DEPARTURE OF THE TROOPSHIP SURREY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2499, 5 February 1902, Page 29

DEPARTURE OF THE TROOPSHIP SURREY.

A BIG DAY IN WELLINGTON. ENTHUSIASTIC PATRIOTISM DISPLAYED. THE SPEECHES. WELLINGTON, January 29. Despite the fact that Wellington has had more to do with the despatch of contingents to South Africa than any other portion of the colony, the- eend-off to the North Island battalion of the eighth contingent for Auckland, en route to Durban, was none the less demonstrative. After a burst of most disagreeable weather, the morning was ushered in with a blue sky and a light southerly breeze— just sufficient to temper the sun's iaye. One-fifth of the battalion had slept aboard the troopship Surrey last night in charge , of the horses, and the remainder, ,who were in camp at Trentham, were early astir, and shortly after 11 o'clock were brought to town by a special train, along ■with the baggage. The first hour was devoted to getting things ship-shape on board j the transport, and then the men were f allowed their freedom all morning. The i trains to town were crowded with visitors, chiefly friends and relatives of departing soldiers, anxious to bid a last farewell. In town ' very little interest appeared to be token in the historic event, and except hero and there where buntiug was hoiited, there . ,Tyas very little to announce that anything "lIHSft 4 -*** *% k i n 4.Rl*S e .' Hgwever A as the

day wore on and the shops closed (it being the statutory half-holiday) crowds began to collect in the streets.

The first function in connection with the event took place at 1 o'clock, when the Citizens' Committee entertained the departing battalion at luncheon in the Drill Shed. Among- those present were the Governor (who, it was mentioned, had travelled direct from the Bluff to be present, and had not even had time to meet the new Commandant), the Mayor, the Right Hon. the Premier and other Ministers, General Babington, and a number of local military men and leading citizens. The toast 3 were confined to "The King," "The Governor," "The Colonial Forces," and "The Eighth Contingent," and the speeches were short.

His Excellency, who, as usual, spoke in a strong patriotic vein, dwelt on the recent outburst of Anglophobia, in Germany, and denounced the calumnies and lies with which it was bolstered up. He expressed his delight at the loyal feeling in New Zealand, and said that so long ago as the Fashoda incident he had satisfied himself there was a true spirit of patriotism in the people of New Zealand, and they were a3 resdy then as now to answer the bugle call. He alluded to the admission of the Dutch Ambulance Corps that they had carried despatches for tke Boer leaders, and pronounced it a most inhuman thing, as such conduct would endanger the sick and wounded in future wars. The se-\ crest penalty should fall on these who abused the Geneva Cross.

General Babington, who received a great welcome, eaid that wherever men from the colonies had had a chaeice they had done their duty in Africa thoroughly well. Especially, he could answer for New Zealanders. Those who had served under him had fulfilled their duties in a way that could not be excelled.

The Mayor reminded the departing troops that very strong lenses would be focussed on them. He was particularly pleased to see so many who had been through it all were ready to go back again.

The Right Hon. the Premier, who wae also heartily received, was satisfied the eighth would prove equal to their predecessors. He would say to the men, ' Be careful you have no surprises " ; and to the officers, " See your sentries are well posted, and that they do their duty." The more men they sent the sooner the war would be ended, and that was why the ninth contingent was being enrolled, and a tenth would follow if wanted.

It was announced, amid applausO from the men, that Lieutenant-colonel Daviea had been promoted to brevet-colonel, and Captain Barilett to major.

The latter briefly spoke, giving it as his opinion that the war was by no means over, and they were not going out for a holiday. He said that the men had not so much volunteer experience, but they were equal to the material of previous contingents, and a little moulding would remove Hofipjencies of training.

ano men were then given leave for an hour to say gpod-bye to their friends. By 4 o'clock, the hour at which the contingent was ordered to remuster, the triangle in front of the General Post Office was a dense mass of humanity all anxious to bid Godspeed to the departing men. A large space was kept open for the men by a posse of police, while the local volunteers, who musteied very poorly, protected the portion of the route which his Excellency the Governor took. The Premier was first to arrive, shortly afterwards followed by hi 3 Excellency, and by this time the crowd at the Post Office and In the vicinity must have numbered quite 10,000. General Babington and several officers of the defence and volunteer forces were present. The men were drawn up in squadron, and before proceeding to bid them farewell His Excellency the Governor, who spoke from the vestibule of the Post Office, said he had a most pleasant duty to perform, and called up Captain Poison, intimating that he had been commanded by his Majesty to present Captain Poison with the Star of the Distinguished Service Order for his services in South Africa with the fifth contingtnt. Having pinned the Star on the captain's breast, amid cheering, his Excellency went on to say that the troops were proceeding to-day to South Africa to stand side by side with regiments who had traditions of war and had won laurels and had names on flags of thousands of battles won by Britisli courage He assured the men their doing* would be tollowed by the people of New Zealand, who looked to them to bring credit to the name of the colony, as their predecessors had done. Ho pointed out that as soon as they were on board =hip they came under the Army Act, that bravery alone would not get them a good name, and they must give implicit obedience to the smaller duties which day by day arose, and remember that they were fighting with people who were supposed to be, and if not out ought to be. Christiana. Ho concluded by wishing them God-speed and a safe return.

The Premier, addressing the men, said the present moment was one historical of the colony, and trusted it would be one to their glory and that of the Empire. For the first time in the history of New Zealand a brigade was about to leave its shores, and he was pleased to announce that he had communications from Colonel Porter (now at the front), the Secretary of State for the Colonies, and the Commander-in-Chief o5 the Imperial army that endeavours would be made in South Africa to keep the New Zealanders together as a brigade.— (Cheers.) Such being the case, a greater responsibility would arise, and they must be careful not to dim the luEtre shed on the colony through the bravery and conduct of the contingents sent before them. As the brigade was commanded by Colonel Davies and worthy officers, he felt they would exert themselves to merit the good words spoken of them by his Excellency and expected of them by the people of New Zealand. As Minister of Defence, he emphasised what the Governor told them as to good behaviour, and they must ever bear in mind that nothing could be said against any of our previous contingents. "We," said Mr Seddon, "defend you when absent ; you must defend the honour of the colony and the Empire.' Again he impressed on them to do nothing discreditable, and he urged the officers, if they saw the slightest tinge of disobedience or misbehaviour, to do their duty as officers, and put the offenders out of the contingent. Continuing, Mr Seddou said they left behind 18,000 trained men, in addition to which they had rifle clubs, which Lrought the total up to 25,000. Further, he could tell them, he had received a communication from % Uuusi&r of ffitiye jhjgfg^ J&& tgpres?iited^a

large number of Natives in this colony. Tho chiefs referred to Natives being debarred from taking any part in the war owing to colour, and urged the Government to keep faith and do nothing in conflict with an honourable act. At the same time they said if there was any place where soldiers were stationed, who were required for war, they ought to send them and the Natives would take their station. — (Cheers.) It was a pleasing tribute to receive, and showed what power they had in the Natiie race. The Premier concluded with the Native cries Kia Ora, Ake ! ake !

At the Premier's request General Babington addressed the men, prefacing his remarks by acknowledging ttie kindness received at the hands of the Premier since his arrival in the colony. He said he had little to, add to the advice given them by the previous speakers, but he was convinced the men before him were going to South Africa to repeat what their brother colonials had done. If they succeeded in doing so they would deserve well of the people of New Zealand. He was sorry he was not going with them. — (The Premier : "Hear, hear.") He had had great affection for our fourth contingent, and he had no doubt if he had been connected with the present contingent he would have had the same affection. Had he not he would love the people of New Zealand he would not have accepted the offer to come. He wished them good luck and a safe return, and hoped that he would be present to welcome them on their home-coming.

All tho speeches were punctuated with cheering. The officers were then introduced to the Governor, and the contingent, headed by tho Garrison Band and local volunteer?, then mart-hed to the steamer. The whole water frontage for a distance of half a mils was densely crowded, and at the Glasgow wharf, from which the transport took her departure, there was an immense gathering, quite equal to any seen at the despatch of previous troop?. For a time the posse of police, aided by a strong barrier, kept tho wharf fairly clear ot the crowd, but the anxiety of friends to cay good-bye to tho departing men was at last outrun, and, with a sudden ru3h, the- barrier was smashed up, the police overpowered, and a huge hustling mob gathered at the ship's side. All official arrangements for embarking the men were upset, and many of the troopers who had remained saying parting words to their relatives and friends had a hard tussle to gain their way on board. However, by 6 o'clock, so far as could be seen, all were on board, and the Surrey drew out and steamed away for Auckland. The Premier and General Babington accompanied the vessel down the harbour. Hearty cheers and counter-cheers were given as the steamer left, and many of the fair sex were weeping over the loss of relatives or a lover. The crowd throughout was most orderly, and no accident of any nature was reported. It was generally admitted that the contingent is the most lively which has left Wellington.