LORD. ROBERTS'S REPLY TO SCHOOL CHILDREN.

Otago Witness, Issue 2401, 8 March 1900, Page 24

LORD. ROBERTS'S REPLY TO SCHOOL CHILDREN.

The following meisage^from the' Premier has-baen sent to all the schools: —

To the chairmen of all school committees and head masters of all public schools, — Having, as requested, forwarded on behalf of school children of New Zealand a congratulatory message to Field Marshal Eoberts on the recent .successes of the British, arms in South • Africa— pai'ticularly on the surrender of General Cronje— T X liaA-e iioav received" the folloving reply, sent from Osfontein at 4.5 p.m. on the 2nd. inst: — V "'Pleas* convey to school children of New Zealand my best thanks for "their congratulations and good wishes. — Roberts." It affords me much pleasure to send you the message, Avhich I hope you will be so good as to have read to the children of your school. — U. J. Seddokt.

Mr J. W. Wilson, of Balclutha, received a cable message, on Monday, from Trooper William Bunten, of the Clutha Mounted Rifles, stating that No. 2 Company (South Island section) of the first contingent are now in the nneArly-relieved\ r ly-relieved town of Kimberley, and all are well.

A great demonstration Aras held at PalNorth ■on Saturday evening -to celebrate the relief of Ladysmith. A ' torohlight " -. proces'son 'comprising " bands, veterans, cyclists; .volunteers, I fire brigade, school children, and others marched, round the' square,- after which speeches Avere delivered by. the Mayor, Mr Pirani, M.H.R., and Captain,- Grace on behalf of the IST a.tives. The proceedings Avere A r ery enthusiastic, and the demonstration a remarkable success, about 5000 people taking part in it.