THE REVIEW.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7133, 25 June 1901, Page 4

THE REVIEW.

THE DUKE'S COMMENTS. A WARM TRIBUTE OF PRAISE. The great review is over. The scene at Hagley Park yesterday was a brilliant one. From a very early hour a steady stream of people began to flood the struts, and it was soon apparent to the most casual spectator in which direction they were wending their way. For once, at least, all roads seemed to lead to the Rome of Hagley Park. Men, women and chil-, dren hurried along, all intent on the, 'one object— to see as much as possible of the huge army of citizen-soldiers which was to provide the great attraction of the day in connection with the Royal vasi* to Ghristohurch. The vantage spots ground the vast enclosure were very quickly taken up, and long before the time fixed for the ceremony to begin a thick belt of people was bound all round the fence, patiently waiting for even culy a glimpse of the proceedings. The occupants of the various stands, not having so strong an incentive to put in an early appearance; arrived more, leisurely, but at quite, an early, tour mosti of the accommodation on the big structures .; was occupied. Out on the parade ground all was bustle and excitement. The various camps were astir. before ' dawn, and the work oif preparing for the review occupied everyone's attention. Uni-. forms were brushed, horses and trappings were attended to, accoutrements and arms received, a last look, and finally all was in order for proceeding to the review ground. On reaching the ground the different battalions marched to their allotted positions, and the - scene about this time was a very animated one, as the immense body of Volunteers and Cadets, representing all branches of the service, marched in, from all' points of the compass, to take part in the largest review of Volunteers ever held in New Zealand, if not- in the Australasian colonies. All told, there were over 11,000 men on parade, a total which exceeded tihe expectations of the most sanguine. Looking across the ground from the grandstand, a gay scene met the eye. Away to the left were the six battalions of Cadets, our future defenders, drawn from all parts of the colony. Nearly three thousand strong, they mode a brave show, though, at first sight, a rather peculiar looking lot,, with their endless variety of uniforms. Facing the stands, far over at the north «de, the Volunteers were drawn up. Away to the left was the Field Artillery. Next came the Naval Artillery, and Engineers, then the dismounted section of the mounted rifles, the infantry and the me.nbers of N«w Zealand Contingents on foot, all drawn up in line of quarter-column, with the mounted corps in rear. During the interval between th* aTrivah of the Volunteers and the opening of the review, there seemed to be plenty to engage the attention of everyone. Mounted staff , officers galloped from, one point to another, intent on assuring themselves; that nothing had been overlooked, orderlies rode round with orders, and altogether it was not hard to see that the occasion was one or more, thani. usual importance. Shortly before eleven the first of Uhe Royal suite arrived on the ground, and a .few minutes later the carriage containing the Duchess of York appeared in sight. A few minutes -after eleven, the approach of his Royal Highness was heralded by the booming of the artillery with the' Royal salute. Instantly the whole parade was on the alert,, commands rang out all over the grounds, and the Royal Standard was run up to the top of the flag pole that had. been erected near the Royal dais. Looking away to the north-west, his Highness could be. seen, preceded by "the escort, and accompanied by his staff, consisting of Lieutenunt the Duke of Rox-

burghie, Royal Homo Guards (blue) ;Oaptain Viscount Crichton, Royal Horse Guards (blue) ; Major J. H. Bor, Royal Marine Artillery; Lieutenant-Colonel Byron, Australian Artillery, Queensland ; Lieutenant Colonel Sir Arthur Bigge, private secretary ; Major the Hon Derek Keppel ; and his Serene Highness Prince Alexander of Teck. The last-named, dressed in the uniform of a Hussar, was in personal attendance an his Royal Highness, who was wearing the uniform of a colonel of the Seventh Royal -Fusiliers, witih plain busby and scarlet, tunic. As the Duke approached, he was received with the Royal salute, the officers taking post in front, the men presenting arms, amd the bands playing the National Anthem. The public meanwhile joined in with cheers as the party rode past. Immediately after reaching the centre of the ground, the inspection commenced, 'his Highness being accompanied by the whole of his staff. First an order* came the oadets, and the Royal visitor could not failto be impressed with their smart appearance, arsd keen, soldierly bearing. Passing on, his Highness rode -down the lines, inspecting in turn the Field Artillery. Naval and Garr'son Artillery, Engineers, Mounted Corps on foot> members of South African Contingents, and infantry. On coming to the end of the first line, he rode round to the back, where -the mounted corps were drawn up. His Highness took a keen interest in the various arms which he inspected, making enquiries and passing many complimentary remarks on their appearance, which created a favourable impression. As the party rode round in the direction of the mounted men, the cheers, which up to this time had been irregular and spasmodic, burst out enthusiastically at the back of the ground. The inspection over., his Hiehness rode back to -his position in front of the dais, in readiness for the march past. „ . Just after -half-past eleven the bands advanced, and the maroh past began. The brigade of cadets led the way, the first battalion being headed by the Nelson College, followed by, Christ's College, Christchurch Boys' High School, and Queen's Cadets. The marching of those boys was excellent, and they kept a fine line. The second battalion consisted of Wellington boys, whose marching was also very creditable. Then came the Otago battalion, all in naval uniforms, and their smart appearance treated a favourable impression. The; Oamaru and West Coast boys followed, and alter them came the Hawke's Bay Contingent, a fine lot, who marched . well, the Napier boys being specially selected for comment. More North Island boys 'brought ;^p the rear, and completed a splendid turn-out. His ' Royal Highness appeared greatly interested in the Cade* Brigade. During the inspection. he made numerous inquiries regarding them, and as to tow they were aimed. While they were marching past he expressed pleasure- at the way they marched. As showing now keenly interested he was, it may be mentioned that he went so fax as to decide which corps had marched best, and awarded the palm to the Napier Public School. The Duke stated that he considered great credit was due to ibose who had interested themselves in the organisation of the cadets, and hoped that the Government would take steps to put the system on « permanent, basis. He expressed the opinion that they were the best lot of cadets he had seen anywhere, adding, "And I have seen a great many cadets, as you may know." AfteT a brief interval the long line of volunteers started, the Field Artillery leading the way, and making a grand show with their fine horses. Then followed tiie Mounted Brigade, headed by Colonel. Robin. Th* various corps made a grand s(how. The men were splendidly mounted, tihe horses being greatly admired, and the riders managed their mounts in. a manner which showed clearly-; that they were well fitted for their work. The Canterbury Mounted Rifles were well received, ana a hearty cheer went up as the Ashburton j men rode past, bu* to none was such a reception given as that accorded to the North Canterbury corps, headed by Lieu : tenant Urii. The approach of the N«uvai' Brigade was fittingly heralded by the band playing "A Life on the Ocean Wave." Marching, is a tradition with the N avals, and they quite sustained their reputation yesterday. Stepping out smartly, in perfect line, and with a fine swing, they "Ton the admiration of the great crowd, who cheered them loudly.- Then came the 'Engineers, marching in splendid line.- They were followed by the dismounted members of mounted corps, headed by Colonel Sommerville. All these corps marched well, keeping a good line, and the Wakatu Mounted Rifles, im particular, received a great reception, their performance being nearly perfect. The Wellington Infantry Battalions made a grand show. It was, however, for the returned contingent men, led by Colonel Jowsey, that the most- eni thusiastic reception was reserved, the crowd : cheering "our boys" to the echo as they passed. The Canterbury Infantry Corps were next in order, and. among the infantry section they certainly took the palm. Their line was good, and marching steady, and, as was only to be. expected, they werj well received. They were followed by the Nelson men, after whom came Otago, Southland and Auckland battalions, but though the marcJxing of some of the latter corps was a trifle ragged, they were loudly cheered. The marchrpast over, the men resumed their positions in line of quarter columns. THe officers took N up their posts in front, and soon orders rang out preparatory to the command to advance in review ordw. This was followed by what was probably the finest sight. of all, the whole of the troops advancing, and, when, at th« .command, " Royal Salute," the men presented arms, and the bands struck up the National Anthem, • the crowd " could scarce forbear a cheer/ which broke out heartily as tfhe last bar was played. The men then came back to the rhouldter, and the review was over, though the corps did not make a move to leave the ground till after the departure of the Royal pairty..