NAPIER.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXVI, Issue VIII, 23 February 1901, Page 369

NAPIER.

Dear Bee. February 12. The Imperial troops spent the day here on their Way to Auckland yesterday, and great was the enthusiasm which greeted them on the oeeaion. Never has the town been so gaily decorated, or so full of people from the country roundabout. They were landed at the Breakwater about half-past eleven, and proceeded to the rotunda, escorted by the local and visiting volunteer corps, the Government party, Borough Councillors,

member* of the Reception Committee, muU the Mayor. Ou their aruval they wehe formally welcomed by ths- letter, and speeches were also made by the ITrmter and the Primate (Dr. towie. Bishop of Auckland). The men theu left for the Recreation Ground, where they had lunch, while the officers were entertained by the of the Hawke's Bay Club. Several large marquees were erected on the Recreation Ground, and amongst those who waited on the troops at lunch were Mesdames Kettle, Ronald, Logan, Gore, Bowen, and the Misses Kettle, Cotterill, Burke. Hitching* (3), Hovell, "Twigg ('-). Hoadley (3). Locking (2), Heath. Dinwiddie. aud Morecroft (2). After lunch fhe soldiers disjtersed amongst the people, and at about 3 o clock a haka ami poi dance were performed by the Maoris, much to the amusement of the soldiers, who, later on. went through some manoeuvres themselves. At 4.30 they left for the Breakwater, where there was an immense crowd assembled to see them embark in the Tutanekai. which conveyed them to the Britannic. A valuable horse was presented by Mrs G. P. Donnelly to Colonel Wyndham, ami the other officers were recipients of various mars. etc., from the Maoris, and.covered with these,they presented a striking appearance as they joined their respective regiments. Amongst the gaily dressed crowd was Mrs Carlile, in white pique, with a black hat: Mrs Kettle also wore a fresh white dress and a sailor hat: Mrs Ronald, black: Miss Page, dainty heliotrope dress: Mrs Davidson, grey and white muslin, blaek bonnet: Miss Morecroft. soft white dress, chip hat trimmed with dark blue: Miss Louie Hoadley. holland dress trimmed with white braid, heliotrope hat: Miss Kathleen Hoadley. navy blue and red: Miss Hilda Hitchings. pale green muslin trimmed with black velvet. MARJORIE.