RETURN OF OUR SOLDIERS.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 13 July 1901, Page 3

RETURN OF OUR SOLDIERS.

The Sick Troopers.

Fatal Fireworks Explosion.

(per press association.)

Invercargill, July 12,

There was brilliant tunsfine after the sharp frost, and it made the Invercargi 1 decorations look gay as the troop train steamed in at 11 30, the arrival being the signal for rounds of cheers hom a very large gathering of people.

The contingents having been formed up outside of the station, where a stand had been erected, the Rev Luxford offered up a prayer, and the Yen Archdeacon Stocker in addressing the men, said that they would never realise the anxiety that had been . felt for them until they sent their sons on a similar mission.

After the singing of the Old Hundredth Lord Ranfurly was received with cheers. Ho said it had been his painful duty on many occasions to bid farewell to the youth and flower of the colony, when starting at the hour of strain on the Empire’s resources for tho teat of war. Today he had the extreme pleasure of welcoming those in front of him back, having fulfilled the task allotted to them with credit to themselves and tho .colony. The assistance given to tho Mother Country would make a chapter in the history of the British Empire w'hich would have lasting influence. It had been shown that the spirit of their ancestors existed in us, and Great Britain alone had not to be reckoned with, but her sons in Greater Eiitain would stand shoulder to shoulder with her. No conscription or pressing whatever was required, for at the trumpet call tho colonies had shown that they would spring forward in far larger numbers than were needed. New Zealand was proud of the way her sons had conducted themselves and of their names appearing in despatches. He regretted that all were not hero who left our shores. Some had been taken and their memories would ever be green in the annals of the colony as brave men who bad given up their lives for their Sovereign and the honor of their country. For himself personally and in the name of the people of New Zealand, he heartily welcomed them home (cheers).

Mayor Louquet extended a hearty welcome to the men on behalf of the citizens. The Hon. Mr Mills said that it was a fact to be proud of that the Colonials had proved themselves soldiers in word and deed. There could be no doubt that later on the experiences would be of the greatest assistance in the councils of the nathn, and that those who had returned would show themselves to be thoroughly good citizens. He apologised for the absence of the Premier and Mr J. G. Ward, and on behalf of the Ministry, Parliament, and the Colony expressed a very hearty welcome. Three cheers for the Governor and the contingents having been given, and the contingents and volunteers’ corps, the Garrison City Pipe and District Bands marched along the streets to the Zealandia Hall, where luncheon was in readinsss.

The principal toast was the Fourth and Fifth Contingents, proposed by Mr Hanan, M. H. R. and responded to by Col Davie.

During the afternoen the troops went to the Queen’s Park, where His Dxcellency distributed the medals and witnessed ihe parade and match past, and the programme of sports and the miltiary items were got off.

The troopers were afterwards taken off by their hostesses to tea. In the evening a coversazione was held and a torchlight procession passed through the principal streets. The centre of the town presented a brilliant show. Many business places were decorated and illuminated. The railway station made a fine display of electric lights, the plant being imported for the purpose.

With few exceptions the returned troopers look very lit.

A shocking fatality occurred during the fireworks’ display. A bomb went off horizontally among’ the crowd and exploded in the face of Mrs Sneyd, an aged widow, who was struck full in the face and killed. Her son had a great wound in his thigh and his wife is seriously bruised all over and has contused wounds caused by fragments, and their son is also injured. The fireworks are responsible for other injuries more or less serious. In all six persons are in the hospital in connec ion with the bomb explosion.

Wellington, July 12. The Premier received a telegram from Brigade-Surgeon Lieut-ColonclDclautour respecting the sick troopers on board the Tagus. The lists contain the names of twenty-eight men, several of whom are now convalescent. The more serious cases are as follows: —Corporal Bell (Wellington) malaria, serious; Sergeant W, F. Bell (Marton) pneumonia, severe ; Private F. W. Forbes (Thames) pneumonia, very severe; Private J. C. Nicholas (Auckland) pnuemonia, severe; Private E. A. Harley (Christchurch) rheumatism, improving; McKecknie (Napier) enteric, dangerous; Private J. P. Hunan (I unedin) abcess of loin after enteric, very dangerous; Private J. S. Robertson, (Kehso) dislocation of the shoulder. The following were taken ill to-day, suffering from malaria; —Ser-geant-Major L. Murphy (Invercargill), Sergeant A. Webster (Hokitika), Trooper W. Cheesmean (Wellington), Sergeant J. L. Long (Te Awamutu). In addition to the above there are several invalids who require watching. Surgeon-Captain Watt remains in charge of the invalids.