THE OTAGO AND SOUTH LAND CONTINGENT.

Otago Witness, Issue 2399, 22 February 1900, Page 37

THE OTAGO AND SOUTH LAND CONTINGENT.

THE SHOOTING TE3T3 BEGUN. TME CAMP ROLL UP TO 200. . TUESDAY. Yesterday was the best sample of weathei v the' camp has yet been favoured with, arid under such favourable circumstances it is not to be wondered that good progress was made in every department. In the early morning a dozen men were put through the riding test, and out of these tvo were rejected. Later on Captain Stronsch and Lieutenant Freeman took a squad of 30, who had pass-eel in riding, to the Pelichet Bay range for the musketry te?t. There was no wind, and everything was favourable lo good shooting except the newness of the weapons, and this was as puzzling lo the markers as to the men. Owing to the smallness of the diameter of the bullet, they make a correspondingly small puncture in the canvas target, and sometimes it is difficult to locate the spot where it went through — that is. when it did go through. — and, needless to say, the search for the spot where the bullet strikes was not always confined to the proximity of the bull's-eye. Still, the shooting was fairly good. The conditions were 15 shots at 500 yds. The men were given three "sighters. Unfortunately, the requisite score to pass has not yet been received from the Defence Office in Wellington, and it is not known how many failed and how many got through. Carbines were issued on Monday to the remainder of thc.=e who had passed in horsemanship, and a squad of about 24- men wei*t> drilled by Sergeant-jnajor Knee in manual and firing exercise. The rest of the men hi camp, with the exception, of course, ol those on guard, were formed into three squads and exercised in dismounted drill under Lieuten ants Morris, Macdonald, Pram, and M'Millan. Among these were the Southlanders, who show that they are keen to master the principles of the drill, and in a very, short time will have a thorough knowledge of all the sectional movements. In the afternoon considerable progress was made with the riding tests. Some 50 men saddled up, and, under Lieutenant Macdonald ■were taken over to the drive between the main gate and the grand stand. Here there is a triangular patch of grass, the distance round which would be about 200 yds. The men were sent round this individually twice — first at a trot, and second at a canter. Captain Stronach and Lieutenants Morris and Pram conducted the test, which took no little time, and was watched to the finish by a large number of people. Then they were all taken out to the- track inside the racing track and here put through a gallop of a little over a furlong. Lieutenant Macdonald despatched the men one by one, and sending them off as soon after each other as possible, the spectacle was much more entertaining. There were some fine riders amongst them, among whom several Clulha men were noticeable. _ The, jumping followed the galloping, and this was the entertainment of the afternoon; Although the public were supposed lo be excluded, aboi)t 100 watched the proceedings with great interest, and liberally applauded the men who took their hurdles in good style, while the failure of others was received with goodnatured merriment. Some Of the horses positn ely refused to attempt the jump, which was 3ft high. Out of the total number who were put through, there were 14 rejects. It Fhould be understood that this is merely a preliminary riding lest, and anything but a final one. The camp roll now stands at 200 the new arrivals on Monday having replaced a similar number who were sent home. The orderly officer on Monday was Lieutenant Maodonald, and the orderly sergeant Sergeant Fox. Dr Watt is- a familiar figure about camp, but beyond one trivial case, his professional services have not needed to be called into requisition. He takes, however, a lively interest in everything, and is making himseli familiar with every department of the camp. THE MEN IN CAMP. The following men went into camp on Monday : — Dermot Williams, 21, shepherd ; served in volunteers. John Edgar, 25, stockrider; served in volunteers as a cadet. Ernest W. Baxter, 21, farmer ; no former service. ' J. R. Burns, 21, station hand ; served in Permanent Artillery. Henry Bailey, 31, farmer; no former service. William R. Duffy, 24, asylum attendant; served in volunteers. Alexander Clarke, 23, station musterer ; n,o former service. ' William Alexander Hill, 21, groom ; no former service. Charles Duff Burgess, 24, horsebreaker ; served in Clutha Mounted Rifles. Alfred Ponsfovd Dryden, 21, groom ; no former service. John Grey Brown, 26, farmer ; no formei service. Thomas Mcc, 23, farmer ; no former service. Albert Edward Thurlow, 22, saddler; nc former service. John Dung-ey, 24, horse-trainer ; no f^rmas service. John Dillon. 25, miner. Alexander Ferguson, 23, miner ; served in volunteers. James Stewart, 23, farmer ; no former bervice. Charles Newman, 32, compositor ; no former service. George Aitken, 28, farm labourer; no former service. WAR OFFICE. The staff wore kept fully employed all day on Monday at the War office. The Organising Committee also held three meetings during- the clay, and got through a large amount of routine business. TENDERS. The following lenders have, been accepted: Supplying 75 saddles and equipment for same at £7 3s per set, Butler Bros. ; 150 currycombs at 5o 3d per dozen, 150 leather bandoliers at ]8s 6d, and 175 pairs of spurs at, 4s lOd per pair, Butler Bros. ; 50 sets of saddles at £3 10s each, Brace, Yf indie, Biyth. and Co. ; 35 sets of saddlery equipment at £'6 13s per pet, Alexander M'Kenzie ; 25 saddles al £3 10s each. P. Miller; 40 sets of saddlery equip- | ir.pnt at £3 13s per pet, B. Hatfield ; 3000 pairs .of boot-s at 5? per pair. Biug, Harris, and Co. ; 150 khaki helmets at 6s each and 150 bags for same at 9d,cach, Hallenslein Bros and Co. GENERAL ITEMS. The residents of Owaka provide on.a ik^gi

svnd about £17 in cash towards the equipment ipf tho volunteer from that place. , The Hon. J. G. Ward has telegraphed to .the chairman of the Organising Committee fctatiug that he proposed to have the same railjivay concessions granted in the case of the departure of the • fourth contingent as were 'granted in the case of the third contingent— fviz., excursion fares from all stations on the Eurunui-Bluff line to Dunedin. |/ Colonel Penton has telegraphed to the joTiairman of the committee: — "In the lift of horses you have sent down I see some are both /under height and age. Please understand sthat the ages must be between five and ten, Snd the heights from 15 hands to 15.3. No j-oans or greys will be accepted." i The secretary of the bakers has asked the to purchase a horpe, to be called •" The Baker," for James Taylor, now in fcamp. In the event of Taylor not passing all examinations, the bakers wish the horse to go to G. Patrick. ■, The Mayor of Port Chalmers has written notifying that Port Chalmers will provide the outfit for John Reid Moore, now in camp, a ihorse having already been given by ButterBros. J. Tunnage and Co., of Port Chalmers, have forwarded Bcwt of fish for the contingent. The employees of the Union Steam Ship Company at Port Chalmers have handed in the £50 2s 6d for the purchase of two horses, named respectively '•' Maravoa " and " Rotoniahana,"' to be given to George R. Smith and Alexander M'Donald, if they pass; if not, the horses to go to the Port Chalmers men. Alexander Garden, of Waitahuna, has consigned 100 bags of chaff and nine bags of oats for the contingent's horses. The Mayor oi Gore on Monday telegraphed that if James Turnbull was accepted, the residents of that place would fully equip him, in addition to the 15 men already sent from there. The Equitable Stock Exchange's donation of £10 10s to the mfrpes' fund has been received. The coal merchants i» Dunedin and suburbs have forwarded a cheque for £29 for the equipment of C. N. Cornish, who is to ride the horse to be called " Carbon," for the purchase of which they subscribed the necessary amount. Mr John Gibson, of Ashley Downs, "Waiwera South, has written to the secretary of the Organising Committee stating that A. Siemens, who was employed on the station, had offered for service with the contingent, and his fellow employees had subscribed £25 ior his outfit.. He (Mr Gibson) would give a horse to be called " Ashley Down?."' Mr Quin has written stating that James Stewart left Tapanui on Monday to go into camp, and his horse, called., " Glenkenicli," ■would be forwarded on Tuesday. As soon as Stewart was definitely accepted, he (Mr Quinn) would send a cheque for £25 to equip him. The Tapanui committee would also fully equip and mount Walter G. Morrison. The residents of Kelso have sent £25 for the equipment of John Ross, of that place. The Stirling people have forwarded £50 for the purpose of equipping George Aitken and James M'Donald. The former's horse was to be named " Stirling " and the latter's> " Inchclutha." The residents of Berwick have subscribed to purchase a horse for Ernest Win. Baxter, who lias volunteered for service with the contingent. Messrs A. Beaver and Co. have presented 200 sponges for the use of the contingent. The ladies of Invercargill have made some " holdalls " for their contingent, and hav.e presented every man from there with a jersey and nightcap. The Mayor of Goie has forwarded £350 to equip 14- men from that district. The Dunedin Foundry Company's moulders have subscribed £3 to the contingent fund. According to the North Otago Timer, Corporals Marshall and Barraclough, of North Ptago,Jiaye passed all the necessary tests for Inclusion in the fourth contingent. The following have also passed in the riding and shooting tests : — A. J. Roberts, Wm. Harris, Edward Massey, Alexander Turner, and David Melvin (Oamaru), Albert Schluter, John Bell, and John M'Goun (Kurow), Silas Lousley and James Fraser (Hakataramea), Frank Pettingill (Ngapara), Charles Moore <Otematata), Robert Ward (Boundary Creek), Frederick Colliss (Fortification), James Kruse < Windsor), William White and John Bat tie. In addition to the above, several have come to Dunedin at their own expense to undergo the tests here. > THE MEDICAL TESTS. The following were passed by the Medical Board on Monday : — Robert Taylor Carruthers, 22, Millon, carpenter. , Daniel Clark, 21, Benmore, stockman. William Gunn, 21, Roxburgh, butcher. Samuel Low, 33. Arrowtown, farmer. Ronald Charlsa Hay-Mackenzie, 28, St. Clair, bank clerk. Henry Miller, 29, Mosgiel, labourer. James Dunlop Paterson, 30, Carclrona, miner. William Batton, 34, Pomahakn, ploughman. John Salter, 22, Port Chalmers, butcher. Thomas Shanaban, 21, Arrowtown, miner. Robert Neilson Cowpor Tennenl, 26, Port Chalmers, missionary. UNOFFICIAL ITEMS. The Mayor of Port Chalmers has received a. donation of 10s towards the "more hordes " fund from T. J. Knewstubb, a lad of 14 years. This is characteristic of the spirit -that pervades Port CKalmers in connection with the patriotic movement. Mr Charles Kerse, chairman of the Dunrobin Committee writes: — "The money for a horse and equipment for James Barron is already over-subscribed, and as both our volunteers have pa&ssd the medical tests an effort will likely bo made to equip Charles Duff also." Writing on tho 11th insi., our Cromwell correspondent reports: — "This district has, no occasion to bo ashamed of the part it has taken in upholding the honour of the Empire. We contributed about £120 to the patriotic fund, exclusive of £17 raised at Bannockburn by the pootnrntrc--; there, and last Wednesday we had a mestin;: to see what could be done to help the fourth contingent, and on Saturday evening the committee found that they had £50 and several volunteers. Tho list of Cromwell volunteers included Messrs Ernest Jolly, Henry Solomon, Thos. Smith, William Eady. Robert Philips, Frank and James Mason, all of whom are physically of an excellent type. The list contains the name of our best footballer and our crack cyclist. All these are willing, at their country's call, to throw up good billets for the dangers and hardships of a soldier's life ; and the more honour to them for it. Bannockburn, which ia acting independently of Oromv/ell, sends three recruits — Messrs J. M'Cabe, Arthur Lawrence, and William Crombie, all used to riding and to rough hill ■work — the very stamp of men wanted. At the time of writing I do not know what has been done towards mounting and equipping tlwase men. Two of the Cromwell voluafceers A

Jolly and Solomon, provide themselves with horses and equipment ; one df the Masons has been provided with a horse by the patriotic generosity of Mr J. L. Scolt ; Eady and Smith can do a lot towards equipping themselves. At Saturday's meeting the committee purchased two horses, to be named Cromwell and ICawarau, and will very likely purchase a third, which will be called Clutha. A farewell social will be held on Monday evening, and our boys leave for camp on Tuesday morning, when they will get a right royal sendoff." PATRIOTIC MEETING AT RATANUI. During the last week the people of Ratonui have been busy over matters connected witli raising funds for the fourth contingent. On Saturday, 10th inst., a small muster turned up at the request of Mr W. Carlton (the local representative), who formed themselves into a committee to canvas? the district. It was resolved to send a truck of sawn timber for use at the military camp, which left on Wednesday, and it was decided to have a public meeting on Saturday, 17th, which duly c?mc off. The attendance numbered about 60. Mr Carlton occupied the chair, and read the latest war telegrams announcing that General I'rench had reached Kimberley a few days previous. John Moir, he said, had volunteered for the front, offering to pay half the cost of a hor.se if the settlers, would provide the balance. Patriotic songs, recitations, and speeches were given, which worked the audience up to a high pitch of enthusiasm, and £2 6s 6d was collected, admission to the hall being free. At the conclusion the Chairman announced that with the £10 furnished by John Moir the total on the list showed thai the creditable sum of £32 2s 6d had been raised. The accounts were-audited and parsed for payment, and the whole thing finished up in six days. Hearty voles of thanks and the singing of " God save the Queen " closed the proceedings. John Moir left for the ,camp on Friday night. PATRIOTIC MEETING AT RAVENSBOURNE. The "West Harbour Fourth Contingent Committee held a patriotic meeting at Ravensbourne on Friday night. His Worship the Mayor (Mr H. E. M oiler) presided, and patriotic speeches were delivered by his Worship tho Mayor, the Rev. Dr Nicholson, and Messrs J. A. Millar and E. G. Allen, M.H.R.'s. Apologies were tendered for Mr J. F. Arnold, M.H.R.. and Mr W. H. Montgomery, ex-M'.H.R. Mr J. Stewart recited "The Relief of Lucknqw " and "Pardon, the Son of Reprieve " : Lieutenant M'Donald recited " Our Folk " ; Mrs Hawcridge sang "Rule Britannia," the chorus being heartily taken up by the whole meeting ; Mr N. Bell sang " Softs of the sea"; Mr J. C. Rons, "Sons of the Empire"' and "Soldiers of the Queen"; and Mr F. G. Cray, "Battle of Stirling bridge." Mr James Low, who lias volunteered from Ravensbonrne for the fourth contingent, having obtained leave of absence from the camp, occupied a seat on the platform, and favoured the audience with "The dear old flag." While he was singing this the Union Jack was thrown over his shoulders amid great applause. The Dunedin Pipe Band, consisting of 15 members, under the leadership of Mr Gray, marched round the district previous to the meeting, making the hillside ring with the martial -strains which won the day at Dargai and Elandslaagte. They also contributed three selections in the programme. The meeting was a huge success, the utmost enthusiasm and patriotism being manifested throughout the proceedings. The secretary intimated that the total amount received ,~ including amounts from subscription lists, takings at the door, and collection in the hall, were £57 16s. This will more than provide the object aimed at — namely, the equipment of Mr J. Low. The proceedings were opened and closed by the whole audience singing the National Anthem. The proprietors of the hall generously gave jt free of charge, and Messrs Wilkie donated tho posters for the meeting. OAMARU, February 19. At a meeting of the More Men Committee it was decided to send 20 men to Dunedin, and insist on 13 being accepted. These will be fully horsed and equipped. If not accepted, the horses and equipment are to be realised, and the proceeds to go to the patriotic fund. AUCKLAND, February 19. The Rough Riders' fund is now neaily £3000. THE WELLINGTON SECTION. WELLINGTON, February 19. The local committee for the fourth contingent have sufficient funds in hand to equip 78 men, and it has been decided to ask the Government if arrangements can be made for the transport of this number. Mr Guy F. Johnston is to be recommended for a eom>nipsion with the contingent on condition of his beating the cost of equipment and transport. THE SEND-OFF TO THE SOUTHLAND MEN. The demonstration in connection with the depaiture of tho Southland reju-esciiUitives in the Otago-Southland contingent was a brilliant succc=i. The day was beautifully fine, after a. night's rain. An immense crowd gathered, including a large number of couiitry people. The contingent met at the Otirriso'i Hall. There local volunteer.-, numbering close upon 400, and visiting bandsmen, paraded at 9."30. A procession was formed in the presence of a vast multitude of spectators, and moved forward in the following order: — Garrison Band, contingent, escorted by the Southland Mounted Rifles, veterans. Bluff Band. City Guard?, Orcli Rifles, Caledonian Pipe Band, Awarua Rifles, Middle School CadcHs, City Guards' Band, High School Cadets, now Invcrcargill corps, while the Southland Mounted Rifles guarded the rear. Captain ITavkins, officer commanding ihe Southland district, was in command, and was attended by a large staff, including Lieutemnt-'-colonel the Hon. H. Feldviek and •!. ft. Hannali, formerly co-nmanders of the dibtricl. After the march through ,>•»■% cral streets, the volunteer* formed up in front of i he iiand rotunda at the Post Office square. The squaro was crowded with people, and the Government buildings, bankb, and °hop= — in fact, every spot offering foothold — were tjken advantage of. platform had been erected for the speakers;. The Mayor (Mr J. .S. Coldio) before calling upon the speakers read an extra announcing the relief of Kimberley. The people s-cnt up cheer after cheer. The news thoroughly stimulated their patriotism and, with hopes thus brightened, the spirit of the great multitude warmed, and the after pi oceedings were characterised by great "enthusiasm. Patriotic speeches were delivered by ihc Mayor, Mr J. A. Ilanan (member for Invercargill), Mr Gilfedder (member for Wallace), yen. Archdeacon StocVer, Rev. J. Gibson Smith, Very Rev. Dean Burke, Mr Robert Gilmour, Captain J. E. Hawkins, and Chaplain-captain D ._O. Bates.

The speeches, without exception, were excellent. They dealt with the great issues involved in the war, the patriotism of the colonies, and its immense moral influence with the nations of the world. The .speakers pointed out that the real importance of maintaining Britain's supremacy was that Britain alone could lead the way of progress, freedom, enlightenment, and justice. The bept thing that could happen the world was that the integrits' of Britain should be maintained unimpaired. The speakers eulogised the work of the first contingent, and voiced the pride of the colony in Major Robin ar>d his gallant band. The speakers were proud of the stamp of men that were going to rerjre^ent Southland, and felt sure they would fight as bravely for the Empire's flag as those who had gone before them. The contingent carried the hopes and prayers of all Southland with them, and their movements would be followed closely. Their mission wa> a noble one, but Southland put her trust in them, and felt satisfied their confidence had been wisely criven. They wished the men god-speed, and promised that when they returned crowned with laurels of victory, covered with honour, they would receive a welcome more loving and enthusiastic than their send-off. Chaplain Bates pronounced an eloquent benediction to the reverent multitude. At the beginning and end of the rotunda demonstration the throng, led by three bands, sang the National Anthem with great enthusiasm and deep emotion. The ceremony, having concluded, the troops made their way through the crowd to the railway station, a.-.d the contingent moved tl rough cheering lines. Commanded by Lieutenant Hazlett and Sergeant Wes-nc-y, of the Southland Mounted Rifles, the contingent entrained rapidly. Fearing an accident, the department did not permit the public to enter the railway station. The crowd, therefore, took up a position on both sides of the railway line leading through the suburbs for about a mile. Roofs of buildings near the station covered with people cawed Kreat anxiety to the officials, who feared the buildings were not strong enough to cany the weight. Punctual to time, the express steamed away from the platform at not more than a walking pace. Those for up the line could hear tho cheering of the volunters at the station. Electric bells announced the approach of the train. The members of the contingent lemed from the windows shouting to friends, returning salute*, farewells, and the cheers of the crowd. Band? stationed in the gardens along the route played '' Soldiers of the Queen," and the air was caught up by the crowd. The contingent were keenly alht to the honour done to them. They shouted thanks and affectionate messages, and sang the National Anthem as the •train passed out of sight. The crowd hung about for a long time discussing the splendid and effecting scene they Lad witnessed, and sharing conaratulations on the magnificent news from the seat of war. They then dispersed to their homes. The gathering was a memorable one, and will live in the mmd 5 of al] who were present. Following upon the splendid enthusiasm of the farewell concert on Friday, it made known to the contingent the greatness of the trust lvposed in them and the place they had taken in the hearts of the people of Southland. Through Lieutenant Hazlett, the contingent, at the rotunda, returned thanks for the gifts they had received, for the honour done to them, and expressed their sense of the deep obligation they owed their fellow citizens. They then gave three lusty cheers for the people of Southland. In every way Southland moy congratulate itself on the demonstration. It was splendidly loyal a.id nntlm^iaplie. The arrangements were excellently planned and carried out. Not a hitch occurred, nnd all things? seemed to work together to aid Southland in nay ing to her contingent the utmost honour in her power. ADDITIONAL SUBSCRIPTIONS. Dunedin Licensed Victuallers' As-

In connection with, the Farra subscriptions of £15 15s, a slight error was made in acknowledging them. Mr Jos." Farra donated £5 ss, Mess;s Farra Bros. .65 ss, and Messrs Farra Bios.' employees £5 ss. Mr "W. Blagdon's subscription of £2 2s was inadvertently omitted fiom the plumbers' list. DAILY TIMES LIST. Per Peter M'Gregor (proceeds of patriotic co.iceit a.id dance at Pine

HIGH PRAISE FOR OUR BOYS. MESSAGE FROM LORD ROBERTS. WELLINGTON, February 19. His Excellency the Governor has received the following from Lord Roberts, dated Jacobsdal, the 18th:—''Pleas© accept for yourself-; and offer to the New Zealand people, the warmest thanks of myself and the army, in South Africa for their kind congratulatory telegram. The New Zealand contingent have already done splendid work; I could not wish for better soldiers, and the additional force that New Zealand is sending will be most warmly welcomed.—Rotjemts."

sociation . \ Collected at Mala^anui (Alexandra Outiam Hartley and Ri'ey Company .. J. Murdoch and employees Georgia Magnet S. Jacobs and ciew TVaihora .. Cpversham, _St. Kilcla, and South Dnnedin Ii.V.A. Stilling Miller's Flat Puema Wartiv a Low clerks of Dunedin .. .. .. Mrs E. Chapman 154 1 0 SO 13 0 75 0 0 72 0 0 50 0 0 50 0 0 no o 6 32 0 0 25 0 0 15 0 0 25 0 0 25 0 0 20 0 0 ]5 0 0 5 5 0

Mrs Williams Empire D. A. Wilson Miss Allan (St. Andrew street) „ \ i-iittle Boy 2 1 1 1 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0