THE SECOND CONTINGENT.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9945, 22 January 1900, Page 2

THE SECOND CONTINGENT.

"THE SEND-OFF." I (Per United Pre« 3 Association.) WELLINGTON, January 20. Thfl Farewell to the Sccoud Contingent 101 lin no way short of the demonstration in October, when tho first of Nen Zea'and's contributions to the Imperial Army loft those shores. Aftor lunch the men fell in by divisions, paraded in a hollow square and an unexpected ceremony gave in agreeable fillip to tho usual loutme. The Premier appeared on the scene and calling Trooper Lundon, of Ta' ran^.i, out cf the ranks,! presented liiin with the lt(yal Humane Society's bronze m"d.tl nnd certificate for saving G. N'l.riis £rmu \ drowning in a yacht accident at Tauranga. Lundon 3wain some £00 vni'ds with Norris, who could not sunn, nnd both wero greatly exhausted on ri a^hmg tho Bhore. Pinning !,ho medal en to the recipient's right brpnst, 'Mr Seddon pleasingly expressed the hopo that f.uudon would come back with medals on his other breast, complimented him on his ccairage, and told him that it cvi-r he got into a tight place he hop?d there would be a comrade as gallant as himse.f *■( help him out of it. , ' Three hearty cheers wcr£ given for Lundon, and aj^d for the Premier. Theu Colohel (Pole-Penton addressed a lew words to the troops. He thanked the men in the first placo foT the way they behaved in camp, gave them some useful advice, and said he felt sure they would uphold the honor of the Mother CounImmodm&iy after Hip Contingent, 216 strong, some 26 being on guard at the troopship^ began their march to town. Mr T. M. Wilford, M.H.R., Marshall of the day, rodp at their head, followed by Jupp's Band, and Colonels Ponton, Scmmemlle and Banks rode with the troops. At tho Basin Reserve there was a most impressive scene, and there was gathered the strongest force i>f Volunteers ever seen in the cily, there being fully 2500 men undor arms, with numerous bands. Tho procession was over half a mild in length, and marched through crowded stieets, the spectators cheering heartily as tho Contingent passed. Jervois Quay Wflg reached by; 2 o'clock, rather before time. At the junction of Jervois Quay and Cuba Street, where it had been decided the demonstration should- tako place, tho arrangements were moßt complete. A stmid Jiad been erected to -accommodate ,500 persons and this was densely packed. Opposite this was another sUnd occupied by 2000 children, each bearing a coloured flag. It is estimated that 30,000 people witnessed the- ceremony. Speeches were delivered by the Governor, tho Premier, and tho Mayor (Mr J. G. Aitken), and Bishop Wallis offered, prnjer. ,The ceremony having ended, the GovoMor and party and Ministerial party riiovc t<» tho Ranfurly Wharf, when they ny.barked in the Tntanckai to escort the down the bciy. Along tho route too Governor ard Premier were loudly A.lKe?ed.» Those of the Volunteers who Jjf^ beon drawn up at the Rotunda then fm^ued fours, and, with ihe several 'b.u^B wnssed at their head, preceded tho ( v hiingonf along tho Quay to the wharf. | !Al 1 be futes the Bands struck up "Sol■diers oi" 'lie Queon," and loud and hearty cheers ran tlowii '■he line us the men svung swiftly along tho road. By 1 p.m. the lat.t Man had crossed the gangway, which was immediately swung ashore and knocked to pieces by a band of woikmen. Then slowly the troopship bjffjrn to )iio\o, and the waving of haudkeroliipfs and shouts of farewell were redoubled! with active l espouse and blasts of bugles from the stoanier. The men of tho Contingent occupied the boat's rigging, nnd the roofs of the horse" stalls. They wore not quite so jubliant in thoir dt-monstrations as their predecessors, but their rosponse was none the less hearty. A band struck up "Soldiers of tho Queen." It waa taken up by voices in a swelling chorus, and immediately a forest of hats, helmets, and busbies waß elevated on the points of bayonets, making a stirring and picturgsquo sight. The soldiers replied with their bugles, and by taking up the strains of the song themselves. Then followed "Auld Lang Syne," as tho ship gathered way still to the accompaniment of waving headgear, and as the Wain era Swept out into the harbour at a quarter-past 4 the last sounds thoso on board of her heard were the strains of the National Anthem, in T^bich everyono on the wharf joined. The Tutanekai, with the Governor and Ministers, and tho warship Tauranga, were her immediate escorts, aud some 12 or 14 more vessels of all sizes followed them. Taking advantage of the; smooth water, a mosquito fleet of yachts aud rowing boats spread themselves over the harbour, and added to the vivacity of tfie scone. Rockets, were fired, and a salute from tho battery at Pipitea Point pealed out as the procession came abreast of it. The marine parade extended to the He ads, but on this occasion the Waiwera went straight on her way without stopping for a final demonstration beyond such cheers as the boats nearest her were able to give. It may bo lnoutionod that tho weather was very favourable, aud Ihff wind, which did so much to interfere with the previous demonstration, was for onco in a way only a gentle breeze.