ARRIVAL OF THE SOUTHLANDERS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2399, 22 February 1900, Page 28

ARRIVAL OF THE SOUTHLANDERS.

MONDAY. Saturday was an off-day at the camp, and not very much drill was done. Some 20 men were put through the riding tests, and out of that number eight had to be rejected. The test was got through without much incident, beyond one or two amusing mishaps. One man, for instanoe, went over the hurdle without taking his horse with him. The animal baulked suddenly on encountering the barrier, and the rider, who had braced himself for a leap, unexpected!}"- found himself going over his horse's head and .landing on the soft ground on the other side. Another volunteer took his hurdles in a "Tod Sloan" style by getting on to his mount's neck, and regaining his seat in the saddle when safely over. The rejected men are naturally very much disappointed at their having to be left behind. Many of them would make fine soldiers for anything but mounted work. They show up particularly well in the dismounted drill, and give evidence of a desire to do everything in their power to become efficient fighting men. The only consolation they have now is that they have proved their readiness to go out to the front, and " their country didn't need to send to find them." If on any future occasion they should be wanted to do their country's work we venture to'think that these same men will again cheerfully come forward, and it is to be hoped they will then be able to gratify their desire to become " soldiers of the Queen." Branding was continued all day, and 116 of the horses in camp now bear the imprint of the land where they were bred. Some of them who are skittish animals, having had little handling, resented being brought x\p to the forge and numbered along with their mates. But the squad engaged in the work always managed by a little coaxing to induce them to submit to the operation, which, of course, is a perfectly painless one. -Some horses have earned reputations for devilry already. There are men •in camp, however, who would tackle the most intractable buckjumpers in the province, so that the bad ones will meet their match. In connection with the selection of horses, mention should be made of the invaluable servaces of Vet. Captain Snowball, who gives unlimited time to the work. Between 20 and 30 men were engaged during the day in erecting additional tents and horse lines. The camp now consists of four rows of 18 tents each, and the officers' quarters have been moved to the west side of the camp forming a row of tents by themselves. Many of the men had never seen a military tent pitched before in their lives, so that the practice and experience was useful. In the afternoon Lieutenant G. Macdonald, with a couple of orderlies, was despatched to town to meet the Southland section of the contingent. A large crowd collected at the station, and there nrusfc have been 1000 people present. A cheer went up a? the express stea-med into the station, and the Southlanders, who were nearly all in blue jerseys, replied heartily. Lieutenant Hazleifc, of the Southland Mounted Rifles, was in charge, and as the party alighted from the train they were met by the Organising Committee. Or Carroll, "in the absence of his Worship the Mayor, welcomed Lieutenant Hazlett and the men to Dunedin. They were, he said, going to do duty on behalf of the Empire to which we were all proud to belong — an Empire which was the envy of the world, and which must maintain its integrity at all costs. Wo had sent men away with the first contiugent, of whom we were all proud ; but he thought from the material lie i-aw before him that "there was no occasion to hold the members of that contingent up as an example to them. He knew that they would do their duty; and he thought that there would not be a coward found in their ranks. — (Hear, hear | When they returned from South Africa, as he hoped they would, crowned with honour, their reception would be infinitely more enthusiastic than it was that day. He begged to tender them a sincere welcome on behalf of the citizens. Mr Carroll concluded by calling- for three cheers for tho men. the call being heartily responded to. Cheers loi Lieutenant Hazlett were alto called for by someone in the crowd, who again warmly responded to the call. Mr Kempthorne said he begged to second the welcome which had been given to the men by Senior-Councillor Carroll, on behalf of the Contingent Committee. Tho committee had had a most noble response from Otago and Southland for volunteers, and no section of tho country had been more enthusiastic than ihe part from which Hie men before him had come. Ho was sure they would receive a hearty welcome when they went (o the camp ; and during tho time Ihpy weie there the discipline they would undergo would prove beneficial to them. He hoped there would not be a single hitch until they got to South Africa, and when they got there ho knew they would give a good account of thom&clves. Ho again thanked them for the noble way they hod responded to the country's call. Cheers wore then givon for the committee, after which the volunteers were marched to the Garrison Hail, whence they were driven to the cam}) at Forbury Park. The Southland men had go< d ... r-piin, ,]1 the way up ihe line, being fV'wl ,>i < v"ij station they stopped at. Tl \ i ' i'"> ilv fine hardy-looking body of i.h n n< lm , v • h work in a rough country, <U'l v. i iy v:..

it for granted that they will get it. The party arrived at the camp shortly after 6 o'clock. Through some misunderstanding, the men had not brought any blankets with them ; consequently it was impossible for them to sleep at Forbury Park. Captain Stronach, as the only way out of the difficulty, gave them leave for the night, and sent them back to town for accommodation. They bring 36 horses with them, which are a good all-round lot. Tney came by the 7 o'clock train, and Sergeant Fox took a squad of men into town to untruck them and bring them out to the camp. A large number of men applied for leave in the evening and came into town. After a week's discipline they probably considered they were entitled to a little relaxation, and they had a good time, judging by the spirits they were in when most of them left town at 11 o'clock to go back. In justice to the men, it should be said that there was not a single defaulter during the last week, and their behaviour was exemplary. Not that we arecommending them for their good behaviour — that is what is naturally expected from men in their position, and there is no particular merit about it ; — but it is satisfactory to note thnt they recognise that they are not out for a. picnic, and that they have serious work before them. When the news of the relief of Kimberley reached the camp on Saturday morning there was (.'real cheering and general delight. The hope wa« expressed on all sides that the New Zealand -Mounted Rifles were with General French, and look part in the relief. Sunday morning was beautifully fine, and at 9 o'clock the men were formed up in three divisions foi church parade. The Southland men were in charge of Lieutenant Macdonald, and formed one division, while Lieutenants Morris and Pram wore in charge of the other two. The Rev. W. Curzou-Siggers, incumbent of St. Matthew's, conducted the service, which was held in the open air. The preacher occupied a raised platform, and immediately behind him were several choristers to lead the singing. With the exception of a squad on guard duty, all the men were present. The scene itself was a curious and impressive one. The Southlander.s formed up four deep, facing the .speaker, and the rest of the men were in a similar formation on his left and right, the v/holo body forming three sidea of a rectangular figure, and facing inwards. The open end of the square was occupied, as mentioned, by Mr Curzon-Siggers. The majority of the men were in their ordinary clothes, while half a dozen different uniforms showed up here and there in the ranks. The blue ierseys_ of the men from the south formed a distinctive feature, a smart-looking trooper in the full uniform of the Clutha Mounted Rifles was to be teen in one of the front ranks, while the yel-low-braided caps of the Dunedin Engineers, the trim uniform of the Otago Hussars, and the ordinary infantry uniform of the volunteers were all represented. Printed sheets of hymns were distributed, and the service commenced. The Rev. W. Curzon-Siggers preached a short and appropriate sermon. He exhorted the men to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might, and told them what it meant to go out to fight for the British Empire. God would fight for them, for the British nation was the means of extending peace and righteousness throughout the world. To those who were unable bo pass the necessary te-sts, and were thus prevented, however willing to go to the front, he urged not to be disappointed. He said that they had shown conclusively their loyalty and self-sacrifice, and they could do good work by staying here and doing active work in the volunteer service, and thus, by formiiur part of an efficient volunteer army, they would ba a powerful factor in the preservation of pence throughout the land. As to the reverses we had met with at the Cape — they could not be dignified by the name of defeats—had it not been for them we could have never shown to the world the intense loyalty of every part of the Empire. If the English had swept through to the Transvaal capital in a few weeks the colonial contingents would not have been needed, and thus a valuable lesson would have been lost. Hie men listened closely and attentively, and the hymns were taken up heartly, especially one, composed by Mr Curzon-Siggers himself, and suno- to the fine old tune associated with Mr S Baring-Gould's hymn " Onward, Christian soldiers." The' National Anthem brought the service to a close. During the afternoon the public swarmed into the camp in hundreds, and at one time there must have been 3000 people present. They evinced the keenest interest^n everything about the camp, and when " Stables was sounded the quick way the men performed the task of grooming, watering, and feeding horses excited general admiration. Lieutenant Prom was orderly officer on Sunday. . A squad of men from the Dunedin Engineer Volunteers, under the direction of feer-geant-major Henry, connected up the camp with the telephone exchange on Friday. THE MEN IN CAMP. The following men went into camp on Saturday, exclusive of the Southland Contingent : — Geo. M. Bowers, bushman ; no iormer Joseph Rumble, stockrider ; no former service. Ernest Jolly. ' Thos. Smith, horsedealer ;. no former service. Jas. M'Donald, ploughman; served as bugler in Kaitangata. William Eady, diedge hand; no former service. Fr.ink ila-sor, dredge hand; no former service. I Alex. M'Donald, bushman ; no former seri vice. i Henry Hamlyn, farmer ; no former ser- | vice. 'Robt. Riddell, farmer; served in Otago Hussars. David Bowie, farmer ; no former service. Jas. Barron, farmer; no former service. Charles Wyse, woolsorter; no former service. Chas. S. Duff, farmer ; no former service. Fredk. Bellett, labourer; no former service. Fred. J. Given, plumber ; served 2{ years City Guards. T. J. Martin, labourer; no former service. Chas. W. Watt, ploughman; .served in North Dunedin Rifles. J. B. Grant, farm labourer; no former service. J. S. Dry.' Chas R. Hubbord, cycle mechanic; ro former service. Edward A. Coffcy, labourer; served in Dunedin Rifles. Herbert Shalders, farmer; served in Clulha Mounted Rifles. .A i-oh. Campbell, asylum attendant; no | fni 111 1 j , orvicp. \\ r ' ' . Spain, blacksmith ; served in vol- '; - 1 -.. T M 'Knight." 11. •', Dowle, sheopdrover; no former

Robert M. Thomson, shepherd; no former service. Douglas M. Corson, groom ; no former service. Geo. H. Ferguson, warehouseman; served in Dunedin Engineer?. Thomas Popham, sheopfarmer ; no former service. W. W. Stringer, rabbiter; no former service. Arthur E. Shalders, horsebreaker ; served in Oamaru Cadets. * Particulars not yet obtainable. THE WAR OFFICE STILL BUSY. The work of the Organising Committee is almost ince&sant, every little matter of detail coming up in one form or another for consideration ; but with the assistance that has been organised it is being got through, and it is believed that good must result from tho care that is bestowed, and that in connection with the sending of our men nothing 1 thai can lend to their efficiency can possibly be unimportant. Very great care is being bestowed upon the proper equipment of the men, and Dr 'Coughtrey, who has given a great deal of study to the subject, has directed his attention e~pecially to the matter of the trooper's kit. It lias been ascertained that the kit must be revised fco suit the regulation saddle, and every ounce weight and inch space that is possible must be saved. Dr Coughtrey is measuring and weighing everything, and hopes in the course of a day or two to be successful in making up a model kit, that will precisely meet the requirements of the case. Tiie matter which is covered by this paragraph has already been made demonslrably clear by the telegram from the Premier, which states explicitly that upon their going into camp tlio horses and outfit of the men become the property of the Government. Some country committees apparently hold the opinion that they can make conditions to override the instructions received by the Organising Committee. One telegram that has been received read as follows: — " So-and-So's horse will be forwarded on receipt of telegram from committee that he has passed; not otherwise." To that the answer was sent : " T T nless the horse is presented unconditionally So-and-So will be passed into the B list. All horses and equipment money must become the absolute property of the committee when the man passes into camp." The reply of the country committee was in these terms: "You misunderstand us. The horse and man are given without conditions." That, of course, was perfectly satisfactory.— all gifts must be unconditional. The Dunedin donors are not seeking to impose conditions, but merely indicate preference, and of course due regard will be paid to all such .suggestions ; and the ' country offers must be on the same footing-, else the te->ts would be a farce and tho principle of equality a mere pretence. This is the only way to put the best available men in the contingent, and that is what all must desire. We have been requested to point out that the impression that those concerned in dredging companies are not in full sympathy with the patriotic movement for the despatch of the fourth contingent is unjust. Some of the companies have already given in response to the present as well as to former calls, and others will probably do so when it can be done with the consent of those concerned. Mr J. G. Short points out that three companies with which he is connected subscribed to the first fund, and that without the consent of the shareholders the directors would have no right to divert the funds to other than mining purposes ; though if the need exists this is a difficulty that will probably be overcome. GENERAL ITEMS.

The Leviathan Hotel Company employees and boarders ha\e subscribed to present a horse, to be named " Leviathan," to the fourth contingent. The Waiwera Committee have forwarded £75 to equip A. Clements, of Waiwera. and W. Clark and C. D. Burges, of Balclutho. Mr James Moreton, of Waikaka Valley, intends sending 30 bags of chaff for the use of the contingent horses. The residents of Waitepeka and Puerua have forwarded £25 to equip Trooper Shalders, for whom a horse has been forwarded by the people of Romahapa. The residents, of Nokomai have subscribed about £20 for a horse, to be called after the district, which they suggest should go to W. Fairburn in the event of his being accepted. Colonel Ponton has telegraphed stating that he will see the committee about the remounts on Tuesday. In the meantime they have bsen, placed in a paddock at Christchurch. A sum of £25 was handed to the hon. secretary on. Saturday night, representing the subscription of a few of the" domestic servants of Dunedin. Many of the individual subscribers contributed comparatively large amounts, and one subscriber was perfectly indignant becatise the collectors refused to take from her a donation of £1. As the amount provided will more than suffice to purchase a horse, it is deaired by the subscribers that tlio balance should be devoted towards the equipment of the volunteer who is to have the use of the mount. Mr W. Knight, of Waipori, sends £18 17s from the residents of that place to equip a local volunteer. The hairdressers have written to the secretary of the Organising Committee guaranteeing to provide a hoiv>e. to be called " Close Shave " for the fourth contingent, and asking that Hie horse bo referred for Mr Gawne, provided he is accepted. The children of the Lower Harbour School have (subscribed. 17s 5d for the more horses fund. The Mayor of Roxburgh has forwarded £66 7s 7d for the equipment of W. G-unn, A. Clarke, and W. W. Stringer, volunteers for the fourth contingent from that place. Mr Himter-Weston advises that Middlpmareh will forward £100 for equipment of members of the fourth contingent. Kaihiku resident? send £25 for the equiomenfc of G. H. Smith. The Builders' Association have given a horse for the contingent. J. Murdoch and Co. have donated £25 for the purchaso of a horse to be named " Rimu, and their employees have also given £25 to tho contingent fund. The Ngapara residents have intimated that they are sending Pettingal with a horse and outfit. Bayley and Sons, of Burnside, and employees have donated their horse to Dr Jamc« Watt. Heriot residents intend to forward a horse fov the contingent. Tho Stirling and Inohclutha people propoTO to fully equip Aifken and M'Donald, if their services are accepted. Tho Mayor of Arrowfcown has written stating that Putrr-jon, Low. and Shanahan have been selected by the district as volunteers for sei'vieo with the contingent* Th© men will

partly provide for their own equipment, an<J the residents of the district will contribute the* remainder. The employees of the s.s. Waikare will provide a horse for Bugler Cheeseman, who i«f at present in camp. Tapanui residents intend forwarding & horse for W. Morrison, and the Kurow people) are also sending a horse. Mrs M'Dermol, the elderly lady who is collecting money to purchase a horse to be called " The Old Woman," has, already handed over to the secretary over £6, made up in small amounts. ♦ Cromwell residents have remitted £75 t<3 the committee for equipment of men. The following donations have also been re« ceived: — Mr and Mrs Short £5 ss, Ratanux residents (per W. Carlton) £10, Portobello and Otakau residents £65 17s Bd, Dunrobiri residents £25, Sawyers' Bay residents £22 12s 6d, Miller's Flat residents £25. Mr Maurice Joel intends to present 40doz of ale to the contingent, and R. Anderson and Co. are giving a ton of bran for their horsesA very successful concert and dance was given at Adams's Flat on Friday night, when over £8 was ra"=ed fcr the fourth contingent fund. Mr James Dickson on Saturday brought in £65 7s Bd, result of the canvass of the Porto-« bello and Otakou road districts. The items are as follow:— Collected at the Portobelld i meeting £10 6>, at Otakou £20 15s 2d, col- ! lected by Mr Barton £5 ss, Mr Green £5 7s ! Mr M'Cartney £& 14s, Mr J. J. Lewis £3 15s S Mr J. Macandrcw £4- 10s, Mr Neilson £2 12s Mr Quinn £3, Mr Porterfield £3 3s 6d. An entertainment at Oamaru on Thur*dav night in aid of the fourth contingent realised £25, in addition to £2 4s Id thrown on the .stage during the sing-ing of "The Absentminded Beggar." The Hand and Heart Lodge have donated £2 towards the United Friendly Societies' Dispensary horse fund. Mayor Winn (of Lawrence) wires thafc M Donald, Bryant, Swanwick, and Duncan are prepared to leave fully equipped. The Naseby Committee wires that, John Reddell, Edward Mervyn Hickerman, and Harold Gray Saehtler are guaranteed horses, and that the committee are raising funds towards balance of equipment. Captain Stewart, of Milton, has received 1 additional offers of service from Messrs A. Cameron (Glenore) and T. Burns (Milton). The following from Palmerston and Waikouiiiti have volunteered to join the fourth contingent:— M'Laren, M'Dougall (Goodwood), F. Bayly, H. Bayly, and J. Muir (Green Valley), W. A. Ross (Kartigi). M'Dougall and F. Bayly find their own horses, H. Bayly provides horse and equipment, W. A. Ross (whose services have been accepted) finds his own horse. The Palmerston Times says there are others' in the district who are also anxious to foin. Clutha Items.— W. Fallowfield and Frank M'Donald are to be equipped by the Stirling people ; Mr Gibson, of Ashley Downs, will provide a horse and equipment for one man ; the residents of Warepa and Kaihiku have purchased a, horse for Trooper G. A. Smith, and intend to equip it ; Lovell's Flat have subscribed £39 for D. Bowie's horse. ■*, Mr M. Conghlan has given his services as extra clerk in the War Office. The carbines for the men were carefully tested on Saturday afternoon, with the result that they were found to be short-sighted at certain ranges. The sighting was otherwise accurate, and excellent shooting was made, the weapons giving satisfaction to the men using then. TENDERS. Tho committee sat on Saturday afternoon. 1 and again at night, the chief business being the consideration of tenders for the necessary materials for men's equipments, but the articles were so numerous and the detail work so great that the business had to be adjourned till this day at 10 a.m., when the committee will again sit, and accept the tenders and put in hand the work under time limit, so that everything; will be ready foi despatching the men on the 3rd of March, as the Government originally determined. The committee guaranteed, in their interview with the Premier, that they would have everything in readiness to embark the contingent on that date ; but the Premier advised three days ago that there might possibly be some delay in; respect to the transport steamers. The committee, however, hope to liave everything ready they ha^e undertaken by the 3rd o£ Mnri'-li. THE MEDICAL TESTS. The following is a further list of recruits who ppssed the medical examination on Saturday, and who have received passes 1 : — Charles Duff BurQ2?d. 24- years, horsebreaker; Alfred Powford Dryden,' 21, groom ; Jolm Dillon, 25, miner ;. John Dun gey. 24, hoi'se trainer ; John Edoiai. 25, stockrider: William James Fallowfield, 30, l"bourer ; Alexander Ferguson. 23. miner; M'Ewan Gray, 36, engineer; AVilliam Alevander Hill, 21, groom: Capel Hamilton Kent, 24, storeman : Edward M'Leod, 27. labourer : George M'Leocl, 24, bank clerk and px-farmer : John Young Moir, 22. Bushman : Thomns Mee. 23, farmer ; Albert Edward Thurlow, 22. saddler: Dermot Williams, 21, shepherd. The following also passed on Saturday, and passes are waiting for them, and will be gr<*en on application to Captain P'-oudfoot, at the Garrison Hall: — ■ Henry B--iW, 31 years, farmer: Robort Anderson Di-hman, 25, former : David Howatson, 27. -ploughman ; Herbert Thomas Alexander Lilburne, 33, carter ; Alfred Thomson, 24, farmer. MORE HORSESJ FUND. The treasurer of the housemaids' horse fund handed £25 to the general secretary on Saturday night. UNOFFICIAL ITEMS. A special meeting of the Otagc Typographical Association took place in the Tiades Hall, on Saturday lasi-, when the president (Mr Wathen) occupied the chair, and there was a good attendance. It vns reported that £27 had been collected for a horse for Mr Charles Newman, and £25 for equipment. The President pavo a cordial welcome to Mr Newman, who briefly replied. By special request Mr Walhen nans; "The gallants of England." and Mr James Jago contributed " Soldiers of the Queen." The iesu?t wa« a shower of silver foir " The absent-minded bpggar," and £1 10s 6d fell to the treasurer, the total being £53 10s 6d- A hearty voto of thanks vas passed to the singers, and also to tho special committees. The Lawrence District High School children have subscribed between £6 and £7 for tha patriotic fund. A largely-attended meeting of master bakers, journeymen, and van men was held in the Coffee Palace on Sa tin day. Mr J. Jenkins presiding. Tho Collecting Committees handed in their report, which was considered very satisfactory, over £40 having been collected in two days. It Mas agreod to ask the Contingent Committee to purchase a lior^e on behalf oi the baker? of Dunedin smil suburbs, the said horso to be presented to Mr Jas. Taylor, and to be called " Bakor." The Blue Spur residents have fuiljeg.uipg^d

Jas. Gray for the fourth contingent, in addition to subscribing £4-1 6- 7d to the patriotic fund.

It was Mr Charles Duke, a member of the Waikouaiti County Council, and not Mr C. Dale, who acted as chairman at the Sawyers' Bay patriotic meeting. CONCERT AT PORT CHALMERS.

A most successful concert was held in the Garrison Hall on Friday evening in aid of the funds for the equipment of the Rough Rirleiv contingent. It was originally intended by Miss C-Jeerin, the projector of the entertainment, that it should take the form of a sacred concert, in which the choirs of the several churches should take part.* l It appeared, however, that this idea did not meet with approval, and Miss Geerin, nothing daunted, altered tho form of the entertainment, with undoubted success. The attendance was large, and from first to last the audience manifested their approval of the musical treat provided for them. All the performers met with a most cordial reception, encores being imperatively demanded in most cases. A collce'tion was taken up, and £3 contributed, while the proceeds derived from the concert were £17. The Mayor thanked the audience for their presence, Miss Geerin for her kindness in organising the concert, and the Union Steam Ship Company for the generous manner in which they had fitted up the hall. He called for three cheers for the Misses Geerin, which were heartily given, and a similar compliment was paid to the Union Steam Ship Company. The concert concluded with the hearty singing of "God save the Queen" by the combined choirs and audience. FLORAL FETE AT PORT CHALMERS.

The town of Port Chalmers wore a holiday aspect on Saturday afternoon, all the business places being closed to allow all alike the opportunity of attending the floral fete held on the Reclaimed ground in aid of the patriotic fluid. The first part of the day was far from inviting, and it was feared the afternoon would prove equally unpleasant. However, the committee and their indefatigable secretary (Mr J. Rennie) persevered with their arrangements, and their trouble was well re--paid, as shortly after midday the S.W. wind, which had been blowing freshly, moderated down to a light breeze, and the weather during the rest of the day was all that could be desired. The Fete Committee, who are to be congratulated on the ?ucc?ss which attended their arrangements, consisted of Dr Borrie, Lieutenant-commanding Waters, Messi'o W. Wilson and D. Marr, with Mr J. Rennie organiser and secretary. • A .very largo marquee was erected at the xippor part of the grounds, and devoted to the purposes of an afternoon tea room. It was prettily decorated and comfortably furnished, and thronged throughout the afternoon by the visitor?, who were supplied with afternoon tea, which, with an ahundancn of cakes and other toothsome delicacies, were liberally supplied by the ladies in charge — nsmely, Mesdames Do Matis (msyores.s). E. G-. Allen, Monson, Cook, and Hen'lrv. with Misses ilonson (2), Allen, Platts, Paton, Watson, ,T. Lines, Cashman, Cable, Hundle, and Al'Cftllum. There was al?o a second tent, in which was a charming display of rare plant?. This tent was presided over by Mrs Morgan, assisted by Mrs A. Hendry, with Misses Morgan. Palmer, and Porteous. Captains and Mrs C imeron, with Mr Cousins, acted as judge-, for this and other floral decoration?. A lar<;e electrical machine, in charge of Mv '"Fillmqham. was a great attraction. During the course of the afternoon the Port Chalmers Band, who wore all sorts of quaint costumes, played a football match, in which their vagaries highly delighted the audience.

The proceedings commenced at 2 p.m., when a procession started from the Custom House square, headed by a gentleman in khaki, superbly equipped, and mounted on a most beautiful pony. This little fellow — a manly-looking child of some six years — vas Claude Waters, a son of Lieutenantcommanding Waters, of the Port Chalmers Naval Artillery. Next came the Garrison Band quaintly attired, one young fellow being capitally made up as a Boer madchen, Bunbonnet and all complete. A large trolly, called the Seven Muses, was tastefully decorated by the band with an abundance of choice flowers, while the interior had a number of nicely-arranged seats occupied by a number of charmingly-dressed little girls •wreathed with flowers. A couple of Roman chariots, in one of which was a little maiden costumed as "Britannia." while the second one, which was drawn with the shaft backward, contained a counterfeit presentment of President Kruger. Several prettily-deco-rated daisy carts, some horsemen in costume, and tradesmen's carts completed the procession, which, as it marched on to the ground, "srati deservedly applauded. A number of gaily-decorated bicycles also tended to enliven the brilliancy of the procession. So far as the aquatic display was concerned, nothing could have been in better taste, and as it took place at high water, a splendid yi6\v was obtained from the railway embankiaent. The sailing yachts, rowing boats, and

canoes were all fully decorated, and presented a pretty appearance. One of the rowing boats had a crew of young" ladies . appropriately dressed who made a charming i picture, while one of the canoes, paddled by i Master Rennie, was one mass of beautiful ! flowers. All classes of the boats exercised j some very pretty evolutions, and the crews ] were deservedly cheered for the success of j their movements. As the afternoon wore ' on a number of events took place, and his Worship the Mayor, with the committee, ' had their hands full ; but they were equal to the occasion, and everything passed off with great success. The entries were very

numerous. I ENTHUSIASTIC CONCERT -J. 1 SANDY- ' MOUNT. j

An enthusiastic audience thronged the Sandymount Hall on Friday evening, when j the united forces of Tomahawk, Highcliff, •■{ md Sandymount gove a concert to augment , <she local horse fund. Mr A. Stuart, chairman, voiced the general sentiment of the district when he said they could not all %o to the Transvaal, but they could help those who were able and willing to go. He | was, however, sorry that there was so ' much "straw-splitting" in the selection of j volunteers. Of the three local candidates, j one vho provided his own hor»e had been objected to on account of not being up to the riding standard, and another good man, j well suited for the work, because he was six ■ months under age. Tlie concert programme — a long and -\aried one — comprised selections of martial music by Piper Fairbairn and the Smaill Band (Miss Smaill piano, Messrs Smaill violin, cornopean, and clarionet, and Mr J. Dick \iolincello). Patriotic 'Jongs were given by Misses Dick and Smaill and Messrs Clark ("The death of Nelson"), ' Ivennard (" England will see it through "), Bryant (" Soldiers of the Queen "), D. Robertson (" Tommy Atkins "), J. Robertson, G. Balsille, jun., and Ogg. comic songs by Messrs Pressly, Sharp, and Strachan, song (" Hard times ") by Highcliff School children, recitations by Messrs Muir and Strachan, piano solo by Miss Balsille, and step dancing to Piper Fairbairn's accompaniment by Mv Yor- i ston. The song of the evening, "The absent- , minded beggar,"' rendered wiih effect by Messrs Bryant and Kennard. resulted in a phower of coins on the platform, amounting to j £3. The concluding item, the National Anthem, to band accompaniment, was sung by the audience, after which tea and cakes were distributed to all present, and votes of thanks were proposed by Mr J. White to all who had helped towards the success of the concert, ' including the performers, Mrs F. Black for use of piano, the ladies for providing refresh- j ment", and Messrs Wilkie and Co. for supply- ' in<? 200 tickets free of charge. ■

The proceeds of the entertainment amounted to £19, which, with the funds already collected, brings the pmount subscribed by the diptricts above-named to about £65.

CONCERT AT TAPANUL

A splendid meeting was, held pt Tppanui on Friday evening in aid of the fourth contingent fund. The hall was pive'ked to the doors, and a pronounced spirit of patriotism was displayed. His 'Worship the Mayor occupied the chair, and a lengthy programme was gone through, including musical items by the Rundle family : recitations by Dr de Lautour and Mr Sheen ; songs by Messrs Brannigan. C. Whelan, F. Whelan, and Wethey, and Misses Wethey, Simmonds. Millie an, and Franklyn : pianoforte slections by Miss Gourley. Mr Alexander Duncan supplied pipe music, and Mr James Duncan danced the sword dance. The accompanists were Misses Qi'in, Wethey, and Whelan. The feature of the programme was Mr Thomas Mackenzie's addres-s', and he received a hearty welcome. He made an effective speech, and was applauded frequently. In all about £2fa was raised by sale of tickets, collections, etc., and, together with canvassers' lists, brought the total to about £90. Mr W. Morrison, one of the local volunteers who has been accepted, received an ovation, and a sencl-off will probably be accorded him this evening. Mr J. R. Mackenzie ha? donated a horse, to be allotted to a local boy.