THE IMPERIAL TROOPS,

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 35, 11 February 1901, Page 2

THE IMPERIAL TROOPS,

GREAT RECEPTION AT WELLINGTON.

PREMIER’S STATEMENT.

THE MORE MEN SENT TO THE WAR THE SOONER THEY’LL BE BACK.

[By Telegraph—Press Association.] Wellington, last night.

The Imperial Troops arrived yesterday morning, and in the afternoon were marched through tho city, in company with over 2000 volunteers. The weather was very fine, and the route was lined by thousands - of people, a great many of whom came in from the country districts. The visiting mounted men wero all horsed, and made a fine display, the Life Guards being particularly admired. At the various points along the march to the Basin Reserve, a considerable amount of cheering was heard, particularly as the Highland Regiments, which everyone was anxious to see, mado their appearance. The regular marching of the Imperial troops, who moved with an even swing, was the subject of general admiration, being in marked contrast to some of tho volunteer corps. A great crowd of people had assembled on the Basin Reserve, and when the troops arrived on tho scene, they were greeted with loud cheers. The companies were drawn up in a square, and were addressed by tho Mayor, who welcomed the visitors to the city, and by Mr Scddon, who made special reference to the death of the Queen, and expressed tho opinion, that one rosult of the war in South Africa would be to put the army on a bettor footing than heretofore. Mr Seddon further deprecated tho practice of making comparisons between Imperial and colonial forces, remarking that those who did so were enemies of tho country and Empire. ! Ho remarked that it might be necessary to send away a seventh contingent, but he did not caro how many contingents were despatched, nor men that were sent, for the sooner would they all be home again. Colonel Wyndham, at the conclusion of the Premier’s address, called upon his troops to give three cheers for the people of New Zealand and their Premier, which met with a hearty response. The procession then re-formed, and tho British troops marched back to tlio Britannic.

At the wharf they wero later on liberated on furlough till midnight, and were enter-, tained at a dinner by the citizens, the officers being made welcome at tho Wellington

To-day the men remained on the troopship until midday, when they were allowed ashore again. In the morning half the visitors will leave for Wanganui by train, the remainder going to Mastorton.