THE INDIAN TROOPS.

Colonist, Volume XLIV, Issue 10044, 28 February 1901, Page 2

THE INDIAN TROOPS.

YESTERDAY'S PROCEEDINGS. Yesterday the infantry portion of the Indian contingent were taken for a run into the country by train, and the other members of the contingent spent their time ia looking about the city, and some were entertained. The Dalhousie was thrown open to the public, and a great crowd visited the vessel, the opportunity being unique, and the greatest interest was manifested in tha many novel sights that were to be seen and the ship's appointments. There were autograph hunters galore and the Indian officers, with untiring courtesy and the utmost cheeriness, met all tbe demands made, no child, however small or humble, being stent away disappointed, even by Colonel Dadbha himself . The officers gave expression to very complimentary opinions regarding Nelson and the treatment received here, and it is evident that the impression carried away will be a most favorable one, and in keeping with that formed of other parts of the Colony. It is fitting here to compliment the Reception Committee and sub-committees thereof for the admirable arrangements made and success with which they have been carried out. VISIT TO THE COUNTRY. Special carriages were reserved by the train leaving Nelson at ten o'clock yesterday morning for the Premier and his party, members of the Reception Committee and their wives, and a number of the Indian Contingent, who proceeded as far as Belgrove. On passing the Girls' School in Toi-Toi Valley the scholars, who were formed up in a line in front of the building, gave the party some hearty cheers. On arriving at Richmond, there was a large crowd of adults and ohildren on the platform, who gave the visitors an enthusiastic reception, and presents of fruit arid flowers were presented by the children to a number of the contingent. At this station, and at all the principal stations, the visitors came out of the carriages on to the platform, so the public had a better opportunity of seeing them. Near Belgrove the party were given a chance of inspecting Morrison's hop garden, and the soldiers appeared much interested therein. On the return journey, a- stay was made at Foxhill, where, in a shrubbery near the railway line tbe visitors

: partook o£ light refreshments. Mr Gaukrodger was ready to receive the partyMessrs H. Baigent, W« Kout Jiokell, assisted by a number of young ladies, were kept busy for a few minutes in serving out fruit, milk, serated waters; biscuits, etc; A Considerable crowd had gathered in the meantime, and before the train left they gave hearty cheers tor the Premier and the Contingent, Mr Seddon thanked the people for their heart*; recfep^iqii, oi the Indian troops, a reception" whicß ho said the men thoroughly appreciated, At the stations and the cross-roads all along the route children and adults had gathered to have a peep at the visitors,, and to give them cheers, which were responded to by the contingent; At Brightwater one lady had a well-filled basket with grapes, which she quickly distributed among the soldiers, and this and other acts of kindness shown by the settlers were much appreciated by the men, who evidently thoroughly enjoyed the outings THE DEPAKTUEE. After the troopship had been cleared of visitors, and Mr Seddon had taken leave of those oil boardi Colonel Peyton called for three cheers for thd Premier; and au'r Indian visitors responded to the call with right good will, and then Mr Seddon called for oheers for Colonel Peyton and the Indian troops, and the response was equally hearty and sincere. Again the call came from the troopship for oheers for the Mayor and citizens of Nelson, and this was warrrily responded to, as was also the call by Captain Hushes, for cheers for the, ladies of Nelson. The Premier then asked for cheers for the Vioeroy of India for allowing the Indian tropps to extend their visit, and as the troopship cast off from the wharf, further cheers were exchanged between the troops and the large crowd gathered on the wharf. As the Dalhoaeia moved slowly from her berth, our Indian visitors smiled their farewells, and waved bright colored silk handkerchiefs, flowers, hop branches, eto, and the many ladies assembled, with fluttering handkerchiefs, waved their adieus in returning, the whole' forming a highly picturesque scene. As soon as the vessel was clear of the wharf, there was a rush of people towards the entrance, dozens of cyclist and vehicles of all descriptions speeding along Wakefield Quay to the Beacons to have a last look at troops. As the stately vessel steamed out of the harbor ringing cheers were again given by the crowd, and the response from the ship, which was lined by the soldiers in their gay uniforms, was equally hearty. The troopship left the wharf at 3.20 p.m., and Captain Cox again handled the vessel lin a skilful manner, taking her safely out of harbor without a hitch of any kind.