VISIT OF THE IMPERIAL TROOPS.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 6 February 1901, Page 3

VISIT OF THE IMPERIAL TROOPS.

(per press association.)

Invercargill, Feb. 5.

The Imperial troops arrived here at noon to-day after a most tempestuous passage from Melbourne. They came on to town and after an address of welcome from the Acting-Premier, fell in and marched to Queen’s Park whore they were entertained at luncheon, afterwards being given a little time to mix with the people, then returned to the staiion and left for the north at 3.30 p.m. There was a huge crowd of enthusiastic spectators, the largest assemblage ever seen here and all passed off without accident.

Dunedin, Feb. 6.

The Imperial troops, after leaving Invercargill, stopped at Gore for one hour. They were marched to the Show Ground where they were entertained at luncheon, being met by the Mayor and Mr M’Nab, M.H.B. Tho troops were enthusiastically cheered at the station where five minutes stay was made.

A large crowd gave an enthusiastic reception at Balclutha where 15 minutes stay was made. An equally cordial reception was given by a larger crowd at Milton, a staj of an hour was made hero where a supper of a high order was prepared for the men in St George’s Hall, while tho officers were entertained at Coomb’s Hotel, tho Mayor welcoming them and Col. Wyndham responding for them. At every station on tho whole line of route crowds collected and cheered the train as it passed.

The first train reached Dunedin at 10.45, having made the run in five hours. A tremendous crowd gathered in the Triangle, tho scene was of a most enthusiastic nature and a sea of faces, lit up by flaring lights, presented a wierd but effective sight. The men detrained amidst tremendous cheering and were drawn up in the Triangle where they were told off in sections, each of which was accompanied by a number of volunteers. The men wore marched to a particular rendezvous and the soldiers were at once taken to the various houses where they were to bo guests. The arrangements appear to work satisfactorily. Col Wyndham and tho officers and men are delighted with the reception accorded them and the manner in which they have been treated.

Although it was known that tho Imperial troops were not likely to arrive before 11 o’clock enormous crowds gathered in the Triangle and in front of the railway station as early as 7 o’clock. The

volunteers mustered about 8 o’clock but beyond this the crowd bad to furnish their own amusement,

Dunedin, This Day.

To meet the wishes of Wyndham, the parade of tho Imperial Troops was changed from the afternoon to 11 30 a.m. The route was consequently reduced. Tho weather is perfect. The British officers lunch with the local officers at the Grand Hotel at 2-30.