expense. I think the Victoria Hall would be a suitable place for then entertainment. The officers of the district and the members of the Fernhill Club and others billeting the officers to manage affairs. The gallery of the Agricultural Hall to be open to the public at a small charge.

The Mayor of Port Chalmers received the following telegram from the Acting-Premier (tho Hon. J. 0. Ward) yesterday:—"l propose to have the Imperial troops to sleep on board the Britannic the night of their arrival at Dunodin on Monday first.- They will leavo Port Chalmers by special trains next morning for Dunodin." His Worship the Mayor requests all those who arc willing to billet members of the Imperial troops to attend a meeting at the Victoria Hall this evening to make final arrangements. Particulars of the railway arrangements on Tuesday next in connection with the visit of the Imperial troops are advertised this morning. It will be seen that the department is affording every facility for country residents to see the troops during their shorb stay in the city. Our Palmerston correspondent writes:— " A large and very enthusiastic meeting convened by circular at the instance of the Mayor was held in the Borough Chambers on Thursday evening, the Mayor (Mr J. C. Go\t) presiding. The meeting was for tlio purpose of making some arrangement on the occasion of the visit of the Imperial troops. It was decided to entertain the troops when passing through Palmerston with light refreshments. The Mayor read several telegrams from the Acting-Premier (the Hon. Mr Ward) in connection with the matter. A meeting of ladies will be held to-morrow to arrange matters and carry out all details. The business people of the town have placed their verandahs at tho disposal of the committee for the purpose of erecting table) lor eatables, and the use of the ccunters of their shops for the same purpose. This is considered necessary, owing to the broken weather we are experiencing, and seeing that one and all are anxious to make the visit of tho Imperial troops a red-letter day for the town. A very strong and fully representative committee has the matter in hand, and there is no doubt they will carry out all arrangements to the very best of their ability. Seeing the troops ara to stop here for only an hour, thoro will be no speechifying, as the time will be devoted to welcoming the troops and giving the best that can be provided in the short time available."