THE SECOND CONTINGENT AT NEWTOWN PARK.

Otago Witness, Issue 2394, 18 January 1900, Page 52

THE SECOND CONTINGENT AT NEWTOWN PARK.

(Feoit Our Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, January 9. Beautiful weather still prevails, and the contingent is doing capital work — drilling, scouting, and shooting. Driving round by way of Miramar and Island Bay to-day I found the members of the contingent scattered over a wide area of country. At Miramar I came upon a large picket of horses, and a hundred yards further on Colonel Penton was carefully noting the shooting of a number of men. What little I saw of the marksmanship was very poor, but the men were using new carbines, and this may have had something to do with it. From the right came the duller report of blank cartridge from the scouting parties out on the hills. At an early hour this morning the Maxim guns were taken on to the roadway overlooking the camp, and 200 rounds of ammunition were fired over the heads of the horses. The result was quite satisfactory, and on the whole the chargers stood the test well. There is some talk of a sham fight between the contingent and the local volunteers on Saturday. The camp is busiest about 10 a.m., when there is a general parade of troops. Everyone turns out, and a large number of the men are mounted. The proceedings, which are quite animated, are watched by a large number of onlookers. This morning every man was on parade except those doing guard duty. No. 1 Company went out to Island Bay for skirmishing exercises, each man taking 10 rounds of blank ammunition. Here the horses again behaved well under fire. No. 2 Company proceeded to the Sandhills, Lyell Bay, for outpost work. i'he Hotchkiss battery was taken to the butts by Lieutenant Sommerville for shooting practice. The kits for the men are now coming to hand. Spurs were served out this morning to most of the troopers, but there were not enough straps to go round. Three troopers received complete equipments and went out as ar rear guard to No. 2 Company. The Post states that " the work of selection among the men will go on strictly right up to the week of departure. Yesterday six more men were rejected for failing to come up to the riding test. Several complained that they have been given mounts which no rider could manage. While with the troop Major Cradock, when he heard one trooper complain to this effect, mounted the horse complained of himself, but he did not succeed in getting the animal to trot, as it was wanted to do. Another trooper, who was on parade this morning on a fractious mount, was ordered by Colonel Penton to put the horse in the lines again and take a quieter beast. The trooper was disappointed, as he had expressed a desire for " a bit of blood." It appears that the authorities can afford to pick, and choose the men, as there are more than the required number under offer and anxious to go to the front. It is likely now that there will be keen competition for the remaining places, and it is reported that several men who were rejected at an early stage of the formation are to be given another chance." The Defence department has accepted for the contingent Mr A. Hadfield and Privates Ailsworth, Twistleton, Heywood, and F. Harcourt, of the Heretaunga Mounted Rifles, who are required to complete the strength of No. 2 Company. Mr Hadfield is a son of Bishop Hadfield ; Heywood is a son of the Secretary to the Treasury ; and Mr Harcoiirt is the son of a wellknown auctioneer and city councillor. On Wednesday the contingent will attend the opera. The Garrison Band will play them to the theatre. The Defence department states that Mr R. Milligan, tailor, of Oamaru, and Mr T. Shields, tailor, Wellington, have patriotically come forward and placed their services at the disposal of the Government gratuitously in connection with matters connected with the fitting of uniforms for the contingent and other tailoring requirements, The tradesmen noted have already done much work of value for the Defence department. Constable Poland, who is well-known here, is determined to strike a blow for Queen and country. Ever since the first refusal of the offer of his services for the Transvaal lie has, says the Post, been strenuously endeavouring to get the Defence department to reconsider its decision. This morning, however, he received a final and definite reply that it had been absolutely decided to accept no volunteers from the police. Notwithstanding this damper, Poland is determined to get to the seat of war by hook or by crook, and now he has sent in his resignation as a member of the force, and intends, if necessary, and if possible, to get some position on the troopship other than as a " soldier of the Queen " for the present. Poland, whose action is quite characteristic, has been five and a-half years in the police, joining from the Armed Constabulary. His promotion was very rapid, due to smart work and several deeds of valour. As already mentioned, he has served in a colonial mounted corps, and is an expert horseman, though probably too largely built for much work on an ordinary steed. As a footballer, too, Poland is well known, in this city particularly, and the colony generally, for he was a member of the Poneke Club in its palmiest days, and has several times represented Wellington in interprovincial matches. On arrival in South Africa Poland will probably join the Natal Mounted Police. January 10. The appointment of the following noncommissioned officers was announced today: — Regimental sergeant-major, Freeth ; quartermaster sergeant-major, Clark. No. 1 Company : Sergeant-major, Montgomerie ; sergeants — Blair, East, Hay, Eastgate, and Dumarlsy ; corporals — Price, Clews, Fitzgerald, and Wightan ; lance-corporals — O'Reilly, Mallumbie, Oraie, and Devereaux. No. 2 Company : Sergeant-major, Crosbie ; sergeants — T. H. Overlon. Kelsall, Henderson, and Wilson ; corporals — Sykes, P. J. Overton, Neill, and Robert&on ; lance-cor-

porals — Street, Thompson, Norris, and J".H. Parker. Lance-corporal Parker, who was a lieu-i tenant in the Hampden Rifles, is a nephew; of Lord Kitchener, who is chief of the staff to Field-marshal Lord Roberts. Mrs Parker, Lord Kitchener's sister, has come to Wellington to see her son off. Corporal Neill was a 17th Lancer. Lance-corporal Orme (of the Heretaunga Mounted Rifles) is also an ex-Imperial soldier. There are now about 250 horses in camp.: Three hundred are required. The Roto* xnahana brought up seven this morning from the south. j-he two companies are now nearing their full strength. No. 1 has a strength of about 95 officers and men, and No. 2 90. It is proposed to make up the No. 2 company's strength with Wellingtonians. The full strength of a company will be 100 rank and file and four officers. January 11. The Post, referring to the appointment of officers, says : " South Canterbury claims most of the honours in the personnel of the second contingent, with a captain (Mr Hay hurst), two lieutenants (Messrs Findlay and Crawshaw), a veterinary surgeon (Mr Saunderson), and a numßer of rank and file. From the southern West Coast comes the commanding officer (Major Cradock), Auck-.. land is giving a captain (Mr Reid) and two. lieiitenants (Messrs Banks and Heather), Wanganui and the adjacent coast provides -lieutenant Sommgrville and a strong troop o.f good riders, and Wellington has sent in Lieutenant Hutson and the regimental and quartermaster sergeant-majors. As in the case of the first contingent, Christchurcb. has provided a fine troop of cavalrymen, the champion bugler of the colony (Chegwin), and the sergeant-major of No. 2 company (Mr Crosbie). Otago, after scoring heavily in providing the commanding officer and hussars for the first contingent, has failed almost' wholly to do herself credit this time. Auckland province has sent down about the strongest detachment of men, and a good set has come down from the northern West Coast. Captain Smith, formerly of Christchurch, and now adjutant to Colonel Penton, has been appointed to the command of the Hotchkiss battery. The a-ppointment was a somewhat unexpected one. January 12. The appointment of Captain Smith to the command of the Hotchkiss battery has given rise to a good deal of adverse comment in camp. It is stated that he has had no experience with quick-firing field guns. Captain Smith is regarded as an excellent officer, but the general impression is that the appointment is rot a satisfactory one. For the present also it is unpopular with the men. No doubt Captain Smith will soon learn how to handle the battery, but it appears that a volunteer officer who has a thorough knowledge of such work was available in the person of Lieutenant-commander Davy. Lieutenant; Davy's appointment also would have been, very popular with, the men. There is also' some considerable criticism regarding the appointment of J. C. F.reeth, of the D Battery, as regimental sergeant ; major, seeing that he has had no experience of mounted infantry work. A much more capable man in the person of Crosbie, of the C.y.C, sergeant-major of No. 2 company, was available. Crosbie had experience - of mounted work with the Jubilee contingent, and his appointment also would have been a popular one. There is no disguising the fact that some of tue men in the second contingent are poor horsemen, and that quite a number of them are inferior shots. Here is the shooting record of a squad of 10 men taken out to the butts the other day, the range being 500 yards, and the possible 50 : — 9, 25, 3, 31, 19, 16, 14, 14, 7, 9. The 31 score — a very creditable one, seeing that it was made with a new carbine, was put on by Ald worth, a well-known Rangitikei shot, and an excellent rider, who, however, did not belong to a volunteer company. The squad included several men who had been rejected on general grounds when they first went into camp. Major Cradock is, I understand, anxious to take with the contingent on the Waiwera the necessary transport, and the Premier is agreeable to fall in with the idea if there is any popular demand for it. Captain Hayhurst has offered to supply i one of the waggon equipments at a cost o£ about £50, and the other officers of the contingent would supply another waggon , between them. Six waggons, at a cost of about £2000 would be required. There is a rumour that one of the selected officers will not be taken after all.He made rather an exhibition of himself yesterday in putting a number of mounted men through a series of evolutions. The general opinion of experts seems to be that this contingent is weak in noncoms. The man are, however, all enthusiastic and no doubt they will do good work when they get a taste of what Kipling has called " the real thing. " The Hotchkiss Battery will leave for the Cape with, the second contingent on the Waiwera. It is explained that when the detachment reaches Capetown it will receive instructions upon the Hotchkiss guns from an expert, and will then proceed to the front with the foxir guns presented by Lord Armstrong's company. January 14. The announcement that the contingent would be engaged in a sham fight with the local volunteers attracted thousands to New-* town Park on Saturday. The First Battalion Wellington Volunteers, assisted by the Heretaunga Mounted Corps and Cycle Corps, formed the attacking party, while the contingent alone defended the camp. Shortly after 3.30 -n.m. the contingent, with tM r o Maxims, under Major Cradock, moved out of camp in the direction of Kilbirnie, from iv hence the attacking force was expected, and were long before they engaged the enemy. The attacking force was under Lieutenant-colonel Collins. The latter made attacks from various points, and succeeded in capturing one Maxim, while some of the contingent were put out of action. At another period it could be seen, that the attacking force was firing on their own mounted men. A hot fusillade waa ! kent uo all the afternoon with varyinc suc-

cess to either side. One mounted detachment of the attacking force reached camp and placed those occupying it under arrest, but it is alleged that this detachment had Jeen under a hot Maxim fire, and should ihave been placed out of action. The day's work is considered to have been of great benefit to those who are going into actual warfare. Eventually the commandant, who •was the umpire, declared the battle drawn. The engagement was not without many amusing incidents, and two or three of the contingent were unseated, but no serious injury resulted. The collection at the service held by the Bfthop to-day amounted to £75 for the patriotic fund, and it is believed could have ■been doubled had there been a systematic arrangement for collecting the money. In ' the afternoon the camp was again visited by several thousands, and the receipts should largely augment the fund. Everything is ready for the departure of the men on the 20th inst., but again the site of the demonstration has been changed. It is said that, owing to the expected crowd, it would be impossible to march the men from the camp at Newtown to town, hence the former decision to have the demonstration in Newtown Park has been cancelled. Where the ceremony will take place is as yet undecided, but probably it "will be that chosen at the time of the departure of the last contingent — viz., Jervois quay, in the vicinty of the wharf. The Governor, members of the Government, and the Hon. Mr Reid lunched with the officers to-da»y, and remained in camp during the afternoon. While the crowd were assembling to witness the sham fight, one of the contingent's ihorses broke away, charged into the spectators, and broke' a little girl's leg. January 15. After the sham fight on Saturday and the church parade yesterday the contingent have once again settled down to steady routine work. Yesterday afternoon, when, the Garrison Band gave a performance in camp, there was a crowd of fully 10,000 people in Newtown Park. The Right Hon. Mr Reid, of New South Wales, who witnessed Saturday's sham battle, said he had greatly admired the physique and healthy appearance of the men of the contingent. They were a fine look-- ! ing soldierly lot of men, and he felt sure they would give a good account of themselves. Quite a number of the men he had observed were of the same type as the best riders of Australia. The horses, he thought, ■were a particularly well-chosen and even class of animals. Several of the troopers were unhorsed during the rough work on Saturday on the slippery hillsides. Whilst a section was skir- j mishing on the contingent's right flank a liorse fell over the hill and turned three somersaults before reaching the bottom. It was thought the animal's back was broken, but he got up, shook himself, and neighed to let his section know that he was still ready for the fray. Trooper Valentine, who had remained in camp with an injured hand, hearing the noise when tne Heretaungas came into j camp, turned out, and was immediately ordered to surrender. " Surrender be blowed ! " he cried, and, placing his wouldbe captor hors de combat, Valentine ran up the lines and sought shelter in one of the tents, where he escaped unnoticed. Several other men struggled with other Heretaungas and got away altogether. This incident was the most amusing one in the day's work. Whilst Lieutenant Banks was taking his section up the hill to his position his horse stumbled badly, throwing the officer into a ditch. He was partially stunned, and was scratched and bruised over the arm and side. He was soon at work again, and met with no further mishap. To-day most of the men went out to Marama for skirmishing exercises, and another party was taken out to the butts by Lieutenant-colonel Somerville. Major Cradock hopes to have the men in khaki for the Opera House parade to-mor-row evening. The Rev. W. Shirer, who is chaplain of the Civil Service Corps, went through the thick of Saturday's fight with liis detachment. . The executive of the demonstration committee have made themselves a laughing stock in connection with the differences of opinion as to where the farewell ceremony is to take place. The commandant of the forces clearly stated that from the experience gained during the past two days at Newtown Park, it had been decided, after careful consideration, to request the committee to select some other spot for the official ceremony, both in the view of public safety and military convenience. A section of the committee, however, considered themselves superior to the commandant. Several motions and amendments were proposed, but none of them were carried, and the meeting dissolved without coming to a decision. Some of the members of the committee got rather angry. One man objected to another talking, as he (the objector) had come there to do business. This drew forth a retort from the speaker that the other man was the only one present who had done no business at all. Matters were getting somewhat sultry towards the close of the meeting, and one member of the committee frankly admitted that they were behaving like a lot of children. I have since heard that the mayor has been to see Colonel Penton, and the matter has been amicably fixed up, but that Newtown Park will not be used. 1 ' WELLINGTON, December 9. Strong complaints are made regarding a number of the horses, which it is said were only sent to the contingent because they Were useless on the runs they came from. The same horse which threw Trooper Chapman threw another trooper yesterday. The following have presented one horse each to the Defence department for the use of the contingent: — G. Rutherford, Sheffield; J. H. Nixon, Wanganui; W. T. Owen, Makariki; E. A. Campbell, Wanganui ; Joseph Paul, Wanganui ; Britten, Waipawa; H. Palmer, Otakio ; Shrimpton, Hastings ; Steward, Mongonui ; Bartholomew, Feilding; Downes, Feilding ; and W- A. Mackay, Ranaatira. Messrs Man-

ning and Russell, of Rangitata Island, have donate 50 sacks of oats. -Messrs Speight and Co. and Messrs Powley and Keast, of Dunedin, have each given five cases of beer. Messrs Neill and Co. (Dunedin) have given three boxes of tobacco. . The horse presented to Private Moody strained its back jumping over a ditch, and had to be^destroyed. Six men were rejected for bad riding. Bishop Wallis entertained the officers of the contingent at dinner to-night. Among the guests were the Premier, Sir Arthur Douglas, and Colonel Penton. January 11. Mr E. J. Riddiford has donated £50 to the patriotic fund, and has offered 500 frozen sheep between now and March next for soldiers and refugees, providing the Government arrange for their carriage. January 12. The Wanganui more men and horses fund now exceeds £500, and is expected to reach £1000. This is irrespective of over £500 already subscribed for refugees and wojunded soldiers. CHRISTCHURCH, January 12. The Teceipts in connection with the display at Lancaster Park last night were £238 13s 4d. Two subscriptions of £100 each have been received towards the fund for sending four nurses and a dresser to South Africa. THE STAMP OF HORSES REQUIRED. WELLINGTON, January 11. In deference to the wishes of those who desire to present horses to the Imperial Government, the Premier recently cabled Home to' ascertain the feeling of the authorities, and has received the following reply :— " The Secretary of State for War expresses high, appreciation of the offer of horses, the following being most acceptable : Broken to ride, and trained to saddle ; age, six to ten years ; height, 14.2 to 15.3; colour, any other than white or grey ; passed by veterinary surgeon as practically sound. Unbroken of no use." CONCESSIONS IN FARES. WELLINGTON, January 13. The Government have decided to grant free passes on the railway to volunteers desirous of taking part in the departure of the second contingent, provided that half the strength of the company attend. [The Union Company will give volunteer officers who may wish to witness the departure the benefit of half steamer fares between Lyttelton and Wellington.] THE TROOPSHIP WAIWERA. CHRISTCHURCH, January 15. Fodder and other cargo intended for the use of- the contingent were put on board the Waiwera on Saturday, as well as the bulk of the frozen meat and wool for London. The work of re-erecting the horse-stalls is rapidly approaching completion, the carpenters being engaged thereon all day yesterday, j The Waiwera left Lyttelton soon after 5 to-night. Most of the work required to fit her for a transport was finished, but Mr Daniels, the superintendent, and a few men went on to Wellington. Accommodation has been provided for 50 additional men and 42 extra horses. During her stay her boilers and fresh water tanks were cleaned and overhauled, scupper holes cut in the sides and 'tween decks. Captain Smith, appointed to command the Hotchkiss battery, left for Wellington to-night. He was entertained at. a farewell dinner by his old corps, College Rifles, and received an enthusiastic farewell at the station. NURSES FOR SOUTH AFRICA. CHRISTCHURCH, January 15. The following nurses have been chosen for service, and must be ready to start in the Lincolnshire on Saturday, provided that their services are accepted by the Imperial Government : — Nurses Peter," Webster, Littlecott, and Hiatt ; dresser, Mr Pierson. - PROPOSAL TO SEND MORE MEN. | HAWERA, January 9. At an enthusiastic meeting last night it was decided to form a fund to assist in the despatch of a third New Zealand contingent to South Africa. The meeting pledged themselves to do all in their power to strengthen the hands of the Government in this connection. The sum of £65 was raised in the room. It "was also decided to canvass for mounts for "men constituting the third contingent. The relief fund now stands at £130. NELSON, January 10. A most enthusisatic meeting of citizens was held in the Provincial Hall to-night, the mayor presiding. Resolutions by the Bishop of Nelson, Mr Graham, M.H.R., and others were carried with cheers and great loyal demonstration: — "That a branch of the patriotic fund be opened ; ■ that the action of the Government be approved in sending a second contingent ; that, if necessary, the colony should render further aid in the shape of '«ien or horses, i or both. A subscription list was opened in

the room. It was announced at the close of the meeting that £24 had been subscribed. " God save the Queen " was sung again and again, and the meeting was wildly enthusiastic. | GREYMOUTH, January 10. An enthusistic meeting in aid of the patriotic relief fund to-night decided that I the Government be asked to send a third { contingent of 500 mounted men at once j to the Transvaal, and that the Government defray the cost out of the consolidated I revenue, at the same time lists to be opened in support of the same, the mayor and the Argus and Star to ag^eive subscriptions. The meeting concludeowith the National Anthem and cheers for the New Zealand contingent. HOKITIKA, January 10. A public meeting last night carried resolutions approving of the proposal to send ! , more men to South Africa. It was resolved , Ito raise funds to assist in that object ; the j proposed entertainments to include a monster carnival on the 24th inst. The Westland relief fund now totals £750, and it was resolved that subscribers may transfer their donations to the " more men " j fund on application. The proceedings, ' which were of an enthusiastic character, concluded with the singing of the National ! ! Anthem and cheers for the New Zealand contingent and Sir George White. , CHRISTCHURCH, January 9. I A. meeting at Leeston last night passed the following resolution: — "That the Government be urged to despatch a third contingent of not less than 250 men." The general feeling expressed by the meeting i I was that the selection should not be con- ; fined to volunteers, and that the regulations ', respecting height and age should be relaxed. I At a meeting at Rangiora held this morning the following resolutions were carried : "That this meeting strongly sympathises with the proposal to send a larger contin- ' gent to South Africa, and urges the Government to prepare such assistance, and requests the mayor to call a mass meeting at; Rangiora at an early date to discuss the situation, and offer pecuniary help to the Government to despatch further contingents to South Africa ; that this meeting resolves itself into a committee to issue subscription lists, and make a general can- ' vass of the district, also to hold a public meeting in the drill hall on January 16 to promote the war fund; that the standard of height of volunteers for South Africa required by the Defence department is excessive, and that this meeting recommends that the regulation be relaxed so as to , admit men of sft 6in." | Sir George Clifford has offered to subscribe £200 to the " more men " fund, conditionally to its being devoted to the despatch of a third contingent. j Trooper Hunt, Avho arrived by the Wai- ! wera, is still unable to walk as the result of the accident sustained on the way over. 1 CHRISTCHURCH, January 11. I The Press has closed its " more" men " fund. A number of lists have to come in from outlying parts of the colony, but upwards of 10,500 shilings have already been acknowledged, and it is expected that the fund will approach 12,000 shillings. The names occupied over 15 columns in Ihe Press, closely printed in small type, and constitute a record so far as subscription ' I lists in New Zealand are concerned. The , main object of the movement has been ( achieved, inasmuch as the Premier has J promised to send a third contingent, and between £500 and £600 has been raised for the patriotic fund and for the purchase of ( supplies and comforts for the third coni tingent.