REJOICINGS IN OTHER PARTS OF THE COLONY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2401, 8 March 1900, Page 49

REJOICINGS IN OTHER PARTS OF THE COLONY.

- A Hokitika telegraan says : — The general jubilation on Friday culminated in a great demonstration in the evening. At a given signal the bells were S2t ringing, and crowds gathered round the fire brigade station, whence ?. procession, consisting of the band, volunteers, Rough Riders, etc., formed and marched through Cass square, the grounds being lit by bonfires and a number cf lanterns. The volunteers fired a feu de joie, and gave a royal salute. An open-air concert, in which patriotic songs predominated, followed, the crowd lustily joining in the familiar chorus. The Mayor (Mr Miche]) delivered a patriotic address, in which he referred to the devotion of the brave garrison at Ladysmith and the valour of the relief forces. Mentioning Mr Chamberlain's despatch, he hoped that the English Government would brook no interference en the part of the Continental Powers in the settlement of the South African business. Certain colonies were prepared to drain their money and men to uphold the honour of the Empire. The proceedings were most enthusiastic, and the gathering, which had heartily cheered the generals and army, concluded by singing the National Anthem and Doxology. The streets were illuminated, and crowds paraded the town till a late hour singing the national aire. There were general rejoicings throughout Westland.

AUCKLAND, March 2. There was great lejoicing over the relief of Ladysmith. There was a fine display of bunting in the town and on the shipping-, but no other demonstration of note. The schools having jucl had a holiday in consequence of General Cronje'e capture, it was considered inadvisable to again celebrate the latest news in this wny. »

NAPIER, March 2. The town v?a<t er> feto all clay. All shops and office? closed, and processions paraded the streets, headed by bands. The display of bunting was profuse. To-night the town was illuminated, the bands playing on the marine parade rotunda, and crowds lining the streets while the fireworks were going off. Napier never witnessed such a Fcene of enthusiasm. The mayor cabled to 'General White : "Hearty congratulations on your noble and heroic defence Ladysmith." A ptiblic holiday was de-olar-seL

NEW PLYMOUTH, March 2.

The relief of Ladysmith was celebrated on a big scale. Bunting was flying on many buildings. In the evening the volunteers and Fire Brigade, with two bands, marched through the town. Patriotic speeches wore made, fireworks sent off, and a big torchlight procession took piece. The firebells and church bells were rung. The streets were crowded, and great enthusiam was manifested.

WANGANUI, March 2.

The news was received with unbounded enthusiasm here, and the firing of guns, pealing- of bells, and flying of bunting. The college cadets fired a feu-de-joie. The general rejoicing took the form of a patriotic demonstration in Cook's Gardens in the evening.

WELLINGTON, March 2.

The reproach that Wellington ip seldom enthusiastic was quite removed to-day when news was published that Sir George White and his gallant forces, who have been so long besieged, had been relieved by General Boiler's arury. Shortly after 9 a.m. the bells were ringing in all parts of the town, and as the news scattered, bunting appeared in all directions, the shipping especially making a fine display. In a few minutes the triangle in front of the post office ■was thronged by eager crowds, and the greatest enthusiasm was shown. The National Anthem and patriotic songs were sung over and over until it appeared as if people would shout themselves hoarse. At every corner knots gathered, discussing the situation, and displaying the utmost patriotism. The mayor delivered an address to a large assemblage. The wharf labourers left their work, and it was with the greatest difficulty that men could be obtained to work cargo, owners having to pa3 r overtime rates. The ' Government, insurance, corporation, and solicitors' offices were closed early in the day, and one instance is noted where a well-known legal firm presented each member of its staff with a cheque in honour of the event. Business was practically at a standstill all the forenoon, and after lunch a majority of the shops put up their shutters, the town presenting a holiday appearance. In fact, the day was made a holiday whether employers liked it or not. The -wharf labourers organised an impromptu procession, which paraded the town, headed by a band. They visited the Premier's residence, cheered him, and sang patriotic songs. Miss Seddon, in her father's absence, thanked theni, and called for three cheers for General White. The Conciliation Board, after exhibiting an excellent display of patriotism, adjourned its meeting until to-morrow. At the request of the Premier the State schools were closed, and the treat much enjos^ed by the children. In the afternoon there was another procession, and at night the volunteers paraded in strong force, and, attended by a cheering crowd of great dimensions, marched to the camp at Newtown Park. There the Mayor addressed them, and patriotic speeches were made. The Hons. W. C. Walker and J. M'Gowan represented the Ministry. A camp fire was set going, and the Rough Riders organised a concert, while close at hand, in Athletic Park, there was a dirplay of fireworks. Virtually half the week has been a holiday — Monday tor the cricket match, Melbourne v. Wellington, Wednesday to colebrate Cronjo's surrender, and to-day in honour of General White's relief.

NELSON, March 2

There were great rejoicings here in consequonce of the favourable news from South Africa. There was a great display of bunting during the day, and to-night some illuminations by the firemen and cyclists, with lanterns and a fine display of fireworks from Cathedral Hill. The band played patriotic airs.

BLENHEIM, March 2.

Patriotic delight here knows no bounds. Eveiy possible form of demonstration was indulged in this morning, including cheering, ringing of bells and music, and the observance of a Dtiblic holiday. Mr Mills. M.H.R. , wired to the Premier: — "Mayor advises 10 horsemen are fully equipped and ready for the fourth contingent. Kindly issue necessary authority for them to proceed to Wellington. The citizens here have cabled congratulations to Lord Roberts and Generals Buller and White, at a cost of £15." WESTPORT, March 2.

This ploce went frantic with joyous excitement to-day. All business was suspended, and the community gave itself up to jubilation.

A grand procession, headed by cyclists, who carried Chinese lanterns, and followed by the volunteers, Fire Brigade, Oddfellows, band, and a large body of citizens, was held in the evening. Speeches were also delivered by the Mayor (Mr Scanlon), Messrs Colvin and M'Kenzie, M.H.R.'s, Messrs Suisted (chairman of the Harbour Board). Mills (collector of custom-), and others. Abcut 3003 were proFent, .and great enthusiasm prevailed. The fire and church bells were rung, and salutes fired by vessels in the river. GREYMOUTH, March 2. Business was -entirely suspended to-day. The schools closed and the bells were set ringing, guns fired, and there was a general demonstration of joy throughout the town and district. A monster meeting and demonstration will take place in the Opera House this evening.

HOKITIKA, March 2. The news of the relief of Ladysmith cause- 3 general jubilation. The mayor declared a public holiday, and bunting was flying in all directions. The schools were given a holiday. The scholars are parading the streets in crnwdf singing patriotic airs. A monster open-air demonstration is being organised for to-night.

CHRISTCHURCH, Mz r ch 2. When the news of the relief of Lfidyemith was received this morning the Cathedral bells rang out a joyous peal. People ffocked to the newspaper offices for confirmation, and this was received with quiet satisfaction. Little knots about the streets kept up continuous cheering: Towards, mid-day tho excitement commenced to work up, and the culminating point was reached when at 1 o'clock the men from the Addington Workshops, numbering some hundreds headed by the band, marched through the town to Cathedral square, where a .crowd numbering some thousands assembled. Patriotic speeches were delivered by Mr G. W. Russell, M.H.R., Mr G. Ti. Stead, and others., and the enthusiasm displayed was such as has never been seen here before. The city was gay with bunting, and, although the &hops were not closed, business appeared to be entirely suspended. .The Cathedral bells have "been ringing at intervals during the day. Aii enthusiastic meeting Mas held in the evening in Cathedral square to celebrate the relief of Ladysmith. All tho volunteer corps of the city and suburbs turned out, E Battery -having previous to the meeting fired a Royal falute of 21 guns. Several brags bands also took part. The crowd was fo immense and so onthuf itstic that it got rather out of hand, and the programme arranged could not bo entirety carried out. Speeches were, however, delivered by the Mayor of Ohristchurch and

Messrs W. W. Collins . and C. Lewis, M.H.R.'s, and Mr C. Louisson. A resolution was unanimously carried expressing admiration at the gallant defence of Ladypmith by General White, and gratitude for relief by General Buller. A cable of congratulation will be forwarded by tlie mayor to General White at Ladysmith. After the meeting closed the bands paraded the streets and the croivd sang patriotic songs.

TIM ABU, March 2

The news was received here with demonstrations of rejoicing, though nol equal to thoae of last week's hoax. The bells were rung and bunting was displayed everywhere. The schools were given a holiday. The scholars of the suburban school were having playtime ■when the news reached them, and they bolted to their homes with the new.-' and to see the doings in town.

OAMARU, March 2.

As Oamarn had not the opportunity of celebrating the bogus relief of Ladysmith lasi week, it made up for its oversight on this occasion. As toon as the news reached the town everything that could make a noise was let loose. Bells clanged, whistles blew, flags were hung out, and there was general jubilation. All the schools were granted a holiday, and in the afternoon the shops were closed, and a general holiday was kept. At night one of the largest crowds ever seen in ' this town assembled in the park, where patriotic addresses were delivered. Then the Garrison Band headed the largest torchlight procession ever held in the town. Bombs and rockets were in evidence, and the town wae ablaze with coloured lights, the proceedings being very enthusiastic.

INVEROARGILL, March 2.

The streets were thronged to-night. The bands played, there was a bonfire, and a dieplay of fireworks in celebration of the day's news from South Africa.