The Indian Troops

Southland Times, Issue 14885, 2 March 1901, Page 2

The Indian Troops

VISIT TO INVERCARGILL A BRILLIANT SPECTACLE ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION Ever since the visit of tho British soldiers, the people of Invercargill and of Southlaud, have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of that other portion of Jtho Imperial Representative Corps—the Indian troops. Considerable anxiety was occasioned by the news of tho delay of the s.s. Dalhousie, but this was alleviated when it became known that tho troops would arrive hereabout midday yesterday. Consequently the large crowd of country people who journeyed to town on Thursday night were not disheartened, and on the following morning the exact hour of arrival was generally known at an early hour. The local residents also suffered no inconvenience through the delay, and the tedious waiting, the strain of long drawn out expectancy, that characterised the proceedings on the occasion of the visit of our Imperial soldiers, was entirely • absent yesterday. In the morning the country trains brought in full complements to swell the already filled streets,but every person in the huge throng was in a happy mood and full of pleasing anticipations. The people, with definite information to base their arrangements on, were in the best of spirits, and the morning hours flew rapidly past. Tho people looked forward to the visit of the Indian soldiers even with greater expectancy and curiosity than marked the arrival of the Imperial troops. This was only natural. We all had an idea, more or less correct,of what Tommy Atkins would be like, and a large number had seen the British soldier in his own country. Of the Indian troops we knew nothing, and the impression convoyed to us by report was vague and uncertain. At best the impression we had formed of the dusky warriors was entirely imaginative, and we waited on the tip-toe of expectancy to see with our own eyes the distinguished body of men,-who represented the strength, the magnificence and the chivalry of a great Empire. History had enveloped the Indian in romance, with a touch of the mysterious, and the natural appetite for the unknown was keen to be satisfied with the realisation of what imagination had pictured. On the other hand wo had abundant proof of the loyalty and devotion of the Indian troops to tho Empire’s late Sovereign. We knew how many heroic deeds of brilliant and romantic bravery they had performed, and we were anxious to extend to these representatives of some of the most renowned regiments in tho world an enthusiastic and cordial welcome. We wanteil to show, and show convincingly, how proud we, in this remote portion of the Empire, were of the Indian soldiers of the King, and how fully we appreciated the part .they had played in building up and maintaining a mighty Empire. The Indian troops have come and gone, and they have exceeded our wildest imaginations. Such a gorgeous picture has never before been seen in Invercargill, and not one who witnessed it will ever forget the smallest detail in its composition. We did not understand what pride of blood and of caste mjant until we looked upon the dignified carriage, the haughty pose of the head, and the imperious glance, of some of the Indian officers. Our visitors were indeed distinguished. Every man on parade was an officer or a non-commissioned officer, and each one was a man of rank and standing in Iris own country. Very few breasts were not decorated with medals and clasps, and nearly every man bore three and four of these honours. No less than six men were decorated with the coveted “ Order of India,” while the “Kabul to Kandahar,” and the “ Distinguished Service Order,” were seen on several breasts. The “ Tel-cl-Kebir,” “ Chitral Campaign,” “ Punjab,” “Egyptian” and other medals flashed everywhere, and were evidence that these soldiers had performed some of the most heroic deeds it was possible for man to do. The uniforms were many coloured, and all were brilliant in the extreme. The colours blended with each other, and the general effect was strikingly picturesque. As each regiment was represented by only one or two men there was a marvellous variety of uniform, and on the march the eye was almost dazed with the brilliance and magnificence of the pageant. Most of the men were tall, broad-chested warriors, and their splendid bearing and general dignity of mein impressed the spectators and compelled their admiration. THE ARRIVAL at Invercargill was timed for 12.30, and shortly before that hour the people commenced to gather in the vicinity of the station. It was soon evident that the reception was to be as cordial as that accorded to the Imperial troops, and as the hour approached the streets were lined,and the post office grounds facing the station were densely crowded with people. A few minutes after the half hour the train was signalled, and the impatient multitude sent up a cheer as the train steamed to the platform, the gaudy uniforms flashing through the windows of the carriages. The Mayor and the members of the reception committee met Colonel Pole Penton, who was in charge of the troops, Colonel Peyton having remained in Dunedin. After some details were discussed the troops were formed up on the platform, and marched into the square in front of the station. The appearance of the stalwart lancers was the signal for a spontaneous burst of cheering, which continued as the splendid body of men marched through the station entrance. The admiration of the people was expressed unmistakably, and although they could not distinguish Sikh from Goorkha, the people knew that every man was a brave man and the representative of a brave regiment, and cheer followed cheer. In response to the request of Captain Hazlett, the Southland Mounted Rifles willingly dismounted and turned their horses over to the visitors, 48 of whom were thus provided. From the moment they touched the saddle it was apparent that the men were masters of the art of horsemanship, and their graceful carriage was at once remarked, and admiringly’ commented upon. The troops were then formed up, and the march to the Queen’s Park commenced. THE PROCESSION was in tho following order - Southland Mounted Rifles, Garrison Band; Colonel Pole Penton, Major Hawkins and Capt. Hughes; Capt. J. Hennegan (10th Burmah Rifles) and Lieut. P. J. Pocock (19th Bombay Infantry. First Bengal Lancers—Yellow uniform, black velvet facings, gold lace and black puggri. Kot-Duffadar Hassan Khan. Second Bengal Lancers—Uniform : Blue, with light blue facings, gold lace, dark and light blue puggri. Kot-Dufladar Malsingh. Third Bengal Cavalry—Uniform : Blue, with yellow facings, gold lace and blue puggri. Kot-Duffadar Jagat Singh. Sixth (Prince of Wales’s Own) Bengal Cavalry—Uniform: Blue, with scarlet facings, gold lace, blue loonji puggri and scarlet kitllah. Rissaldar Rakor Singh, Kot-Duffa-dar Thaman Singh. Ninth Bengal Lancers (Hodson’s Horse) — Uniform: Blue, with white facings, gold lace and blue puggri. Rissaldar Ram Singh, Duffadar Shatar Singh. Tenth (Duke of Cambridge’s Own) Bengal Lancers—Uniform : Blue, with scarlet facings, gold lace, and blue loonji puggri. Duffadar Khovan Singh. Eleventli Bengal Lancers (Prince of Wales’s Own) —Uniform : Blue, with scarlet facings, gold lace, and blue puggri. Rissaldar Turok Singh Bahadur. Twelfth Bengal Cavalry—Uniform ; Blue, with blue facings, gold lace, blue loonji puggri. Kot-Duffadar Pada Singh. Fourteenth Bengal Lancers—Uniform.: Dark blue, with scarlet facings, gold lace, red puggri. Rissaldar Maluk Ram, Duffadars Dilp Singh and Ram Singh. Seventeenth Bengal Cavalry—Uniform : Blue, with white facings, gold lace, dark blue puggri and white kullah. Kot-Duffa-dar Asanian Khan. Eighteenth Bengal Lancers— Uniform : Scarlet, with blue facings, gold lace, and blue puggri. Rissaldar Major Mishari Khan.

Nineteenth Bengal Laneers— Uniform : Blue, with French gray facings, silver lace, and blue puggri. Rissaldar Diliwar Khan. First Bengal Infantry—Uniform: Scarlet, with white facings, gold lace, and khaki and red puggri. ’ Havildar-Major Prathiriana, Havildar Sedar Shah. Tenth (flat) Bengal Infantry—Uniform : Red, with yellow facings, gold lace, blue and yellow puggri. Subahdar Bishanrani, Havildar-Major Santa, Havildars Jai Kishen and Mulb.

Eleventh (Rajput) Bengal Infantry—Uniform: Red, with yellow facings, and gold lace. Subahdar Chandra Dip, Havildar Matadin, Neik Ram, Avatah Singh. Fifteenth (Ludhiana) Sikhs—Uniform: Red, with emerald facings, gold- lace, and red and yellow puggri. Subahdar Gurdad Singh. Nineteenth (Punjab) Bengal Infantry— Uniform—Red, with dark blue facings, gold lace, dark blue and khaki puggri. Naik Son Singh,

Twenty-first (Punjab) Bengal Infantry— Uniform : Drab, with scarlet facings, darb lace, khaki and red puggri. Havildor Zedgul. Twenty-nine (Punjab) Bengal Infantry— Uniform : Rod, with blue facings, gold lace, dark blue and yellow puggri. Havildar Tuleshar Singh. Thirty-third (Punjabi Mohammedan) Bengal Infantry. Uniform: Red, with white facings, gold lace, dark blue and red puggri. Subahdar Yulammand. Thirty-sixth (Sikh) Bengal Infantry—Uniform : Rod, with yellow facings, gold lace, and red puggri. Havildar-Major Inka Singh. Thirty-seventh (Dogra) Bengal Infantry —Uniform ; Red, with yellow facings, gold lace, khaki and yellow puggri. Jemadar Mohan Singh. Thirty-eighth (Dogra) Bengal InfantryUniform : Rod, with yellow facings, gold lace, and blue puggri. Havildar Bhandari. Fortieth (Pathan) Bengal Infantry—Uniform : drab, with green facings, drab lace, drab puggri, and dark green kullah. KalarHavildar Sherali. Forty-third (Ghurka Rifles) Bengal In-fantry-Uniform : Dark green, with black facings and lace. Subahdar Kalwanali, ■Naik Harkabir Thaps. Fifth Ghurka Rifles—Uniform : Dark green, with black facings and lace. Subah-dar-Major Gangi Thapa. Third Sikh Infantry—Uniform: Drab, with black facings, drab lace, khaki puggri, with black and orange. Havildar Panjah Singh. Fifth Punjab Infantry—Uniform : Drab, with emerald green facings, drab lace, khaki and green puggri. Havildar Atma Hamed. The Queen’s Own Corps of Guides Infantry—Uniform : Drab, with red velvet facings, gold lace, and blue bronze puggri. Subahdar-Major Sarfraj Khan. The Queen’s Own Corps of Guides Cavalry —(Same uniform): Rissaldar Sundar Singh. Duffadar Asa Singh. First Madras Lancers—Uniform: French grey, with buff facings, silver lace, dark blue puggri, and khaki kullah. Jemadar Hari Singh. Duffadar Kishan Singh. Second Madras Lancers — Uniform: French grey, with buff facings, silver lace, dark and light blue puggri, white kullah. Duffadar Shivajirao, Kot-Duffadar Ankajirao. Third Madras Lancers—Uniform : French grey, with buff facings, silver lace, dark blue and red puggri, grey kullah. Rissaldar Asrael Khan. Third (Palamcottah) Light InfantryUniform : Red, with emerald green facings, gold lace, khaki and green puggri, red kullah. Subahdar Ragaswani. Naik Ibrahim Sharif. Fourth (Pioneers) Madras Infantry— Uniform : Red, with white facings, gold lace, khaki, red and white puggri, red kullah. Subahdar Venkatachealam. Fifteenth Madras Infantry—Uniform: Red, with yellow facings, gold lace, white and yellow puggri. Havildar-Major Ram Kishan. Nineteenth Madras Infantry—Uniform : Red, with yellow facings, gold lace, khaki and yellow puggri. Naik Manigam. Twenty-third Madras Light Infantry. The Viceroy’s Body Guard —Uniform : Scarlet, with yellow facings. Duffadar Mahomed Jan, Kot-Duffadar Ahamali. First Bombay Lancers (Duke of Connaught’s Own) —Uniform : Dark green, with scarlet facings, gold lace, dark blue, black, and yellow puggri, scarlet throat plume. Duffadar Morirao. Second Bombay Lancers—Uniform : Dark green, with white facings, gold lace, dark and light blue -and white puggri, white throat plume. Rissaldar Mahmandanudkhan, Duffadar Yusuf Ali Khan. Fourth Bombay Cavalry, the Poona Horse (Prince Albert Victor’s. Own)— Uniform : Dark green, with French grey facings, gold lace, green, red, blue and yellow puggri and loonji, grey throat plume. Rissaldar Agar Singh, Duffadar Anar Singh. Twelfth Bombay Lancers—Kot-Duffadar Subali Singh. Fifteenth Bombay Lancers—Duffadar Khazi Khaii.

Second Central India Horse (Local Corps) —Uniform : Drab, with maroon facings, gold lace, blue and white puggri. Rissaldar Mamtazal, Kot-Duffadars Ibrahim Khan and Gulab Khan.

First Bombay Infantry (Grenadiers)— Uniform : Red, with white facings, gold lace, khaki and white puggri,- red kullah. Subahdar Siva Modak, Havildar Shevajirao. Sixteenth Bombay Infantry—Uniform: Red, with yellow facings, gold lace, khaki and blue puggri, scarlet kullah. Jemadar Ramchandrasuo, Havildar Kishana. Nineteenth Bombay Infantry—Uniform : Red, with yellow facings, gold lace, khaki and yellow puggri, yellow kullah. Havildars Sheikh Ahamand and Skikari Gujar. . Twenty-third Bombay Infantry —Uniform : Rifle green, with scarlet facings, green puggri, scarlet kullah. Jemadar Jaykhishar Naik Ajepalsingh. Fourth Lancers—Uniform : Rifle green, with white facings and gold lace. Rissaldar Suchet Singh, Duffadar Kifait Khan, KotDuffadar Ghulam Rasul. Fourth Lancers—Uniform : Red, with green facings, gold lace, green puggri, red kullah. Subahdar-Major Chirangi Lal, Havildars Jamal Khan and Said Ali Mohamed. imperial service troops. Jemnagar Cavalry (Mawanagar State in Gujerat. Colonel Dadbha, Duffadar Mararsingh. Bhaonagar Cavalry—Duffadar Rup Singh. Kashmir Infantry—Subahdar Khashimir Singh, Subahdar Gandip Singh. Fourth Kashmir Infantry — Havildars Sarda Singh, Kcshari Singh, Maniram, and Santsingh. Gwalor Cavalry — Major Keshawarao, Duffadar Pandurangran, Kot-Duffadar Devarao. Mysore Cavalry—Jemadar Sind Arnaud, Duffiidars Said Abdul Rajah and Abdalsatar. Sirmur Infantry—Jemadar Chartar Singh, Following the Indian troops came, the local volunteers as follows: —Oreti Rifles, City Guards, Awarua Rifles, Mataura Mounted Rifles, Gore Rifles, Mercantile Rifles, Bluff Guards, High School Cadets and Central School Cadets. THE ROUTE taken was through the Crescent to Dee street, along to Gala street and thence to tho Queen’s Park. The whole assemblage of the people followed the troops along, and never for a single moment took their eyes off the visitors. The mass of rich and varied colour presented by the Indians made a striking spectacle and the people were filled with wonder and enjoyment. The mounted portion of the Indian soldiers was especially attractive and made a brave show. People had now time and opportunity to distinguish the regiments represented, and their admiration increased at every step, as they gazed upon these splendid men. In a short time the park was reached and a splendid view of the soldiers could be obtained from the grandstand by those who had been knowing enough to hurry ahead and secure positions. Looking down on the procession as it marched up, the khaki of the volunteers acted as a perfect foil to the brilliant uniforms, handsome turbans, gold and silver lace, bright sabres and accoutrements of the Indians, and sparkling in the sunlight the blaze of colour, and the picturesque effects, formed a gorgeous scene of Oriental splendour, that impressed itself imperishably upon the mind of the bewildered spectator. His Worship the Mayor (Mr J. S. Goldie) accompanied by the Hon. C. H. Mills, the Hon. H. Feldwick, and Messrs J. A. Hanan, M. Gilfedder and R. McNab, M’s.H.R., ascended the grandstand, and his Worship spoke as follows Colonel Pole Penton, officers and noncommissioned officers of the Indian Army, attached as you are and part of the greatest army in the world, as Mayor of Invercargill, it gives me the greatest pleasure, on behalf of the people of this town to extend to you all a very hearty welcome. Owing to the limited time of your stay in the colony, your visit to this town must of necessity be of short duration. It would have given the residents of Invercargill and district great pleasure to have had you with us for a longer period, but as this is a matter over which wo have no control, we have determined to show that we appreciate your visit, and will do all in our power to make you feel at home. We admire the loyalty of the native races of the great Empire from which you hail, and feel certain that you have mourned with us over tlie death of our late beloved Queen and Empress of India, and will continue your loyalty and devotion to her son KingEdward the Seventh. We hope that upon your departure from this colony you will carry away with you, pleasant recollections of your visit to this, the most remote, but truly loyal part of the great Empire to which you also belong. Once again I cordially welcome you to Invercargill. The Mayor then called for three cheers for the Indian troops, and the response was the full-throated cheer of genuine welcome and whole-hearted admiration. The Hon. C. H. Mills, at the request of the Mayor, then stepped forward and said he had to express his very great pleasure at being present to take part in so important a ceremony. He regretted that the Hon. Mr

Ward was not able to be present, buv'n. one regretted that more than Mr Ward did. On behalf of the Ministry he thanked the Mayor and the people of Southland for the loyal and hearty welcome they had extended to the Indian troops. He was sorry that owing to the delay of the s.s. Dalhousie in reaching Lyttelton the stay of the visitors in Invercargill had been, curtailed. They would carry away with them, however, the pleasantest memories of the kindness they had received in this town. Captain Hennegan then called for three cheers for the Mayor and the people of Southland, the Indians responding with deep-chested, lusty cheers,-that showed the reception had been appreciated by them. The troops were then marched to the tents, where an EXCELLENT LUNCHEON had been prepared by Messrs D. Kingsland and Son. The visitors of course would not touch meat, but an ample supply of fruit, cakes and aerated waters had been set apart for them. 'J he local officers had no such prejudices however, and a sumptuous repast had been laid for them. When the keen edge of appetite had been satisfied, the Mayor proposed the toast of “ The King,” whicli was duly honoured. The Hon. C. H. Mills then proposed “ The Representatives of the Indian Army,” to which Captain Hennegan replied. He said they had had a very happy time in Invercargill. Owing to the kind manner in which special trains and steamers had been placed at their disposal they had been able to see much of the country which in many respects reminded him of the Old Land. The Indian troops would return to their land with the pleasantest memories of New Zealand. He thanked them very heartily for their great kindness. The other toasts were : “ Local Officers,” proposed by Mr J. A. Hanau, M.H.R., and responded to by Major Hawkins ; “ The Ministry,” proposed by Mr M. Gilfedder, M.H.R., and responded to by the Hon. C. H. Mills ; “ The Parliament of New Zealand,” proposed by Mr J. Stead, and responded to by Messrs J. A. Hanan and M. Gilfedder, M’s.H.R. ; and “The Mayor,” proposed by Colonel Pole Penton, who said the Mayor showed an interest in volunteering that he would like to see in other parts of the colony. In the meantime the visitors had concluded their light repast and wandered about the grounds. Here their affability and good nature was most apparent. They were not only approachable but they entered readily into conversation with the people, and the majority could speak English fluently. This was the part of the programme that the people most enjoyed. They crowded round the veterans, who submitted to be questioned, fingered and generally inspected with extreme good humour, and they too appeared to enjoy themselves. They were particularly gracious to the young folks and went out of their way to speak to a child or amuse a baby. The youth and beauty of the town were present in large numbers, and made up to tho warriors, the most dignified of whom yielded to the fascinations of the pretty girls, whom nothing seemed to daunt. The result was that the officers were kept busy writing autographs or explaining medals. Perhaps the finest looking infantry soldier was Subadar Ghulam Mohamed, a tall, handsome, big-shouldered native of Northern India, simply smothered in medals. He is the hero of a Homeric hand-to-hand conflict in the Malakand campaign, when he himself killed five of the enemy. Many of the men were of commanding appearance, muscular as panthers, and fine specimens of manhood, with gentlemanliness and noble blood in , every feature. There were no traces of vulgarity or debauchery, the features were bright, mobile, and intelligent. The lions of the Punjab, the Sikhs, were splendid men, and attracted a full share of attention. Splendid men, every one, keen eyed and clear cut, with their hirsute adornments unblemished by the ravages of scissors or razor, but artificially to meet the demands of civilisation. Their speech was simple, but dignified and truthful. The little Goorkhas, “ tho merry little devils,” as they aro called, are very deceptive from first .impressions. Small in stature, you are apt to pass them by. But when the gleam of battle glows in his eyes he is a warrior, almost unmatched for daring and invincible courage, and you much prefer to have him on your side. The representatives of the Guides drew their share of attention. The warlike mountaineers from the tribes of Upper India, who were formed into tho “Queen’s Own Guides ” in 1842, were selected for their sagacity and intelligence, and their career has been full of stirring incidents. The people could have spent hours chatting with the distinguished soldiers, but tho hour for depareure was at hand, and when the bugles sounded the men had to take farewell of their captors and hasten to the ranks. The hour thus spent with the- ■ Indians was an object lesson. It gave a truer and a better idea of their nature and their character. Fraternising with one another were Hindu and Buddhist, Mohammedan and Pagan, and all sworn to do one thing—to uphold the supremacy of Great Britain and fight to the death for their Emperor and country. The troops then fell into place and marched through the centre of the ground, back TO THE STATION. The whole of the people followed the troops on their march through Jed and Tay streets to the train, and entering tho station, the people crowded up to shake hands with the veterans and bid them a last farewell. The people were even more demonstrative than when the Imperial troops left, and the noble warriors met their advances half way, and disappeared from sight smiling affably and expressing their sincere thanks for the welcome extended to them. The volunteers were lined up inside the station, and as the train steamed away three hearty cheers were given for the Indian troops, the people outside taking up the strain and raising a mighty shout of farewell. The Iridian troops have gone, and the public will settle down to the ordinary course of life, out yesterday will remain a red letter day, and they will never forget the visit of the representatives of the Indian Army, of which Earl Roberts has said : “ I have thorough belief in and admiration for Gcorkhas, Sikhs, Dogras, Rajputs, Jats and selected Mohammedans. Brigaded with British troops I would be proud to lead them against any European army.” [By Telegraph.] Dunedin, March 1. The Indian troops arrived from Invercargill shortly before 10 o’clock, They appeared to be quite fatigued with continuous travelling and apparently suffered greatly from the cold weather which set in to-day. A large crowd assembled to see them disembark and they were cheered heartily as they marched to the Agricultural Hall, where they take up their quarters for the night. They will parade in the morning and afterwards visit the races.