THE CADETS' RETURN.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1579, 24 October 1912, Page 7

THE CADETS' RETURN.

FROM CANADA. EECEPTION AT AUCKLAND. (By Telesraph.—Press Association'.' Auckland, October 2li. The return of the cadets who so successfully represented New Zealand at the Empire Cadet Carnival just concluded in Canada was signalised by an imposing parade of cadets on the Queen Street Wharf at 10.30 this mornipg, and a briskmarch up Queen Street to the Town Hall, where- a-civic welcome took place at IV a.m. Between 700 and SOD cadets participated. The first in the line of march was the Regimental Band, and then came a score of young New Zenlanders just home from their triumphs abroad. The Town Hall was well filled with cadets and citizens despite the unusual -hour for tho function, and when at the conclusion of the addresses of welcome the contingent performed . riilo exercises and physical drill, tlio scono vns olio of. unparalleled enthusiasm. The display was magnificent, and the cadets were applauded to the echo.

After tln-ee rousing cheers, had been given at the call -of-tho Mayor for the returned -cadets, the Mayor said that the pebplo of Auckland had formally met. to welcome the lads,.who had done such valiant things across the sea in 'competition with tho .selected cadets of the Empire. (Applause.) The Canadian Trade Commissioner (Mr. Beddoe), in 'responding to the invitation of the' Mayor, said that he gladly came forward to assist in .celebrating the "licking" which the New Zealand boys had given to those of his own country. Ho could iit least take consolation in the fact that they had also "licked" every other competitor that had come along. (Laughter and applause.) .Mr. Beddoe went on to say' that New Zealand lidd won their Impels honourably, and he had not heard one whisper to suggest that any member of the New Zealand company had done anything.to bring the slightest discredit upon their country. A few years ago the interchange of., such visits was impossible, but, now that, transportation facili-' tics were provided, he hoped that niuiiy more would follow among the Dominions flourishing bsiieath' the flis' that for a thousand years bad bsaved the battle and the breeze. (Loud- anphriisc.) ' Colonel Logan, officer:, commanding the cadet forces of -the district, Said that he was glad to welcome, back Captain'Fullerton and the cadets. He-hoped that the latter would nersevero in their,, training and become officers in the territorial forces, or, what was still more important, officers of senior cadets. (Applause.) The cadets have,had ii splendid tour. Thoy sneak in, glowing terms of Canada, end of the unbounded hospitality extendedl by all of its pipple with whom they came in contact. The hoys take a modest view of their successes; in Toronto, and that is one subject on which theyhave very little to.say, having no desire to pose as "coiuiuering heroes." , One of the cadets who was a member' of'the team said that the boys who Were excluded were unlucky in not being able to take part ih the competition, as their qualifications w : ere just about equal to those of the other fellows.

After.-, leaving the-. ,!:oi\t at Vancouver the- cadets at once joined' thp Canadian Pacific Express and proceeded direct to Toronto. Here work was combined with pleasure, and dii.cue memorable occasion tire party W'erCvtakcn, acros.vthe lakes : . to see theluiglit.V iNiag<\i'i\' Falls. .The johrney back to.Yancpiiver was'takeit iii easy stages, so that' opportunity was afforded the visitors of gaining some. idea of the resources of the. greatest British Dominion. !■' ...

The thirteen, cadets who rsp'resented Australia at the Toronto tournament also returned by the Zealandia iu.char.ge_of Warrant Officer Hart. In conversation the boys commended the good work of the New Zealand boys, and expressed pleasure at the fact that they had been able to 1 run. them second on occasions.

During the afternoon the- cadets. : .were shown over the Colonial Ammunition Company's factory, and took great interest .in thejjuorks..; Tq-.niorr.qw, bo given an •■■' opportunity of.-.inspecting Fort Calitley, while in.the afternoon they will attend the King's College sporis. The .cadets-, .leave, for. Hamilton, on Friday, where" they" will, givo ,i.display of rifle, exercises and physical drill on the samu afternoon. On Saturday the lads will be taken, ou a visit to the Government ' experiment farm at lluakura, while on ,Sunday they will probably be taken for a drive to Cambridge. The contingent will leave Hamilton on Alonday night for'Palinerstoit North, and will then proceed to Wanga'uui. .Wellington will be reached on NovSmbe'r 6, and there the cadets will give a joint display with the Vancouver cadet contingent. - ,