OTAGO AND SOUTHLAND CONTINGENT.
j ' OFFERS OF ASSISTANCE STTLL COMj ING TO HAND. I WEDNESDAY. A fresh batch of recruits went into camp on Tuesday, bringing the numlier up to 50. The morning was chiefly devoted to stable duties and squad drill. All the horpes were thoroughly groomed down, fed, watered, etc., and the horse lines ralced clean. Acting on the hints conveyed in the camp standing orders, the men take no little pains to keep their mounts clean, and the well-groomed, glossy coats of the horses give evidence of the free use of elbow grease. The men are eager and willing to learn, and this lightens the task of their instructors considerably. During the afternoon a squad was exercised in dismounted drill by Lieutenant Macdonakl and Sergeant-major Knee. For recruits they shaped remarkably well, and deserved the compliment bestowed on them by Lieutenant Macdonakl at the conclusion of the parade. Further stable duties in the afternoon and evening made the horses comfortable for the night. Guard was mounted during the day, and sentries patrolled the lines till night. The general public are displaying the warmest interest in everything pertaining to j the camp, and are making good use of the • short time they have before the camp is closed ! off to them. Hundreds of people inspected ' the long rows of tents, the horse lines, and camp environments yesterday afternoon, antl more came out in the cleai moonlight evening. It was not till a late hour at night that , the last visitor disappeared, and gave the i troopers a quiet and well-earned rest. The 1 hard work of the day does not conduce to much merry-making in the evening, and j "Tommy" does not wait till "last post" is sounded before ho drops off into a sound sleep. j THE MEN IN CAMP. ] ' The following additional names have been added to the camp roll : — i Paul B. Apstein, 23, clerk. No former service. . George Lister, 22, labourer. Served in J City Guards. ' Leonard C. Tennent, 21, clerk. Two years B Battery. j Henry J. T. Wentworth, 21, painter. Four years City Guards. j Alfred C. Braddock, 28, station overseer , and storekeeper. Served in Adelaide LanI cers. j David Mickle Jack, 21. station hand. Three ' years I Battery. Oamaru. Ernest "White, 21, labourer. No former service. Gavin Kidd, 26, labourer. Has been a volunteer. James Mills, 23, carter. No previous service. Robert F. Crawford, 24, carter. No former service. Samuel Brookes, jim., 21, coachdriver. Served as volunteer. ! Philip T. Iluslon, 21, labourer. Four years , Highland Rifles. i William M'Kerrow, 27, farmer. Served as ! volunteer. | Edward Hodgson, 21, farmer. Served as a volunteer. Arthur West. 30, engine driver. Served in Dunedin Rifles. George Orange, 21, striker. Served in East Taieri Rifles and Port Navals. Charles K. Ward, 23, bushman. Three j years Port Chalmers Navals. ! Amos Booth. Walter Cheeseman. George A. Ross. 23, stock inspector. Served in Otago Hussars. James Cairns Cowan, -*-, seaman. Served as volunteer. j Archie E. Ward. 21, brass finisher. Two years in Dunedin Rifles. j As regards Corporal Christie, whose name j was given on Monday as not having ' served in any volunteer company, it should ! have been stated that he served in the B Bati tery for three years. NO NEWS OF A TROOPSHIP. The Premier telegraphed on Tuesday: — " Have not yet had any word as to transport. Imperial authorities evidently find 1 same difficulty in obtaining steamer as we | do." WHAT BALCLUTIIA IS DOING. (Feoji Ouk Own Correspondent.) BALCLUTIIA, February 13. The horse " Balelutha," subscribed for by Balclulha people, through the instrumentality of Messrs J. truish and D. T. Fleming, as a remount for Clutha men with Major Robin's contingent, was forwarded this afternoon for shipmonl per Knight Templar from LyllelI ton. On Saturday about -10 men will be fully ! equipped from the Clutha district. Yester- ' day Messrs Duthie and Gow were much surprised at the manner in which every horse they passed as suitable was snapped up on behalf of some of the Clutha volunteers. The ladies have selected a very suitable horse for presentation to Captain Harvey. Messrs James and William Willocks, of
Hillend, have handed to Mr John M'Neil, th<t mayor of Balelutha, £25 to purchase a hors^ for Sydney, Eon of Dr Gibson Smith, of BaL clulha, provided he is accepted for the fourth contingent. VOLUNTEERS FROM CROMWELL.i (Fhoii Our Oww Correspondent.) m CROMWELL, February 13. The Cromwell volunteers for the fourth' \ contingent left this morning. They had a most enthusiastic send-off, a pathetic mixture of cheers and tear?. The revised list contains six men, five of whom are mounted and equipped, two doing il all themselves, and a sixth man who mounts himself. The local fund amounts to £83. The committee bought two horses named Cromwell and Kawarau, and devote the rest of the money towards equipping the men. The Bannockburn contingent, three in number, leave to-morrow. At the afternoon call over of the newlyformed Equitable Stock Exchange on Monday the sum of ten guineas was voted to the nurses' fund. ' PATRIOTIC MEETING AT ST. KILDA. A largely-attended and enthusiastic patriotic meeting was held at the Forbury School Gymnasium Hall on Tuesday evening. Aboufc half r>n hour before the time appointed for the meeting to commence the Southern Band marched from the Cargill road corner to the hall. Naturally their playing of national music attracted a large following. Tho hall had been decorated by Mesdaincs Cullingand Jago, who had certainly displayed considerable taste, and Mrs Whetter had kindly lent a piano foi the occasion. -Mr J. M. Gallawav, Miss Benjamin, Rev. Mr Brooke, and Mr J. R. Thornton addressed the meeting. It was announced that one of the bandsman, Percy Hoffman, had offered himself for tho contingent. An apology was received from U>e Rsv. Father Coffey, who was away at Oamaru, for his absence from the meeting. During the evening songs, all of which were remarkably ell received, and had to be repeated, were sung by Messrs J. Jago, E. Eagar, and Sergeant Cameron, and the band played a number of selections. The collection resulted in the sum of £30 2s 6d being gathered, and pretty well a third of this was due to the energy displayed by Mr J. Jago, who received a special vote of thanks. Most of those present were decorated with the colours, supplied at a small cost by Misses Mitchell and Skipworth. The Mayor (Mr Mitchell) was appointed treasurer of the fund, and Mr J. Gore secretary. CONCERT AT PINE HILL. A patriotic and dance held at Pine Hill on Friday evening. February 2. The committee — Messrs O'Dwyer (cliairman), Richards, M'Gregor, Godfrey, M'Ara, Ford, Hayes, Murphy, Richards, jun. — spared no pains to ensure success, and their efforts were crowned by having a crowded house. The . hall was artistically decorated with flags kindly lent by Mi Slowly. A capital programme was gone through, items being contributed by . Mesdames Eowrfch, Brookes, Miss Connor, Messrs Black, Carrington, Leckie, Dunn, Cross, Cunningham, and the Murray brothers ' (pipers). During the interval Mr Barclay, M.H.R., who on ascending the platform was greeted by the audience singing " For he's a. • jolly good fellow," delivered a very eloquent discourse, appropriate to the occasion, which elicited several outbursts of applause. At the conclusion cheers were given for Major Robin and the New Zealand contingent. The concert ended by all singing " God save the Queen." A- dance followed, which was kepfc up till the wee hours of the morning. The proceeds amounted to £10 10s, and this has been handed to us for the contingent fund. PASSING THE MEDICAL INSPECTION. Out of the 31 men voluntering for the contingent on Tuesday presented themselves before the medical examiners, Lieutenantcolonel de Lautour, Surgeon-major Will, Captain Fulton, and Dr Burt, the following have passed, and are now in camp : — William Allan, David Bowie, Ernest Henry Caiter, John Albert Eaiie Glyne, Forester Findlater, John Meiklejolm, Henry John M 'Donald, Elliston Scott Orbell, Neil Percy Rae, Robert Riddell, James Rodger, Robert Rodger. John Ross, John Sutherland, Frank Swamvick, Robert Simmers, Robert John Vaiman, Robert AVarren, George Williams, and George Gordon Woodhouse. The following have also passed the examination, and have received tickets for the camp: — John Thomas M'Donald, John M'Naughton Bryant, and Alfred Norton Smith. Eight were rejected. A number of tickets await others who have passed their examination since Friday. AN ACT OF SELF-DENIAL. At tho last monthly meeting of the Albany street School Committee it was resolved to hold the annual school picnic on Wednesday, 2?th in&fc., but the committee now find that the date has since been arranged for the floral fete. It was decided to ask the children to forgo their outing in favour of the fete. On Tuesday afternoon Mr D. Mathieson (chairman) and Messrs J. F. Kirby and T. W. Butler (secretary) waited \ipon the children for this purpose. After the matter had been explained they unanimously agreed to abandon the picnic, and to devote the money thus saved to the Olago contingent. Great enthusiasm, was displayed by the children, and ifc is expected that the £5 previously given to the patriotic fund will be supplemented Try a handsome donation to the " more men " fund. Before being dismissed the children gave three ringing cheers for our soldiers. A BUSY DAY IN CAMP. ' THURSDAY. A good day's work was done at the camp on Wednesday. The morning was disagreeable, but our boys are not fine weather =olc!i?is, and there was little grumbling at the rain showers that interfered a little with drill. The "fall in" for stables was responded to with alacrity, and the mounts had their morning toilet attended to and were fed long before many a drowsy civilian was out o£ bed. About 7 o'clock a squad of about 15 men saddled up and went out to undergo a riding test. They were picked from those who were able to bring saddle and bridle with them into the camp, and until the camp saddlery comes, to hand there will be little opportunity of conducting the riding tests on a large scale. However, the batch who were put through their paces came out of it fairly well. There were no spills, and some of tha men were quite at home on horseback. Breakfast was partaken of with appetites whetted by tho exercises in the chill morning air, and at 9 o'clock squad drill' was commenced. Lieuteiiant Freeman (orderly officer for the day) and Lieutenant Morris each had charge of about 20 recruits, and exercised them for a stiff two hours and a-half in dismounted drill — sectional movements, advancing in extended order, etc. " Sttb'les " afc 11.30, and tnem dinner .it 1 o'clock brought a welcome relief. A cmiet and well-earned^
smoke was also enjoyed before turning out again. At 2 o'clock the sun .began to come out, and the afternoon was warm and sunny. More dismounted drill, at which the squads showed a imarked improvement, occupied the afternoon. "Stables" at 5, and afterwards tea. This routine will probably be continued for the rest of the week, as new men are coming in daily, and all must go through the same mill. Only one short month intervenes between now and the date they will embark as Imperial troopd for South Africa. To thoss who have " been there before," and know what an infinite amount of work has to be got through by that time, the days will fly as in a dream. The instructors, who have to knock the corners off the raw material, teach it which is its^ left foot, teach it how to walk straight, ride straight, and shoot straight, know what is really in front of them. And when the fittest have survived out; of the 400 odd volunteers now enrolled, and they stand a picked contingent of 150 men, they will be a fine troop and worthy of the province that is sending them out. Nearly twenty new men were registered on the camp roll on Wednesday. Guard was mounted as usual at reveille, and consists of 12 men. Sentries are posted at the gate, at the forage tent, and at the horse lines. The relief goes out every tyro hours, and this gives every man oii guard four hours' rest against two hours duty. All day and night long therefore a watchful eye is kept on the horses and the camp property. Should a horse get entangled ■with the lines in anyway, or anything were to go ■wrong, the sentry on duty would givo the alarm and turn out the guard with all the promptitude he is capable of. In this way lie is learning the first principles of picket duty, and his watchfulness may some day save his life and the lives of his comrades. The remounts shipped to Christchurch yesterday were numbered 1001 to 1020, and included several gift horses. Mr H. Palmer Bent one to his son, Trooper Palmer, and the well-known licensee of the Henley Hotel sent one to his son, Corporal M'Kegg. Balelutha eends a horse to the care of Major Robin for one of the Clutba men, and other donor.-s J •were Mrs A. W. Morris, Elliott Bros., M'Leod Bros., and< the Master Butchers of Dunedin : while 10 have been purchased from the Otago Daily Times "more horses" fund. The following temporary appointments have been made: — Mr J. R. Macdonald, acting lieutenant; H. J. S. Metford, late Cape Mounted Police, acting sergeant-major; | Corporal Christie, acting quartermaster sergeant. THE MEN IN CAMP. The camp roll was supplemented yesterday with the following names : — Robert G. Tubman, 28, teacher. Six years a volunteer and served two in North Otago Mounted Rifles. Chas. Carpenter.* Chas. W. A. Cornish, 24, asylum attendant. Served in City Guards. Ja?. Gray.* ■R-obert J. Vannan, 27, farm cadet. Served five years volunteer Battalion Royal Highlanders. Ebenezer R. Meyer, 21, ironmonger. Served as a volunteer. Daniel A. Hickey, 28, police constable. Two years volunteer and three years Permanent Militia. Alex. W. Roberts, 27, gaol warder. Served in volunteers and Permanent Artillery. Alfred Norton Smith, 22, coal miner. No former service. John D. Watt, 23, shepherd. Served 15 months as volunteer. . William Allan, 33, farmer. No former service. George Williams. 1 * John Sutherland, 23, farmer. No former service. Malcolm Beasley, 21, labourer. No former service. William Thomson, 22, labourer. No former service. John A. S. Clyma, 21, labourer. Served as a volunteer. Neil P. Rae, 22, carpenter. No former service. * Signifies no qualifications filed. THE WAR OFFICE. There seems no prospect of any cessation of work at headquarters. Two long sittings of the Organising Committee were held on Wednesday. One of these was in the afternoon, and the other, commencing at 8 o'clock, lasted until -nearly midnight. An immense number of matters of detail connected with the equipment of the contingent were considered, and dealt with. Some idea of the amount of work to be done may be gathered from the fact that during Wednesday's sittings ove. 100 telegrams and some 50 letters came before the committee. The subcommittees also met to attend to their respective branches, the Selection Committee being very busy receiving communications from, or respecting, appli cants and supplying men who applied personally with forms and information. The medical inspection was continued, and Sur-geon-major Cough trey and Lieutenant Fulton ■were busy during the greater part of the day over matters connected with the equipment for the men. PURCHASE OF HORSES. The committee earnestly request that donors of horses will allow tke agents of the committee to purchase on their behalf. The committee has had placed at its disposal tho services of the bast buying experts in the province, and in order that the best possible use may be made of the money which is being so generously subscribed, they do not hesilata to give the ' advice already mentioned. In some case 3 the men are bringing their own horses, and such as are suitable are accepted ; but it is felt to be of tho utmost importance that the greatest care should be exercised, and to ensure that it is quite unsafe to rely upon the common impression that every Eriton knows a good horse when he sees it. THE FIRST CONTINGENT. The committee are writing to all members of the first New Zealand contingent to whom remounts have been specially sent informing them of the fact. They are alFo sending to Major Robin full particulars of all the horses, the donors, and destination, and expressing their desire for the success and welfare of himself and his men. The horse to be called Balelutha, '•ent by the people of that town as a remount for one of Major Robin's men, and by prpferance for a Clutha boy, was passed yesterday, branded 1007, and sent for shipment by the Knight Templar. THE REMOUNTS. The 20 remounts for the first Now Zealand Contingent were ssnt away from Dunedin by the Oamr.ru train on Wednesday afternoon. A considerable number of persons gathered at the railway station to see the horses entrained. This work was oarrieel out unde)- the supervision of Quartermaster Park. Each house
was provided with a cover, and had beim branded with a number on the fiont of the off foro hoof, while the letters " N.Z.0.R.," signifying " New Zealand Otago Remounts," had been burnsd into the near hoof. Some little difficulty was experienced in getting one of the horses into his truck. After being blindfolded and leg-roped, he was led up to the door, but when an effort was made to get him | to enter the truck lie began to play up, and could r.ot be induced to go any furoher. The difficulty of getting him on board was, how- ( ever, eventually overcome by backing him into the truck. The other animals were all . entrained without accident or trouble. Some difference of opinion existed amongst the bystander as to the suitability of the horses for 1 the work they will be required to perform. I Those, however, who might be presumed to bs most competent to form an opinion on Iho subject think thut the animals are well pdapted for the work, which does not require horses , of a heavy stamp. One of the best of the . horses is a brown gelding, five years of age, • the animal being the gift of Balclutha. rod- i dents to one of the Clutha men, sent to the j care of Major Robin. Its number is 1002. j Mr H. Palmer's- gift to his son, Trooper Palmer, a nice black mare, was included in , the 20. Mr M'Kegg sent to his son, Cor- I poral M'Ke£<?, a handy-looking dark-brown | mare. Ten of the others were provided from the Daily Times " Horses for the Transvaal " i fund. At Oamaru last night the horses were taken out and fed and watered with the as- ■ sistance of the New Zealand Express Com- J pany's hands, and the company's stables were occupied by the horses. This morning tho lemcunts will be once more put on the train, and i-q:il off to Lyttelton, arriving about 6.30 | p.m. Orbcll went with tho horses, which he • is to deliver ab Christchurch for shipment by the Knight Templar. MEETING AT OPOHO. ONE HORSE TO BE SUPPLIED. The good people of Opoho held a meeting > last night, with the double object of show- ' ing their patriotism and of 'raising funds to assist in the sending off of the Otago and Southland Contingent. The little Baptist Church Schoolroom was much too small to accommodate all those who attended, and many had to view the 'proceedings from the j doors of the lobbies and ante-rooms. Bunting had been hung on the walls during the afternoon, a large Union Jack facing the audience and the Stars and Stripes and the flag of New Zealand hung on the side?. Mr j C. Macandiew. the mayor of the borough, ' presided, and Mr T. Mackenzie was also on . the platform. After a few preliminary remarks from the Chairman, a comic song was given by Mr Wilson, who received a vociferous encore. Mr J. Evans addressed the meeting. j " The last muster " was then sung very , nicply by Mr G. Mirams, " England will se9 ' it through," by Mr Drake, and Miss Far- , quharson followed with a selection of patriotic airs on the mandolin, an item which was . deservedly encored. ', Mr Evans again made an appearance on , the stage. It was to announce that at an interval refreshments provided by the ladies 1 could be obtained free, the only charge made being 3d for standing at the table. Following this announcement came songs by Mesdamss Strain and Walker. A recita- , tion was then given by Miss Sim, Hie piece > contributed being an original poem entitled " New Zealand's Answer to the Motherland," and the Chairman intimated that the first part of the programme was over and tea was ready. Tho audience, recognising the bargain the ladies were offering, spent their threepenny pieces freely, and as there was only room for a limited number in the refreshment room, winsome young ladies went round disposing > of their "cakes and coffee." In a corner was a number of boj-s whose "spirits were willing but whose purses were weak." However, they^ were put o1o 1 ihr free list. That the ladies of Opoho had been unstinted in providing re- I freshments was evident from tho fact that j even after the appetites of the juveniles had j been satisfied, there vss nothing to spare, j Ten minutes had beo.i allowed for this inter- i val. Twenty must lirve elapsed before pro- ' ceedings recommenced with the singing_.of , " The Absent-minded .Beiignr " by Mr Drake, j He sang it to the accompaniment of the jing- , ling of the "shillings" in the hat. Mr T. Mackenzie's speech followed. He ! briefly traced the history of the Transvaal, j showed the base ingratitude of the Boers, and i indicated the vast importance of the present war being carried to a successful termination, j Mr Mapkenzie, in his closing remark?, drew a ! picture of the time when the whole of the ! English-sw&aking peoples would unite in one j grand federation. j "The Absent-minded Beggar" again came on the scene. This time Mr Wilkinson recited, and a shower of coins began to fall, some boys clambering up the wall outride and throwing contributions through the window. Four little girls then stretched out p flag and caught the coins as they fell. "Pennies," i said a small boy. "Not them!" said a , Fecojid, " Shillings ! ' "I saw half a crown." ' said a third, and'a fourth, who went to satisfy his curiosity, returned with bated breath to say that there, was a £1 note. More enthusi- | asm was displayed when Mr Hopcraft sang . " Sons of the sei." Miss Drake gave a song, > Mr Springer a recitation, and Mr Wilson en- | other of his amusing items. This concluded j the programme. It was announced that the . sum altogether raised was £31 7s 7d. Seven J pounds eighteen shillings and one penny^ of this was taken in the hall, the balance being the result of the canvoss. Votes of thanks to the mayqr, Mr Mackenzie, the singers, and other performers were then given, and the meeting closed with cheers for the Queen and the New Zealand boys. Messrs Secullar and i Chisholm, it moy be stated, supplied chairs. ACTIVITY AT WEST HARBOUR. A meeting of the committee recently formed in West Harbour for the purpose of organising to raise funds to purchase and equip a horse foi tho R&vensbourne volunteer^was held in the Council Chambers on Wednesday, , the Mayor (Mr H. E. Moller) presiding. The j collectors appointed at the last meeting re- | ported having canvassed the di'U-iet, and re- j ceived liberal response in the raising of funds. A considerable sum has been collected, and it is hoped that the public meeting on Friday , evening and the regatta to take place on Satur- ! day (tho proceeds of which will go io tho equipment fund) will provide the balance of the money required. Several speakers will ( address the meeting on Friday evening, and < patriotic rongs and recitations by Dunedin friends will be rendered. The Highland pipers will vif-it tho district, and also rendei some , items at the concert in the hall. From iho enthusiasm evinced, it is evident that tho residents of Went Harbour (many of whom have already contributed in Dunedin) arc not going to be behind in tho matW of doing their full share towards assisting in the general movement now being made. Owing io tho limited .space available in the hall, it has been decided nol to have any half-price, and to encourage tho children it is intended to
arrange a children's patriotic concert at alater date. CONCERTS AND SOCIALS. The patriotic concert at Outram on Friday proved a great success. Mr W. Snow was chairman. The musical part of the programme was cariied out by Mrs W. H. Young. Miases Wise, Wale-s. • Burt. Saunders, and Arthur, and Messr-- Bcws, Mollison, Irwin, Jones, Slepheoson, and Price. Speeches were made by Messrs J. J. Ramsay, J. M. Gallaway, T. Mackenzie, and W. Carncross. M.H.R. The ladies who got up the concert (Misses Burt and Patrick) desire to thank Messrs Fergusson and Mitchell and J. Willne and Co. for printing and Messrs J. F. Kirby and J. A. Park for flaa*. Mr F. C. Fulton, not being well, wrote a letter to the chairman, which it was intended should be read to the meeting, and enclosing a cheque for £50, but recovering as the time drew near, attended and road his own letter. Mr Fulton referred to the splendid patriotism shown by the colonies and the sympathy displayed by the United States. Mr Fullon mentioned that it is now 48 years since he took up his residence at West Taieri, and he had spent there some of the happleit years of his, life. Althouah he hid lived for the pabt 16 years in tho North Island, he was pleaded at being amongst them for a -dsit. and moic than pleased to be enabled to make his contribution to swell the fund they were raising. The collection, including Mr Fulton's cheque and one. for £20 from the trustees of the late James Fulton, amounted to £95. The sale of- tickets realised £15. A very successful social and dance was held on Tuesday evening last at Seacliff for the purpose of showing practical .sympathy with tho South African campaign, and resulted in the raising of nearly £10. There were no expenses to deduct, as the members of tho committee provided the supper. They have decided to get the sum made up -to £10, and hand it over at ones to the fund for pro-i iding nurses. During the past week the local committee has also collected £4-5 to provide a horse and equipment for a rough rider, and four local men — Mei-srs Campbell, Buffer. Findlater, and Murphy — have enrolled their names for service in the fourth contingent. The horse has boon bought, and is to be named Seacliff, and it ir left to the authorities to choose as its rider the most suitable man among the local applicants. Adding the sum. recently contributed to the patriotic fund, Sr-aeliff has now raised for South Africa over £IJO, and has supplied five volunteers for the front. WELL DONE, ST. "RATHANS. (Fnoit Our Own Correspondent.) ST. BATHANS, February 14. At a patriotic meeting held here last night, organised by Messrs Pyle and M'Connochie, local representatives of the Olac;o and Southland Contingent and Remount Committee, to provide equipment for men for tho Olago and Southland contingent, the utmo.it enthusiasm prevailed. £53 v\,'..s subscribed at the meeting, and it was resolved to send five men, five horses, and £75. The mea selected are Albert Thurlow, Thomas Mcc, and John Dungey, who provide their own hor&cr. : Alex. Ferguson and John Dillon, to whom horses have been presented by Me«rs P. Fkzpatrick and P. Dillon, juu. At the conclusion of the meeting the National Anthem was sung with great spirit. GENERAL ITEMS. Mr Shields, who, in common with others, has been unremitting in his work a& a member of the Organising Committee, will get a few days' rs",'. He leaves to-day for Christchurch. ; but when there it is expected he will not lose the opportunity of learning anything that may prove of advantage to our own men. Mis M'Diarmid, an elderly lady, who was collecting- for a horse to bo provided by the elderly women of Dunedin, sent in her first instalment of £2 ss, all of which was practically collected in shillings. UNOFFICIAL ITEMS. ' The horsa presented by the post and telogiuph oiliceis of Otago has been named "Despatch,"' and has now gone into camp. Tho balance- of subscriptions, amounting to £9. has been sent to the secretary to assist equipment. Mr Thomas Brydone sent from the Clutha yosterda} 1 " a truck load of very fine horses, all of which at once pasted for service. Four of these represent the gift of the Fernhill Club, and the other to mako tip the batch was bought for the committee. A. largely-attended meeting of those engaged in the baking trade was held in the Coffee Palace last evening, for the purpose of raising funds to present Mr James Taylor with a horse and equipment in the event of his being 1 finally accepted. A considerable sum of money was collected in the room. Good progress is being made with the work of collecting in South Dunedin. Mr M'Connell, the treasurer of Ilia South Dunedin committee, reports that there is over £60 now in hand. The committee will call the horse to be purchased "South Dunedin." It is intended to collect further subscriptions to purchase a horso and equip another man. On Wednesday the Telegraph depr-rtment notified the Hillside Workshops Committee that a- their man had not passed his medical tests they wore in a position to hand over to one of 1 lie Hillside men a horse and £9 if the i-emainder of the money could be raised at Hillside. As the Hillside Committee had £10 in hand after paying for the first horse and equipment, the offer was promptly accepted, and the balance of the money (£6) wa« raised during tho afternoon. In the parn graph published on Wednesday concerning the meeting at Green Island it should have been stated that Messrs J. Bayley and Sons and employees w ere donating a horse. It is the employees of the New Zealand Refrigerating Company's works who aro presenting a horse, and not tho company. Our Lawrence correspondent telegraphed on Wednesday evening: — "Seven country members of the contingent got a good send-off from the railway station this afternoon." A meeting of the Port Chalmers Floral Fete Committee was held in the Council Chambers on Wednesday. The report from the Ladies' Committee was highly satisfactory, and, judging from the enthusiasm manifested, the success of the display is assured. The aquatic ! display will be an attractive feature. Captain Cameron has consented to judge lhi« section. The Port Chalmers Band are getting up a very attractive exhibit, the muses, and intend appearing as a band in fancy dress on i Saturday next. The following aro understood to have volunteered from the Taieri: — Messrs J. Sutherland, D. Gibson, George Tumbull, W. Fisher, Geo. , Williams. J. findlay, Angus M'Leod, W. Hunter, IT. Miller, and G. Orange. Four of the c e aro ex-members of the East Taieri Rifles. Tho following members of the East Taieri Rifles have volunteered: — Sorgesmt Burns, Corporal Snieaion, Privates Dixon, Browne^ and Henderson . — Advocate. Mi* W. 11. Taggnrt bought 18 horses at Oamaru on Tue-,dcy for Uip contingent. The horses wero a useful lot, and the avorage price about £19,
Horses have been presented by Messrs J. Tennant and D. and J. M'Pherson, Riverton. At a meeting held at Mataura on Monday night, Mr Thomas Culling wrote from St. Glair, Dunedin, offering on behalf of himself and partners in the Mataura Falls Paper Mill, a horse of the value of £25, stipulating that the horse be named " The Papermaker," and be ridden by one of the selected men from the surrounding district of Mataura. The Messrs Hazlett Bros., South Hillend, have volunteered. A very enthusiastic meeting" M-as held at Balfour on Saturday night (says the correspondent of the Mataura Ensign) to endeavour to raise funds for horses for the local volunteers for the Southland Hough Riders. Messrs John Macphoi's'on and James Butler each presented a horse, and a committee was formed to collect subscriptions and purchase one or more horses. A list was opened in the room, and £19 13s was collected at once, and the committee hoped to have at least £30 in hand by Monday night. So far six Balfour men have volunteered for the front. EIGHTY-FIVE MEN AND 125 HORSES IN CAMP. ENROLMENT LISTS NOW CLOSED. FRIDAY. A chill nor'-easter, sweeping raw and cold up the harbour and into Forbury Park, yesterday morning made, in many cases, reveille a welcome sound to the boys in camp. Once up and moving about, the blood runs more freely, a-nd the task of grooming and polishing a fairly large area of horse hide brings a warm glow to the benumbed recruit, who, amongst other things, wishes that summer would really be summer, and not a good imitation of late autumn. As on the previous morning, the riding test was taken first. About 20 men saddled up, and were put through different exercises. Some showed up remarkably well, while a few did not come up to the required standard of horsemanship. The horses did splendidly, and a number of them took their hurdles in a style that was gratifying in the extreme. At 9 o'clock the men were told pff in three squads for dismounted drill. One of these squads is known as the "recruit " squad — we will not call it the " awkward " squad, for in it are men with some knowledge of drill, while the rest ere so willing to learn that there is very little awkwardness about them. Those who watch the drill from day to day cannot help being struck with the rapid impro\ement on all sides, each day showing a distinct ad\ance on the previous one. As for the recruit squad, the "new arrival" usually | stays in it about one day, and then picks up the points of the drill sufficiently to be drafted into a squad that is a grade higher. The afternoon parade was also taken up with dismounted drill, and especially in the exercises of manoeuvring from point to point iin extended order. This, as everyone knows, will form a large part of the troop's movements in the field in South Africa, as it is the only way to minimise the destructivencss of artillery fire. It is a very noticeable feature about the recruits' driil that when advancing in line there- is a tendency for the j files to converge towards tho centre, and to i crowd in till a swing of the arms and a free movement of the -body is impossible. In advancing in extended order — say, six \>aces between each file, — a man learns to fix an object before him and moves towards it independent of the proximity of Ins next neighbour, keeping, of course, his dressing by the directing Sank. Lieutenants Morris, Macdonald, Freeman, Bauchop. Pram, and M'Donald were in charge of the squads yesterday, the bulk of tho work falling on Lieutenants Morris, Freeman, and Pram. All the officers spare no effort to help the men on, and patiently explain and repeat the movements until somethiug like clean execution of an order is attained. The cam]) horses were increased by nearly 40 on Thursday. Eighteen arrived from-the south in the morning, and 21 from both north and south in the evening. Some of them are fine animals, and the Horse Committee have clone their work of selection well. It is noticeable, however, that some of the gift horses hardly realise expectations, and the fancy prico paid in some instances could have been much more judiciously spent by the Horse Committee. But as the sapient advice about examining the molars of a presentation steed doubtless holds good in this case, we need nol say anything further on the subject. It might be interesting to our readers to know how one of the officers — -a very practical officer — buys a contingent horse. One nitrht this week a young man rode into camp on a compactly built brown gelding. Captain . who was passing, said sharply: " Is that horse for sale?" "Yes, sir." " What do you want for him?" "£ls, sir." "Anything more for the big knee?" queried the officer, who, although, it was half dark, had siaed up the animal in a few seconds, and, stooping down, felt the swollen joint. "No, sir,'' was the reply. " Take him up to Vet. Captain . and let^him sco him," and the officer turned away. The vet. captain, however, happened along just as the vendor left. The Officer: " I say, , I just sent up to you a very likely looking cob with a big kiiec— fifteen quid,— you might have a look at him." The hor=e is now going to South Africa. The number of horses now in camp is 125 Captain Stronach, assisted by Captains Price and bnowbnll, were busy all the afternoon in trying the new arrivals, most of which justified thpir purchase. A very tidv-lookinjr fast bay gelding has been presented by Mr J. F. M Fraser to Bugler Cheeseman. Among the volunteers in camp is an expert norse-breakcr. and any troublesome mounts will have a short shrift at his hands. On Wednesday evening the officers of the CEmp were entertained at dinner at the Dunedin Navals'-camp by Lieutenant-commanding Allan. The catering arrangements of the cimp are giving every satisfaction, Mr Owld's long experience at the business having fully qualified him for the work. THE MEN IN CAMP. j The following men have been added to the camp roll : — - Ernest H. Carter, cooper, no former serAlf. F. W. Hill, accountant; served in vol-u'^-oprs. John Meiklejohn, yardman ; served 12 months in Dunedin Highland Rifles. James D. Murray, warehouseman ; no former service. James Roger, farm labourer ; served as a volunteer. Robert Wairen, carter; no former service. Hugh W. C. Baird." Honry J. M 'Donald, salesman ; served in volunteers. Robert Ro<?er, farm labourer ; was a member of a ri^-G club. Georgo Woodhouoe. Thomas W. Holden, farmer; no former service. Robert G. Simmera, stockrider; no former services,
John H. Keddell, sharebroker ; served in I Battery. David R. Corson.* John R. Moore, warehouseman; served hi volunteersHenry T. Ward, clerk ; no former service. E. S. Orbell, station clerk ; served in Chrisfe College Cadets. * Particulars not yet obtainable. WAR OFFICE. Thursday was again a busy day at the War Office, but the Organising Committee, by great exertions, succeeded in overtaking the work. The strain on the lady typists has been so severe lately that the committee decided to get another typist to assist them. They accordingly engaged Miss Marks to attend the meetings of committee and take a shorthand note of the proceedings and type the minutes. The committee also secured tha services of an accountant to go through the books and assist the secretary. Up till yesterday the pressure of work wos so great that there was at times some delay in replying to communications received at the office, but there will be no need to complain on this score in future, as the work, as has already been indicated, is now well in hand. THE MEDICAL TESTS. The following additional volunteers passed the medical tests on Thursday. Out of 37 who presented themselves, 24 got through:—' James Barron, Ernest W. Baxter, Frederick Bayley, George Corliss Black, Charles Brown, W. H. Buckland, Edward Coffey, James Dunbar Dry, Charles Si-nclair Duff, William Eady, Frederick J. Given, David. F. Gibson, William M. Matheson, Frank ileason, James M'Donald, James Stevenson Robertson, Arthur Edward Shalders. Herbert Shalders, Robert Smeaton, Robert Smith. Sydney Gibson Smith, James Stewart, William Walter Stringer, Ernest Mason. Amongst those regarding whom consideration was deferred, the following are now through: — Francis J. Hull, Alexander M'Donald, John Russell M'Donald, and W, James Mearns. STILL MORE EELP. Lieutenant-commanding James Allen, of the Dunedin Navals, has forwarded to the Organising Committee a cheque for £69 15s Id, being the proceeds of a concert given by the Dunedin Naval, North-East .Valley, and Citizens' Bands at tho Navals' camp ; also a. cheque from himself for £5 4« lid, the two sums making up £75, which is sufficient to i horse and equip one roan and equip a second. I P-Hty-offipor Silvias, of tho Dunedin Naval?, hjs \ oluutcer-sd as a member of the fourth contingent. The dispensers intend to provide him with a horse, and tho committeo have been p=lrpd to apply J350 out of the money forwarded by Lieutenant-commanding Allen to equip Silvias. Mr James Ropcrafr. provincial secretary of i {lie Oi-i'vo district, M.U.1.0.0.F., has sent j £25 f'~>r tha purrlia-'e of a licr^.e for the con- • tinker*!, to be cillod "Unity." I The Waikoikoi residents n-u"e forwarded £25 for the equipment of Robert Simmers. Failing iho aoeepmii'.-p of Simmers. his horse and equipment nro io ?o to oilher James Robertson or Frpd ClJttr.ck. Simmers's horse- is to be called " Ko ; ." The net proceeds of the demonstration at Milton on Wednesday in aid of the fourth, contingent fund amounted to £150. The Typographical Association expect to raise sufficient to purchase a horse and full equipment, and Charles Newman, a, member of the association has, subject to his passing the usual tests, decided to form one of the contingent. The Waiwera residents are providing horses and full equipment for Albert Clements, of Ashley Downs, Waiwera, and William Clark and Charles Duff Burgess, of Balelutha. The residents of Outram have sent in three horses named " Outram," " Ravenscliffe, and " Le9 Flat," for three men; also £72 for the equipment of the men. Thres trucks containing 152 bags of chaff and 87 bags of oats have beon consigned to the Organising Committee from Dunback. A communication has also been received intimating that Frederick Bayley, who was providing his own horse, would arrive in Duneciin from Dunback to-day. The residents of Seacliff have sent a horsa for tire fourth contingent. The sum of £30 has been received from the Otago Hussars for the purchase of a horse to be named "Hussar." Messrs Herbert, Haynes, ond Co.'s empiovees donate £25, and llr Hogg gives £2 2s. The horse given by Mr S. C. Phillips is intended for the use of Warder Alexander Roberts, and will be named " Gaoler." The Junction EJp-ctric and the Eieotrid Dredging Companies each give a horse, and say they .will provide the best animals that money can buy. These two horses are for thp use of the Binnockburn men. The grocers, ncr Mr White (treasurer), have collected £25 for the purchase of a horse, to be called "City Grocer," which, they intend to present to a member of the fourth contingent. Mr A. E. Fai'quhar. of Stirling, has forwarded £25 for ,i hor«e. to bo called '" Molyneux," which is intended as a mount fop W. Fallowfield. Mr T. K. Sidey has sent a cheque for £75, being- a further contribution from Caverthaia for the equipment of three men. Mr Robert Thompson, of Middlemarch, is a volunteer for the foiu-lh contingent. He supplies his own horse, and if he is accepted the district will give £25 for his equipment. The district also gives £75 for the equipment of J. Grant and another volunteer from Middlemarch. Mr James Ross, of Kartigi. has offered to give £25 to equip his son, W. J. M. Ross, who is now in camp. The Otago Rowing Club have donated a horse, to be named " 0.Ji.C.," for Trooper Apstein. The club also intend to give a> further donation of £12. PATRIOTIC MEETING AT ST. BATHANS. The meeting called at St. Bathau's foj* Tue day. the 13th, by Messrs Pyle and M'Connochie, the local representatives of the Organising Committee, was but poorly attended, owing to the inclemency of the weather, but the rain did no( damp the enthusiasm of those present. Mr Pyle, on being voted to the chair, made a stirring patriotic speech, concluding by appealing to Si. Bathans residents to fully equip two or more volunteers for the fourth eonlinsr it. Mr M'Connochie spoke briefly, and concluded amidst applause by stating that he would subscribe five guineas. Op the motion of. Mr Wade, it was resolved .o r.we £60 to/ equip two volunteers, and defray the expenses of aspirants anxious to go to South' Africa v.ho might tail to pr-ss. There was somo suggestion about cam ass ing the district, but the chairman would not hear of it.' The occasion was urgent, and he would open 1 a subscription lisl at once with Mr M'Connochie's five guineas, and woulu place the f-amc amount after his own name. This announcement was greeted with cheers, and ml less than 15 minutes the list showed ooutri*.
4
■Autions "totalling £53 14s. In addition, Messrs P. Dillon and P. Fitzpatrick donated a horse each. There were five volunteers in the room — namely, J. Dungey, A. Thur•low, T. Mcc, A. Ferguson, and P. Dillon. Messrs Thurlow and Mcc will find their own horses. The next day those who had not attended the meeting were given a chance to subscribe, and our correspondent report? that when the mail closed the total was £65 ss. Great enthusiasm prevailed throughout the meeting, and Mr Pyle is entitled to great praise for his energy and for the manner in .which he handled the meeting. ♦ GENERAL ITEMS. The Mayor of Arrowtown telegraphed on Thursday that three volunteers for the fourth contingent, two of whom being fully equipped, were waiting for instructions to proceed to Dunedin. Dr Coughtrey on Thursday received the following communication, from. Mr T. Howard : " I have pleasure in informing you that the 30 dozen towels and 57 dozen pockethandkerehiefs presented by the emploj'-ees of A. and T. Jnglis, being the complete outfit in these two lines for 150 men, are ready and waiting your instructions." . Mr Thomas Mackenzie will deliver a patriotic address at Warepa on Wednesday, the 21st inst., early in the evening, and also another address at Clinton on the same night. ; The Tailoresses' Union have decided to present a horse to Mr Tubman, school ■ teacher ; and, in the event of his non-accept-anoe as a member of the contingent, the horse is to go to Mr Hugh Paterson. If there is any surplus from the funds raised for the purchase of a horse, the union intend to hand it over to the contingent fund. The union are at present holding sewing classes for the purpose of making the "housewives" for the contingent, and the Singer Machine Company have very kindly lent them three machines for the work. Mr Steele, cutler for W. and R. Scott, has also rendered good service to the classes by cutting the material to be made up by them. A canvass of King street on behalf of the nurses' fund, by Mrs Albert Cohen, realised £15 3s Id. The horse given by the fruiterers is to be called " Fruiteier," and is to go to G. A. Ross, now in camp. The 50 Southland Rough Riders will come to town on Saturday in charge of Lieutenant Eazlett. one of the Jubilee Contingent. The Horse Selection Committee were at Tapanui on the 13th, when nine horses were purchased, including a first-class jumper bought by the Heriot Committee for William Swan. The Gore Committee intimate that they approve of the Organising Committee's arrangement that all equipment is to be provided in Dunedin. Mrs W. Bannerman has undertaken to give 51b of arrowroot per month to every nurse during her term of service, and not to every member of the contingent as was previously staled. Outram has subscribed and raised £126 63 5d for the Otago and Southland contingent fund, besides subscribincf £72 13s 6d to the •oatriotic fund. The ladies are to hold a floral fete on Saturday, and are working most energetically to make a suocess of it. UNOFFICIAL ITEMS. A meeting of the Port Chalmers employees of the Union Steam Ship Company was held en Thursday afternoon, Mr Johr Cook presiding. It was unanimously resolved to present two horses to the Otago Rough Riders. They are to be named " Mararoa " and " Rotomahana" respectively, and Port Chalmers employees who pass the necessary tests are to have the first pull on them ; failing such recruits, the moneys are to go to other Port volunteers who may be accepted. May they bring as much credit to their company as their worthy namesakes have earned for the Union Company. At a. meeting of teachers on Thursday night last week the committee met and drew up a circular, copies of which wore, through the courtesy of Mr Pryde, posted on Saturda3 r . The teachers throughout the province have, as was expected, rKen to the occasion, and the treasurer (Mr Eudey) has now in hand £46 17s 6d. This amount came in in two days, and when it is remembered that almost all teachers are also contributing locally, the result so far is very gratifying. The teachers aim at providing two horses and outfits, and to judge from the liberal response so far, there is no doubt that they will succeed in their effort. It is particularly -gratifying to know that some of the young ladies in small country schools are responding liberaHy, three of them remitting £1 each. A complete list of the contributing schools will be published in a day pr two. GOOD PROGRESS MADE IN CAMP. RESULTS OF THE REDING TEST. SATURDAY. - There^ was a very business air about the camp at Forbury Park on Friday. With the exclusion of the public, those, in charge were much freer to go about their work, and excellent progress was made. The riding tests, as usual, were taken first, and resulted in the rejection of 17 for their inability to come Tip to the necessary standard. A squad of the most advanced of the men were exercised in mounted drill by Lieutenant Freeman both morning and afternoon. About 30 carbines were served out, and these were utilised in the drill. Tho carbine is the .303 Lee Enfield — a very pretty little weapon weighing about 71b, and the men will use them on the field in South Africa. Of the <irill little needs to be said. The hor?es were new to it, and this alone_ would make accurate manoeuvring* impossible. But, taking everything into consideration, both men and Tiorses did very well. Several of the latter were very restive, and gave a good deal of trouble. One big chestnut mare had a trick ■of rearing tip, and almost coming over backwards, and twice within five minutes got rid of her rider in this way, but, fortunately, he was not hurt. The dismounted drill was carried on all day under Lieutenants M'Donald and Bau--chop. The business of branding the horses on the Jicofs was carried on all the morning by Farrier Orange, supervised by Captain Price and Sergesnt-maior Knee. '"N.Z." is branded on tho near fore hoof, and the number is put on the off fore foot. As already mentioned, the latter started at 1001, and will run up to about 1230. This will include all the remounts and the contingent horses. The public take full advantage of the two hours ollowed them in the evening, and hundreds of people visited the camp last night. The camera vn»n was very much in evidence during the week, and on Thursday afternoon p.t least brlf a dozen were about the camp. They photograph any and every object in the ■paik, from a sou ad of reciuits chilling to the latest arrival among tho horses. About a dozen nev/ horses arrived by the 3 o'clock train on Friday night from the north. Lieutenant Morris will be orderly officer toclay. The oarap soU now stands at 115. This in-
cludes the names of 11 men who have been sent home as not being suitable for service, chiefly for incompetency on horseback. THE MEN IN CAMP. The following are Friday's additions to the camp roll : — G. R. Smith, buahman ; no former service. Forrester Findlater, asylum attendant; no former service. John Ross, labourer ; no former service. W. T. Sullivan, groom ; no former service. A. M'Donald, bushman ; no former service. Alex. M'Kenzie, coachbuilder ; served four years Garrison Artillery, Scotland. Albert Harris carpenter, served as a volunteer in Dunedin City Guards. J. W. M'Millan, warehouseman; served in Dunedin Cycle Corps. Alex. Duncan, railway porter; no former service. Percy Hofland, miner ; no former Fervice. Frederick Bayley, farmer. No former service. W. H. Buckland, station manager. No former service. James Taylor, baker. Served as a volunteer. G. O. Black, machinist. Served in B Battery. Harry G. Brown, striker. Served in B Battery. Hugh Paterson, tailor, No former service. Jas. Watt, medical practitioner. William M'Kenzie, dredge hand. Served in a cadet corps. Boyd Thomson, stock dealer. No former service. I John Sorenson, groom. No former ser%'ice. ; John A. Palmer, farmer. No former ser- ' vice. Hamilton White." James S. Robertson, surfaceman. No former service. Sydney Smith, clerk. No former service. J. G. H. Moore.* James R. Melville." William Matheson. f J. T. M'Donald, platelayer. No former service. Frank Swanwick, carter. Served in volunteers as cadet. J. M. Bryant, traveller. Formerly member Tuapeka Rifle Club. Robert Sreeaton, blacksmith. Served in East Taieri Rifles. D. F. Gibson. Served in East Taieri Rifles. *No particulars obtainable last night. THE WAR OFFICE. With the big staff now in charge of the work at the War Office the work all round has been considerably lightened, and on Friday was the easiest day the committee have had for a week. The term is, however, merely relative, and there is still an immense amount of work being done. THE ENROLMENT. 80 nigh is grandeur to our dust, So near is God to man, When Duty whispers low, " Thou must," The youth replies, " I can." — Emerson. The most remarkable feature in connection with the whole of the recent and still continuing patriotic movement is represented by three lines of figures, showing the enrolment of men for the contingent. When the first contingent left there was deep feeling of sympathy throughout the community — it could not be otherwise, — but that feeling actually lacked expres-ion. The public were first aroused by the appeal for funds to aid sufferers by the war, and the response was ! characteristic. If ever " money talked," it then became eloquent from tl.is part of the country. Since the committee started to enrol volunteers there has been no lack of applicants, and the difficulty will be to select the absolutely most fit. At an early stage the Selection Committee refused to i accept any more applicants under the C list — that was, men in every way suitable, but who -\\ ere unable to go to them provided with a good horse, or £25 for its purchase. The number in the C list, therefore does not by any means show all who were prepared to reply " I can " to the whisper of Duty, for it should be remembered that there have been no loud-toned demands — no stirring of men's blood by bands and banner.- —none of the i arts by which the recruiting sergeant is said to beguile the simple-minded and unsophisticated. All that lias been done has been to intimate in the least sensational form possible the fact that men of the right stamp, possessing exceptional qualifications, were wanted for grimly real service by the British Empire. The response made under such conditions in the youth of the colony will probably in its manhood be regarded as historical. After it .was decided that none but those who could furnish a good horse should be enrolled, the offers continued to come in. Then it was- felt necessary to close the B list, as it was called, and to receive as applicants only those who could offer fully-equipped, and still the men came from far and near, until the list was finally closed, and the offers of men in the respective grades for Otago only show the following totals : — A Grade. — Fully eouipped 140 B Grade.— Supply horse (or £25) ... 160 C Grade. — No offer of horse or equipment 100 It will be seen that 400 men volunteered from Otago, and of these the committee have to select only one out of every four applicants. One hundred men are to be chosen by the Central Committee in Dunedin, the Southland and Gore committees selecting the other 50 from offers, quite independent of those mentioned above, and probably as numerous in proportion, so that alto'fjther no fewer than 600 men have volunteered for service with New Zealand's fourth contingent — the Otago and Southland section of Rough Riders. MORE ASSISTANCE. The Blue Spur residents are sending a hqive, to be called " Blue Spur," for James Gray. Mr A. L. Hart, secretary of the Wetherstones Contingent Committee, hae written intimating that the residents of that place had presented Frank Swanwick, a volunteer for seivica in South Africa, with a horse, which they wished to be tised by him in the event of his being accepted. The Wetherstones people also hoped to be able to fully equip Swanwick. James Turnbull has volunteered to go with the fourth contingent, and if he is accepted for service the Riverrdale residents will sup2)ly him with a horse. William Forsylh, of Milton, has offered to donate a horse on condition that Herbert Lilbtmi rides him. l The residents of Beaumont have fully equipped a volunteer for service with the fourth contingent. The Mosgicl residents have- decided to mount and fully equip the following men if they aro successful in passing the n^essary tests: — David Gibson, Robert Smealon, John Sutherland, and George Williams. Mr John Edmond has written to tho sec-
retary of the Organising Committee, forwarding for the fourth contingent a Union Jack, and expiessing a hope that it would wave in triumph over them wherever they might be. Mr Irving, of Clinton, has given a horse for Donald Fraser, who volunteers for service with the fourth contingent. Mr S. Jacobs, tobacconist, has forwarded to the secretary of the Organising Committee a cheque for £32, for purchasing a horse, to be called " Capstan," for Thomas J. Morton. The money was collected from the undermentioned frequenters of Mr Jacobs's shop in the following amounts: — H. E. Partridge (Auckland), £5; S. Jacobs, £2 2s; A. Johnson, £1 Is : R. S. lrwin, 10s 6d ; N. Brewer, 10s; R. Abercromby, 10s; S. D. Herbert, 10s; G. H. King, 10s; W. H. Haydon, ss; L W W. ss ; R. C. T. Evans, ss ; W. Kil--our, ss; C. A. Burnett, ss; T. B. M'Neill, 5, ; C. A. De Lautour * ss ; W. Tait, 5s ; G. L. Will*, ss ; L. Haggitt, ss ; W. Elliott, ss : T. Halligan, ss; A. F. W. Hill, ss; M. Lichtonstein, 6s 6d ; W. M'Millan, ss; G. R Story, ss ; A. Thomson, ss ; G- Thorn. 5« ; J.' Hislop, iun.. 5?; G. W. Sutton, ss; P. Mason, 5,; Sydney Jacobs, ss; J. Smith, ss; T. M'Teague, ss; W. Finlayson. ss; G. S Finlayson, ss ; R. Dennision, ss ; H. Lichtenftein," ss ; J. Outtle, iun., ss; H. E. Lodge, ss>; A. Patrick, ss; Smoker, ss; W. P. Rodgers, ss; Logan, jun., 2s 6d ; E.±i., Zs 6d; collected by the crew ot the s.s. Waihora, £12 ; smaller amounts, 10s. GENERAL ITEMS. There is a general opinion abroad that the funds are coining in so rapidly as to justify the belief that the committee may be embarrassed by the amount that wilL be received. We have authority for stating that I there is no ground for such a belief. The I fact is that t'>e matter of supplying men with everything of the best, as is being done, is causing a very large expenditure — so large, indeed, thai the committee cannot consider themselves as by any means financially sate. Whenever the period arrives that the funds are likely to be quite ample to meet oil requirements, the collecting will be closed down and the public promptly notified of the facL The Arrov/to-,vn volunteers for the lourth contingent — James Dunlop Paterson, Samuel Low, and Thomas Shanahau — left there for Dunedin yesterday. Paterson is provided with a horse. A small boy named Charles Burnett, from Morninnion, appeared at the War Office on Friday with a sub-oription Hat filled up to the tune of £1 lls 6J, collected by him in aid of the contingent. The committee were so pleased at his zeal on behalf of the contingent tliat they directed he should receive a letter of acknowledgment from the secretary, and that his action should be recorded in their minutes. The committee had intended to make a charge for admission to the camp, but in view of the magnificent liberality of the people they have, with the concurrence of the commanding officer, determined to o_pcn the camp free next SuiuUry afternoon. It is probable that for pecuniary reasons a charge may have to be made hereafter. The committee earnestly beg all horseowners to kindly lend a few saddles to the camp in order to admit of the tests being carried out. The saddles will be carefully marked with the lenders' names and taken due care of and returned. The saddles for -the contingent will not be ready for some time, and the committee cannot afford to buy new saddles. Who will help? The Dunedin Licensed Victuallers' Association make the handsome subscription of £151- Is to the contingent fund, which is made up as follows : — Dunedin Licensed Victuallers' Association, £25 ; C. F. Greenslade. £5 ss; J. Toorney. W. Coughlan. J. and J. Watson, £5 each ; J. W. Cummings. L. Spatz, J. Collins. £3 each; J. Kcrr and J. Lnffev, £2 2s; J. Withers (second subscription). £1 Is; M. Joel and Powley and Keast. £3 each; F. Carter, £3 3s: P. Kelisher. £5: W. Lane and Co.. £3 3s; Mrs Court, £2 2s; A. Palmer and J. Gsbbie. £5 5s each : Miss TJ. Dwver and Connor and Harris. £3 3s each; W. Haydon, £2 2s; R. M'Kenzie, £5: J. Nash, £1 Is; J. M. Shearer, £3 3s; A. Shaw, £2 2*; J. M'Kewen, £2 2s; W. H. Skitclr, £3 3s; W. Collie, A. Gow, J. Barclay, A. Gray, I-I. Coughlan, P. Cotter. E. Holmes. T . F. JSastings. R. Allen, W. R. Cook=lev, D. x'-I'Leod. Bennett and Son, £2 2s each ; J. M'Leod. £1 Is; J. Liston, £5 ss; W. Tansey, D. Galvin, J. Knox. and E. Powev, £1 Is each; and A. Owen, £I;— total, £15'4ls. THE MEDICAL TESTS. Thirteen men pn^sed the medical examination on Friday. The candidate 0 continue to be of fine physique, more than holf of them measuring from 38in to 40in round the chest. The names of those who were examined and passed yesterday, and who can get their tickets on application at the Garriron Hall at 12 o'clock to-day, are a" follows: — George Aitken, Stirling. 28, farm labourer. Stephen Cairns, Clinton, 25, railway labourer. Richard Condon, Oamaru, 24, groom and horsebreaker. Douglas Malcolm Corson, Dunedin, 21, groom. Henry' James Dowle, Waipiata, 23, sheep drover. George Hepburn Ferguson, St. Clair, 21, warehouseman. v Martin Thomas Francis, Wairuna, 21, labourer. John Bishop Grant, Middlemarch, 24, farm labourer. Charles Newman, Dunedin, 32. compositor. Frederick Bellett, South Dunedin, 21, labourer. William Henry Ross, Hakateramoa, 35, sheep farmer. Robert Mark Thompson, Strath-Taieri, 23, shepherd. Chnrlee Wyse, Kelso, 22, woolsorter. MORE HELP FROM THE COUNTRY. The people of Romahapa supply a horse for Trooper Shalders. Horse and man left on Friday for Dunedin. Puerua and Waitepeka (supply equipment. The Mayor of Waikouaiti wires that Owen O'Neill supplies £25 towards outfit. Mr Thomas Mawhinney, of Wedderburn, wires that he will find equipment for Alex. M'Lennan. Charles i D. Burges, Balclutha. offei-s to provide for eemipment as well as horse, so as to get in A list. Mayor Winn, of "Lawrence, wires that M'Donald, Bryant, Swamviek, and Duncan are prepared to leave fully equipped. For tlie Naseby Committee, Mr B. Naylor wire-; that John Kcddoll, Edward Mervyn Hickcnnan, and Harold Gray Sachller were guaranteed horses, and the committee were raising funds towards balance of equipment. THE REMOUNTS. The following letter has been sent to the officer in charge of the Rough Riders' contingent, Christchurch: — Dear Sir, — The people of Otago being convinced of tliQ necessity of providing remounts
! for the members of the first contingent have liberal iy subscribed funds and purchased hoises lor this purpose. In addition to this certain Otago genotlemen have individually presented horses as remounts to paiticular members of that contingent. The New Zealand Government have accepted the remounts so piovided and have directed us that 20 of them are to be sent to Christchurch to be forwarded by the Knight Templar. These 20 are, as advised by telegram, to be sent "by rail, leaving here to-day at 3 o'clock train, and should reach you at 6 o'clock tomorrow. We are informing the Hon. the Premier of the fact of the despatch, of the horses. I enclose a list giving pailiculars of the horses sent, with the names of the donors v/ere given individually and of the horses. — I have, etc., (Signed) P. "W. Kempthohne. Colonel Penton was also advised to the same effect. The following are the particulars of the horses referred to in the letter: — No. 3 001 — Black mare, Syrs, 14.3 hands, presented by Mr H. Palmer, for Tiooper Palmer. No. 1002 — Brown mare, 6yrs, 15.2 hands, presented by Mr A. M'Kegg, for Corporal M'Kegg. No. 1002 — Bay mare, 4yrs, 15 hands, purchased out of Otago Daily Times remount fund. No. 1001— Chestnut mare, 6yrs, 14.3 i hands, purchased out oi Otpgo Daily Times romouht mnd. No. 1005 — Browu mare, 7yrs, 15.1 hands, purchased out of Otago Daily Times remount fund. No. 1006— Dark bay gelding, 7yrs, 15.1 hands, pui chased out of Otago Daily Times lemount fund. No. 1007 — Dark bay gelding, 6yrs, 15.2 hands, presented by Balclutha residents 'for a Clutha man under Major Robin. No. 1003 — Bay maie, Oyis, 15.1 hands, purchased out of Otago Daily Times remount fund. • No. 1009 — Bay marc, Syrs, purchased cut oi Otago Daily Times remount,, fund. No. 1010— Brown gelding, lOyrs, 15 hands, viurchased out of Otago Daily Times remount hind. No. 1011— Bay mare, lOyrs, 15.2 hands (name Marmoto), presented by Mrs A. "W. Morris. No. 101'2 — Brown -mare, 9yis, 15 hands, purchased out ot Otago Daily Times remount fund. No. 1018— Bay mare, syrs, 15 2 hands, purchased by committee. No. 1014— Bay mare, 4yrs, 15.1 hands, purchased by committee. No. 1015 — Chestnut gelding, 7yrs, 15.2 hd-.uls, presented by Elliot Bros. No. J.olC— Chestnut gelding, 4yrs, 15.2 hands, purchased by committee. No. 1017— Bay gelding, Syrs, 15.2 hands (name Muster Butcher), presented by the master butchers of Dunedin. No. 101S— Bay mare, syrs, 15 hands, purchased by committee. No. 1019— Chestnut gelding, syrs, 15.1 hands, purchased by committee. No. 1020— Bay mare, syrs, 15 hands, presented by M'Leod Bros. 1 employees. UNOFFICIAL ITEMS. The Dunedin Cycling Club has, with a liberality that is beyond all praise, agreed to hand over to the Otago and Southland Contingent fund the whole of the net proceed* of its annual sports meeting this afternoon. T-his is the most practical expression of sympathy _ with the patriotic movement that any athletic organisation has given, and there should be little fear that the public will generously support the club in its efForl. The Independent Order of Oddfellows of Otago South have purchased a horse for the fourth contingent, and have handed the animal over to the Committee of Management. A member of the order, Mr Clias. Brown, has volunteered his services, and will probably ride the horse, which has been passed by the examiner and is to be called "Oddfellow."' A<. a social at Cromwell on Monday night (saj-3 the Argus) five rfiares in the Alpine Dieclge, presented to the contingent by Mr Dswar, were sold for £13 15s ; and 10 shares in the Voltaic, presented by Mr J. Werner, were sold for £6 10s. The liberality of these two gentlemen added £20 5s to the funds. The shares were all fully paid up. The hor?e Kaitangata i? to be handed over to Captain Rutherford, of the Kaitangata Rifles, who has sent in his name as a volunteer. Messrs Telford and Anderson have agreed, on behalf of the Waiwera committee, to mount and equip Trooper Wm. Clark and Chas. B. Duff, Balclutha volunteers. A third man, a local resident named Clement.-', will be equipped by the Waiwera people. The Nightcaps Coal Company and their employees have donated £4-2 16s, and this?, together with amounts subscribed by resident^ gives £61 lls, which is to bo applied to equipping the .scout R. M'Cauley, and maintaining him in the name of " Nightcaps." Mr Gibson. Ashley Downs, will provide a horse and equipment for one ir>an. Mean's Jas. and Wm. Willocks subscribed the purchase money of the trotter Mathew, bought as a mount for Sidney Smith. The Bruce Herald states that Captain Stewart ha? received offers of service from Messrs A. Cameron (Glenore) and T. Burns (Milton). The ladies' patriotic concert and shilling subscription at Hampden realised over £18. At a meeting of the Contingent Fund Committee at Warepa it was agreed to_fully equip Volunteer Smith, of the Clutha Mounted Rifles. The canvassers 'reported that, including produce, about £32 had been raised in Warepa and .€l7 in Kaihiku. About £10 was expected to be raised at the concert to be held on Wednesday evening. After sowe discussion, it was agreed to report to the general meeting that the name of the horse should be " Kaihiku," as, although Warepa had subscribed nearly twice as much as Kaihiku, the latter place had the honour of having two men at the front, and also as the horse was bred in that district. At a meeting of the Mcrningtor. Special Committee, held in the Morningion Council Chambers on Friday evening, several of the canvassers' lists were handed in, and it is now fully expected .that the total subscription? will exceed £160. Another meeting will be held on Monday evening next, when collectors ara specially requested to hand in the remaining lists. Some very disquieting statements were made as to pome of the horses bought for the contingent, and the tactics adopted to secure their passing the inspection. It wos generally thought that the attention of the Central Organising Committee should be drawn to these reports. "A Country Lassie" writes: — I have heei^ waiting to pee when the ministers of Otago and Southland are coming in with their horse for the Transvaal. All other trades and professions are providing one or, more horses. Why not the ministers? The Waihola Committee have dedicated their horse to Alfred Dryden, of Bnlclutha, who is a son of Mrs Dryden, of Milburn. THE SOUTHLAND TROOP. INVERCARGILL, February 16. A concert, got up to help to meet the cost
of equipping the Rough Riders, brought toY gether an audience that crammed the theatra and overflowed the street. A half-holiday will be observed for the departure of Southland's 35 men to-morrow, for" Dunedin. There is a good deal of criticism * of some of the horses procured for the men. The following men have been finally selected as the Invercargill district contribution to the fourth contingent: — Joseph Hazlett (Harringtons), J. W. Logan (Invercargill), A. H. Challis (Invercargill), D. F. M'lntosh (Fairfax), D. K. Smith (Pallia), C. Bate's (Orepuloi), J. Robertson (Winton), W. J. Lawrence (Otautau), J. MAuley (Balfour), H. Campbell (Invercargill), A. E. M'Donald (Edendale), A. M'Kellar (Fortrose), 'J. T. Alexander (Orepuki). Robert Donnelly (Invercargill),' J. Cameron (Bluff), Robert MAuley (Nightcaps), E. B. Baird (Orawia). A. M'Ewan (Forlrose), James Hazlett (Harringtons), A. Morrison (Greenhills). John Stevenson (Edendale), John, Gibb (Wyndham), E. A. Smoothey (Invercaroill), John P. Forde (Wairio), H. M'Kenzie (Riverton), Claude MacGregor (Matauia), John M'Kay (Wyndham), D. Stalker (Oreruki), T. M'Kenzie (Forlrose), J. Williams (Castlerock), L. Murphy (Invercargill), W. Jude (Invercargill), R. Bissett (Spar Bush), P. Dawsou (Invercargill), Thob. Horrobin (Bluff). The following have been chosen as the Mataura Valley Troop for the fourth contingent. Five emergency men are still to be chosen: — Ohap. Lacey (Gore). John Sheehan (Balfour), G. F. Day (Gore), R. Kelly (Waikaka), A. E. Ward (Gore). W. L. Milne (Pukerau), D. Dickson (Croydon), J. R. M'Laren (Chatton), Donald Cameron (Waikaia), John Banks (Riversdale). Wm. Harris (fiiverpciale), Thos=. Ford (Chatton), J. Moloney (Gore), A. Keown (Balfour), J. Gouk (Chatton). Mr M'Nab. M.H.R., equips 10, and has chosen Lacey, Sheehan, Day, ?.Jilne, Dickson, M'Laren, Cameron, Banks, Keown, and Gouk. The committee -equips foul 1 , Moloney equipping himself. A SEND-OFF FROM QUEENSTOWN. QUEENSTOWN, February 16. The Queenstown contingent, consisting of Arthur Shalders, John Edgar, and D. Williams, all fuUy equipped, and three horses, named " Wakntipu Maid." " Glenorchy," and " Skippers," left here this morning- for Dunedin, and had a most enthusiastic send-off. The men were entertained at a smoke concerfe laft night, and spent a most enjoyable evening. The band turned out in full force at 6 a.m. to play them away. The Mayor addressed the men on the wharf, wishing them God-speed, and expressed his confidence that they would worthily maintain the honour of Wakatipit, and wishing them a safe and speedy return to their native land and homes. Tlis band played several national airs, concluding with " The girl I left behind me " and " Auld lang syne." As the boat moved away from the wharf cheer after cheer was given by the immense crowd of townspeople assembled on the wharf at that early hour to see the meß away. The Arrowtown contingent is ex"peeled here to-day, en route for Dunedin. CONCERT AT NORTH DUNEDIN DRILL HALL. Not to be behind their brother patriots, tht, I employees of the Woodhaugh paper mills organised a concert, which was held • the North-East Valley Drill Hall on Friday evening, for the purpose of raising funds for tha purchase of a horse. The attendance was exceedingly large, and the greatest enthusiasm prevailed. Captain Myers, -who presided, in his opening remarks, applauded the action of the employees of the mill in promoting the concert, referring especially to Mr Shephard, who had been ably backed up in his efforts to make the concert a success by his fellow employees. Captain Myers estimated the total amount subscribed in New Zealand afc £50,000. The raising of which sum in such a. community, he thought, should be an object lesson to the world. No doubt they had. surprised themselves in raising so much money. He referred to Major Robin and the men under him as an instance of how the volunteers of Otago wore able and ready to defend their country. The singers were Miss M\ Morrison, Messrs J. M'Keiwa, E. Eagar, J. Jago, P. Carolin, and W. J. Strong, all meeting with a most flattering reception. Piper Hartnett provided bagpipe music, Miss Daisy Moore played a violin solo, and Messrs Hale, Eagar, Hopcraft, Edgpr, Jago, Thomson, Ibbotson, and Strong sang two double quartets. The secretary (Mr H. M'Cormiek) found such favour with the audience that he was obliged to give two additional items before he was allowed to quit the stage. Speeches of a patriotic character were aiven by Mr A. Sligo and Mr J. A. Millar, M.H.R., the latter filling the place of Mr A. R. Barclay, who was unable to be present. The sum of £4 10s lid was collected, and the Chairman announced that the sale of tickets added to this would probably reach £25 — the price of a horse, — which he suggested should be named '"Woodhaugh." If the money was not raised, he promised to supplement it from his, own private purse. Cheers were given for the contingent, for Major Robin. pjkl for the chairman, and the f-inging of the National Anthem concluded the concert, after which a dance was held. SUCCESSFUL covpvpt AT ANDER SON'S BAY. A patriotic concert was hold in the Andei son's Bay Sunday School Hall on Friday evening for the purpose of raising funds to purchase two horse? for use in the Transvaal. The building was filled to overflowing, thers not being even standing room. Mr J. White occupied the chair, and a programme of patriotic soags w?s gor;3 through, the audience joining heartily in the choruses. Mr L Morris recited "The Absent-minded Beggar," which resulted in over 30s being thrown upon the stage, and later Mr Henry Wilson sang the same song.and thereby increased the sum bs some 10s or 15s. Refreshments had been provided by the ladies of the district, and these were disposed of by Mrs Oakdea, who succeeded in gathering a very fair amount from this source. Quite a tumuli of applause was raised on the Chairman repding out the recent rabies describing the British successes in South Africa. Mr While, towards the close of the proceedings, referred to Mr Henry WiJeon 'being about to leave them to take up the position of town clerk at Auckland. H6 expressed his gratification at Mr Wilson's advancement, but regretted his loss from the disti-ict. The remarks were received with loud applause, ond the singing of "For he's a jolly good fellow." Mr Wilson replied feelingly, convoying his regret at leaving so many friends, among whom he had lived all hi? life. The Rfsv. Mi Cameron moved a vote of thanks to tlmse who had assisted at the concert, and three cheers were given for the Anderson's Bay boys, Brookes and Sanderson, who hod volunteered for service. The binning of God Save the Queen closed the proceedings. The total sum raised was over £10, and the grand total so foi raised at Anderson's Bay is between £90 aid £100. It is anticipated that the latter sum will be realised when the money is handed over. CONCERT AT ALL SAINTS'. A concert the proceeds of which arc to go to tho nurses' fuud was given in All SaintV
Schoolroom. on Friday night. The promoters of the entertainment were the Valley section of the Ladies' Nurse Fund Committee, the persons chiefly concerned being Mrs Eva, Misses Arndt, and Messrs Eva and Graham. The assistance of some well-known performers had been secured, and their efforts to please the audience, which was of considerable dimensions, were in every way successful. Mrs R. Hudson sang " When the heart is young" and "Oh, hush thee, my baby," and her items were, of course, well received. Mrs Wakefield-Holmes was loudly applauded for her Tendering of " Refuge of my soul " and " Sleep, my love, sleep," and Mrs Graham, who contributed " The promise of life," had also a good reception. The gentlemen singers were Mr Haggitt, who gave " Son of the ocean isle'"; Mr Manson, whose contributions were " Rank and file " and "Variety," the latter as an encore; and Mr Maitland Gardner, who rendered in his usual vigorous style '" From rock to rock," and received from the audience a double encore. Miss Arndt gave two recitations, " Mandalay " and "Lascar" in capital style; and a violin solo and piano solo" were contributed by Master Schaeht and Miss E. Munro respectively. An amusing set of tableaxxx depicting sketches from Punch also formed part of the^ entertainment. Mrs JBlandford played two piano solos, the second in response to an encore, and this lady also .acted as accompanist during the evening. MEETING AT SAWYERS' BAY. • There was a crowded attendance at the -patriotic meeting held at Sawyers' Bay on Thursday evening. Ihe Port Chalmers IBand •were in attendance, and played selections at the door, as well as the National Anthem and "Rule Britannia" during the meeting. .Sawyers' Bay (writes a correspondent) has already been vigorously canvassed, and the donations have appeared as contributions to the Port Chalmers funds. The tannery hands, in addition to other subscriptions^ generously provided a horse, " Tanner." Sawyers' Bay people could not let the horsft go unequipped, and so a. meeting on our own hook was held, and the funds necessary for the equipment of Tanner were, like the dredging claims, over-subscribed. The hall was tastefully decorated by Captain Thorn- j son and Messrs Leijon and Logic. The , Misses Angus made up and sold buttonholes «,t the door, "raising thereby 17s 9d. Mr C. Dale occupied the chair. From start to finish his duties were carried out in a most able ! and enthusiastic manner, and it was no doubt J owing to his ability that such unbounded enthusiasm prevailed throughout the meeting. Be was specially complimented by the Dunedin speakers. The speakers were Messrs T. Mackenzie, Gallaway, and De Maus (Mayor of Port Chalmers), and' the Revs. Mr Tennent and Standage, and Mr Neilson Tennent. They, one and all, seemed fired with patriotic enthusiasm, and were repeatedly cheered during their, successes. The com mittee were exceptionally lucky in securing the services of Messrs Gallaway and Mackenzie. Patriotic songs were sung by Messrs Cleghorn and C Morton (Dun- j «din) in a manner which left nothing to be desired, and which called forth hearty applause from the audience. A collection during the meeting amminted to £24 15s, including £?. 8s 3d subscribed by the school children. Mr Mills (Dunedin) recited *' The absent-minded beggar in fine style, and a collection taken up during the recital amounted to £3 12s 6d. He afterwards recited " Bobs," and, as an encore, " The last -of the Light Brigade." The total net amount raised was about £28. Mr W. H. Rennie acted as musical director, and, in conjiinction with Miss 0. Morton, played the accompaniments to the songs. The Hall Com•mittee very generously gave the free use of ; the hall. Sawyers' Bay has, therefore, done well in a noble cause. One of its young .men, John Borlase, who_ received his education in the local school, is now with the ■second contingent, and four others — Messrs !Rae, Porteous, Payne, and Neilson Tennent (the last-named as chaplain) have offered their services in the fourth contingent, j Two have provided their own horses, and the | "Tanner" and his equipment are intended —so lam informed — for Mr Porteous. The usual votes of thanks, accorded on the motion of Captain Thomson, brought a most successful meeting to a close. THE FLORAL FETE. It is now practically assured that there will be a complete half -holiday on the 28th inst., the day Jixed for the floral fete in aid of the contingent fund, as all the warehouses and factories in town are to be closed on the occasion. The Mayors of Mosgiel and Port Chalimers have intimated also that they will ask their residents to observe a holiday. The .songs which the choir of school children is to give at the fete have been printed and distributed, and the young people are working Jiard in order to get themselves into a state of efficiency. A general rehearsal of the songs will be held at a central school about the middle of next week, and the final rehearsal cm the ground a day or two before the event. ETor the musical ride 36 ladie? are busy practising, and they have already held a rehearsal at the Forbury. An excedingly large number of entries have been received, and the tickets are being sold in such quantities that, with "Jne weather, the fete will undoubtedly attract the biggest gathering ever seen in Dunedin. ENTERTAINMENTS IN THE COUNTRY. The patriotic concert held in the Lawrence Town Hall on Wednesday evening was (our , correspondent writes) a most pronounced sue- i cess in every way, the building being well | filled with an appreciative and responsive J audience. The programme was a mixed one. composed mainly of sacred mxisic rendered by the combined choirs of the Lawrence j churche 5 , and patriotic songs and music and j recitations by a number of ladies and gentle- | men. The conductor's baton was ably wielded by Mr J. J. Woods, who also sang " The absent-minded beggar "' to the tune of I n'arly £7, and also (by special request) gave ! " Sons of tho sea," which was vociferously finplaudetl. Nearly tho whole of ihe population mustered at the railway station on j tThuml&y atternoou to wi-,h " God-spped " to | the local representatives, Messrs Bryant, Duncan, Swanwick, Gunn, and M'Donald, who were leaMiig by the train. As most of them are natives of Tuapeka. and their parents and friends arc old residents, their future career will be followed with much interest. The brass band turned out to do them honour, and kindly speeches were delivered by his Worship the Mayor and members of the Patriotic Committee, and altogether they had a splendid send-off. In addition to those mentioned, this district has other representative?, who are going from other parts of the province. Mr James M'Laren for one, who goes with the Mataura Contingent, in a native of Bluespur. The patriotic conceit at Rae's Junction on Wednesday evening was also a succc-s, the vocal and instrumental part extending till near midnight, and the entertainment winding up by a dance, which was kept up " till daylight did appear."
In acknowledging receipt from Mr James Allen of the cheque of £69 15s Id, being the proceeds of the concert given on Sunday last at Forbury Pttrk, the name of the Southern Band was accidentally omitted. j Mr L. Hardy, son of Mr H. F. Hardy, of this city, is one of the civilian surgeons on the steamer selected by the Central Committee of the British Red Cross Society for service as a hospital ship in South African waters for the relief of the suffering British troops, and he had the honour, with the rest of the officers of the ship and the membeis of the Red Cross Committee, of being presented to the Prince and Princess of Wales on the occasion of a private visit of inspection which they paid to it before its departure from England. The Waiwera committee collected £150, with which they have decided to fully equip Albert Clements, of Ashley Downs, and WilI'am Clark and Charks Duff Burgess, of Balclutha. ARRANGING FOR A TRANSPORT. CHRISTCHURCH, February 15. The Premier is now making arrangements for a steamer to take the fourth contingent from New Zealand to the Cape. The details require confirmation by the owners of the vessel in London. No difficulty is anticipated, and it is expected that the vessel will be in the colony by March 15. The steamer is classed Al at Lloyd's, is of 4400 tons, having accommodation for 300 men and 500 horses, and she can easily steam 10 knots per hour.
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Bibliographic details
Otago Witness, Issue 2399, 22 February 1900, Page 25
Word Count
14,435OTAGO AND SOUTHLAND CONTINGENT. Otago Witness, Issue 2399, 22 February 1900, Page 25
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