The Star. THURSDAY, JANUARY 31, 1901. THE IMPERIAL CONTINGENT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7013, 31 January 1901, Page 2

The Star. THURSDAY, JANUARY 31, 1901. THE IMPERIAL CONTINGENT.

At the time of our going to press the probabilities point to a delay in the arrival of the Imperial Contingent in New Zealand. As far as we are able to gather from the rather conflicting reports that have reached us, the departure -of the Britannic from Melbourne has been postponed until to-day, and in consequence, the vessel will not reach • the Bluff on the date on which she was expected. The Acting-Premier is of opinion that the Britannic may be a few days late, and as he considers that it would be better todeferher arrival for a whole week, he is endeavouring to do so. We hope Mr Ward will succeed for two reasons. In the first place, the delay may enable the Indiam troops to visit us at the same time as their white comrades, and secondly, it will afford us more, time to prepare a suitable reception for the visitors. It is understood that th© white contingent wall pass through the colony, some, days in ad-, vance.of the, lndians. . This, in our opinion, is a mistake. _ It will depreciate--, the splendour of the spectacle, and will .nieces'; sitaite • the declaration Of another public holiday at a - time when < the unfortunate employer is being rather heavily taxed in this direction. If the troops are coming to Christchurch they ought to arrive together, and they ought not to come 'until the country as ready to receive tliem. Had they been timed to arrive ait the Bluff next Saturday it is 'extremely doubtful whether the preparations for their reception and «nter.taihmeni would have been far enough advanced to secure the comfort of the troops, and to do. credit to the colony. Of the other centres we cannot speak positively, but -with regard" to Christchurch we are almost, certain, that the arrangements would have been behind-hand. The meeting which was held on- Tuesday evening certainly made a 'beginning, but it did no more than, put matters in train, and it left a great many details to the two committees which it appointed. Many of the details can be arranged expeditioudy, but a few require consideration,, and bearing in mind the disinclination invariably shown by public committees to hurry, even wiien time is scarce, we are left with the conclusion that it is just as well that the troops will not. reach Christchurch next