THE BOER WAR.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12097, 17 July 1901, Page 5

THE BOER WAR.

CAPTURES OF PRISONERS AND STOCK.

Mr lunger's Humane Attitude. SENDING HOME THE LNFANTJtY. HUNTING DOWN THE BOERS. Tress Asso.'ialion-lly Telegraph- Copyright. CAPTI'RE OF A BOER LAAGER. DE WET TWICE WOUNDED. LONDON, July 15. (Received July l(i, at 0.7 a.m.) llv a sudden feint General Scobell's three other columns converged at Candahoo, ami captured a laager, Ml prisoners, mostly rebels; also Scheeper's adjutant, Liebcntre, Lieutenant Lny, 26 rides, ammunition, stores, and oil horses, Schoepor and his main body escaped, by some precipitous paths, A I'oer doctor admitted that De Wet was twice wounded at Lindley.

MR KRl'tiEU'S PALLIATION.

LONDON, Julv ]->. (Received July 10, at 010 a.m.) Mr Krugor openly palliates the shooting' of the wounded, alleging that it is a lit vttiiliiition' for the barbarous illtreatment of the Coer women and children, and the execution of rebels. A RKHKIi EXtiCUTED. (Received July 10, at H.lf) a.m.). Coolze, a fiirincr at Mafeking, who harboured Boers who had surrendered and then killed a number of Uritish, lias been publicly executed. • BADEX-POWELL. General Baden-l'oweU's return to England for a trip is due to overwork and tut ntlitck of fi'ver. VIUORN'S DASH. (Received July Li, at 9.1!) a.m.) lien Vil.joeii's dash acro-s the North Middolourg railway is believed to he. undertaken for the purpose of replenishing his stock of ammunition. A COMMANDANT DEGRADED. llnri'iek is at Zoafspanberg. De la Roy and De Wet degraded Piet I'otit'ie for desiring to surrender, and appointed jvolbo commandant in succession.

LOUD KITCHEXEP/S LATEST HKPOHT.

CAI'THIES OF AMMUNITION AND STOCK. LONDON, July Ifi. (Uoeoived July 10, at lO.ili p.m.) Lord Kitch"ner reports that .since the 81 h iust. 32 liners were killed, -1 wounded. ."07 taken prisoners, and Lit) surrendered. During the same period -18 lilies, 1"i,07fl rounds of ammunition, •II") waggons, 4cSK horses, and many cattle were taken.

1.0!: 1) KITCHENER'S PLAN OK CAMPAIGN.

LONDON, July HI. (Received July It), at 11.(1 p.m.) The Daily .Mail states that Lord Kitchener proposes to send Home 7(U>ii() miiiiia, Guards,' Indian troops, and 10 line battalions., and utilise i)0,()l)0 specially-equipped mounted men to untiringly hunt doivn the Boers. PRISOXRP.S AND CATTLE C\PTI'RKD. (Received duly 10, at 10.42 p.m.) Colonel Featherstonhnugh's column has returned to Mafeking with CO prisoners and 20011 cattle.

Till! KILLING OF TUK WOUNDED.

DKI'OSmoXS SKNT TO DF LA RRY UIXDON. July 10. (Deceived duly IG, tit lO.ofi p.m.) Mr Drodiick, in the House of Commons, said that Lord Kitchener con--idered it was useless to communicate with the Iloer leader relative to tho killing of the wounded, si„ re \ K ] )M \ 110 "■"iiii'ol ovi-r his men. 11,. | m ,|, however, sent on the depositions taken on the subject lu De la Itey.

NEW ZEALANDERS WOFXDED.

LONDON. Julv in. (Received July It!, at li.fi p.m.) I'rivates (,'. Geddis and J. linker, of the New Zealand mounted force were severely wounded at Grasdalc and Vaudcrslam! resnectivelv. TUB COMMANDEERED GOLD duly Hi, at 111,13 p.m.) Ten Transvaal mining companies sued the allied marine and general insurance companies for £223.700 worth ol gold commandeered by Mr K'rimer Mr Justice Phillimore held that forcible seizure was not covered by the policy. J'HE CAPE PARLIAMENT CAPETOWN, July Hi. (Received July Hi, at n,(j p m y •Sir Gordon Sprigg considers it a grave error nol to summon tlijltw v M \[... ment to meet. Sir Gordon Sprigg states that he intended to convene at the end of the yivv a t tistoms Conference of the whole of sou,!, Africa to discuss the establishment of a united tarn",'.

BACK MOM THR WAR.

A U'XCIIKOX IX WKLUXGTOX. U'KIl V.VITKII PIIKSS AsSOfIATICX.) 'WET.hIXC.TIIX, .Inly 16. The oll'iccr. and men of the fourth and fifth conlingenls were i>nli> r tniii(.-d at luncheon to-'.lay by the citizens ( ,f Wolliiiß- j lon, tlic Mayor pif-tiliiis. Amongst tho"e i piescnl wore the Premie,- and Mrs' Soddon, ' Sir Joseph ami 1/idy Ward, the lions. C ! I". Milk -md ,1. Carroll. 'j'ho hall was | -saily docked wiili bunting, and there was a, | largo attendance of troop?. Tin- custoniarv ' toasts were proposed nntl iMitliiisiaslicnlly ; honoured, that of tile " Keturued Trooper-.'" ! being proposed by the Premier. During the j proceedings a corporal of the Fifth" ~„.. ; tented the l'remier with a kaioss, or lug, i ivmpo-ed of silver jackal shins. l[ e ex . j plained, that when they arrived at Mafoking : the Xew Zealand battalion, wliieh he represented, too!; pari in some sports, and after winning everything, a Mr jluhlcnbock took tiicm lo his house ami enlerlained them. He had five son* fighting against Ihe linens. He e:\ircssed his high esteem for the Premier, nml ilo.sirotl (hem to present (his kaross to him, with hii best wishes for his continued success.

WELCOME TO SURGEON-CAPTAIN WATT.

Less prominent than the soldiers, but often not loss heroic, is the part that has been played by the Eiirgeon in the uphappy war ii) South Africa, now, it is hoped, drawing to a close. Rare devotion to duly, unremitting kindness and bravery under trying circumstances these have been characteristics of many—indeed, most of those who went to South Africa to heal and lot to slay, and of cone more sc than the civilian surgeons sent from Australia and Sew Zealand. Green Island has had the honour of sending one surgeon to the (tout. Barely home fiom the old country, to which piece lie had gone to complete his randies, Di Watt again left the district in which he was born and bred, seel sailed by the s.s. Gyinrric as medical attendant to the members nf the fifth contingent. Sale and sound he lias come homo, and tho people of Green Island, who lnve followed his career with so much pride, .because they have read, and since Saturday heard, of his faithful services, last niyjit tool; the opportunity of extending to him „ I,c ni ty welcome, anil of showing him in another way their appreciation of the. manlier in which he ha; fnllillrd his duties. The welcome took place in tho Vomnleer Hull last night, and the proceedings tool: the form of a social. Xc other similw function held in the district has been so largclv attended as was that of last night. The .Mayor (Mr J. Knsor) presided, and on the platform with him were Surgeon-captain Watt, the Rev. ])i Watt, Messrs Loudon and liayloy.and .Surgeon-major Will. An npoioyy for non-attendance was received from Mr 11, Ilarraway. Tho National Anthem was first sung. The Chairman then made a few introductory remarks. He said that Surgeon-captain Watt had displayed a brave, unselfish spirit in leaving ids home and its comforts and liib friends to go to the battlefield, and thev were all proud of luin.-(lloar, hear, and cheers.) Their friend had had lo face many dangers and difficulties, but the returned troopers in his contingent spoke in terms of the highest nraise reganliii" the manner in which he had looked after them in South Africa and on the T;.<.'us.~(Annl:ui.soJ 'Ihe speaker feelingly alluded to those who h'.d gone away with Surgeon Watt, who had not returned, and would ant return. For the sate return of Surgeon Watt, however, they were very thankful, and he, on behalf of Green Island, heartily welcomed him back to his native land.-(Cheers.) The Mayor concluded h'-s speech just as tho strain of tho bagpipes was heard, and the cheers were renewed when the Dunedin Pipe Band, who had come out from the city for tho special purpose of attending the social, entered ihe hall. After several musical items, Mr James Loudon rose to make a presentation to the guest of the evening. In enthusiastic terms he first referred to the ready and cheerful wav the youth of the colony had come forward to offer their services for South Africa when they were needed. Xcw Zealand had reason to be proud of the sacrifices made by these young men in orde. to go to the Transvaal, of the splendid way in which they had fought.nnd of the qualities of intelligence and adaptability they had so often displayed.- (Applause.) They hail taken a keen interest in „!) (he contingents, but a very special one in the fourth and fifth, not only because so many Otago and Southland men were in them, but because the son of the much-loved minister, the TCcv. l)r Walt, had been appointed-fclicersj-lo tho high, honouri»b:e, and rcspor-sible position of army sur-gcoo.-lApplauje.) And lie would tell' Surgeon Wat', that when he left New Zealand in tile [iymeric the'y watched for and eagerly read eveiy scrap u! news about the troopship, nod when he and his rontingent arrived at Beira they followed \t-ilh intense interest their long journey through the fever-stricken country" knowing that Surgeon-captain Walt was having a hard time of it. By and bye came news ol ' Otioshoop, whore the fourth contingent fought its first battle. They received the news of the engagement at Ottosl.oop with sad feelings because men fell there never to rise again. Tliey heard ol it too with pride—pride because New Zoahindeis had shown once again that they would not flinch when they were face to lace with the foe. And how pleased they were to read that all night of that eventful'day Sur-geon-captain Watt toiled up the hill, bringing down the wounded and ministering to them. They all felt proud of him then-proud indeed. -■(Apnleusc.) In file name and on behrlf ot the residents of Green Island and Cavendiam, he would ask Surgeon-captain Walt to accept two presents, one a gold watch, the other a trsvelling bag, as evidence of the esteem in wliic' - they held him. and their satisfaction at his conduct in South Africa. They wished him every success in his good and noble calling, and he (the sneaker) trusted he would never be required to go away on another campaign. Might God bless hi,,, and his father. The presentations were then made, and cheers were set up as Surgeon-captain Watt took the splendid gifts. Surgeon-captain Watt said he had to thank them not only for their handsome presents, but for their efforts on his behalf that had resulted in his receiving the greatest opportunity of n!s life, and that was his trip to South Africa. Ho would not have missed it for anything. To a cerUin extent he had been a looker-on when the men were in action, seated away at the back out of danger —(Grits of'' Not yon," laughter.) He had watched them, but m-vei saw them fail oiice.-(Applausc) Off the field, too, the Xew Zealandcrs were spoken of in high terms. Coining fiom a campaign men were inclined to go loose, but the New Xeahaiders carried their liquor more gracefully than the Aiislraliani-lh'.ughti'U-aml others.' New Zealanders did not think they were belter than the sto.de of Ihe old world, lint Ihey w.-re glad that the bleed in this new connlrv was as gi.cl as that in the nld.-(Appliinse.) Surgton Wall then spoke in complimentary terms of the Imperial officers and men. and said in ccclusio:; lie could spruit of his experiences for horns, but only when he had them sir.giy. Fiitlm Jus-tic cheers were then given for Surgeon Watt, and the audience sang "He's a jolly good feilow." The Pipe Hand followed with an enlivening selection, and aii'.>refreshments were served the musical programme was concluded. Ail the items on the programme were we!' rendered, and hcariy applause was bestowed nn each, performer. Miss Loudon sang "The carnival," Miss Freeman ■' The flight of ages,' Miss J. Brown " Echo," Mr H. Abel "The bugler ai.d tho King's own." Mr L. Miller '-The dcal'hless army." Mr M'Donald also rendered two songs, and Mrs Snowball played two violin solos. Before the proceedings concluded, it was decided, on the motion ol Mr .lames Loudon, to {inward to Messrs Mathcson and Havraway, two Ciecn Island lads at the front, u cony ol the report of the proceedings that night, together with a small memento, these being to indicate that tho people of Green Island were following Ihiir career, and also that they would welcome thtni licr.vtilv on their return. Messra E. K. Green and J. 11. London were appointed to cauy out the matter. 'Ihe llcv. Dr Watt having proposed a voie of thanks to the chairman, ilic formal pioccedircjs wrie cta--cd with the singing ot the .National Anllieui. RECEPTION OF'TllOOl'Elt JOXKS AT WAIKOUAITI.

Our Vaikouaiii correspondent sends tile following account ol 'hooper Jones's welcome home from the war:~ . A very large concourse oi people assembled at the Wnikouaiti railway station on Mondcy evening lo greet the returning trouper James Jones, of the fourth contincei.l, who was eipiippcd by Ihe residents when that contingent ; was sent off for service. :n South Africa. After j bei-.ig welcomed by the Jlayor, and heartily j cheered, a torchlight procession wir, formed". j headed by the band, which wended its way lo i the Mer.hanics' Hall, where the forma! reecpI thin took place. I The hall had been elaborately decoralod with flags mid evergreens, ami was soon crowded ; with people eager to lake part in the proceedi iugs. Over the platform a motto. " Welcome | llonie." hid been beautifully worked out by ! Miss Cowie, the national colours pvedominnt- | ing, and military emblems were displayed i around the foot of the stage, j The Mayor (Mr Thomas Allcock) said they were all assembled to give a hearty welcome to Trooper Jones. Some Iwo years ago they had sent four Hue fellows away in the lirs.t contingent; things got worse, and more help being needed in South Africa, more contingents bad been sent from New Zealand. Other men had left nerc. amongst them being the one in their midst, whom' they had specially equipped for Ihe " Dandy Fourth." The fourth had not been long in South Africa before it was known ■ as Ihe "Fighting" fourth, for they had had plenty of lighting to do, and everyone was proud of their scliievements. Tiooper Jones hiul dor.e credit to them, and he was happy to see him I here safe and sound before them. The Mayor then shook hands with the trooper amidst great applause. Mr Harper followed with a piano solo, " The Sultan's grand march," aiter which the Mayor read apologies for absence from Mr T. Mackenzie, M.H.K., who regretted being unable to be with them that night owing tc having to bo present at an cducatwial 'debate in .tho House; from Dr

Hislop, Mr 11. Btteklond, Sergeant-major Elliston, and S. Orbell (oi the fourth contingent), who said he had received orders to present himself at Wellington without delay. He hoped Tiooper Jones would receive a cordial reception, as he was one of the bc=i men they had in the fourth. The fiev. J. Christie r,e:;t spolte, and said being such an old resident he might be looked upon as representative ot the ,ilace, but he wished some younger man had to speak instead as he was getting past the time when the blood could be warmed up to give such a speech as the occasion deniinded. Ho hoped the reluming troopers would se'.lle down us did Cromwell's soldiers, for after the civil war was ended in England they turned out tradesmen and settlers, and became the backbone of the country. Ho was sorry the war in South Africa had not ended before our gallant troopers had returned. Miss Chri--!ie sang "The march of the Cameron men." The l!"\-. B. Vanes thought 'he mcoliug ought to express itself in thankfulness to God that all the. young men we had sent from Waikouaiti had returned without any evil happening to them. Xo doubt they bad gallant nod careful officers, but he thought they had been guarded over by Cod in answer lo prayei. This war had been forced on us by the Boers, and it was founded on falsehood ana treachery. Many had been deceived in the so-called religiousness of the Boers—fancy lunger going about with his Bible under his arm, and thin prostrating him self before God, making himself into an Elijah, saying that God had bidden him s o on with the war. lie had not only deluded the poor, ignorant Boers, but also, before this, such men as 0 ladstone, who was led to believe.his religious professions to he real. A song by Mi P. Wilson, "The sleeping camp," followed, with " The lads in navy blue'' as a;i encore. Mi C. Duke (chairman of the Waikouaiti County Council) said he had been ashing himself " Why all this wave of enthusiasm which had spread over Ihe British Empire? Was it rieht?"-(Crics of " Yes."). Well, he wanted to see their enthusiasm now by giving three hearty cheers for T.oope. Jones (this was done, end the audience sang " For he's a jolly pood fellow"!. He was glad to bo asked to speak to the Waikouaiti people, for they haei given proofs of thei. loyally and patriotism; they had a history which went hack into the pas!, oi which they ought to be proud-he might say they were " bricks.' One day he was talking to Di Wutkins, of Melbourne, the son of the missionaiy, and he had mentioned that at tho Weikonaili IPwion House the fust brick chimney in the South Island was erected. Eleven years ago he had met Mrs Walkins, the missionary's wife, in Sydney, then an old hdy of SO years of age. and had gone for a picnic wilh her up the Hawkcsbury fliver. Talk about Mr Christie's men of yonrg blood. Why, Mr Christie was no! neai 80. and yet was talking of giving up! He hoped the young Mies present would remember the gathering that liigbt. and be braced up by the remembrance in years to come so that they too would fight for their country if m-ed lie. Our light was just, for it was for equal rights and lor freedom of speech. Miss Velentine then sang 'Home, sweet heme." The Rev. C. Fraer said at times like these ft wave oi patriotism was passing over us, but it might wane. He hoped they 'would strive to cultivate a spirit ol local patriotism which jWonlc! not he narrow. We had a grar ; heritage, and should endeavour to take an imcieft in ou. country's affairs, striving to liiulcl it up ill il tally democratic spirit. In welcoming Tiooper Jones he hoped the community would show their thankfulness to Cod in some way. Mr Thomas Smiih relumed thanks on behalf of Mr and Mrs Jones lor the very kind way in which the public had welcomed their sou. The meeting dosed wilh "Cod save Ihe King" being snr,.r lustily) l.y all present. Jieirc'hmcnU -.ieii. Iben served out in the Borough Council Chambers. While Ihe hall was being cleared for dancing the band played a number of select ions in the open space outside. Dancing we.s kepi up wiih much spirit afterwards till a late hour.

A SOCIAL AND DAN'CE AT POET CHALMERS. A very enthusiastic gathering occunirtl the Garrison Hal! at Port Chalmers 1.-.-l'evcni.ig to welcome the Port Chalmers men in the fourth ami lii'Ui contingents—namely, Serjeantmajor Bowling and Trooper Porieous The welcome took the shape of u social and dance, and the function proved an immense success. The hall was tastefully decorated by Mr Shirr. Patriotic emblems, ilags picturesquely grouper, mi vhiehls bearing Ihe names of Koberts, Kitchener, French. Robin, and other prominent, soldiers adorned die walls, and at the back of the hall the inscription appeared, "You've done your duty." His Worship the Mayor of Port Chalmers (Mr John Mill) presided, and as the returned troopers marched to the seats on the stage prepared for Ihem, they wore received with tniuulnioits applause. They were accompanied by Troopers Ross and Moore, of Dnnedin. There were also on Ihe platform Messrs I). A. De Mans (ex-mayor of Port Challr.eis), H. Chisholm (chairman ol tho Dune-din Patriotic Committee), and Ihe following old vcinanst-Messrs Kullarlon. M'Kav, and Lyell. Mr and Mrs Bowling and Mrs and Miss Porieous were also in the room, and wt-r» singled on! lor demoiislnrtive applause uii ai-i-i-01. ltii Worship, iu opening the proceedings, said it was i:Oi necessary io, hint lo say that Ihey were all present lo welcome back two oi their worthy soldiers who had been to the front. He was sure that they were nil delimited to sot then ljKck.-i.f.o,Hi i.i.planse.) They had, done, wonderful work in SoinJi Africa.—(A>>piause.i They had h?en the means of raisingNov.- Zealand in Ihe estimation ot every country under the sim.-i.Loud applause.) They had been the means of Ijrinnjr.g us inlo notoriety— notoriety that would never he effaced; no'.oiiely Unit would he handed down to posterity.--(Ap-plause.) Their actions lui-.l iuV.ilicd into tho hearts of all young New Xeaiandcrs a great ei.-tlmuiiism, and would ciuse them to iolluw in lltfir footsteps hereafter ii ocrasiun required. All New Zealand was proud that our boys had been Ihe means of assisting the old/ country in this war. Erciyoiic was delighted lo think that our boys had fought side by side wilh the British legulais, and maintained by their vjlour and dash the honour of the British nrtion.-tApplause.) Lately he had had the pleasure of travelling wilh some of the returned trooper:, to the UlulT. and he wa-. assurrd tUat the Port Chalmers boys deerved lo be well thought of by every inhabitant in the place. The presence of the large crowd that evening was a sure indication that the men did have this respect and esteem. The men ti'lio went lo the trout had been the moans of opening up a trade bctweiu New Zealand and .South Africa. That trade lied been of great extent, and it had come to stay. Last week (hero was a steamer iu Port loaded tin wilh giain and coat for South Africa. This sort ot thing gave employment to many, and he said that the fact that Ibis had been brought about by the gallant actions of our men should alone claim for them ihe respect and grest goodwill o: Ihe community.—(Applause.) He had to apologise that evening for the absence of the Mayor of Dunedin, who was detained in town by an important meeting of the Tramways Committee. He also luul an apology for the absence of their worthy member, Mr Allen, who hoped they would spend a pleasant evening. Captain Cameron also apologised for his' absence, as did Mr ,1. F. 11. Frascr. Soui" highly en'oyable musical items having t hi Oil been rendered, the Mayor tailed upon Mr Chisholm, who was received with loud applause, tn the"course of an excellent spc-cli, and one imbued with the sneaker's charaeieristie patriotic fervour, Mr Chifhohu-r-aid that having had something to do with the sending away of these contingents, they could readily understand it afforded him great pk-isure indeed to rano down to Port Chalmers and join wilh ihem ii: giving a hearty royal welcome, to the two boys who had come back safe and sound. —(Loud applause.) When they considered the size of the place and its population, there was no town in New Zealand that had been more loyal and patriotic or had done more to sustain the prestige of the Empire ihn;i had Port Ciinlmers.-tApphuise.) Ii there were a man in any of Ihe contingents whose name was more ollcn thai! any other's on the lips of the troopers it was Captain Baitchep.—(Loud applause.) Captain Biiuchop had well earned the distinction that the-.uithontifs had been pleased to conior on him. Xo one could over-estimate the value thai it had b.-o:> to New Zealand to send these men to South Africa. Think oi the immense advantages that had been gained by their prowess in the field of battle. Just think oi the 23rd March, how these brave fellows on the African veldt spent *hat day. liising early iu the morning a Boer convoy was seen in the distance. The officer in command jave the void to charge. "Charge -or the guns," he said. Sweeping down on them, inch by inch they contested the ground, turned the Boer flank, and captured nine guns, 159 Boers, Cape waggons, auummitioii, rifles, and came back flushed with victory and glory.—(Loud applause.) Think of the advantages these boys of ths contingents would he to New Zealand if

any of the Powers on the Continent threatened our colony. Those hoys would arise as one, and stand as a wall of fire around our shores, and offer an impregnable front to any enemy who would dare to assail us.—(Prolonged a;>-1 plnuse.) Mr Chisholm concluded by cute ; more referring to the admiration and esteem ' which the Port Chalmers 'people would ever entertain towards their returned troopers. : The Mayor said that the Patriotic CoiumUlce had decided to mark their appreciation of the gallant conduct of the Port hey? by ptcstni-ii-g them with a gold medal. The medals were similar to those presented to the Port troopers already retnrncd, and, as had picviously been stated, they are ot \ chaste and artistic desieu. Tho Lady Miiyorcsi of Port Chalmers t Mri John Mill) then handed the medals to Sergeantmajor Bowling and Trooper Porteous amidst an enthusiastic demonstration. Cheers were vigorously given in their honour. At the conclusion of the ceremony, V.r A. Ful.'nrtoii, on hehalf nf the veterans, returned thanks (or the invitation that had been extended them to be present. The manner in which the colonies had icsponded to the call ot the mother land was a grand object lesson, and he was pleased to see how our hoys had acquitted themselves alongside the tried men cf the British army, who had bled for the Union Jack in all climes where the sun shone. | Further musical items were then given, alter j which I -Mr Dp linns addressed the meeting. He regretted having come after Mr Chishoiiu, whom Sir Joseph Ward had designated the champion patriotic speaker of Xew Zealand.—(Laughter and loud applauscl He was delighted to be there in welcoming back the boys, and an nil a thrill ran through him as he saw before him tjfe parents of these gallur.i lads.—(Applause.) : They hal all done honour to their parents and their country.—(Loud applause.) The Port, I although a small comtnuniiy, had sent away a goodly number, and could have sent more, as j ihoy all ki:ow.-(Applause.) They went as ] ordinary troopers, bul'many of them came back ' raised from the ranks. As to Sergeant-major Bowling, it was worthy of note tint his father and grandfather were both soidicra lie asked Mr Bowling was nut that correct ?—(Mr Bowlin;: Yes, and his grandfather's father.)— (Lgik! applause.) Mr l)a Me.us concluded by quoting the following newspaper extract:—" At a banquet givrn at the barracks, Windsor, on December G lo the South African detachment of the First Life Guards, Corporal-major Quiglcy, in replying to the principal toast of the evcu'iig, said: ' 1 should not like to sitdown without paying a tribute to our gallant colonial troops. There are no soldiers in the world like our colonials, and ii there are any nearer my heart than the others they are the noble fellows from (ar-off Xew Zealand, who are splendid soldiers every one of them.' " Before them, the speaker added, was a sample ol these New Zealandcrs.—(Applause). At this stegc Corpora! Drimie.n, D.5.0., of Hilton, and Trooper Burgess entered the room, and received an ovation.

The Mayor, in introducing them, said that Ctnporal Drinnau gained the great distinction of D.S.O. by capturing, single-handed, a Boer gin unit two Boer gunners. In doing so his lint os knocked off with a bullet. Three ringing cheers were given for the two soldiers. Mr Bowiing returned thanks for the kindly utterances expressed towards his son mid the oilier troopers. He said these men were following tin the noble traditions of the past. They had proved themselves worthy of thence, and we could safely leave ourselves in their hands. They had shown that (hero was no dciibi that the men ol the present day were as good as those who had gone before. The memento his son had received would be treasured as a heirloom in the family, and would b; so regarded liy his son's children in the time to come.—(Loud applause). Sergeant-major Bowling also suitably returned thanks. The musical programme gone through was an admirable one m every respect. Mrs Murphy presided at the piano, and songs were contributed by Misses Murphy, Marks, Hay-Davis Marks, Messrs Jogo and Moss. The numbers were so greatly appreciated ttiat everyone of the singers was encored. The Port Chalmers Baud, previous to the social commencing, played some capita! music. The social being over dancing was indulged in Willi great spirit till an early hour tins morning. Ilci'rcidlluents in alnindar.ee were provided by the Ladies' Committee both at the social and dance.

WELCOME AT OUTIUM. Trooper James Anderson, a native of Outran], I arrived home on Mouthy evening by the G : o'clock train, and was met at the railway station by the inhabitants ot Otttr-im en masse, and was carried on the shoulders of his old comrades to the drill shed, escorted by old and young, three pipers and the big drum playing all the way. Mr Snow made a short- speech, welcoming Trooper Anderson home. Trooper John Andrew, of Outram, was also expected home, and a brother went to the Bluff to meet him, but was sadly disappointed to find he had not returned, and to learn that ho was laid up with enteric fever, and had been 37 days in the hospital, but was convalescent and expected homo shortly. Much sympathy is felt for his. parents and relatives, who were fondly hoping ; lo meet their boy. A social is to be held on ' Thursday, the 18th, in the Outram Societies' i Hall, to welcome relumed troopers to the Taicri districts, and if any returned Taieri - troopers have been ovrlwikcd in not receiving i a ticket they will be made heartily welcome if Ihey came. We have received from Arc-sis Whikombo and Tombs a copy of "The Veil Lvro." with which is incorporated the "Second Anv Zealand Contingent Chronicle." The oiiginal was published at llhennsler Kop on Christmas I) ay , ]900; by Messrs K. A. Kees. L. Price, and K. .lolinstone. Tho present iq.uibliealioii is an interesting souvenir which will he specially prized by members of the scc-.nd contingent and their friends and relatives. But it is of much interest generally. Lieutenant-colonel Kohin contributed a brief article, on "Our Umpire." Lieuten- ' mil-colonel Cradock's spirited account of the i "Battle of niieuostor Kop" is one of the: most lucid and interesting accounts yet given of a memov.ahle event. The (iovemment have received advice that I rooper (~'corgc. Cieddos, of Waihao, "near timaru, was severely wounded at ' Lake ! Ciirislie, and that Trooper W. Baker, Pali,ier;.lon Xorth, wa? sovei-elv wounded on the borderland. Both men belong to the sixth contingeiit. The following is a copy of Lieutenant <-01..nel IWs favev,!! orders issued on board the Tagus at Port Ci:a!nie-s-—" ft is with very great regvel thai I realise that ■ the tune has conic when I must sav good- I bye to the fourth Now Zealand regiment. I which T have had Ihe honour to coiiinMMll in Ihe field for nearly 12 mouths, and al*o Ihe fifth New Zealand regiment, with which j 1 have been associated during the campaign. ' »»« which lias been under mv command t'urmg the voyage from Mouth' Africa. I have to thank yon one and all for the cheerful and willing obedience and assistance to oulcrs. which has made my duties on hoard a pleasure to me. By your devotion to your duties and cheerful endurance under inclement weather, my command throughout the campaign has been made very pleasant to j iv.e. and should the necessity for your services in the battlefield again arise, I can ' wish for no better fortune than to a"ain ! command the same gallant men. As vour! t'Miiiniindmg officer, 1 must sav gowl-lw. I (bough. I trust that I shall ~,'eol you 'all : i" Aeiv Zealand. May you find vour' friends I well and happy, your private affairs prosperous: may yen one and all enjoy the very w'l ol health and good luck in ihe fuliirc.-rsis-neil) li. H. Davies; Lieutonaiit-colone!, commanding fourth New Zealand raiment."