“SOLDIERS OF THE KING.”

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 15 June 1901, Page 2

“SOLDIERS OF THE KING.”

Greymouth this morning presented quite a military appearance, soldiers in khaki, soldiers in blue, and soldiers small in mufti, parading the streets in every direction, and a fine healthy looking lot they were, The Corinna crossed the bar inwards about 8 o’clock, gaily decorated with flags, but before this time the “gathering of clans” had commenced. About 9 o’clock the troops mustered in Tainui street, the line extending from the Drill shed to past the Post office, _ Shortly afterwards they commenced their march to the steamer, the First Westland Sides (including Kumara and Ross) leading, followed by the Grey Rifles, then the Brunner Rifles, the Westland Cadets, Grey Cadets, Reefton Cadets, and the Reef ton Rifles bringing up the rear, ’ The Grey Rifles were under the command of Lieut Lutz, Captain Morrice, being unable owing to business pressure to take part in the proceedings.

The wharf at the lower end of Mawhera Quay was simply packed with friends and guardians of the Cadets, who assembled to wish all—the little ones especially—“ God speed" and a safe return. The following is a detailed account of the volunteers who embarked this morhing:— First Westland Rifles ... 48 Grey Rifles 39 Brunner Rifles ... ... 45 Reefton Rifles ... ... 47. Westland Cadets 98 Grey Cadets 88 Reefton Cadets ... ... 34 The officers in command are Lieutenant Lutz, Captain Austin, Captain Macfarlane, Lieutenant Johnston, Captain Tomkies, and Lieutenant Harvey. Messrs Adams, Pegler, Smith, de Berry and Jackson, accompanied the Greymouth Cadets.

This morning’s West Coast Times says; —The detachment of the First Westland Rifles to the number of forty-eight rank and file, under Captain Macfamne, left for Greymouth by the mid-day train yesterday, Twenty-six cadets from the State school also took their departure at the same time, in charge of Mr Williams, the assistant master. Contingents from Ross, Woodstock, Rimu and Kanieri were also among the. number to leave. Alter taking part in the military functions at the Royal reception in Wellington, the troops proceed to Christchurch for the grand review in Hagley Park. SurgeonCaptain ' Teichelmann accompanied his corps. There was a large number of people at the station to give the volunteers a hearty send-off. The troopers, who have returned from South Africa, were also in the ranks ; they will receive their medals at the hands of the Duke.