Departing N.Z. Troops.

Colonist, Volume XLIII, Issue 9691, 22 January 1900, Page 3

Departing N.Z. Troops.

(from our special correspondent.)

[Bx Telegraph.]

Wellington, January 20.

This morning the camp was thronged with friends and relatives of the members of the Contingent, and many pathetic scenes were witnessed when mothers and sisters came to say farewell to their dearest relatives. The city was crowded with Volunteers and civilians from all parts. I saw all the Nelson boys prior to their departure, and they all desired me to convey their best •wishes to their friends. The camp was cleared at eleven, and preparations made for embarkation. In the procession the Veterans led, followed by the Nelson Garrison Band, who played on to the wharf, and then returned with the Nelson battalion to the Drillshed. The wildest enthusiasm was displayed en route, and there was a magnificent military pageant. Fifteen or more steamers accompanied the stately troopship Waiwera to the Heads, also H.M.S. Tauranga. The demonstration eclipsed the former one, and the enthusiasm was unparalleled in the history of the Colony. Gay uniforms dotted the city, and these included those of the Highlanders from Dunedin, cavalry from Southland, mounted men and infantry from Auckland, Napier, and all the Northern ports, as well as Nelson and Marlborough. Each steamer had a band aboard, national airs being played, Bnd as one band stopped another took up the music. The harbor was lined with thousands from Oriental Bay to away past the Bailway wharf, and every steamer was densely packed. Sockets and guns wore fired, and whistles and eirens^Jblown, while cheers from each steamer inspired one and all with the strongest patriotism. On reaching the Heads the steamers dipped flags and saluted our noble boys, while bursts of cheering and waving of handkerchiefs and flags bade farewell to our gallant warriors, and the majestic troopship steamed on for South Africa. To-night the city is alive with visitors, and the departure is being kept up by all in a proper spirit.