DEPARTURE OF SECOND CONTINGENT.

Colonist, Volume XLIII, Issue 9691, 22 January 1900, Page 2

DEPARTURE OF SECOND CONTINGENT.

Demonstration of Remarkable Spirit and Enthusiasm-

A Note of Seriousness Prevails-

Loyalty to Throne and Empire Evinced'

(Per United Press Association*)

Wellington, January 20. The farewell to the second contingent fell in no way short of the demonstration in October, when the first of New Zealand's contributionb to the Imperial army lift these shores. There was perhaps not so much outward feeling shown by the spectators at the central gathering* on Jervois Quay, when the Bpeakers were addressing the men, but this was because there was a more general note of seriousness than before* On the other hand the demonstration at the embarkation was more striking in every way than in October.. Thepress of thepublio to view the proceed* ings was on much the same scale as before, but this time, owing to facilities offered by the site ohosen for the main ceremony, there was a much greater throng at the central point. Then, too, and this in the eyes of the people was an important point, there was a most imposing display of the Volunteer forces, and the spirit which induced so many Volunteers to come to Wellington is ; most creditable to them, — they will have their reward in memories of a remarkable demonstration, which they will not readily 1 forget. The demonstration may be said to have begun in the early morning when decorations began to appear, and before long the town and shipping were ablaze with bunting of every description. The streets were early thronged with spectators, and all morning presented a busy scene. At the camp there were not so many visitors as were to be expected considering it was open to all at 11 o'clock, but this may have been because private farewells, owing to the contiguity of the site to the town had been taken beforehand. Still there were some hundreds of people present during the morning, which was mostly devotad to sending off the remaining equipage. When this came to be overhauled, the greatest indignation was aroused on its being found that thieves had been at work during the night. These gentry had devoted their attention to the officer's quarters, but were cute enough not to touch anything in the way of uniforms. Private apparel and revolvers were the ohief loot obtained, Cap* tain Smith and Lieutenant Findlay being the chief sufferers.

At the very last moment L. Grimston, of Wellington, was taken on as bugler in place of Trumpeter Chegwin, resigned ; Dr. Mackenzie was added to the medical staff as assistant { Mr Stuckey as assistant veterinary surgeon ; and one or two other attaches were taken for the voyage to the Cape only. After lunch the men fell in by divisions, and paraded in hollow square, when an unexpected ceremony gave an agreeable fillip to the usual routine. The Premier appeared on the scene, and calling Trooper Lundon, of Tauranga, out of the ranks, presented him with the Royal Humane Society's bronze medal and certificate, for savinp G. Morris from drowning in a yacht accident at Tauranga. Lundon swam some 200 yards with Morris, who could notawim, and both were greatly exhausted on reaching shore. Pinning the medal on to his right breast, Mr Seddon pleasanly expressed the hope that Lundon would come back with medals on the other breast, complimented him on his courage, and told him that if ever he got into a tight place ha hoped there would be a comrade as gallant as himfself to help him out of it. Three hearty cheers were given for Lundon, and also for the Premier.

Colonel Penton, Commandant, then addressed a few words to the troops. He thanked the men in the first place, for the way in which they had behaved in camp. They had had rather a trying time, for it had been necessary to put them to very hard work, and all could see that the results of the work were good. He wished to express his sympathy with the many men they had to leave out of the ranks, mote because of their misfortunes perhaps than their faults. In an hour or a little more, he said, the troopers would be part and parcel of Her Majesty's forces, and actual Imperial troops, and he thought seeing how well our First Contingent had behaved in South Africa, the present contingent would be proud to form a portion of them. Speaking from an Imperial point of view he could assure them that the regulars would welcome them as comrades* The discipline ahead would be very different from what they had been accustomed to in the Colony, and what seemed small faults from a civil stand point became . very serious ones, when looked at from the military point of view, and he wished to enforce on the men the necessity of submitting entirely to discipline. They must obey officers and non-commissioned officers, and by so doing help not only them, but the cause they were all going to fight for. He could not say more than that he hoped they would do as our men already at the front had done, and he only wished that he himself was in command of those before him ; he envied Major Cradock his command. He was sure they would uphold the honor of the Mother Country, and fight as had the first contingent. " I can say God bless you, my lads, and that's all," were the concluding words of the Commandant. Immediately after, the Contingent, 261 strong, some 26 being on guard at the troopship, began their march to town. Mr T. M. Wilford, M.H.R., marshal of the day, rode at their head, followed by Jupp's Band, and Colonels Fenton, Sommerville, and Banks rode with the troops.

The long street leading to the city was decorated in the upper part with streamers and scrolls stretohing across its width, with various greetings of farewell and goodwill upon them. Lower down a detaohment of the Heretaunga Horse met the troops and acted as escourt. Further on still, an improvised choir, in front of a church, sang a hymn as the men approached. This part of the route had not a large crowd, but all who were there fell in and marched at the side of the Contingent, helping to swell the throng, and further down, at the Basin Reserve, a most imposing sight met the view, on the slopes of Buckle-street being the strongest force of Volunteers ever seen in the city, drawn up by companies. The Veterans, with the flag which had been intended for the first contingent, headed them, and the Nelson and Blenheim men came next. Then the Otago Volunteers were seen with other-Southerners, succeeded by North Island corps, and the Wellington battalion formed the rear. The latter marched with fixed bayonets, and it would have added to the martial appearance of the demonstrationrif the jceo» had done the same. Numerous Baticls were interspersed between the companies, and altogether there must have been seme 2,500 men under arms. j The contingent hiving halted, the volunteers formed fours, fend swung on in front, and thus arranged, the procession was over half a mile in lengt&. From this out the way led through thcbnge*d streets, Cuba street especially was arranged in great glory, and every window, balcony, and available housetop was crowded. From their lofty perches these spectators broke into hearty cheers as in succession they caught sight of ttie contingent, and the march was punctuated with continuous! vocal accompaniment. Jervois Quay waf) reaohed by two o'clock, rather before timei At the junction of Jervois Quay and (buba street where it had been decided the demonstration should take place, the arrangements were most complete. The Band Rotunda jwas reserved for His Excellency the Governor, the Ministers of Crown, and prominent citizens. ' At*

tached to this a.*tand had been erected, capable of holding over 500 persons, and this was densely packed by those who had received invitations from the demonstration Committee. Almost opposite this position another stand was erected, over which hung the motto " The children of New Zealand wish you God speed and safe return." This was occupied by some 2,000 children, each bearing colored flags, which were waved with great enthusiam, and presented a very pretty sight. The road near tbo Botunda had been roped ofL and strictly guarded by a detachment of the Heretaunga mounted infantry, the Fire Brigade, and a posse of Police, and only those who had thr right of entry were permitted within this enclosure. From the Botunda another line was stretched to the entrance to the Qneen'g wharf, a quarter of a mile disfant, the object being to allow the troops to move to the wharf without hindrance from the public. This barrier also was lined by volunteers.

Shortly after noon the crowd began to gather in the vicinity of the Botunda and wharves, and fully an hour before the time fixed for the arrival of the contingent there were several thousand people bearing up against the ropes ; and by 2 o'clock the crowd had grown to immense proportions, and the whole of the Keclairaed Land was a living mass of humanity. All the available window space of the numerous large warehouses in the neighborhood was occupied, while the more venturesome spirits had climbed to the roofs of the buildings, in fact every position from which a view of the ceremony could be obtained was in possession, and it is estimated that 30,000 peoph' witnessed the ceremony at Jervois Quay.

Among the first to arrive were the Premier and family, the Hons. Ward, Thompson, Walker, Carroll, and Hall-Jones, Sir Kobert Stout (Chief Justice), and Bishop Wallis each taKing a seat in the Rotunda, while the stand adjoining was overcrowded with ladies and gentlemen from all parts of the Colony, including several members of the Legislature

At two o'clock the Volunteers marched through, and took up positions in rear of the rotunda, while the Contingent men were halted in front. As his Excellency was not expected until 2.30, the men were ordered to stand at ease, the majority of the contingent preferring to sit on the ground. Punctually at the hour named, his Excellency drove up, accompanied by Lady Ranfurly, Captain A'exander (Private Secretary), and the Hon. Hill Trevor (A.D.C.). The bands played the National Anthem, the children and public singing the words.

Notwithstanding the great concourse, the enthusiasm displayed was not outwardly great ; as mentioned before, the occasion was taken very seriously, and the outburst of feeling was reserved till the steamer was actually about to leave.

At 2.30 the formal speeches began. The Governor, who was received with cheer 3, said that only a short time had elapsed since the men bid farewell io the first contingent, and since then much had happened. Reverses not expeoted had come to us, and many fellow-countrymen had died the gallant deaths of soldiers. While we deplored these misfortunes, it was characteristic of our nation that such reverses kindled a warmer enthusiasm and made us more than ever determined to bring the war to a successful issue. The victory, he thought, would not be easy. The enemy, a brave and resolute one, had many advantages, but this need not discourage us, as the war could only have one ending, and difficulty remained only to be overcome. He felt confident that the men in front of him would not be behind others in adding lustre to the arms of England. Britain could congratulate herself on the undaunted gallantry of her soldiers in the field, on the loyalty of her citizens throughout the world, and last, but not least, of the sympathy of her brethren in America. (Cheers.) Though there may have been much to regret in the course of the present war, out of evil comes good, and if the bond between the Mother Country and her Colonies would be further cemented by the mutual sympathy, and, alas, by the mutual loss of life, the blood of the Empire would not be shed in vain, He grieved to think that some of those who had stood before him on the previous occasion had gone, but such was the fortune of war, and in saying farewell to the men, he advised them to be cool, and not to let the desire for fame overcome their discretion. He conoluded his farewell with the words, " Remember you are soldiers of the greatest Empire the world has ever seen, and your mission i 3 a noble one. May God bless you now and always." (Cheers.)

The children then sang " Soldiers of the Queen," in which the multitude joined. The Premier followed, and also met with an enthusiastic reception. He said to-day we were adding another bright page to the history of our Colony. The demonstration and assemblage was unequalled in the history of Australasia ; it showed that the hearts of the people were with the nation in her struggle, and anxious to uphold tbe honor of the Empire. The demonstration should made the hearts of the vast assemblage throb with joy at the great assistance being rendered the Empire He paid a great tribute to the Press of the Colony for their patriotism, declaring that it was a time when there should not be any cavilling, and he hoped this expression would be wafted across the water Home. All should stand shoulder to shoulder in support of the nation, and not attack those in power, as had been done. Even if mistakes had. been made, such action, he thought, was likely to inoite the Boers and other nations. We should all strive to secure victory, and then we could settle oar differences. New Zealand was sending men who could not be surpassed in any part of the world. They were " your sons, sons of the Empire, sons of New Zealand," and look at them. If they did not strike terror into the hearts of tbe Boers, nothing would.

At this stage a young member of the contingent, evidently overcome by excitement, fainted off, and was carried away by his comrades.

Continuing, the Premier asked the assemblage to take no notice of the incident, as the young soldier, though overcome for the moment, might be just as brave and good a soldier as any one of the officers. It was to be regretted that tbe Queen was not allowed to end her days in peace, but there could be no peace while the honor of tbe Empire was assailed, and when our assistance was asked duty must lead, the oppressor must be crushed, and freedom obtained wherever the British flag was flown. He defended the action of Great Britain in entering upon the war, and spoke of the bravery of her soldiers, adding that the reverses brought "out true British character. Addressing Major Cradock and bis men, he said that the people throughout the length and breadth of New Zealand had the fullest confidence in them. They would do honor to the Colony, and the fact that they were being sent would encourage the New Zealand force now in South Africa. They knew what they had to face, and as to their bravery he had no fears. Discipline was necessary as well as good command. Some would be carried away by death in the war, but it was a glorious death to die, fighting for one's country in the cause of justice and freedom. They were going to fight for our Gracious Queen, and he prayed that " He who watches over all things will take you into His keeping." He was satisfied that New Zealanders would return with laurels, and that tbe demonstration then would be greater than the present one. (Cheers.) The Mayor (Mr J. G. W. Aitken) said that he had received over seventy telegrams from mayors, etc., all conveying their best wishes to the contingent. He was pleased at the patriotic feeling which existed, and which he felt would grow, while the British supremacy was threatened in South Africa. On behalf of the citizens in Wellington he wished the contingent " God speed," and trusted that they would return covered with honor and distinction.

The Premier announced that a third contingent would be sent, and said " if necessary every man in the Colony who can bear arms will go to your aid." Bishop Wallis having offered up a special prayer and pronounced the Benediction, the whole of the .bands struck up " Auld Lang Syne," the words being voiced by the vast assemblage. The ceremony having ended, the Governor and party and the Ministerial party drove to the Bailway Wharf, where they embarked on the Tutanekai to escort the Waiwera down the bay. Along the line of ronte the Governor and the Premier were loudly cheered, and those of the Volunteers who £ad been drawn up at the Rotunda then

formed fours and with several bands massed at the head preceded the contingent along the quay to the wharf gates. The Bands struck up •• Soldiers of the Queen," and loud and hearty cheers ran down the line as the men swung swiftly along the road. As soon as they were on the wharf the Volunteers filed in behind, and the gates were closed. Admittance was restricted to personal friends of the contingent, but even these, with the Volunteers, formed more than a respectable crowd, as was soon found. §ifc#K# *555?' a Both sides of the wharf were lined by the Volunteers, and the contingent, marching up the aisle so formed, met their comrades who had been on guard on the Waiwera drawn up at the ship's side. Banks were temporarily broken to enable last farewells to be taken, and cameras were quickly levelled at the seething mass of uniforms at the vessel's side, and the owners had a busy time catching the kaleidoscopic scene. Presently the Volunteers closed up en masse with fixed bayonets, and as the men of the contingent began to make their appearance on deck, a chorus of shouts and greetings was raised that never ceased till the vessel moved away. The work of checking the men^ as they went aboard was proceeded with steadi'y, though occasionally pressure had to be exerted to free them from the crowd, and the embarkation was effected more quickly than on the last occasion. As soon as a fair number had passed on , to the steamer and taken up positions where ! they could be recognised, a very babel of sound was raised through the seething crowd, and now and again a tearful eyed woman forced a way to wave a last greeting, throw some flowers on board, or receive a farewell note handed down on the point cf a carbine. Some men there were too whose feelings were near akin to tears, and who seemed to embrace their friends with an almost feminine caress. By 4 p.m. the last man had crossed the gangway, which was immediately hauled ashore and kocked to pieces by a band of workmen by the time the Waiwera was ' shrilly sounding her last whistle. Then slowly the troopship began to move, and the waving of handkerchiefs and shouts of farewells were redoubled with active response, and the blasts of the bugle from the steamer by the men of the contingent, who occupied the boats, rigging, and roofs of the horse stalls. They were not quite so jubilant in their demonstrations as their predecessors, but their response was none the less hearty. The band struck up " Soldiers of the Queen," which was taken up by the voices in a swelling chorus, and immediately a forestry of hats, helmets and busbies were elevated on the point of the bayonet, making a stirring and picturesque sight, and the soldiers replied with their bugle, and by taking up the strains of the Eong themselves, and then followed " Auld Lang Syne," as the ship gathered way; still, to the accompaniment of waving hear gear, and as the Waiwera swept out into the harbor, at a quarter-past four o'clock, the last-round those on board- her heard were the strains of the National Anthem, in which every one on the wharf joined. The whole scene was one of remarkable spirit and enthusiam, and the men of New Zealand's second contingent will have no reason to complain of the way in which their patriotism was acknowledged. As soon as the Waiwera got into the fair way the .steamers in waiting fell in on either side of her. These weie packed tight with excursionists, who to all appearance were quite as numerous as on the first occasion, though this time everyone had to pay. The Tutanekai, with the Governor and Ministers, and the warship Tauranga, were immediate escorts of the troopship, and some twelve or fifteen vessels of all sizes followed. Taking advantage of the smooth water, the mosquito fleet of yachts and rowing boats spread themselves over the harbor, and added vivacity to the scene. Bockets were fired, and a salute from the battery at Pipitea Point pealed out a3 the procession came abreast of it. The marine parade extended to the Heads, but on this occasion the Waiwera went straight on her way without stopping for a final demonstration beyond such cheers as the boats nearest her were able to give. It may be mentioned that the weather was very favorable, and the wind, which did so much to interfere with the previous demonstration, was for once in a way only a gentle breeze. -. j