THE GREAT SOLDIER.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LV, Issue 14139, 19 February 1910, Page 3

THE GREAT SOLDIER.

DEFENCES OF DUNEDIN. TAIAROA HEADS ATTRACT ATTENTION. WILD SCENES AT A REVIEW. For Press Association DUNEDIN, Fob. 18. The inspection of the defence works at Taiaroa Heads, at tho entrance to the port of Otago, by Lord Kitchener was commenced at 10 o’clock this morning. Ho was accompanied by Sir Joseph Ward, Colonel Kirkpatrick (Lord Kitchener’s staff officer), members of tho Now Zealnad Defence Council, and Lieutenant-Colonel Smyth (officer commanding tho Otago district). To the armaments he gave, but mere passing notice. It was-the commanding position of Taiaroa Heads that seemed to have engrossed his attention. Hu next inspected tho garrison forces, walked along the linos, and on several occasions took notice, of service badges and medals. He freely expressed his pleasure at tho general, appearance ot the men. A return was then mhde to town. On reaching Fort Chalmers be found, the boys of the training ship Amoknra drawn up i.s guard or honour, and, returning their salute, he addressed a few words of encouragement to them, also remarking on their fine, healthy appearance, Lord.Kitchemi.v then loft, amidst cheering, for Dunclm by motor car. THE CROWD TAKES CHARGE. There were about 10,000 people at Forbury Park this afternoon'to witness the -eviaw of school cadets, boy scouts, and .veterans, by Lord Kitchener. Ho, spout half' mi hour in reviewing cadets, and ho then inspected the veterans. The next part of the programme was the march, past: imr.', ■Kitchener ;nd party, who took up a position at the saluting poin-', spoil found themselves surrounded by i n ever-growing mass of people, who poured into the review ground from all points. The police did their best to' keep tl}e crowd back, but without success, and as a result the march past completely lost its value. It was impossible to carry, out tho next item, a march past in review order, owing to tho crush. Then ensued a wild scramble, fortunately of short duration. At the conclusion of tljo march past Lord Kitchener and party walked towards the grand stand, men, women and children hustling or being hustled after them. In the commotion children were down, women screamed, and men cried out, “Keep back;” but. still the -crowd surged bn. ,It was a , disgraceful scene, and the crush was only stopped by reaching the limits of the enclosure. There'246B' on parade, assembled from all parts of Otago. The 1 presentation of colours to the Boys’" High School cadets took place, though the success of the function was marred by. the disorderly proceedings referred to above. , [A later message explains that the muddle was duetto the fapt'ihat there, was no definite authority to make the arrangements,.,. The police,.were asked to assist in supervising the entrances and gates, but not •to ; perform any duty in connection with the parade ground.] AN APOLOGY TO SIR JOSEPH WARD. The Mayor of Dunedin informed the Daily Times to-night that, having made inquiries in respect to the arrangements for the reception of Lord Kitchener on Thursday night, so far as they affected the Prime Minister, he finds a mistake, was made of which he was unaware at tho time. "Ho had expressed his regret to the Prime Minister, who is now satisfied that no discourtesy was intended to him. THE CHRISTCHURCH REVIEW. CHRISTCHURCH, Feb. 18. . Practical work in connection with Lord Kitchener’s review of- the 1 local troops and . cadets was commenced at Hagley Park this morning, when -a de-' taomnent of Permanent Artillery made a start with tent-pitching. There will bo about 200 tents available for occupation. An excellent supply .of water has been obtained from one of the w’ells that were used in connection with the exhibition. WELLINGTON’S PREPARATIONS. WELLINGTON. Fob. 18. Tho first step towards arranging the Kitchener camp was made this morning by a squad of tho Permanent Artillery sent out for that purpose.- The ground is now being pegged out, and on Monday the squad will proceed with tho erection of tho tents (between 500 and 600) and, the score of marquees required. Wednesday night is to see tho completion of this part of the arrangements. On Thursday tlie supply depot will bo equipped in readiness for the issue of supplies to tho first arrivals (from New Plymouth) on Friday. Lord Kitchener will ride. over the ground on Friday, and then formulate the scheme to bo carried out on the Saturday. Tho forces at his disposal will consist of two field batteries, a company of field engineers, four regiments of mounted infantry, seven battalions of infantry, ouo cycle corps and one field hospital, altogether about 3000 men.' On the Friday morning Lord Kitchener will make an inspection of the forts round the harbour, and his opinion will be sought as to tho practicability of certain now proposed gun positions. It is suggested that if possible the forts should be manned and the searchlights put into active operation in the evening of that, day. The difficulty is that Lord Kitchener is to bo entertained by the Government at a banquet tho same evening. On Saturday evening bis Excellency will be tho guest of the Wellington Chib.