THE SIXTH CONTINGENT.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 5, 7 January 1901, Page 1

THE SIXTH CONTINGENT.

SEND-OFF TO OUR BOYS.

Gisbobne’s quota of men towards the number comprising New Zealand’s Sixth Contingent left for Wellington on Saturday night. The time at disposal was so short that the arrangements had necessarily to be hurried, but the time was not so brief as to prevent an enormous concourse of people gathering to bid farewell to the young men departing for South Africa. The influx of people to town began early in the evening, and by t-S 0 an enormouß crowd had gathered, ihe East Coast Mounted Rifles paraded in strong force, on foot, Lieutenant Colebourne being in charge. The Gisborne Rifles were also in strong force under Captain Warren, and the cadets under their captain, Master Grahain. The City Band was present, under the leadership of Mr Spurdle, and the Whataupoko Band under the leadership of Mr Aston. The Bands supplied patriotic music while the people waited until the appearance of the members of the contingent, who were being entertained at a complimentary dinner tendered through the committee by Mr J. A. Harding. COMPLIMENTARY DINNER.

A dinner was given at the Masonic Hotel on Saturday evening, the members of the contingent and of the committee being the guests of Mr J. A. Harding. His Worship the Mayor (Mr Townley) presided, and the others present in addition to the members of the contingent were Major MoCredie, Mr Maefarlane (County Chairman), Mr W. L. Rees, Mr J. A. Harding, and the Town Clerk (Mr Robinson), who is also secretary of the Patriotic Committee, and the Press representatives. An excellent spread was provided, and after it had been done justice to, the Mayor arose and addressed the gathering. They were, he said, again there to say farewell to a body of young men who were about to leave to serve their Queen and country in South Africa. We had sent other contingents there, but these men now going were saddled with even greater responsibilities, because those who had gone before them had gained a reputation as brave and capable men, and had served their country so well that they had received the highest enconiums from the commanders. They would ask the present contingent to uphold that reputation, and were quite sure that it would be done. (Applause.) They would have trials to face, but should meet them with a good heart, and always remember that obedience was the first law of the army—once they undertook to serve their Queen they must be obedient to the officers over them. He hoped that they would be as fortunate as the other men who had left the district, for though they had been through many an engagement, so far they had not yet been called upon to receive one of those men back through being wounded or sick. Ho hoped that the departing contingent would serve Her Majesty as well as those who had gone before them, that they would escape injury or sickness, and that they would return to this beautiful district when the war was over, which he hoped would not be long—it seemed to be nearly over when ammunition had to be smuggled through in preservedmilk tins. They parted from the men with very great regret. There had not been time to arrange for a larger gathering, and they had to thank Mr Harding for his hospitality in this matter. In sending the troops away it was pleasing to know there was such a ready response from men who were w„e.U suited for the task, who, he was sure would, wherever they wbhfr,-sustain the honor of the colony and of the British arms. One word of advice he gave to them was always to take good .care of their horse's. “ Good-byo to you” concluded the Mayor. 11 God-speed and -a safe return. -Be strong and uphold the reputation that the New Zealanders now have in the annals of the British Army. I will ask the other gentlemen present to join with me in a toast to the health and good fortune of the departing contingent.” The toast was duly honored by the members of the Committee and press representatives.

Mr W. L. Bees said it gave him pleasure to have the opportunity to join in the farewell to the contingent, and in wishing them godspeed. They were going to fight for a causelet them never forget that. He went on to show how unjustly the Boers had treated the natives, and not satisfied with ill-using the colored people, had sought to tyrannise over our own people. They would not listen to reason and justice, but had declared war, and were now being put down with a strong hand. They had prayed for this war in their churches; for twenty yeai*3 they had been trying to get it, and now they had got it. he hoped they would be pleased. The colonials had proved themselves well suited for the class of fighting required, and they were so much valued that Lord Kitchener had asked for more of them. There had been a ready response—for one man wanted, ten had offered, all good men, imbued with that spirit of the English race that had beaten the Spanish and the French; men who went, forward to fight not only with stoutness of heart, but with cunning, who could beat the enemy at their own game, and drive them off their own ground. Our friends would come back not only with the consciousness of having done their duty, but would come back victorious. He spoke feelingly, because he had a son of his own at the front. “ It is our duty,” continued Mr Rees, “ to gatherunder the old flag, to support that flag, uphold the honor of our nation, and to put down tyranny. I wish prosperity, safety, and a happy return to you men who are going away to-night as a portion of the Sixth Contingent.” (Applause.) Mr Maefarlane said that in sending off’ Gisborne’s portion of the Sixth Contingent, he had pleasure in complimenting the district on procuring such a fine lot of fallows as were being sent away. They quite understood what was before them, and no doubt they would uphold the honor of New Zealand as well as the other contingents had among the armies of the Empire. Many people said that the war. was nearly over, but there might yet be twelve months’ hard wokr before the New Zealanders. He counselled them not to despise the foe they were fighting; these Dutchmen were of the same blood as ourselves, and were not to be despised. We might pride ourselves as we liked on our superiority, but they must ramember that the- Dutch were no inferior race, and our meD, though at war with the Dutch, should treat them properly as men who, when the olive branch of peace was extended, would be worthy fellow settlers with people of our own race. “ I wish these men who are going good luck, plenty of fighting, and a safe return,” concluded the county chairman, amidst applause.. Major McCredie said that generally an officer, when he got up to address men,_ was expected to follow certain lines of military etiquette, but be preferred to speak to the men more as a friend than a military officer. Later on they would learn enough of the restrictions of military discipline. He wished to compliment them all, and to express his pride that the district should have such; a flue body of men to send forth. When' the 51 mounted men assembled at Captain Tucker’s paddock he would like to have seen anyone who would have gone up and down those ranks and put any one of them out, “ That being so,” said the Major, 11 our task was a very difficult one. I can assure you that it was only with very keen observation of anything lacking in military requirements that we could decide. You may congratulate yourselves that whether you have served before or not you have the military appearance and tact about you.” He felt confident ,that such men would materially assist in bringing the war to a close. Re toped they were not going to Bonth

Africa to remain there. (Hear, hear.) Tg.He much deprecated the idea that any-of our young men should go there with the intention of making it their home. He hoped they would gain experience there, stay while the war lasted,' and see what they could of the country, but ho was sure they would see no country! like New Zealand. He hoped that when the war was over they wouldall come back with that old song in their mouths, “.There’s no place like home.” He again congratulated them on the position they held, and said he was quite satisfied from the observations he had made, they would worthily uphold that character that had resulted in honors being showered, on the New Zealanders who had gone before them. . Mr Harding, as a member of the Committee, said he felt highly honored with their presence there that evening, and he was proud to be present on such an occasion. He was confident that the men would uphold the dignity and reputation of the district. He only hoped they would return as able-and hearty as they were now on leaving, and it would, he said, be his earnest wish when they did return to have them welcomed at a dinner at the Masonic Hotel. He wished them God-speed and a safe return; he hoped they would have plenty of fighting and good luck, and he thanked them for_their presence there that evening. Sergeant Leslie responded on behalf of the contingent. He said they were very grateful for the splendid way in which they had been treated all round, and their warm thanks were tendered to Mr Harding for the graceful compliment paid to them that evening. Ho did not intend io say anything as to what the members of the contingent would do ; it would be for them to judge in the fulness of' time, but he. thought, without egotism, he might, on behalf of liimseff and the others, give the assurance that they would do their best to act up to the high reputation of the contingents that had preceded them. He hoped that when the war was over they would all return to Gisborne. (Applause.) Mr Maefarlane gave a humorous turn to the proceedings by suggesting that if any of the contingent did remain in South Africa, and take unto themselves fair vrows, they would ever remain loyal Britons. A TREASURED GIFT.

Before the troopers had fallen into line they were called together again by Sergeant Norman Leslie, to enable the Rev. Canon Webb to make another such graceful presentation as he had made to the previous contingent. The Canon presented each trooper with a pocket Testament, and counselled them that when they wanted a friend they should consult the best Friend of all. He spoke a few kindly words to the troopers, expressing good wishes. “If you see my son Toney, or George Carter, or the others, remember us kindly to them, and convey our best wishes. God bless you all. May you all return safely to Gisborne.” The Canon then cordially shook hands with each trooper, and wished him well. Sergeant Leslie conveyed the thanks of the troopers, and said that the little gift so gracefully given by the Canon would be treasured wherever k ey might be. OUT IN THE OPEN. ,

The troopers had no sooner emerged Jrom the dining hall than they were rushed by friends desirous of grasping them by the hand. The men fell into file in Lowe street, Sergt Siddells and his police officers, having to use a good deal of tact to prevent tho crowd surging in on the ranks. Every now and again some impetuous man would rush in to grasp some trooper by the hand, and then the crowd would quickly surge forward again, but Major McCredie got his men into form all right, and they were marched to the firebell tower, from where the procession started. The town was beautifully illuminated. The Masonic Hotel showed up well in that respect, as also did the Albion Club Hotel, where there were such good wishes emblazoned forth as “ Bay au revoir, but not good-bye.” From the bridge tho Gas Company’s display showed up brillianlty. As the procession started off to the music of the band, the moon, which had been so obscured by the smoke from bush fires as to present a blood-red appearance, emerged from its dimmed coloring and shone out in all its glory. The crowd, numbering over two tkousaud people, walked beside the marching troops, the bands playing in turns. Along tho routo there was much cheering and shouting of good wishes to the boys. There were many humorous incidents, but through it all there was a deep shade of pathos as the boys—all grand fellows in every respect—marched on to take their place in the ranks of the army of the nations. When the wharf was reached the contingent were marched to the launch Tuna, kindly placed at the disposal of the committee by Messrs Nelson Bros., and the general public who felt so inclined went out by the Waihi, kindly placed at the disposal of the committee by the Union Company. The wharf was crowded with people, and it was with difficulty that the crowd were kept back. , „ , As the little boat steamed off from the wharf there was deafening cheering, and cries of farewell and good luck to individual members of the contingent. “ Good bye, Tom 1” “So long, Bert!” “ Cheers for Ernie !” and so on, were the cries. The City Band went out by the Tuna and the Whataupoko Baud by the Waihi. Mr “ Banjo ” Patterson, the war correspondent, was among those who went'out by the Tuna. A pleasing tribute to the men was paid at the wharf, the Turanganui Hotel being brilliantly illuminated in honor of the men. ■ The Waihora steamed from the bay shortly after 10. As she passed the woolr-hip Taranaki and the steamer Hawke’s Bay those vessels made a grand' display of'fireworks, and brilliant lights were shown by some of those camped on Kaiti beach. There were enthusiastic cheers and counter cheers from each vessel, and the last words heard as the Waihora steamed off were “ Kia ora, boys, kia ora 1”