THE IMPERIAL TROOPS.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 9 February 1901, Page 3

THE IMPERIAL TROOPS .

(per press association.)

Christchurch, February 8

Beautiful weather prevailed to-day for the reception of the Imperial troops, and the largest crowd ever seen in Christchurch assembled on the line of march through the town at Kagley Park, which was densely thronged to witness the review and the town was gay with bunting. Nearly a thousand Canterbury Volunteers took part in tbo march and assisted to keep the ground clar at the Park. The visiting cavalry were provided with horses here and made a fine display.

After the review the officers were entertained at luncheon in Canterbury Hall in the Exhibition buildings, presided over by the Mayor, and the men at one of the annexes were presided over by the Mayor of Lyttelton. Hon J. G, Ward ahd Col Pole-Ponton wore among those present at the officer’s luncheon.

MrW. Reece proposed the health of Col. Wyndham, who in reply said the officers and men keenly apereciated their treatment in New Zealand. They had admired the colonial Mounted corps at all the towns they had passed through.

’ At the luncheon to the men Bandmaster Evans of the Highland Light Infantry responded to the toast of “ The non-commissiond officers and Imperial troops” and at his invitation the men gave hearty cheers for the Mayors and citizens of Christchurch and Lyttelton. After 6 o’clock the troops foil in and marched to the railway station where they entrained for Lyttelton. The route was crowded and every point of vantage was utilised. The Canterbury Yeomenry Cavalry acted as advance guard, and the Garrison Band played. The troops were loudly cheered, and as the train moved off the men gave hearty cheers for their Christchurch entertainers. The cavalry were highly pleased with the horses found for them in Christchurch which were greatly superior in stamp to those supplied to them in Australia. Wellington. February 8.

As Lord Eanfurley is going south tomorrow ho will therefore not be able to take part in to-morrow’s reception of the Imperial troops. Tho Premier cabled to tho Imperial authorities asking them to extend the visit of the Imperial troops to New Zealand so as to enable them to visit Rotorua. This will mean an additonal four days and will give both officers and men some rest before starting on the homeward voyage. Wellington, This Day.

The Britannic and Tutanckai arrived in the harbor about nine o’clock and were herted half an hour later in the presence of large crowds of spectators. There has. been a great influx to Wellington of both volunteers and civilians from up country districts.