INTERVIEWS WITH OFFICERS. LIEUTENANT-COLONEL ROBIN, CB.

Otago Witness, Issue 2461, 15 May 1901, Page 27

INTERVIEWS WITH OFFICERS. LIEUTENANT-COLONEL ROBIN, CB.

Lieutenant-colonel Robin, who loft New Zealand in command of it- fiist contingent, has happily leturncd to his home and his friend* vone the vvor,se for his long and perilous absence. He is a little thinner, a little more esreworn perhaps, a good deal browner, and no doubt a good deal harder for his 15 months' active service m the field. From what he has said m private conversation with hi- fnends, there can be no doubt that he 13 as enthusiastic over volvnteeiinsf, as much in oamo-t concerning it,- and as deeply convinced of its utility as ever. Jn other respecU, too, he will be found quite unchanged. The tone of moral earnestness which characterised the few remarks he deemed it his duty to make in reply at the luncheon will indicate that in other respect- he remains tho tame. Colonel Robin distinctly and firmly objected to being int°r\iewtd, if by an intoiview was meant, as coitamly wa- tlm case, that he should talk about lum->elf. Ho had, he 10marked, already acknowledged, however inadequately, his sense of gratitude for the heartiness of the reception accorded to himself and other.*, and there was nothing further that at the? moment he felt capable of saying upon that matter. The reception had exceeded all expectations. There had been nothing at all like it witnessed by him on the other .side; — in fact, there the men had- been received with comparative coldness — but, he paid, of course they were preparing for other functions, and their time was to come.

When asked to =ay something about what our contingents Lad done, Colonel Robin said thj?re v\a*> no time to do justice to the men. It would take over half all hour to follow on the map their movements, and then but an inadequate account, and possibly in some re-peel*, owing to haste, an inaccurate one, would be given. He could not commit himselt to any hasty utterances, and if he did they would be of no real value On tbe return of the other contingents he proposed sketching out a map that would show treks and everything, and this might be of value as a record.

As a further attempt to draw Colonel Robin, our reporter asked: "Can you not say something about the men" "That." replied the Colonel, "is very easily disposed of. Better men you could not posf-ibly want or have. They were always willing to do their duty, and always capable of doincj it. Theie has been a very small proportion of ' crime ' ; and in the military sense ' crime ' is a very different thing from what is known to the civil law by that designation. A military crime may consist of grumbling, or taking another man's ration of grog, or doing man}' things which cannot be allowed, but could not be termed crimp save in a military sense " Continuing the conversation, Colonel Robin remarked that the Hon. George M'Lean had been very good to them — had gone to see the men on the boat, and was ready to do everything possible for them. The tiip from Capetown had occupied in all just 4-1 days, and the voyage had been most uneventful. When about oue-third the distance from Capetown the ship met w ith a cyclone, and they had been much impressed by the skilful manner in which the captain had handled the vessel. On the way back there had been no more drill than wanecessary. Men coming home from the sort of thing they had gone thiough did not want any drill ; and a^> for the meu, they were all looking bright and neat and clean. Well, it was- a good iob they had not to land in the clothes they had finished their part of tho campaign with, for their clothes might then have walked away fiom them.

Concerning the wrecking of the office of the South African News at Capetown, Colonel Robin '.aid- — "The New Zealander-> took a \ery small part in it. and weie at Capetown only a few day-'. The paper had characterised the Australians <md colo nials as the ei'iira of the earth, and had cast all soits of leficctions upon them, besides teeming with pro-Boer 'articles. Tho office was wrecked, and a lot of people did it; but there «as no laying who had done it, and they had failed to find out who had been concerned m it. and possibly had not tiied \ery haul. Ho had said it was a shocking ciime, and, though great provocation had bcpn s^ivon. he meant ejiflotly what he said. Of com-e it was a shocking dime, for if the men who perpetrated it had been found out they would have gone for 10 yenr» in a military prison." This concluded tho interview, the colonel firmly der lining to =ay anything legaulmg himselt beyond stating that ho was overwhelmed by the kindness displayed towards him by his old li lends and acquaintanceand by tho public geneially.

Major .lotv-^ey. C.M.G

Ald)or Jow-oj. looking as well and a* blight ,^ the day he stepped on boaid tho Fvmght Templar at Lyttelton. when he loft in command o\ the tluid (Rough Ruler--) contingent, la-t iiic>ht snatched a few minute- of what to him ha', been a bu--y day to talk \\ith tho Tepre^ontative of the Times. The m«i|or has been -imply deluged with telegiains fiom Chn-Uhuuh and Timaiu fneiuK welcoming him back and expressing kind vi-he-. Natuially he teel- highljgratifiod with the-e kindly lomombmnoe-, and they ha\o me leased In- desire to icuciv hi-, acquaintance with the sender-. ',And how*iha\e the taan believed H£kU*t

on active service, Major" queried our re porter "The men could rot have behaved better than they have done, and I as their commanding officer, should it over be my good fortune to command a body of men again, would, without exception, a-k foi the same men to accompany me. Speaking fiom my experience as an Imperial man, and after having c eea the Imperial tioops in South Afnca, I would not change the men I had for any regiment I have come across. The chief trouble I found with them in South Africa was to keep them in hand when the}wore in action and in sight of the enemy. Not that they were ever out of hand, but theie w.'s the greatest difficulty in pievent ing them when they were 111 an advantageous position from taking the full advantage of it, -o eager were they to pursue. Of coui-e on certain occa-ions it was not advisable to allow the men to follow their feelings under those circumstances. Speaking geneially, and keeping in mind the nature of South African .\arfare, the coloni;'J soldier is peculiarly well rdapted for such a war as Britain has been waging against the Boers, on account of his horsemanship, his fair shooting capacity, l>is dash, and his indi.iduality — qualities not exhibited by the geneial run of the regular troops Referring to the horses of the "third contingent, the Major said he had s.-en nothing better than those they took with them. The South African hor.se being small and physically weak, is not capiole of carrying the Kuropoan soldier. The Boer being in his own vountry, can secure, remounts with greater ease than our tioops, which- explains how ]te is able v ith "infeiior hor.sCs to keep well ahead of l.is pur-uer-. Of all the hoi??- Maior Jowey saw, he picfened the Au?tialirin specimens, chiefly for the lca-ou that the Australian and South African c-imates aie -omevvhal similar, and there is consequently not so great a change in the conditions of existence, and also to tho fact that the AustraHan horse has perhaps been u=ed to less hard feed. Tho Canterbury troop horses wei c an exceed ingly good lot, but they felt tho hardship of being unable to get the food they had been accustomed to.

In reply to a question a- to the heaviest engagement that the contingent had been in, Major Jowecy taid that the Khenoster Kop fight wii& undoubtedly the vorst. He went on to say that none of the accounts of the aftair that he had seen published had given an accurate description o" the figlit, and he supplied the following bnof description of the engagement :— The whole of Ueneral Plumer's force was in one line, more or less curved on ground slc)ping towards the enemy, who were located on small rocky kopjes, which gave them complete cover and hid them fro.n view We parsed over tho brow of the using ground, which sloped towards the enemy, and when halfway dov»-n tiie slopa we met with such a fire at 400 yds thai we could not advance another step. Also we found ourselves in the position of not being able to retire, for as soon as a man exposed himself he at once l>ecame a target for the enemy. Our men were immediately ordered to throw themselves prone on the giound and obtain such cover as the t\is?oe£s of gra=^, which aio by no means as largo as the tussocks 111 this colony, afforded. Thi-> position was maintained until 11 o'clock, when entrenchment paitie-- were set to work to throw up entrenchments- — a work they completed by daylight, \vheu it v. as di-covorcd that tho enemy had retued After an inspection of 'he position held by tho enemy, their reason for evacuating it was difficult to understand, as they could have held it against a force 10 times the number of those opposing them. The enormous casualties to tho ontingent were simply due to the accuracy of the Boers' fire. Their pom pom and 15-pound< j r did but little damage. Speaking of the British general" ho met 111 South Africa, Major Jowsey haul that Major geneial French, undoubtedly the bc-U eavahy officer he had come across, had taid 111 his' hearing that for the first time on 10coicl he bobeved the irregulars had got 111 advance of the cavalry This happened at tho Khp Hivf-r fight. General Hutton vvathe c onimanding officer for a lengthy period, and he used to remaik, playfully, of cour-e. that he was becoming tired of praiMiig tho New Zealanders, but it was their duo, and it was only right he should toll them vvhai he thought". When the contingent marched past Lord Roberts at Pretoria. Colone' Robin and Major Jowsey were informed by him that he wa'- sorry the New Zoalanderi would bo leaving, a= they wore men to be lclied upon Speaking on the que-tion of cavalry '^ compared with mounted rifle?, Major Jowpey expressed the opinion that 111 warfare such as that in South Afnca tho mounted nfles was the preferable arm, and tlu B was shown by the tact that the c avalry had dropped their swords and adopted the equipment of the mounted rifles. Concluding Ins chat, Major Jovvpey said that the passage home in the Tongariro had been a delightful one. The steamer was well found, the food wa' good, and the general appointment'- all that could be w ished for.

C\pt\in Bor ltN-

Captain Bouin. of the CantPiburv troop of tho third contingent, in a bnet interview, supplied a Times ropiobentative with -ome figures relating to the troop The figures are only approximate, Captain Bourn not having tlie official lecord at hand. The troop, which na° raised and equipped by voluntaiv subForiptions in tho Canterbury distiat. lea the colony 128 strong. Thi- included 15 or 16 West Coast men, raised and equipped m that district. <ft the total iiunibor 50 havo been invalided home or ha\o diod of wcnuidor chafaso, mx still lemain in iSouth Afr'ca. and 72 (lc>s s nine who have remained in Sydney on leave) returned by tho Tongarho. There are about 66 men of the Xoith 1-land Company of the contingent leturned by the Tongariro

Relerrmg to hi,-* own expoiinn es, Captain Bourn said thai, taking the smooth with lh»» rough, ho bad not much to oomplani of. oven though ho had for a short period been a prisoner of the Boers. On that occas-'tm he had been treated as well as ciitunis-tauoes would permit, and in the absence of food and convrnienoos. Altogether tho thiid contingent had taken part in 29 engagement - As for sniping, they had on one ocia-io.i tbiee months of it.

THE OFFICIAL LIST Tho following is t' 0 official h-t ol ofliccis and men who armed yestciday :-~

FIRST CONTINGENT. 1 Sailed per Wanvera on il=t October, ]?00> Lieuten.int-colouc! A W. Robm, Dunedm. Sergeant William Put. (!i«bomc Quarternia-tc-scigeaiit Piospci R<une Bci land, Chii'-tc-hiiith &ei£.e.uil lituii bcoU Grbell, Waikouaiii.

Puvate Joe Goblc, Taranaki. I'uvate George Meares E ? ayn°, Englaiid. Puvate Albert Jauie^ Hahn, Akaioa.

SECOND CONTINGENT. (Sailed per Waivven on 20th January, 1900). Captaui Geo Crawshavv, South Canleibary. Jjitutonant Thomas Join: Ma- r 'aodd. Lieutenant D. Blair, Wanganui. Lieutenant V. A. Kehall, Flei heini. Sergeant C. E. Crosbie, Chi -tcharch Quartermaster-sergeant Michael John Mullumb»', Wellington. Sergeant Alexander Mitchell Wighton, Wellington. Seigeant C. H Sticet, Vatona. Soigeant Aitlnbald John Staiiley Thomson, Wellington. .Serge.>m Lps],c Gcoige O'C? ilaghan, Cluistchuich. Sergeant Albeit Henry Hobb = , Waikato Sergeant Albeit Lind-ay M'Bnde, Oamsni. Sergeai't X Fitzgerald, We'lmgton. Seigeant Colm M'Donald, Waikato. Sergeant W. Cassidv Nelson. Sergeant Prank Frederick Nealc, Westporf. Sergeant Aithui Hugh Noms, Christchtuch. Sergeant Lrorarrt Price, Lowei Hutt. Sergeant Ernest Edward Robinson, Blenheim.

Seigeant Chaiies Edwaid Clews, Upper Thames. Sergeant- W. J Stevens, Nelson Sergeant Thomas Rand.aU Wught, Levin. Sergeant Job Robm=o>i Hesp, Chnstchurcii. Sergeant Hairy Scott, Dunedin Corporal Jolm Vickeiv, li.veicargill. Corporal John Joseph O'Reil'v, Pajmeiston North.

Corcorai Ernest Edwaid Naldei, Chiiolc'rurch Corporal T. R Chaste: man, Hokitika Corporal FiaiiCib Morplid Twisleton, Wellington. Corpoial If a is Lai*fn, Daiinevirke. Coiporal Hohpit AYi,i<"t. Wanganui. Corporal I'rank Wvidc, Ku>naia Coiporal Hcii) Sv\ai I=o.l, Marton Corporal Hairy Oserton Stuckev. N?'sf.n. Corporal W Butchrr. Wa'm.itc Corporal Kmibbiev, 'Jiniiru Corporal E. A R r es Gisuonie. Farrier E Rubi^k, Mi'srerton Pnvate Jus M'Giego- Elmshe, Wanganui. Private Wm. Scofi Hiegmson. Taraiiak'. Pr'vate Fiancis James Kendall, Palmerstcra Noith. J J rivate John Robeit Lilbume, Milton. Saddler David Grmton, Wellington. Saddles Edward Fox Manning. Wellington. baddler Chflord Butlei, Chnstchurcii. Sadd'cr AVickens. Bugler Leonard Grimstone. Wellington. Private Win. .Scott Aitken, Sonthbrook. Private Fredk. Wm. Beigman, Hokihka. Private Albert Man- Beath, Dunedin. Private August Biene, Wanganui. Private Berne.

Private Breniun. Private Chaumai'. Puvatc Wm. Ro'ucit Eoyd, Hastings. Private R Colrnian, Blenheim Private W. Cloustoii, Geraldine. Pnvate C. CJaik, Poit Chalmen. Pnvate E. S. Coates, Waikato. Private John Jenkin Colhei, Poit ChalmeiS Prvate H. Collins, Wellington Pnvate J. J. Connollv, Teinuka. Private IC. W. Cook, Hawke's Bay. Private C. Cotter. Wanganui. Private H. S. Curtis, Nelson Private Albeit Benjamin Davis, Wanganui Private Fredk. John Delaney, Auckland. Private James Henry Escott, Wooclvillo. Private William Macgregoi Faiquhrrton, Dunedin. Pnvate J J. Feeney, Dunedin. Private Hauy Fitzsimmor.s, r'e.'t'i'-' -ton. Puv.it© Robert James Foreman, Port Chat mpis. Pmnte Peter Orr Fraspr. Dunedm. Private Jaioes Greig, Glcniti. Puvate Arthui Richaici Gillespie, "Well.ngton. Private Richard Godfrey, Wanganui. Private Michael Grifnn, Lincoln. Private John Griffiths, Nelson. Private Echvin John Havdon, Dunedin. Pnvate Walter Heifoid, Napier Private Donald H Henderson, Invticaigill. Private Willie Hodge, Waipori Private Thoi.ias John liwm, Patea. Pnvate R. Johnston, Gisborne. Private Ernest Kerr, Nel=on. Pnvate John Duncan King. Timaiu Private Brown Heniy Llovcl, Maiton. Private R. Brown, North Canterbuiv. Pnvate Charles Thaxter Leonard, Auckland. Pnvate William Harold Lambert, Auckland. Pnvate Frederick Machnup, Nel=on Private Mather. Private James Meek, Oamaru. Private Charles Mihoy, Nelson Private Chaiies Moody, Wooclcnd Pnvate George Vivian Moore. WoocluTe. Pnvate Chaiies Frederick Morgan. Hokitika Pnvate William Crawford Morton, Dunedin. Private Oscar Neil&on, Dannevirke Pnvate Arthur John O Neill, Tv"an«ai:u' Private John Sutheiland Patteison, Invercaia;il!. Pnva'e Wilham Paul Pa'mei ston Pc nth Private lierbcit Thornton Ricbaidso'i, Wc'hngton. Private Dtunel Rc<=s i Wanganm Puvate George Aithui Ron I'reo, Well 1 stou. Puvate Wil'icun D\u'CE>n Smith, Pc Chnlmci«. Private \Yaltei St.ukv.ood. Wanoanu Private Willipin A'exapdei btcphe. , Westpoit. Pnvate Aithur Dousla= Stubb=, "vVe'lir.gton. Piivate Samuel William Fiedenck Taplin, Patea. Private Albert Thorer'u Tima n i Pnvate Geiakl Thomas, Feild-pci. Pnvate David P Ihurston, AVancar'i . i'nvato William Tievarthen, Thames. Pnvate Arthur Joliu Uslipr, •.Wellinj.'t. '-. I'iivate Chaillon Jamp° Walker, Auckland. Puvate John Wallace, Invercaigill. Pi ivate Ernest John West, Napiei Private Geoige Edward Wood. Welhreion. PiPdfe Chaj'cs llJvvAid West, Tnrai 1 Pnvato William Won ell, Orel>'\r£.t Pnvate Ricin'ra Wi.son, Opii'i

THIRD COXTIXe.FA'T .Sailed pn Kinjjht Templar, 17th Febiuaiy,

Major T Jowsev, '1 \uiaru Lieutenant M. Lrvvm, CIII l-ichuirh Regnnont.il Soigeant-majo C AY En<=or, Caw teibuiy Quaitemia-lei -'-eigoant T Bmce. AYarganui

VIPST LOVVIW. Captain IT L Bourne, Timaiu Scigeant C 1< Choinonclelev. Op.ivva. Sergeant R K. Ru hauls, Rangioia. Seigeant \V. Cotteiill, We^tpoit. Seigeant H. Jov\-ev, Timaiu. Coiporal J Mai tin, We-tlami L'enpoial C. E Xui^c, CluisUhuich. Coiporal II J (.'. Ilai per, A-hbuiton Bugler D. Stiacliaii. Timaiu. BIT4IOI J Thoni. Clmst. lunch. railier-sei£o<u.t C V Waul, Waunat« Earner T C Doin, Cu«t. Fan 101 C Tilh'-hoit, We-tpon. "Vaniei A Vj. Jack-on Parmiivi Famei E A D Raihbiiii, "We-tpoit Puvatc L Vr. D Ackiand. G'entunnel. Pnvato L "\V W. Blown, Sun nei. Pi iv ate IF. Eonr-ctt, Fru, Peak,. Finite R C Bell, Kuma.a. Pi iv ate A C & Cook. Raiiß 01* Pnvate T Claik, Clm-tchuuh. Pin, ilc J V,'. Caiv.w-.ii, Oia.i.

Pnvaie A. Coupland, Beaconsfield. Private J. J. G. Cooper, Waimate. Private A. Chatfield, Bariy Bay. Private "W. F. Cameron, Kumaia. Private Valentine Duim. Haweia, Private E. Egglcstou, Kaikoura. Private S A. Fraser, Haw era. Private H. C. Graham, Timaiu. Private K. O Gill, Sydenhain. Pnvate J. S. Gibson, Kumara Private C. D. Galway, Hokitika. Private A Harper, Opawa. Private J. Hendeison, Orari. Private R. S Hugomn, Gieen Hilh. Private Hutton. Private J. T\ T . Harrison, CheMot. Pnvate T. Hannah. 'Private C. A. Jeffreys, "Westport. ■ Pnvate J. Kennedy. Chiistchuich. •■Private T. W. Keleher, Waimate. Private M. P. Knight. Barrj' Bay. " Private W. T. Lowe, Lyndhurst. (""Pnvate C. Lusk, Ashburtoc .Private R M'Dona'd, Waikuku. i Private R. M'F.u-l.me, Timaiu. Pnvate Hugh Munro, Wainiate. Private F. L. Murrpy, Clarence Biidge. Private T. R. Moss, Winchester. Private M. M'Fp.djen Kameri. Pnvate H. Neill. Cust Private A. Porter, Akaioa Private L. M. Rame, Christchuich. Private A L. Ross. Private M. Stewart, Kaikou r a. Private D. B. Smith, Christ .ninth. Private \Y. T. Scott, Lyttelton. -Private E. H. Stone, fimaai. Private G. B. Seymour. C'.iristchuich. P;ivatc W. E. Tomhnson, Waikuku. >?n\ate T. R. Tindall. Geialdine. Pr.\ate E. Upham, Westport Private R. H. Vallance, Seftoii. Private C. F. Vernall, Oian .Private C. E. Wheelei, Sum.ier. Private H. Worsley, Fer.daHon. 'Private A. A. "Wilcox, St Albana. Private J. G. Wsrd, Haweia. SO. 2 COMPANY. Captain E. W. C. Chaytor, Mavlborough. ILieuteiiant N. FitzherbArt, Wanganui. Lieutenant H. C. Collett. Colour-sergeant F. Pleasants, Feildmg. Sergeant F. Krull, Kukumaru. Sergeant J. B. M. Paton, Wanganui. Sergeant N. L. Mair, Te Aut-e. Sergeant T. G. A. Richaidson, Hawke's PaySergeant W. E. Langford, Gisborne. Corporal C. O. Hagenson, Dannevake. Corporal E. H. Manning, Hastings. Corporal L. M Davis. Hawke's Bay. Corporal W. M'Lennan, Wanganui. Corporal T. De Foe Baker, Napiei. CorpoTal H. E. Vergette, Moan run go. Bugler A Svme, Christchurch. Bugler A. H. M'Lean, Havelock. Famei-sergeant T. H. Barclay, Norsewocd. Farrier E. A. Humphries, Hastings. Farrier F. T. Biadley, Napier. Saddler W. Dtus, Turakma. Saddler T. A Otten, Napier. Private W. Bremner, Wangaiiiii. Private J. Conchie, Hunterville. Private H. Clark, Porangahan Jrivat* G. Craig, Cook Islands. Private C. Dyke, Hnnterville. Private H. V. Duigan, Wanganui. Private M,-Dwggan, New Plymouth. Fnvais L. Davey, Wsipawa. Private J. Gilchrist, Wanganui. Private C. Dnimmond. Private F. Garmonsway. iPrivate A. Goodwin. Pemberton. J?iiVAte E. A, Gumbley, Wanganui. Private D. S. Glasgow, Turakma. Private C. L. Golding, Napier. Private J. Gordon, Tokomaru. Private J. A. Hurry, Gisborne. Piivate J. Hobson, Takapuua. Private J. C. Hughes. Napier. Private H. Jago, Napi-er. Private A. Joseph, Xapier. Private J. Kennington, Marlborough. Private T. R. Lambess^ Rangitikei. Private M'Kenzie ■* Private R. M'Cullock, Waipawa. Private D. F. Momsscy. Hawke's Bay. Private T. M'Whirter, Kltkam. Private A. Newcombe, Marton. Private A. C. Price, Wang&nui. Private E. T. Poulton, Chve. Private D. S. Rosa, Wanganui. Pnvate R. Ricka.rd3ou. Gisbcrnau Private R. SirapsQH, Fcilding. Private D. Stewart, Ohingaiti. "Private R, K. Sunpson, Hunterville. (Private H. H. Steadman, Wanganui. , .Private C. Stent, Feildwig. Private S. H. Smith, Tomoaiifc ►Private A. G. Taubman, Napier. Private B. AVilhs. Wanganui. J. "Private A. G. B. Williams, RusselT. '"Private C. Watt, Napier. ~_ Pnvate H. T. Whitson, Hawke's Bay. Private A. A. Wood, Tuparoa.

FOURTH CONTINGENT.

' 'Sajkd per G-vmenc. 31st March. 1900). Lieutenant W. J. F. Ross. Lower Hutt. barrier-sergeant R. Smeaton, Mosgiel. Farrier Campio-j. H. H. Udv, Greytown Koith, Tprivate D. F. Gibson, Mosgiel. " p rivate M'lvenre. 'Private A. Keown, Balfour. •Private W. M. Ma-'hewaon, Hyde. tPrivate E. Patten. Westport. ■Private J. C. Paton, North Wanoa. "Private Ridl-ey. "Private Tavlor. Private Miller. Private F. W. D. Gray, Blenheim. Private W. Harris, Kiversdale.

FIFTH CONTINGENT. !?Curse Harris. Veterinary-surgeon M'Eachern. Privp^te C. W. A. Moller, Auckland t Private A. P. LiateT. New Plymouth. (."Private C. F. "Bull, Canterbuiy. 'Private H. YaTcllev, Gisoorne. Private J W. Richards, Nel=on. -Private A. Cook, Wellington. (Private W. Murphy, Noith Canterhuiy. • private W . J. Rose, Waitam. '"* The names gi\en without descuption are those of men who joined in Soutii Africa.

THE DEPARTURE OF THE TROOPS FROM DCNEDIN.

Those of the Tongariro troopeis who belong to the north left by train at 8.15 oti Thursday morning. Notwithstanding the «arly how. !> large crowd of people assem/■bled in see lb«»m off. and as toe men 'marched Tip to the Nation they Were received with cheer* Amongst thos>e ou the station were Colonel Robin, Colonel Webb, Major Smith, Lieiitfrant Park, the How. W M. Bolt. M.L.C.. Me'ais R. Chishoim, Y. W. Kempthoroe, J. Hazlett, C. W. Kerr, y. HyaW, and the Key. W. Bannerman. is the trail* moved off Mr Chisholm called for three cheers for the Premier, -who, with vTra BedJou and l-jity. was going northwards l>y the spe< .aL Tlip call was heartily responded to. and renewed for the departing officer- and men of the contingents j Officer? and troopers spoke in complimentary iernis of their generous treatment by the people of Qtago. A word of praise is due to Mr Duncan, the J^cal stationmaster, and his etaff for the excellence of their arrange-, ments, which enabled the special to be despatched with -remarkable punctuality. Seve- | ral of the troopers who missed thib train

proceeded on their journey by the culinary exores-i.

Jn connection with the function at the Agricultural Hall, it should have been mentioned that the decorations which e\eryone admitted wore of a very tasteful character, were carried out by Mes-=r- T. Miller and T. Valentine, under the «uper\isiun of Mr D. Matheson. GREETING AT PALMERSTON. Our Palmerstou correspondent wnle«- — The northern section of the South Afncan tioopers passed through here by the special tram, arm-ing about 10.40. Th.ey receded a hearty welcome, the -chool children turning out en mas-e, and. together with the large crowd at the station, gave the boys heaity cheers, which were renewed upon their leaving. They only stayed some 10 minutes. By train at 530 Troopers Hugh Munro and W. Paul arrhed at Pulmerston, whcie they were received by the major and C iptain Grant, of the local volunteers. Afteiwards, headed by the brass band, they were drawn in a vehicle by the volunteer, to the Town Hall, where speeches, wcie made by the Mayor. Dr Hislop, Captain Giant, Mr J. Arkle, Mr J. Douglas, and the Rev . Mr Fraer. An apology for non-attendance was received fioai the Hon. John M'Kcnzie. At intervals the proceedings were enlhened with songs > -adored by Mips Butler and Messrs Appleby i.-s.d R. Fleming. After an adjournment a very "substantial lepast wai j partaken of, and this wits succeeded by a social and dance" m the cveinug. A BUNGLE AT OAMARU OAMARI*. May 9. The returned troo-peis parsed through Oamaru shortly after noon. There was no ceiemony. Owing to the ofnciouMiess of someone on the railways, the public, of whom there was a large concourse, were excluded from the platform at the start, and w hen the gates were opened under the direction of the Premier the station platform was rushed. The utmost confusion then prevailed, and the mayor and the, local .military authorities found it impossible to do anything Great general disgust is felt at the failure to give the men a welcome home. ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION AT TIMARU. TIMARU. May 9 The special train with the Canterbury. West Coast, and North Island returning troopers arrived here this afternoon under the command of Major~ Jow->e\ , the Pi" ulier also being with the party. ' r '*~ men had a most enthusiastic receptor \-"re. a crowd of about 8000 witnessing the ipception. After a luncheon to all the ri.cn in the drillshed, a procession of the troopers, volunteers, and friendly societies marched through the streets to the railway station, near which sDeeches' of welcome were made by the late mayor. Colonel Bailey, and a short address by Mr Soddon. In response to calls, Major Jowsey and Captain Crawphaw said a few words. The reception was brilliant, a-nd the weather beautifully ftne. The town was very gaily decorated. At 4.15 all the men went on north, and the South Canterbury men return home in a day or two. THE CANTERBURY RECEPTION ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE PREMIER CHRISTCHURCH, May 9. The returned troopers arrived here Ijy special traiii shortly before 8 o'clock this evening. An enormous crowd had assembled at the railway Etation, a'lid after the men had disembarked they were drawn up in front of the platform that ha« been provided outside. The utmost enthusiasm was shown, and the volunteers had the utmost difficulty in keeping a space open. The Mayor of Christclmrch (Mr R^ode«) welcomed the men on behalf oi the citizens of Christclmrch and Jhe people of Canterbury, referring to the pluck and enduiance they had shown in South Africa. The Premier, who had a great reception, welcomed the men home, and referred to the part Canterbury liad played m sending off contingent?, making special reference to the third contingent, which was peculiarly lepresentative of Canterbury. All the contingents in South Africa had done exceedingly well, having been highly praised by the greatest general of the age, "Our Bobs.'' He said he would make an announcement that had never been irade before A little j time ago the Imperial (.-rov eminent asked the New Zealand Go\ eminent if it were prepared to plant Boer prisoners on Stewart Island. But the people of New Zealand did not want Boers in their colony. What was the good of fending our men to fight the I Boer 3 and uphold the flag of the Empire i if these people were to be brought amongst us? The- Government had replied that local difficulties prevented out acquiescing in this -modest request. He announced that they would say good-bye to Major Jowsev that night, as I o morion he w ould be Colonel Joweey. He had been told theie wa« a little feeling among the troopers because they had been compelled to giv e up their bandoliers — (A cry: ""What about our rifles?") He would see that the rifles, which had been such good friend* to the men. would be returned to them — (Checi = ) Major Jowsey briefly leturned thanks for the welcome extended to the men. Cheei<vvare ghen by the ciowd lor the JDunedin people for the manner in which they had entertained the Canterbuiy men, and a special cheer for the North I slanders ainonj; the returned peclion. The men thfn commenced to march through the sheets, led by the G-ainson Band and member- of the fire brigade, with torche-, and escorted by a large body of local volunteer^. Firewoikand colon it d fiic-- weie displayed all along the route, winch was thonged with people, wbo ga\e the returned soldier 1 ? a in<r-t enthusiastic wek oinc. The men on arrival in the i-quare marched into t'-e Cathedral, where a short thaukfcgh me; s/->i~i ic<- a- a- K-!d. To-morrow the men will he entertained at luncheo.ii, and at a coin cr-.iz:o'ie m the evening. SOCIAL AT POUT CHALMERS. PRi^ENTATION TO RETURNED TROOPER^. Port Clia'mcr B wa- en fete op 'il,.in-,iav ceivng, when those of the re j turned "troopers by the Tongariro j who belonged to that town v. ere ! welcomed by the people of the Port The streets were gaily decorated wi'h hunting and lighted by electricity specially installed by the Union Company At 7.30 o'clock a torchlight procession around the town took place, and was witne°sed by a rrulti tude of pe-j A .k'. The p. .,,.«» -.ioa took ihe

follovvmg oidcr : — (iarrison "Rand En c Brigade, school (hikhen lanving Chinese, lanterns, Druids, Oddfellows, Fore-ters, tradesmen's carts. Captain Leach wa« maishal, and the display of fiieworks and coloured lights was verj^-nne. Sub.-eqiiently the meeting wa- held in the Garrison Hall. The place v\as literally packed, ard the ])ioc ecdiiig-j were of an intea-cly enthusiastic character Mr D A. Dc Mans, presided, and amongst the otheis present v\de his Wor-hm the Mayor of Port Chalmers (Mr .Tohu Mill). Messrs E (4. Alkn. M.U.R , .1. F. M. Eraser, J. White, F W Waits, T. >A \\ hitson. Captain Cameron, md Captain (iolcbc. Ih^ troopers marched to the front, led by Lieutenant commanding Waters and Lieutenant Dodds, of the Port Navals, the band, under the condut toislup of Mr T. M.'Connell, playing inspiriting airs The trooper^ were as follows: — Sergeant D. M'Do.iald, Sergeant T.Wnght, Troopers C. Clark. R Foreman, W Hodge, J. Collier. J. Boila«e, W. Smith, and Koovvn, of Bal four. As they marched to the front they were received with tremendous cheenn<;. which vva« renewed as the Chairman called Tiooper Watty Johnston come forward. The Chairman said that the Premier had intended to be present that night, but not being able to get, had -sent a lengthy wne, which he read. The Premier's message vva° frequently punctuated wi*-'i cheers, and was leceived with li'ucb enthusiasm.' After a plea'ant evening spent m song and speech, Mr- De Maus presented ufedah wiiich, as the chanman explained, the people of Port Chalmers had provided foi the men as a memento of the war. The medals computed gold Maltese crosses. On one side "Forget-me-nots" were engraved, surioundniij which was the inscription " Souvenir of the Transvaal War. ' On the other side was engraved "'From Port Chalmers to Trooper . May, 1901." The medals were made by Mr Gedde a , Port Chalmers, and in all respects they were artistically designed and beautifully executed. As the troopers cime forward they were received wit'i deafening cheer-. A medal for Nurse Monson wa' presented to Mrs Monson, and gracefully acknowledged by that lady. A medal was also presented to Mr R. Eauchop. to be lorwarded to Captain Bauchop ; and to Mrs Porteous. to be forwarded to her son. Trooper Porteou? : while the chairman intimated tiiat one would bo fent to Trooper Bowling. The three latter are =- l ill at the front. , The Chairman said that souvenirs had al c o been forwarded to the parents of Tioopers Ward and Salter. a« marks of the Port people's appreciation of these troopers' devotion to their duty. At the mention ot this those present gave a silent and respectful demonstration in memory of ihe dead. | An interval then liiteirupted the proceedings while the Ladies' Committee handed iound refreshments, after which Captain j Cameron and others rrade short speeches, j The accompaniments during the evening were leaved by Mrs Murphy. I Ti>e social closed with votes of thanks aid the tinging of " God save the lying." NOTES FROM WELLINGTON. WELLINGTON, May 9 Of the Tongariro's men, 30 stay in Otago and 82 in Canterbury. Of the ievt 133 belong to Wellington, Wanganui, Napier, and Gisborne ; 19 to Auckland ; 25 to Nelson end the West Coast. The Defence department will accommodate such at desire it in barracks at Wellington tiU they leave on Monday morning by train for their homes. The Nelson and West Coast men will, if , possible, be sent on immediately on Satttr- ! day by the Haupiri. Captain Chaytor, who arrived by the Warnmoo, brought with him 12 of the Ton- ' gariro's mtai who missed the steamer at i Sydue3'. and may have, in consequence, to 1 pay their own passages.

RECEPTION IN CHRISTCHURCH. | THE PREMIER TALKS OF ANOTHER CONTINGENT. CHRISTCHURCH, May 10 The returned troopers were entertained jit luncheon to-day by the R-eceptum Committee. The Mayor presided. The Premier, in replying to the toast of his health, said that as he was going into that hall he had received a telegram from Colonel Porter, stating that the seventh contingent had in rived all well. men were enthusin'tic and fresh and strong, that was the time to put them into action, and he hoped to hear toon that the sixth and seventh contingents had teen put on the track of De Wat. and would not let him escape in the night There was greater strength in numbers, and wlien the men were all fresh. He had it on reliable authority that after a ,few* months in South Africa it was wise to withdraw men and replaoe them. Supposing now lie, were to say, Send another contingent? He knew he was stepping on <langerous ground, but what did he care If lie were prepared to say that the Imperial Government would equip and pay the men, the colony to find only the bone and miuole, Why should not the colony send auottei contingent? The Government would be within it;, constitutional rights in doing so. They did not know the day fresh troubles would arise, and the sooner (.tie war was stopped the better for the colony and for the Empire. He referred to the value of the experience gained by New Zealandera m South Africa. If they had men with evpenence amongst then 1 volunteer foice who amount the nations of the world would d-ue.to n>saj] New Zealand' They knew hou troublesome ihe Boei's had been, but they would be a= ■'.othing compared to vliat New Zealandei-. v. ould be They ouol.t to risk for an iupiea.sp in ihe Australian Squadion. nud Now Zcnlaud would be glad to eonliHiute to it. as that was the Jirsl hue ol the to' 'iiv's defence. He leieried to tbe f_c I. th.it oats luul bpen fC'it in Smnii Afma. H(ir-,p. would be scut, and liv had rrrei\<->d .'mi crdei foi 5000 tons of chei^e-. so t lijc theie were two v av= of , looking lit the matter He announced the pi Piiiot.on oi Lieutenant Low in and Lieutenant Soiimierv llle to captaiiK'ie&. In connection with the visit of the J"o>al party, medals I wouV. be given to all those who had fought , in South Afucj, and they would also be pi'"- j ■-.•lrel to the nick's of iho=c> who had 'l.'Ld at ILe fio:,t. J''lags world ho gneu to crh company whicL lud been vtpre-seuti-d at the fiont, ajid he"*lioped to follow r the precedent of the old country in having them pl.tced in Cathedrals and churches. The. Mayor proposed " The Contingents " m an enthusiastic speech. Colonel Jowsey leplying, and saying he wa> then taking farewell of his official position as in command. He spoke in hich terms of the men's obedience to discipline from the fhst fa.ll iv to thai hour, and aiadu ieeling i-e-

fcierce to iho«e who had laid down thcii , lives foi lh(ir Queen .uul conutiy. Majoi Crav\shiw aKo for the second contin gpnt in teinis of liigh put-e, aKo making feelms ie fere. ice to the fallen Seven foil ii fiction by his own side Captain Sominn ■ file nnd Captain Lewm also spoke. Aftt r luncheon the tioops maiched tlnough the principal stiects to Cathedral square, whore they were dismissed. Enormous riowds. 'oudly cheering, lined tliO whole K<ute=. The soldiers weie cnlci tamed at * a (">nv pi's izione tonight, and at 10 o'clock i the northern men left foi Lyttelton to em- ' bark on (he steaiacr. PRESENTATION TO COLONEL ROBIN On Finiiy morning the pupil' of the Otago Roys' High .School piesented Colonel Robin, C.B , one of the " old boys " of the =chool, with n handsome address cxprrs-ive of then appreciation of Ins eftorU in South Africa The Chairman of the Roaid »f Governors I (Dr W. Brown) presided, and, in addition to the rector ot the school (Mr A. Wilson), there were present a number of ex pupiK including boni" of Colonel Robin's old *ehpolfe'low=. Home of t'^c paients of tlie pupil* were a l-o m attendance The school cadets, under Lieutenant Adams, formed a guard of honour for Colonel Robin, who was lustily cheered as he entered the school hall. The Chairman ?aid he was delighted to 1 hear that the boys had prepared an addre^e to present to Colonel Robin. All of them could understand the feelings of attachment that one had for his old school. There, seated on the platform, were some of the colonel's old schoolmates. He did not wi ehc h to say much about their illustrious -\ isitor, because Colonel Robin was a very mode<4 man, and the hearty applause of the pup Is showpd what they thought of him. He would call upon Lieutenant Adams to come forward i and present the address. Lieutenant Adams in a firm and clear ! voice, read the addiess as follows . — L.eutenant-colonel Robin, C.B. Sn,— We, the present pupils of the Otago Boys' High School, have invitee! you here toda\ in order th.it we may convej to "you oui apprecn^ion of the services you Lave lendeied to the Empire and of the distinction vvh.ch as an "old boy" you have confcired upon the school. We feel proud that so lmgc a piopoi tion of those who have volunteered their services for the war in South Africa are ll'jrh School boys, that so raary of th^m ho'cl distinguished positions in their lcspechve oo' - , tmgents and that all of them hin'f doi.e tlma duly as soldiers of the Empire; We have followed joui own caieer m South Africa with I interest, and it" ha 3 criveu us pleasure to knon' i that the value of your services has bee.ii reco<r1 nised by the Comniander-in-Chief, and revvaided ! with promotion in rank and with the honourj able d.stinct.on of Companion of thf Bath. We I a.; filarl to have the opportunity oi welcoming you back to Du'iedm, a>:d we trust you will long be spaied to enjoy the honours which have beea conferied upon joa. Signed, oti behalf of the school, T. D. Adams. C. M. GILBAY. F. L. Scott. Colonel Robin, tvl-o was loudly cheered on rising to reply, said he felt the honour they had conferred upon him more than anything else which bad taken place. It was, a plea?u-e to look back on one's school days. Boys sometimes were inclined to call their masters hard names, but when they grew to manhood, and turned everything over in then- minds, they soon discovered t u at they had a lot to thank t^e masters for. — (Ap-plaus-e.) He understood their worthy friend Dr Brown to say something about prizes for sport?. Well, his advice to all lad" was to [ go m for active sport in the field, to harden | up the muscle, and to relax the brain, so ' that during the school hours the brain would ' be clear to perform nil that was recjuired : j but, for the sake of sport and for the honour which was attached to the winning of events he counselled them to take part i.i nothing else but honourable and nob3e compet'tions. A great deal just now centred in the making of an Empire. There was no empire a.-id no nation that could become I great without sacrifices being made by every one, especially by the younger and growu-up poition of the populace. In these times, when jealousy existed among nations, they should remember that although their souls were in other hand" their bodies belonged to their King and country.— (Applause.) The lads, too, should not foiget that some day they might be called upon to respond to the call to fight their Empire's cause. Should the occasion ever arlf-e, he had no doubt the boys of the piesent time would go forth and gain honours. His advice to them, though, was not to go out to gam honours,^ but to do their duty — (Applause.) He had one : more word to* say. They should always re- ' member those old schoolboys who would j ne\er ret lira from South Africa to receive a hearty welcome. They had done a great deal more than all those men who had come back to their native country. T'^ey had given up their lives for their Empire, ar.d it was, fer the school to see that they never were forgotten.- — (Applause ) He concluded i by heartily thanking the boy? for the ad- ] dreii. — (Applause.) Mr A. Wilson, rector of the school, al=o j addressed Colonel Robin and the pupils He sanl he hoped this reception would act as a pleasant reminder to Colonel Robin of the genuine enthusiasm which boys had for men who did their work well, more especially for men who did their woik with sabre aiid rifle in the cau<-e of justice. — (Applause) He believed that all boy* had a distinct liking for soldiering, and he hoped rfthat the event* of ihe past 13 mouth« would teach them that soldiering was not th» mere a.ii"*'eur do'iiMicr of a uniform, but ''it' H wa-* a serious thiu£. It ltquuod a turned intelligence mid laigc powers of endurance and> of sp]f-c'ontrol and of 'elf sacrifice. Then- training a- e.idets whi lot at school was a picpawlion that ni'Rht mmc clay reach a momentous i*=ii<". Tt was not at all impiobable that tlioy ivujrht be called upon. a« their biotherf had been, to >}o forth #nd fight shoulder to shoulder v>ith then kinsfolk in other part* of the world, or to i iMiiiim at home and defend the «horcs of thc-ir own country.— (Applause.) He smceiely and truly believed tL^l if the call tame to the piesent boys they would ie s|ioiid to it as readily as the boy s of the ' pa»t had done, and time they would do their j woik as biavdy :md Ihoioughly and chiv.d-lou-lv ;i . Colore! Robir mid. the continent j which had bppn under Jus i<o luniiJ - (Loud i applauae ) He might Ml tlr-m that Colonel Robin was an old Hujh School boy That was a good many yeai^ ago, but he remembered him very well. He was m the fourth form in the old buildings. It was a very serious thing lor him to think of, but he really believed that it was very probable that he may have bullied thi? man of war in those daj's as he sometimes bullied the pre-ent boys. — (Laughter and apr/lat'se ) But Cylouel $ohia w«>.s tii* *jit oi u\&& who

foigot all tl.a', .iiid only :cnicmlcird th& pleasant =u!e oi tiling- A- lJitv kiii-w, he ceukl pioplu-y the leluin of a conict — • (iauglitoi), — but lie could ne\er lia\e pro-php-ied that rhe brown-eyed boy vi kmckcrljo'kcrs would leluin to ihe school ac;ain a colonel and a C 15. to ba\e congiatnlations hn.i ,-d ujjciii lnm by I,o} - ihen unborn — ■ (Applaui-e ) In wekuming Colonel Robin 1 they wore vvelronung him a« the tigurelieacl o! forty odd old hoy-, who had gone out to South Africa to fight, and although they were not all present with the colonel they had not forgotten them And they would 1 not foiget those who had left ihcir homes ne\er to ret inn. Th»y would not iorget. C tptam Har\ey and the other hiaie bojs who had fallen. Thcjr iuuk - would be read 1 by tho'-e boy? who c ucreecl"d the present ones within the walls of that building a? long a- those walls endured. When tho^e walls ceased to endure, they would be read' on other walls. — (Applausp.) In conclusion. Mr Wilson wi-hed Colonel Rohm a cordial welcome on behalf of the stiff, who, he said, had followed the doings of the \arious contingents in South Afnca with the greatest irtere-.1. especially the doings o f the colonel hini'elf and the eld Hipji School boys who had been under In-, command. — (Applause ) Colonel Rohm then presented the prizea to the Miccci-sful competitors at the sports and pwimrning touinampnt, after which Dr Brown rnnouneed that Ihe boy^ had been, granted a half-holiday

The ceremony terminated v ith ciicrr- for Colonel Robin, Dr Brown, and the rector.

AN OVER SIGHT.

TO THE EDITOR

Sir. — Will you alow mi a few Imes of your space to express, my regret thai, through a forgetfulness for which I cannot easily pardon myself, Mr Edgar Hazlett did not receive, at the pioeeedings heie to-day, the meed of honour to which he was- entitled. 1 cannot understand how I omitted to draw attention to liis presence ammig-'t v* nnd to ihe honourable place he holds among "old bov=," as it was etitainly raj r intention to do. There is no menibei of any of the contingents whom I htive heard spoken of with niois affection and respect and theie i-> no one better entitled to paztieipate in any horours paid to our returned soldier-. It humiliates me to think that whilst I iu<! rrofeseing not to forget the absent " old boy-," I was all the time forgetting one w [io was pres-ent — one. moreover, whom the hoys now in school vvoiild have de n i£jhl»d to hoiiom p.p a credit to their s ( hool Mj. only e\cu-e--and it i^ no exciihC — is that Mr Hazlett with characteristic modesty had placed himself very much in the backg'ound. — I am, etc.. May 10. A. Wilson, Rector. THE WELLINGTON RECEPTION. (From Oi p. Ovry Cokriosi'ovdk.nt.) WELLINGTON. May 11. The arrival oi the leturned troopers by the Morowai was o&geily awaited, not only by their friends mid relatives, but al=i by th-« general public. At about half-past 1 o'clock the contmuovs ringing of the post office bell told that the steamer was coming; into the harbour. There was at once a very general movement towards the Queen's wharf. A crowd mimberiug a couple of thousand people watched the Monowai come alongside. The vessels in port, as w-eli as the publ.c buildings and »hipping office^, had their fla^ flying. =Uamei»" v/histles wers sounded, and swelled the jubilant note struck by the big bell o\ erliead Ver}- hearty cheering took place a» the Monowai approached her beith, and the troops warmly returned the compliment extended to them. Among the passengers? on the alter deck the Premier was quickly recognised. Unfortunately, just ai this moment lain began to fall with tropical abundaiK c. It was wonderful, however, to see the way in which the crowd stuck to their places. The tioopers were not long in commg ashore. Beaded by the band »nd a guard of the permanent artillery, they marched in uregular column to the drill=!ied, where luncheon was provided for them. In spite of the ram, the inarch was most interesting, and as the men passed they were most cordially greeted. In .some cases family leumons were unrestrained in their joyfulness. The onlookei.-, understood, and the bmileo evoked by =ights such as a be%y of sisters ki-sir.g .°ome stalwart brother i-i khaki were sympathetic lather than" cynical, (.-i-eneral regret wa« e^pies«ed at the untoward turn of the weather, but the troopeis had no rea-on to coniDlain of the welcome which they received fiom a ram sodden absemblage.

WELLINGTON. May 12.

The men who leiurned from South Africa w«re entertained at tbe drillshed by the Government. The Premier presided, and lias supported on hi» right by Major Crawshaw. Theie were also present the Hons. W. Hall Jones. C. H Mills, and membeib of the Federal Commission, including Capta>.u Russell. The M»yor proposed the toast -of " The Ministry " in a speech eulogistic of their action in legard to the despatch of contingents, and the services of the latter al ilu- fioi't. The Premier's reply was on similar lines to the speeches delivered at CluisU lunch and Dunediu. He als-o f-poke on the subject of despatching another contingent to ascj-,t in bringing the struggle to ,> c oik !iisior>. All the toasts customary to s-uch a catheiing were honoured, and the pioceedmgs were ■\eiv cnthusiafitic. Captain Ru«-ell said that .so far a« the ■Opposition were concerned, all party squabble- l-.iul vanished the instant Parliament was brought iace to face with the c-uestion of ariv fig j = -i-t.ime to the rnlliT c.i.aitrv m thf houi of need. Captain Russell then purposed " The Local l'oic"s.'" coupled with the name of Colonel Newall, whom he c ongi<\tul<ited on t'.ie distinction of C.B. cupfouid on lorn. The for*^ was hearlilv received The Nelson and West Coast portion ol the cuilmgent lea\e for then Home by the TuLuiekai tlus afternoon. The Auckland, New Plymouth, and Wa'ifrauut detachments ]pa\c by train hi themoining. the Napier and (Jisboine men s.aillii^; to-morrow in ihe 'le Ar.au.

DINNER TO COLONEL ROBIN

The officers of the Otaoo military ctiftiiefc entert:uned Colonel Robin. C 15.. al c'nuier .'{ the ( -aiand Ilo'.cl on Fnu.ij c\emiLg. 'Jli-oi-p r.as a larjre atlcmlaiico <4i cfHccis. mclu'ling representative- f. >n r.eailv e>°iy cni-pf r.i Otago. After iLe hoaltii of "Iho Kins " had been drunk. Colonel Wobb proposed the toast ol the cmmhiiu;. and ni dom^j so presented Colonel Robin with a pur-e of The only other toa-5t honoured was that of "Absent Friends," which \vj« proposed by Lieutenant-commanding Janes Allen. Se\ernl soug c and lecilaticnis \uie given durinp the e\e:mu. wlul^ the (i.iiuson L.vi.cl i'"-)td telectioas v. tLe

D.A.B.C. SOCIAX,. A most enjoyable smoke concert was held in the Dunedin Amateur Boating Club's fiaa social hall on Saturday night in honour of those of the returned troops who were members of the club. Mr S. Solomon (president) occupied the chair, and the proceedings were marked with the utmost Gordianty and good fellowship. The visiting troopers present were Sergeants * Scott, Wright. and M'Donald, Troopers Haydon, Collier, Borlase, Hodge, Clark, and Morton. An excellent programme of mu^ic and toasts was_ gone through, contributions being freely levied on tho>-€ present and as readily given. SMOKE CONCERT AT PORT CHALMERS. A smoke concert was given by the membsrs of the Port Chalmers Naval Artillery on Friday night for the purpose of greeting the returned trooper* from South Africa, in whose honour the Uarriaon Hall •was appropriately decorated with a number of military clev ice?. More than 100 persons were present, amongst the visitors being the Mayor (Mr J. Mill), the ex-Mayor (Mr D. A. De Maus, chairman of the Patriotic Committee}, Captain Leach (Port Chalmers ."Volunteer Fire Brigade), Sergeants-major Parker (Government Artillery) and V. all (Torpedo Corp?), Mr D. C. Stotrpe (master oi the colonial Government defence steamer Gordon), members of the Patriotic Committee, and marry others. The Committee of Management had made every preparation for the reception of their visitors, and the whole function was of the most pleasant description. STIRRING VINDICATION OF COLONEL ROBIN.