DEPARTURE OF THE SIXTH CONTINGENT.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 31 January 1901, Page 3

DEPARTURE OF THE SIXTH CONTINGENT.

(per press association.)

ArcKi.AND, January 30.

An immense crowd will participate in Ihc send oil' to the Contingent. The horses were shipped (Ids morning. The Southerners marched to camp. The public assemble in the Domain at 3 p.m., where (he men will he addressed by the Mayor and Speaker O’Rorkc, and march to Cornwall about J o’clock.

The Auckland section of the Sixth Contingent received an enthusiastic farewell to-day, though owing to iheQucen’s death the ceremony was practically curtailed to a few speeches in the vicinity of the drill shed.

Though not a holiday an enormous cr iwd gathered and the march was witnessed by a vast number of spectators. The southern section mot the Aucklanders at the drill shed.

Tac speakers were Hon. J. M’Gowan, the Mayor (D. Goldie) and Rabbi Goldslein. Mr M’Gowan read the following telegram from the Governor; —“On the eve of your departure tor South Africa to serve His Majesty, I pray that the Almighty raaygrant you a safe passage, a successful mission and a happy return. I feel sure the Sixth Contingent will ever uphold the dignity of the King and the honor of his Empire. Our eyes will bo on your movements and our hearts on your success. ” The Premier cabled as follows: “Convey to the officers and men of the departing contingent my hearty, sincere and good wishes for their welfare. I feel sure they will acquit themselves in a manner worthy of those of our contingents who are now in South Africa and bring home- laurals to our Colony. Give them my best wishes and wish them God speed.”

The ceremony closed with the National Anthem, and hearty cheers. The contingent embarked at about 5 p.m. on the troopship Cornwall, being followed down the harbour by a number of yachts and other vessei?.