IN NEW ZEALAND.

Southland Times, Issue 14815, 17 December 1900, Page 2

IN NEW ZEALAND.

RECEPTION OF RETURNED TROOPERS. [By Telegrapji.] Ditnedi^, Dec. 15. Unfavourable weather interfered largely with tho demonstration on the roturn of troopers by the Moana last night. It blow a perfect hurricane, and the morning broke amidst heavy mist and showers. The Moana reached the wharf at 5.30, and that early hour saw a large gathering of townsfolk. There was a good display of bunting on shipping, business premises, and the wharves. Sir John Mill welcomed them first. The troopers were transferred to the Plucky and on reaching town there was a great crowd, by whom they were received with great cheering, and they were driven to the Agricultural Hall, which quickly filled. After a short religious service, conducted under the auspices of tho Council of Churches, Mayor Chisholm welcomed the meu on behalf of the citizeu 1 , and a number of patriotic speeches were made ; 500 school children singing patriotic songs, the Dunedin Pipe Band playing alternately. The utmost enthusiasm was displayed, and the sight was exhilarating in tho extreme, as tho interior of the hall was prettily decorated, aud all the children carried flags or emblems. All the business parts of the city were gaily decorated, ana as the men were escorted through the leading thoroughfares the crowd cheered them to the echo. CmusTcntmcH, Dec. 16. The Premier has received a communication from Lord Kitchener asking if the Government could allow the New Zealanders now in South Africa to remain thero in conseuuence of the duration of the war. The Cabinet has decided to let the men remain. News is to hand that Lieut. -Col. Robin and other officers are at Pretoria without men.