LAND AND WATER.

Otago Witness, Issue 2401, 8 March 1900, Page 47

LAND AND WATER.

We learn that the s.s. Doto, with Mr L. F. Ayson, Inspector of Fisheries, on board, will start from Napier on Wednesday for Lyttelton to commence an experimental trawling cruise. Operations will commence at Lytteiton Heads, and will be carried on first to Waipara. Local attempts to secure that a scientific expert should accompany the expedition have so far been unsuccessful, on account of the lateness of the season and the fact that all are otherwise occupied. Similarly no one can at present be secured in Christchurch. As, however, it is highly desirable that some one duly qualified to collect and to report on the scientific aspects of the cruise should go, the Council of the Otago Institute is still trying to come to some arrangements, and the Wellington Institute has signified its willingness to co-operate.

At a meeting held at Tapanui on Saturday it was decided to form a rifle volunteer corps, and 58 names 'were handed in at the meeting.

One_ of the best deer stalkers in the Wairarapa is a member of the bushmen's contingent, now in camp at Newtown Park, Wellington. His marksmanship and knowledge of woodcraft -should stand him in good stead in stalking the Boers by and bye.

The Tapanui Bush, which extends along the back of Crookston Flat to near Dunrobin, is the nearest of any consequence to the Teviot. Seldom do we see here the more graceful than gaudy birds, that delight the eye and charm the ear of those" dwelling in the purlieus of the forest, where nod in sombre grandeur the kahahatea, rimu, matau, totara, and the mero, the berries of which latter both wood pigeons and kakas are very fond. A stray denizen of the woodland may sometimes find its way thither^ attracted, no doubt, by the tall bluegums that adorn the plherwise bare vale of the Moryneux. One such stratiger seems to have taken up his abode in the outskirts of Roxburgh, as nightly, and often during the day too, the shrill pipe of the native cuckoo ma}' be heard in the town. The cuckoo's plumage, though not brilliant, is a pretty barred brown, not unlike a falcon, and his long, graceful tail, added to a daintilyshaped body, gives him all the character of a " perfect gentleman." This bird is valuable, inasmuc as its leading- industry is to rob other birds of their egg?. The tui hates the sight of him, and it is an amusing sight to see two or three of such darting through the tangle after the arrant thief. We hope 1 none of the boys will .shoot this rare visitant, but that it will be permitted to grace our outskirts and go on robbing the little mendicants thai are no friends of the fruitgrower. — Exchange. .

The Westport Harbour Board has ilic unpleasant tank of .retrenchment . It is understood it its proposed to dispense with 57 of the 123 men employed by the boarj. The bcr.rd will pass the necessary resolution for raising a further loan. ■

Friday was a red-letter day in Dunedin, in common with every other portion of the Empire. It was a day not likely to be forgotten by anyone who witnessed the tremendous outburst of enthusiasm with which the news of the relief of Ladysmith was received. When we received the cable message at 8.45 a.m. on Friday^we at once got out extras, which were sent all over the town and were posted up in 'Caversham shortly after 9 o'clock. The Mayor was promptly notified by telephone of the fact that Ladysmith had been relieved, and almost immediately the good news was announced to the town by the ringing of the firebell and the hoisting of flags on the Town Hall.

The glad refrain was speedily taken up by steam whistles from the railway engines, steamers in harbour, and workshops all over the town, making a discordant medley that thoroughly awakened the whole town to the fact that some notable event had taken place at the theatre" of war. -When our extrai - announced that Ladysmith was teally relieved," and no mistake about it this time, the town went fairly wild with enthusiasm. ~ Flags were soon streaming from every building, and every vantage point was gay. with bunting- in the briefest possible space.of time. Bells were ringing, gongs were sounded, steam whistles were screaming, human throats were hoarse with hurrahing, and the s.s. Flora thrice fired her signal gun. The pent up feelings, which for some days had been lense, broke forth in a tremendous outburst of patr'otic enthusiasm, and the whole town simply abandoned itself to rejoicing. Workmen threw down their tools, and shop employees donned their coats ; as all felt that an epoch' in the history of the Empire had been marked, and it was not a time to pursue the humdrum avocations of every-day life. Bunting was flying from almost every building in the city, from the large warehouse to the humblest cottage. Staid matrons and shy damsels appeared at their doors, and in many instances on the pavement, ringing dinner bells, bicycle bells, or hammering on gongs or salvers.

His Worship -the Mayor promptly proclaimed a public holiday, and set to work to arrange a monster demonstration in honour of the brave general who, true to all tho noblest traditions of his race, held Ladysmith for so many months against overwhelming odds, for the defence of the beleaguered town against the most determined investment of the principal Boer force must go down in history as one of the grandest achievements of a British general.

All the schools were^ closed, including the Boys' and Girls' High Schools, and the children went home cheering for the relief of Ladysmith. Many of them will remember the occasion in after life, thus brought home to, them, and when reading the history of the present war in dajrs to come will recall the great event which gave them a school holiday and an opportunity of joining in the public rejoicings.

The en.ployees of Messrs Chas. Begg and Co. and the Dresden Pianoforte Company equipped themselves with a drag (kindly supplied by Mr Jeffs) and musical instruments, and paraded the town, playing " God pave the Queen" and "Soldiers of the Queen." They subsequently drove along Cumberland street, and slopped in front of all tho foundries, which soon found that to keep on working was out of the question while the town was en fete. The drag afterwards stopped in front of the Daily Times office, and the impromptu band played selections. They then went as far as the Cargill monument, near which several thousand people had assembled, and again played the National Anthem and patriotic airr.

When it became known that the mayor had decided upon a monster demonstration to start from the Octagon at 2 o'clock, the whole town donned itself in holiday attire and turned out to witness the proceedings. Before that time the streets were lined with throngs of people, and the employees of the Hillside , workshops, marching in procession just as they left off work, headed by a couple of pipers and a couple of drums, and canying flags innumerable, created not a little

stir. The most notable thing in this procession was a huge broad axe borne upon the shoulder of -one of the employees and bearing the inscription on both sides in white letters, "To kill Kruger."

When 2 o'clock had arrived an enormous concourse of people assembled in the neighbourhood of the Ootagon, the crowd being so densely packed that tram traffic had to be , suspended for a time, and the procession had some difficulty in getting away. Along Princes street the sidewalks were crowded, while every vantage point from which the procession could be viewed was swarming. Windows and the tops of high buildings were packed with enthusiastic sightseers.

The Town Hall was gaily adorned with flags, while Mr J. Robin's coach factory was dressed in bunting. A large portrait of Major Robin was displayed in front of the building, and, needless to say, the sight of the splen-_ did portrait- from 'the Gaynor studio elicited many hearty cheers for the brave commander of our brave New Zealand boys at the front.The public proceedings commenced by 1 the ringing of; tne- Town Hall bells, followed by patriotic music by the bands present. The Mayor then from the steps in front of the Town Hall asked the assembled crowd to sing the National Anthem, which was responded to in a fashion never before witnessed in Dunedin, for in that vast assemblage every fibre was tingling with excitement and ev(=ry pulsebounding with joyous enthusiasm. From throat to throat the stirring strains of the anthem, which is perhaps a stronger link in the chain that binds the Empire together than any other, were taken up till the air was simply vibrating- with, the volume of sound. It was a memorable occasion. When the people met three years ago to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee the National Anthem was sung with light-hearted joy; but yesterday there was a sad refrain, for it was generally recognised that our glorious victory carried with it much to cloud the brow with sadness. While the Empire rejoices there are broken-hearted mothers and wives, to whom the relief of Ladysmith brings but little to rejoice over.

When Mr Chisholm briefly addressed the people before the procession started every sentence was punctuated with loud-ringing cheers. A start was then made, and, considering how brief the time was between the receipt of the glad news and the demonstration, wonders were accomplished. The mayor and councillors led off the procesbion, with the Organising Committee and the members of Parliament for the City in carriages. Next came the first division of the fourth contingent, which turned out in full force, leaving only a few men on guard in camp. The men were, in fact, so keen to join in the procession that a number of them tode withovft saddles and with rope halters as bridles. Despite these disabilities, the public had a splendid opportunity of seeing what a fine lot of fellows we are sending away to the war. The Kaikorai Band, followed by the Cycle Corps, came next. Then came the Ist Battalion of the Otago volunteers and the B Battery, in command of Major Smith and Adjutant Hislop. The second division of the fourl'i contingent followed, and behind them came 30 of the D.I.C. Rough Riders, with their striking uniform. Several members of Fitzgeralds' Circus added to the procession, and an elephant attracted no little attention. The North - East "Valley Band came next. The members of the Dunedin Stock Exchange in four carriages joined the procession, and after the function was over adjourned to 'the Grand Hotel, where the toast of " The Queen " was honoured in champagne, with musical honours. Mr C. W. Harvey proposed the toast -of "Our Boys" in South Africa, coupled with the name of Mr A. M. Sidey, who is an ex-sergeant of the Otago Hussars. A little boy, Master Walter Shrimpton, not quite seven years of age, dressed as Major Robin in miniature, came in for some round cheering as the procession moved off. Several friendly societies were represented, and the Otago United Shipwrights had their banner in the march. There were several large mottoes, such as " God Save the Queon," " When Duty Calls, New Zealand's Sons Obey," and

the war cry of the first contingent — "Kitf whawhai tonu matou; ake, ake, ako!" Ai couple of expresses were placarded on botli' sides with patriotic mottoes, such as " Bravo-, Natal Carbineers, " " Meeting of Dundonakl and White," "Remember our brave colonial troops." "Three cheers for the defenders of Laciybmith " ; " Scotland's, brave boys, Gordons, Black Watch ' ; " Ireland's' brave sons— • Dublin.s, lnniskillings, Connaughts " ; " England's heroes — Buller, White, Robin, 'Fighting- Mac' " etc. The Dunedin Pipe Band occupied a drag, nicely decorated with greens and flowers. The Dunedin Fire Brigade had their large fire-escape and hose reel and smaller reel, while the firemen turned out in strong force. A horseman dressed as a Kaffir with placards on either side his steed bearing the motto, " Down with Kruger," elicited groans for that worthy. The procession left the Town Hall, passing round the Upper Octagon in front of Mr Robin's house, and so great was the throng of people that it took about a quarter of an hour to get back into Princes street again, and away en route to the Southern Oval. The public followed in aQnass, all wearing the national colours and waving flags, while tram cars and vehicles of every description were gay with fbags. The vehicles containing the mayor and councillors had placards at the side showing in large letters the names White, Buller, Dundonald, and Kitchener. The volunteers were 369 strong, the Dunedin -Engineers having very ' nearly a full muster. Considering that thera had been no general order given, the o ily intimation being the order posted up in the street at 11.45 a.m., the muster of volunteers " must be considerad good. So pronounced was the enthusiasm yesterday and so great the demand for flags, that it is safe to say every flag in slock in the shops was bought out. Everyone who could procure a flag, from the grey-headed man to the wee toddler, who wondering what it was all about, was prow to wave a flag in honour of what must be an epoch in the history of the British people. THE ENTHUSIASM AT THE TOWN HALL. '

Shortly after 2 o'clock his Worship th*s Mayor (Mr R. Chisholm) appeared on th« stone platform in front of the Town Hall with the object of addressing tile vast as. sembflage. Among those present on the , platform, in addition to the mayor, were— Messrs J. A. Millar, A. R. Barclay, and J. F. Arnold, M.H.R.'s, Crs Carroll, Haynes, Gore, Christopher, Crust,- Denniston, Scott, and Howlison, Messrs J. Hazlett, N. Y. A. Wales, C. R. Smith, R. Glendining, J. H. Hosking, W. A. Shields, M. Cohen, T. W. Kempthorne, J Sinclair Thomson, and tha Rev. Mr Barclay. For some time the Mayor, who perched himself on top of • the stone balustrade overlooking the Octagon, -was unable to gain a -hearing, owing to the wild' excitement of the crowd. His appearance ' was the signal for a loud outburst of cheer- ; ing, which continued, for some .time. As\ soon as he could make himself, heard*- he", asked one of the bands in front of the steps, to play "-God Save the Queen." The re-.' quest was promptly complied with, and the ; crowd also gave expression to their loyalty . and jubilation by accompanying the band with their voices. The last notes of the music -had hardly died away, when cheer . after cheer rent the air. First one section of the crowd began to cheer, then another, until at length there was loud cheering from the whole crowd, such as probably was never before heard in Dunedin. The Mayor attempted several times to make himself heard, but in vain. The joy and enthu- , siasm of, those present know no bounds. They cheered and shouted frantically out of sheer exuberance of spirits, and nothing seemed wanting to add to the fulness of their joy. At one time there was a slight lull in the noise, and the Mayor seized upon this as a favourable opportunity to speak, but lie had only uttered two or three words when the crowd, catching sight of the fourth contingent, started again to cheer enthusiastically, while the firebell began to. peal out loudly overhead. Of course, under the circumstances speaking was out of tea question, and his Worship had to patientiy wait till the assemblage were in the mood to listen. The ringing of the bell and the cheering continued for some considerable time. Then two or th.-cc bands began' to play the National Anthem. This wa*s quickly followed by " Soldiers of the Queen 1 ," the multitude adding their voicesto the music of the band. • His Worship the Mayor, who at length., obtained a hearing/ said: — Ladies and Gentlemen, — I need not tell you that Ladysmith is rolieved — (cheers) ;— Kimberley- is relieved — (renewed cheers) ; — Cronje is taken prisoner, and it is only a question ofa very short tinie wheii'Kruger will be taken., prisoner. — (Prolonged cheering.) I wantyou to give three ringing cheers for those boys that are in front of yen there now. — . (Cheers.) Those are the boys that are going 'to take another Ladysmith if necessary. — "{More cheers.) Those are the boys that are prepared to make themselves a sacrifice in our best interests, and in the interests of the British Empire.— (Loud and prolonged cheering.)

The Mayor then called for three cheers for Major "Robin, and the crowd having enthusiastically responded to the call, his Worship said they would now proceed to the Oval. THE PROCESSION. From the Town Hall the procession slowly pushed its way through the crowd round the Octagon pa«t the Athenaeum and up to Mr Robin's residence. Here a stop was made to give cheers for the Major. It was difficult to get a start again, owing to the tremendous o.u=ib. Mr C. Speight and Mr J. A. Park, acting as marshals, eventually cleared a way, and the procession, headed by the mayor's carriage, moved "off.. The sight looking down Princes street was a memorable one. The whole thoroughfare was blocked with a, crowd, the like of which has not been seen since the Jubilee celebrations. Every window, and every roof of the buildings along the. street were occupied by sightseers, cheering enthusiastically as the procession went forward. It was a fai" more enthusiastic crowd - than that on the occasion referred to, and the waving of- thousands of flags -brought an element of colour into the scene^Wfe&ad a mosfc striking effect. The gentlemeitun^He" mayor's carriage,and in those following it; held up card shields on which the names of the generals engaged in the war were printed in big letters, and as the crowd caught sight of the popular names of "Roberts," "Kitchener," "Buller." "White," "Baden-Powell," " Kekewich," and "Major Robin," cheer after cheer went ud iust to relieve the went-UB

loyalty, excite_d by the niost welcome news that has come to each loyal citizen for many a.- long day. The flat-topped verandah at ißegg's music shop was crammed with, people paeering lustily for country, Queen, and army in a way that showed how the national pride of. race and tradition was stirring within them, and this was the reception the Mayor, the city councillors,. Colonel Webb, the offi-cers-of the contingent, along with " our boys," met with all along Princes street. The Colonial Bank buildings, forming an excellent point of vantage, was crowded with scores of people on the firsj floor and in the tower, who, like those~on the- street, were wild with enthusiasm. Passing down Princes street, the crowd thinned oxxt,, but the whole concourse, closing in behind the procession, swept in a great stream down to the Cricket Oval. Entering at the Princes street gate, the mayor's carriage halted at the pavilion. The contingent formed up in line immediately opposite the pavilion, which was occupied by the Mayor and city councillors, the members for Dunedin City, the Organising Committee of the contingent, and others. The Kaikorai and Garrison Band 3 were just in front. Major Smith, entering at the head of the volunteers, nlaced them in line right round the ground fust inside toe feuc-\ Colcn^l Webb, Lieu'en ant-colonel do Lautour, Captain Price, CapTain Morris, Lieutenants Freeman, Macdoirald. Fulton. Ba.uchop, M 'Donald reined up in, front of {he contingent, which was in commsiv.d of Captain Harvey. The D.I.C. " rough riders " occiipied a spaca to the left of the pavilion. The firemen held the gate for a■while but the public scon pouied in and filled the ground. The bands then struck up *" Ruk Britannia," which was enthusiastically taken up by everyone present.

SPEECHES AT THE OVAL.

The Mayor said : Ladies and Gentlemen,— 1 thin'c you will agree with me that this is not a day for any one person to occupy your <fciiae with speeches. This is a day for grand jubilation— (cheers) ,— a day when every person should have the liberty, and not only the liberty, but the rarivilege of exercising their lungii to the fullest extent in one grand chorus for that noble victory of which you have rec3ived intelligence to-day. — (Loud cheers.) I have to ask you to give three ringing cheers for all those brave generals whose names appear on the cards*.

Tlft names of the British generals who had been prominent in' the present war were displayed on cardboard shields by gentlemen standing on the platform^and as the shields were held up to the gaze of those present tlie crowd with great enthusiasm. •When the cheering" had subsided, the Mayor called upon Mr Millar, the senior member for Dunedin, to say a few words.

Mr J. A, Millar., M.H.R., said: Your Worship, Ladies, and Gentlemen, — There is no doubt that this is a great day in the annals of this colony — a day when we have received news of the surrender of two of the strongest positions held by the opponents of our Empire. There is no doubt of the object lesson "shown to-day, because it was only 9 o'clock this., morning when we heard of the news, and by 2 o'clock we had over 20,000 people of Dunedin showing their loyalty to the niothei; country, — (Cheers.)' And another .pleasant "feature .about this war is" this: T.hat -it" has shown you. that the present generg.ls.'are made of the same stuff, as their forefathers .were.— (Renewed-, cheers.) To-day : we have" cause to be proud of our sons fighting -our-battles in the Transvaal, because this 13 the first occasion since 1854 that the mother land has been engaged In a warfare with a nation of any description, and this is the first time that there has ever been a war conducted on the modern system, of warfare, and if it costs the mother bnd £10,000,000, at would be cheap at the uriet-, seeing that she^ iias gained experience of Powers that have been threatening for some time. There are some who think that this n-ible band of volunteers we are about to sent away will never leave- the colony ; but, disabuse your minds of that idea. I venture to assert that there as not one man in the Transvaal now but who, when he leaves, will go straight to India and throw down the gauntlet to Russia, who lias been tormenting and threatening us for many year.s.— (Cheers.) This is not an occasion for speaking, but I certainly think that no man having a drop of British blood in his veins but must have jubilated when he heard of the relief of Ladysmith and Colesberg. Having got the news to-day that both of these places are now in ouv hands, and that the Boers are retreating north as fast as they can. we have cause to be proud of our brave soldiers, and more especially of our own boys born in. this colony who have taken an active part in this war. — (More cheers.) We have shown our loyalty in the past, and I feel sure .that if the occasion arrives, and we have to send twice as many men to South Africa, as we have dtfhe. the men are there, and the people are ready to eqiiip them. — (Renawed cheering.) ,1 tru3t there will be jio occasion for it, but, should there be, we _ih. New- Zealand- will pro-ve our loyalty, amd i)rove''that we are of the same stuff, as our forefathers, who made their name throughout the world, aud will never disgrace- that motherland from which most of us have sprung. — (Further cheering.) I ask you, in commemoration of this event, to give three hearly cheers for Lord Roberts and the noble •boys who are fighting in th*> Transvaal. — • (Loud -and prolonged cheering | The Naval Baud then ulayed "Hail. Victoria ! " after which the Mayor said : Ladies and gentlemen, let me, as irayor of this city, thank you from the bottom of my heart for the response you have so readily given to make this day a huge success — (cheers). — and let me thank Colonel Webb. Captain Stronach, and Major Smith and all the volunteers who have thrown in their lot with us and have helped in such a grand way to make thi° gathering a most unquaUfied success. And now. let me ask you. ladies aud gentlemen, to give three ringing cheers for our own boys who are in front of us, and who are ready to shed their blood in our " interests and in the interests of the Empire.

The crowd, having responded to the request 01 bio Worship, and given av other for Captain Harvey, the Naval and North-East Valley Band played " The battle and the breeze "

The Mayor, who had a cablegram put into his hands, then said : Ladies and gentlemen, here is the latest cablegram from the seat of •war. General Buller has entered Ladysmilh, and not before it was rime. The garrison have been living on horses, mules, and half a pound of meal each per clay. I wVnn you to give three cheers for General White and that noble little band.

Three cheers having been given by the assemblage as requested, the Kaikorai Band played "The soldier and the man."

' The Mayor then called for three rheers for the bands for their attendance, and referred Bo ihe " magnificent " Avay in which they had playec 1 . The crowd having warmly responded to the call, at the request of his Worship, the. bands played " GqcT save the Queen," while nearly all present joined in tlie singing 'of. Ciio antiram.

In response to loud calls, Mr James Mills came forward for a minute, and said that the only part he .was taking in the proceedings was that of a spectator. It gave him great pleasure_ to join in the feeling of gratification and jubilation over the splendid news that had been received that day, which would be looked back to as one of the brightest days of our lives. — (A Voice: "Wait till we get Joubert.") The capture of Joubert, and Kruger could not be greater events than the relief of Ladysmith, over which there was rejoicing all over the Empire. — (Cheers.)

For some minutes the crowd continued to cheer and express their fervid loyalty, which seamed as if it would never cool, and shortly afterwards one of the greatest gatherings ever seen in Dunedin slowly dispersed. THE DUNEDIN STOCK EXCHANGE.

When the members of the Dunedin Stock Exchange had assembled at 11 o'clock, Mr A. Herdman, the chairman, paid : Gentlemen, it is proper that I should refer briefly to the good news which has reached Dunedin this morning about the relief of Ladysmith. — (Applause.) We al] know what an important bearing this will have upon the result of the war in South Africa. — (Hear, hear.) I do not wish to say very much — thero is no need that I should — but I wish to ask you to join with the other citizens of Dunedin to-day in celebrating the event by adjourning, as it is practically a public holiday, and there will be a demonstration in the Octagon at 2 o'clock. — (Applause.) I take it, gentlemen, that you will agree to the adjournment. — (Cries of " Hear, hear," from all the members.) Then, gentlemen, it is meet that we should recognise the services of Lord Dundonald and General Buller. — (Applause.) We gave three cheers for Lord Roberts yesterday, and now comes the duty to cheer Lord Dundonald, who had the honour of first entering Ladysmith, and General Buller, the man in command there, and others who shared in the glory. — (Cheers.) I hope we shall have occasion to go. on thus honouring one after another for a considerable time. — (Applause.) Well, then, we agree to adjourn to-day on account of the very good news that has reached us with regard to the relief of Ladysmith, and I ask you to cheer the men who did it. First of all we will give three cheers - for Lord Dundonald, who was the first to enter the city. — (Loud cheers, given with great heartiness.) Now, then, three cheers for General Buller. —(" Hip, hip, hurrah " by the united voices.)

Mr J. A. Chapman : Don't let us forget the men who did the work. Three cheers for Tommy Atkins.

This call was also very lustily responded to, after which

' The brokers sang " God Save the Queen."

Mr Herdman : There is only one 'line to be entered up to-day, gentlemen, and it is a transfer that Las been completed — the transfer of Ladysmith from the Boer to the Briton. — (Laughter.) This is all very satisfactory, gentlemen. It is pleasing to know that our men are marching forward. 'Ihere is, however, one unpleasing thing about the .messages — I mean the messages from the Agent-general and the tone they take. Ithink that sooner or later others -of us may have to -give expression, to our feelings,-- and •aslfr. what, our Agent-general means. ~Tf Mr Reeves is hot a Boer sympathiser he sliould say so ; if -he is, he should not v be drawing British pay. That is my opinion'

Mr J.. J. Ramsay: It is very certain that if- he has Boer sympathies he does not in. that matter represent the people of -New Zealand.

Mr H. S. Fenwick said he thought that the Exchange should send a congratulatory cablegram to General Buller, who had been doing -all the hard work, while Lord Roberts Wd come in for the kudos.

Mr Herdman added that we were now beginning to see what General Buller' s movements really meant. They had certainly been misunderstood by many people, and misrepresented.

The motion was seconded by Mr T. fc>. Paterson, and carried unanimously.

The following telegram was sent by Mr Herdman, as chairman: — "General Buller, Ladysmith, — Dunedin Stock Exchange, New Zealand, send hearty congratulations. — Herdman, Chairman. After returning from the procession, the members of the Dunedin Stock Exchange drew up their drags and carriages in front of their Exchange (old Colonial Bank), and when Major Smith and his volunteers passed in procession before them loud cheers were lustily given for the volunteers and for Major Smith, who is a prominent member of the Exchange.

THE OTAGO STOCK EXCHANGE.

The enthusiasm of the members of the Otago Stock Exchange knew no bounds when .the chairman. (Mr JE. S. Valentine) • officially announced the latent British success in South Africa. When the members had all taken their seats, the Chairman, rising, said : Mr Vice-chairman and fellow-members of the Otago Stock Exchange, I am proud this morning to be able to say " Ladysmith is relieved." After days and weeks of anxious waiting, we have received to-day the glorious news. I am proud of the fact that I am a Britisher, and rejoice in the knowledge that wherever the Union Jack floats no man need be afraid that his liberty will be challenged. How must those poor souls hi far-distant Ladysmith feel to-day! What indescribable scenes of enthusiasm and even pathos must be witnessed there ! Hearts which have been torn with anxiety and pain during the siege are now vibrating with feelings of joy and relic. !>. id, gentlemen, we share it. We symi. .=sd with them, and 110 \v, in the grand iriur.^in, we rejoice with them. — (Loud cheer's.) Long live the Queen, may prosperity continue with the Empire, and jxistice and mercy ever abide with our rulers, so that even our foes in the Dark Continent shall say : "We are happier under good Queen Victoria than under Krup,er." — (Prolonged cheers.) The war is not yei finished, but with a man like Lora Roberts at the head there can only be one result. May the Great Ruler of the Universe hasten the day. — (Loud applause.) Gentlemen, I can say no more; my heart is too full. Rise with me in singing the grand old National Anthem.

E\ery member present then joined in singing not only the National Anthem, but eveiy patriotic -onp and chorus which they had learned long years ago, including the evergreen. " Soldiers of lu° Queen." (J'leer; were '^iveu for her Moil Gran'ovi-, Alaje"lv the Queen. Lord Rubpvfc 51 , Geiier.il Buller, "T?i<vii(.ing .v£ac." Major Robin, and other celebrities whoso names has c prominently figured during the war. Then, ainitl-c a never-to-be-forgot-ten scene of indescribable loyalty and enthusiasm, the Chainiia 1 srid: '" Gentlemen, this Exchange «land 3 adjourned until to-moiTovi 1 ir.ornhi.«." - X

The member.- Ihon icdjourned 10 the Grand Hotel, whero the health of the Queen, the Army and Navy, Lord Roberta, and our

forces in South Africa were toasted with musical honours. The following patriotic songs were sung, with full chorus, by the members: — Mr D. Larnach, "Soldiers of the Queen"; Mr A. Fogo, "Sons of the sea"; Mr H. Hanlon, "Red, white, and blue" ; Mr J. G. Patterson, "Rule, Britannia"; Mr J. Hopkins, " The absent-minded beggar," "The old brigade," and " The death of Nelson."

EQUITABLE STOCK EXCHANGE.

The Equitable Stock Exchange met and unanimously decided to adjourn its business for the day.

The Chairman (Mr H. E. Muir) moved the adjournment in a fervent and patriotic speech. He referred to the glorious news received an hour or so previously regarding the relief of Ladysmith, and to the enthusiasm the receipt of that new^ had created in the city and throughout 'the British Empire. But great as that joy and jubilation had been in other pjxts of the Empire, he could well imagine it was nothing when compared with- the joy and jubilation of the besieged garrison and inhabitants of Ladysmith when the relieving forces marched into the town on Wednesday last. The feelings of the relieved could be better imagined than described, but, he was sure that at least one feeling was paramount in the breasts of every man and woman relieved, and that feeling was that they had never lost faith-and confidence in the ability and determination of their fellow-Britons to relieve them and to scatter the forces of the enemy. That faith and confidence, he was proud to say, had not been misplaced, and never would be while the great and glorious British Empire held together. The Ladysmith relief, coming as it did -upon the top of the brilliant victory of Lord Roberts over General Cronje, was quite siifficient to justify the inhabitants of our city in displaying the enthusiasm they were doing at that moment. The relief of Ladysmith and the victory over Cronje, he took it, indicated that the Transvaal war would shortly be brought to a close. It must not be forgotten, hoAvever, that after the Transvaal had been conquered — as it would be conquered — it had to be governed, and in that government worfc would no doubt be found for colonial troops already there, and others that were being and were to be sent. Our people should not be too confident that when the Transvaal war ceased Britain's- troubles were over. Cablegrams that had been published in the press indicated that possibly other war clouds were looming ahead, and that the motherland would perhaps be called upon to again ask her colonies to unite with her in maintaining the prestige* of the British Empire by sending troops wherever they might be required. He felt sure, if the motherland^ ever made such a request, New Zealand would not be behindhand in con-ti-ibuting- her quota of good, strong sons of the Empire. They could all understand that amid the wild excitement of band-playing, cheering, hurrahing, and patriotic singing, it was difficult to collect one's thoughts and give expression to feelings befitting so great an occasion. He was aware that in the endeavour to give expression to the sentiments that swelled in his heart that morning, his remarks had not been as coherent or connected as they might have been had there been longer timefor reflection and preparation ; but he felt assured that the .uirattered swellings of his heart_ were .understood by, members, as they were identical" with those of 1 everyone present. He concluded hy moving that the Exchange adjourn all its business for that' day, and that its members take part in the triumphant procession that was to be formed in the Octagon that afternoon.

At the conclusion of the chairman's remarks, which were frequently applauded, enthusiastic and prolonged cheers were given for the British arms. Queen, and country.

COMPLIMENTARY PATRIOTISM.

A demonstration was made in the morning by a large number of working men in front of the residence of Mr James Robin, in the Octagon. The men, fresh from the task of their daily work, marched to the Octagon and lined up in front of the house of Major Robin's parents and sister. They comprised amongot other citizens the bulk of Messrs Reid and Gray's employees,, and were accompanied by an efficient band, the members of which had hastily assembled. The bands played, and the men cheered as a means of expressing the sentiments of loyalty and patriotism and good-fellowship that were stirred to their depth by the good news that had been received. It was fitting that at an early hour such a demonstration should be specially directed towards the relatives of the man who is first in command of our fellow colonists at the front, and the desire was expressed to hear a few words from Major Robin's father.

Mr James Robin, who was much affected by the demonstration, said that he desired, on behalf of his family and himself, and of those who had sons and relatives fighting their country's battles in South Africa, -and also for those now on the ocean, wishing they were at the front, to thank them most pincerely for their demonstration of loyalty to the Queen and sympathy with her soldiers. The people had long lookr^ 1 for the day when Ladysmith would be relieved. They had been convinced in their minds that this would eventually Lake place, but they did well to manifest their joy on the fulfilment of their heartfelt desire. He believed that the relief of Kimberley and Ladysmith would prove the turning-point in this disastrous war. For his part, he could not but feel proud as a colonist to think that when England appealed to her children across the seas they had responded nobly. Already we have given freely, and we were, lie was sure, prepared to give a? occasion might require. — (Applause.) Such demonstrations of loj r alty as those now being made would be appreciated by her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen and by our fellow subjects — the people of England. — (Cheers.) He hoped that that afternoon there would be such a display of enthusiasm and loyalty as had never before been witnessed in the colony. — [Note by reporter: And there was I .]

THE OTAGO CLUB

There wa.s great enthusiasm shown al the luncheon by the members of the Otago Club over Vie glorious newd. Mr Theomin, as. one of the oldest committeemen of the club, called on the Hon. T. Fergus, in the ab-enee of the president (SH- J. C. Thomson), to say a few words.. The Hop. T. Fergus, in a fervent speech, called on all to drink the health of the greatest sovereign that ever ruled over the British r.ice and oF our kin across the sea. He paid ;i 2re.lt tribute to the service^ of Ihc Fit-U reaimenl-. (for some lia\e dared to express a donbli against the race), and he ■aaid that no greater heroism r,C Britain's sons could lie found than that of her Irish soldier in this war in defenca of the greatest civiiiping Power the earth had ever sern. He refari^d to what Sir Join O'S!mae_s-y had rema"ked in regard ll r > a c .fca { ement thai war would soon be a thine; of the m<. flif John ~iicl : " Ncv"f. <<o lo'-"^ ,i; the ti"Ct' was in the vr in and i 1 >\Oo R r ilain's iiri\ i'cjo !o lcerp t'rd tieoi: down; " and aiie was doing it nobly

through the English. Irish, and Scotch, not forgetting the colonials, in the interests of civilisation. The toast was. received' vociferously amid the strains of " God save the Queen." Afterwards cheer 3 for the army and the generals engaged in the Transvaal war were given, the toast of " Generals White and Buller " being cheered to the echo.

THE NEWS IN COURT,

The news of the relief of Ladysmith penetrated to the Supreme Court, and though there may be no reason to suggest that it was disconcerting to any appreciable degree, that it was felt was palpable. It was- not openly recognised or commented upon at all, but that it was really nob ignored by anyone present is "more than rather likely." The ringing of the bells told their tale, and the story was emphasised by the strains of patriotic music, instrumental and vocal, that invaded the precincts of the court. People unconsciously squared their shoulders, and hearts beat quicker as the National Anthem was played and sung again and again with greater fervour and increased volume, and the sound seemed consonant with the dignity of the court and to harmonise with itP solemn and sacred functions. News of the occupation of Colesberg by the British spread through the courthouse, and the slight disturbance caused by vocal patriotism in the distance was sustained with equanimity. This is probably the first occasion when addresses in court were mingled with martial and patriotic music, but none complained, and the sounds of the popular demonstration were perhaps less disconcerting than the rumble of the cart or lorrie that so often dislocates the forensic eloquence of the Dunedin bar. HOW THE NEWS WAS RECEIVED IN

THE SCHOOLS.

As soon as the Premier's message was received the chairman of the Education Beard (Mr J. J. Ramsay) took steps to inform all the head masters and children of the city schools that the day had been declared a public holiday.

At the Girls' High School the girls cheered and rang the bell till they broke the rope, banged the house gong, and were jubilant to a degree. At 9.30, when the school assembled, Miss Marchant said a few words about General White and the relief of Ladysmith, and called for cheers far the soldiers and for the Queen. These were given with mid excitement, amid the waving of handkerchiefs und clapping of hands. After singing the National Anthem, the school was dismissed for the day.

At the Caversham School the upper standards went inside and sung the National Anthem and cheered for Buller, White, Robin, and the New Zealand boys, and then dispersed. The infants and lower. , standards were told they could have a holiday before going inside the school.

A! the High street School Mr J. W. Smith, the head master, formed the children, up in the school yard, and, after addressing them, the National Anthem was sung, and the children saluted the flag and then dismissed.

At the Kaikorai School Mr W. C. Allnutt, head master, made a patriotic speech, and the children sang the National Anthem several times. After they were dismissed the teachers had a patriotic demonstration on their own account.

There were, similar demonstrations at the various other schools "in the city and suburbs.

JUBILATION IN THE CAMP,

The camp work on Friday was somewhat disorganised by the general jubilation at .the relief of Ladysmith and the occupation of Colesberg. Nevertheless, some useful work was done. Captain Price and Lieutenant Freeman gave about -30 of the Southlanders a cross-country gallop over the fields on Mr Sidey's property above Allandale, and they again vindicated their reputation for_ splendid horsemanship. One man had a spill, but it seems impossible to hurt a Southlander, and, as in the rescue race at the floral fete, the victim of the mishap came through without much hurt. Captain Harvey had five squads doing serviceable drill on the beach in the morning, and the remainder were kep.t busy with manual and firing exercises in the park under Sergeant-major Knee.

When the news reached the park of the relief of Ladysmith the wildest manifestations of delight took place, and the men cheered until they were hoarse. Captain. Morris intimated the tidings to the men on the beach, and a similar outburst took place, but it was not till nearly midday that Captain Price's company heard a confirmed report of the great news.

All the afternoon parades were cancelled, and every available man in the camp got astride of a horse and came into town to join in the demonstration. Some had to ride with halter bridles and without saddles, but we venture to -think that none would have been oub of it without the greatest disappointment. Captain Harvey was in command, and the splendid ovation the officers and men re-ceived-as they passed through the streets must have filed them with pride and pleasure. A" concert was held in camp last night. GENERAL ITEMS.

When the south express was about to leave the station yesterday morning it bore a conspicuous display of bunting on die engine. Connecting this with the news of the relief of Ladysinith, which had come to hand a few minutes previously, a would-be funny man asked: "Does this train go to Ladysmith?" "No," was the reply; "its going on to Pretoria."

" God save the Queen and Roberts " was frequently toasted yesterday.

Considering the very- limited time, the volunteer turn-out yesterday was very creditable. After taking pait in the procss3ion, they marched back to the Garrison Hall, where the Garrison Band played the National Ant! i cm, while every man stood at the salute. The parade state was as follows : — Battalion staff — Major Smith (in command), Captain and Adjutant'Hislop, Sergeant-major M'Callum, Quartermaster-sergeant Moncrieff, 4- ; Duneclin Naval Artillery, 50; B Battery. 57; Duneclin Engineers, 60 ; A Company (City Guards) , 20; D Company (North Dunedia Tlifle*). 25; E Company (Highland Rifle-.), .54; G Company (Dunedin City Rifles), 25; H Company (Dunedin Rifles), '44; Cycle Corps, 15; Bearer Company, 13 ; Garrison Band, 22 ; — grand total, 369.

By prior arrangement, the Rev. Canon King, when news of the relief of Ladysmith was received, had the bell of St. Peter's

Church rung, which was soon taken- up by other bells, etc., in Caversham.

The Bank of New Zealand staf£ sang patriotic songs before business began yesterday morning.

The whole of the Union Steam Ship Company's employees at Port Chalmers were granted a half-holiday yesterday.

Floral bombs were let off from the s.B* Flora while the procession was on.

The bell at the Colonial Bank building wa3 rung for the first time for years.

Fitzgerald's Circus sent out their elephant yesterday afternoon to takp part in the demonstration, while a number of the members of the company came out mounted on circus horses and ponies. As soon as the band parading the town reaehecLMessrs Reid and Gray's premises all hands came out en masse and sang the National Anthem. Woik was suspended for the day, the men marching with the band and joining in the cheering at the various stopping places. At the Central Battery, St. Clair, a flag was hoisted as soon as the news reached, there.

Speight's Brewery marked the occasion by giving away beer to all who cared to drink to the success of the British troop 3. It was with that establishment a case of open house.

The Rev. Mr Bowden ordered the bell at St. Mary's, Mornington, to be rung for both Ladj-smith and" Colesberg. The occasion was celebrated at the Dunedin wharves by a display of bunting on the vessels in port, the blowing of whistles, and the firing of a gun from the deck of the Flora.

A remarkable feature of the day's demonstration was the absence of any serious accidents. In all the crush at the' Octagon, when. the crowd was at its densest, the norses and v*l;icl?s worked their way though qu:e ; ;ly and carefully. The drivers- displayed much more regard for the safety of pedestrians than they got any thanks f :r. T.me after time people on the street would thrust their way under the Leads of horses and among- vehicles in a manner that was far from consistent with safety, but, with the exception of a child who got knocked over by one of the D.I.C. horses, no accidents have been reported. Further carelessness on the part of the public was noticeable on the return from the Oval. In the most indifferent manner possible, people walked along the middle of tlie street regardless of the traffic coming quickly up behind them, and only getting out of the way when the vehicles were nearly on them. It says volumes for the good driving and carefulness of the Dunedin cabmen and dragdrivers that nobody was knocked down and run over.

KRUGER BURNT IN EFFIGY.

It might have been thought that after the strong ebullition of. feeling displayed during the afternoon the enthusiasm would to some degree have "simmered down, but that was not so. Immense crowds of people thronged the streets in the evening, ard iroin knots of these, ever and anon, cries of exultation and cheers broke forth. It seemed as if the citizens would never tire of. paying tribute to ths heroic actions of the British generals and soldiers by their vociferous outbursts. About half-past 7 o'clqck a procession was formed in the -vfeimty of Erederick street. This- was headed" by the Citizens'" .Band,,, following which %v»e a drag .containing the effigy of- Krager, -recently exhibited by 'Mr George Morgan at the floral fete, aud a number of enthusiasts bearing torches. The procession prcceededjro the reclaimed ground, near where the circus tents have been pitched, gathering strength as it passed along George and Princes streets. Arrived at the locality named/ the figure of Kruger was produced from among the crowd, of torch-bearers on the vehicle, and tried. The trial was, however, of the very briefest description, a gentleman mounting a drag and pronouncing a verdict of guilty, which was received with much approval. The sentenca was not pronounced, but it speedily became evident that the President was to die a dial death — by hanging and by burning. An iron rod was raised on end from the ground, at the back of the drag, and, after some difficulty, during which time a good deal of badinage was kept up by the crowd as to what the drop was to be and so forth, Paul Kruger, in effigy, was hoisted into the air, and at the same moment fired. Here a catastrophe appeared to be likely to happen, for Paul, all ablize, swung bae'e on to the occupants of the drag, who pushed him energetically away from them. Then the drag moved slowly forward a few yards, the body swung round sideways, fell to the ground, and was immediately belaboured with sticks, the blows throwing up myriads of sparks. A few minutes sufficed to utterly consume the dummy figure, and the crowd dispersed.

About .10 o'clock, when there were still crowds thronging the streets, a case of apparently . malicious damage.. to property occurred in George street. The premises of Messrs Lilly Bros., jewellers, were lighted up for a wiiy-iow display, and outside the front door was .1 transparency representing her Majesty the Queen. Whether this was offensive to tlie feelings of some pro-Boer or whether there was some other motive for the deed, an individual on the opposite side of the street was seen to hurl a* large piece of road metal at the shop, and this pierced the transparency, crashed through the door of the shop, and smashed a mirror inside. Having done this, the culprit was observed to slip round the corner into St. Andrew street, where ho disappeared, and. although the police have been communicated with, he has not yet been captured. Although the missile caused a great deal of damage, it certainly might have done more, for if it had struck on the bead any of a number of persons who were in front of the sho|o it is probable that the consequences would have been very serious.

CONGRATULATIONS,

His Excellency has forwarded the following cablegrams : —

To her Majesty the Queen : '' On behalf of your Majesty's loyal and loving subjects "in New Zealand, I beg to offer he-arty and sincere congratulations to your Majesty on the relief of your brave soldiers and subjects who have so long suffered at Lnciysmith." To Lord Dundonald and people of Ladysmith: "New Zealand congratulates you and your foroe.s on relief Ladysmith."

To General Buller : " People of New Zea land deliehted to hear of the relief of Ladysmith, and hearlilv congratulate you and your forces fn. ultimately overcoming the immense

difficulties you have had to contend against."

To Sir George White: " The colony of New Zealand heartily congratulate you on being relieved. Your holding Ladysmith for so long a time against such odds is a -most brilliant achievement, and your name, with those of your brave garrison, will be handed down in bistory," His Worship the Mayor (Mr Tt. Chisholm) wired to the Premier; " Congratulations on success. Have backed your efforts by proclaiming a public holiday and a monster demonstration at the Octagon at 2 o'clock."

PORT CHALMERS

As soon as the welcome news of the relief of Ladysmith reached Port Chalmers the Union Jack was hoisted on the signal station at Look-out Point, the Town Hall, Garrison Hall, District High School, and the various shipping offices displayed their ensigns, as did the vessels in the port, while many peals rang out from the "bells of the churches and school, and the steam whistles at the factories lent powerful aiu in celebrating the event. The Port Chalmers District High Schooi Committee decided to give the children a hoiiuay in honour of the event, and when school was dismissed at noon the whole of them were marched down to the Custom House square, with flags flying, and were there addressed by Mr J. Rennie, 8.A., the rector, who, after expressing the satisfaction lie felt at the receipt of the news, informed the children the scftool committee had decided to grant them a half-hpliday.— (Cheers.) He had also received a telegram to the sania effect from the chairman of the Education Board, and he liad much pleasure in complying hearty cheers for General White and Lord sang "God save, the Queen," and, after giving -with these requests. The children then Roberts, they marched off.

GREEN ISLAND

On the news being received "by telephone in Green Island, the local school bell rang for a quarter of an hour, the ensign wae hoisted, and the whole of the gcholar,s, from infants to seniors, formed a procession through the township, after which they assembled en masse and sang " God save the Queen " under the leadership of Miss Home. Cheers were then given for the Queen, Lord Roberts, General White, Major Robin, and our contingent. They then dispersed, and carried the joyful news throughout the district. To keep up the interest in the war the Green Island school children are contributing Id per month, payable on the first of every month. On Thursday they paid their first contribution, which realised the sum of £1 5s 9d.

THE COUNTRY DISTRICTS.

The rejoicings throughout the country were as fervent as they were in Dunedin, and everywhere bunting was displayed and business more or less suspended, while the school children were given a holiday. His Worship the Mayor received the following telegram from the Mayor" of Milton : — "Milton rejoicing Ladysmitb release. Church bells ringing : factory and mill whistles blowing ; flags flying. All business suspended." Tapanui was jubilant over the news. A school holiday was proclaimed, and the scholars devoted themselves to impromptu aquatic sports to celebrate the events of the day.

There was great jubilation at Balclutha. Flags were hoisted in various parts of the township, and the church bells rung. The public schools were, also dismissed. In the evening there was a procession and open-air demonstration, with patriotic speeches and songs. x

On receiving news of the relief of Ladysmith the Warringtou Church bell was wrung by Mr Kay, colours were worn, children singing, flags flying from houses, and everywhere rejoicing. Thanksgiving services were held jresterday in Warrington Church.

Our Lawrence correspondent writes : — When the news of the Telief of Ladysmith reached here the town at once became alive with joyous excitement ; church bells, school bslls, file bells, auctioneers' bells, hotel bells, steam whistles from dredges, choffcutter engines, all swelled the welcome sounds. During the whole of the day the faces of nearly everyone look as if the owners had just received a long-expected remittance. The band turned out at night and played at the railway station and through the streets. Altogether the extreme tension that existed of late was somewhat relaxed, and we are quite proud of our British army, of which we can now claim to be at least a unit. Glorious harvesting weather, good crops, brisk business in building, and good results from mines all make the coming winter look less gloomy ; and the good news from South Africa made Friday at least a happy time.