THE IMPERIAL TROOPS

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 5 February 1901, Page 3

THE IMPERIAL TROOPS

(per press association.)

Wellington, February 4,

In accordance with the resolution of the Reception Committee, the ladies of Wellington are being invited to provide tea

for the Imperial contingent and volunteers. There will bo 1,500 visiting volunteers in the city on Saturday. Tho Imperial men, with the ’volunteers will probably bo reviewed on Saturday afternoon and on Sunday a monster church parade will be held.

At a meeting of citizens to-day for the purpose of arranging the reception of the Imperial troops, it transpired that the suggestion for billeting the men had been coldly received by the citizens. Only 84 offers had been received to give accomodation and with each was a stipulation that only officers and non-commissioned officers would bo received. Col. Porter, who attended by request, stated that he had been in consultation with Hon. HallJones and Hon Mr Can-oil who were averse to the idea of billeting the troops amongst the residents. He himself thought it would be objectionable in many ways and it would be far better if the men sleep aboard tho transport. It was eventually decided to abandon the billeting idea altogether and resolved to recommend the Government that the men be kept on board the Britannic at night. It was farther decided that the Imperial men and volunteers be entertained at a monster tea, a committee being set up to make arrangements.