THE "SEND-OFF" PREPARATIONS.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9944, 20 January 1900, Page 2

THE "SEND-OFF" PREPARATIONS.

WELLINGTON, January 20. Tho weather is dull and calm this morning, but in every way favourable for the contingent demonstration. Over a thousand passengers came by tho Manawatu train last' night, and crowds are flocking from all directions. Among tho visitors aro several members of tho Legislature, Mayors, and representatives of local bodies. Tho attendance will b 8 thoroughly representative of all parts of the colony, and will bo equal to, if not exceed, the crowd on the previous occasion. Six hundred Volunteers from the Wanganui and Napier districts and 250 from Marlborough and Nelson arrived this morning. Tho Southern Volunteers are already here. Twenty" steamers escort the Waiwera to the Heads. Ten bands will be played on board. Trumpeter Grimstone, of Wellington, goes with the Contingent in place of Chogwin. Dr M'Kenzie goes as far as tho Cape as assistant to Surgeon-Captain Fenwick. Mr Stuckey goes as assistant veterinary surgeon. Several other appointments as assistants in various branches have been made, these leaving at the Capo. It was discovered this morning that thieves have been through tho camp chief attention being devoted to the officers quarters. Nothing in the Bhape of uniform was taken, but portions of Government kits were removed, also suits of clothes. Captains Smith and Fenwick and Lieutenant Findley wore tho chief sufferers. The camp is quiet this morning, tho attendance of visitors there not being so large as might have been expected. The town is profusely decorated with bunting. Mr John Jenson, son of Mr J. H. Jenson, and a member of the well-known anil of hairdressers in Wauganui, has boon engaged to act as tonsorial artist on the troopship Waiwera in connection with tho second New Zealand Contingent, leaving Wellington to-day. The local Volunteers and Garrison Band left by train at 1.30 this morning to participate in tho "send-off" to the Contingent.