The Indian Troops

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 42, 19 February 1901, Page 2

The Indian Troops

VISIT TO GISBORNE,

A meeting was held in the Borough Council Chambers yesterday morning for the purpose of considering steps to bo taken in connection with the reception of the Indians. There were present : His Worship tho Mayor (in the chair), Hon. J. Carroll, Crs. Kennedy, Harding, Jones, Nolan, Hepburn, Sheet, Joyce, Lewis, Captains Winter and Warren, Messrs Kohere and Morrison. Mr Townley read the wire received from Colonel Pole-Penton and from the Hon. the Premier. The Mayor said that in the face of the instructions received, the refreshments would be of a simple kind, and the men’s entertainment would not be a serious matter. Their stay would only be a matter of hours. He apologisod for the unavoidable absence of Mr Macfarlane, County Chairman. Cr Kennedy said that the visit of these troops was a great event for Gisborne. From a spectacular point of view they really had the pick of the pageant coming to them, and he thought that they ought to try and treat the visitors as well as possible. An effort might be made .to got an exhibition of lemon-cutting and tent-pegging in favor of the entertainment of the visitors, owing to the races being held on that day. These men were well-known sportsmen, and the Turf Club, he understood, were only too ready to make the men their guests. That would fit in well, if they could be driven out to the course to see the races in the afternoon, and be driven back in sufficient time for embarkation. Racing being their national sport, the fixture lent itself readily to the entertainment of the men. Every effort should be made to make these men enjoy themselves thoroughly while here. Cr Joyce expressed the opinion that the reception committee should go to meet the men. The Chairman said ho had asked Mr Kohere to spread the news among the Natives, in order to get a large gathering of Maoris to give them a Native welcome. Mr Kohere said he had let them all know, as far away as Whatatutu. The Natives had taken up the suggestion readily, and wore anxious to know the definite date. Tho people at Murewai had promised to give a liaka ; a first-class one could not be given, as the requisite time for proper practice was not available. He thought there would be a large fathering of Natives. The Mayor said the time of landing could be fixed by the local people. The Hon Mr Carroll agreed. He said that the men had to leave on Thursday evening, so as to bo present at the Napier Caledonian sports on Friday. For the first part the volunteers could turn out and receive the visitors, and march them through the town. Then they could be entertained as circumstances warranted till lunchtime. As for the afternoon, that could be left to the visitors themselves. If they liked they could go to the races. The Mayor said that if the men were all provided with horses they could either go to the races or for a ride into the country, just as they liked best. That would give the men two or three hours to themselves. Captain Winter said the question was whether the representatives of tho foot regiments would be mounted. In regard to the time of landing, Mr Kohere said in the morning would bo rather early for tho Natives to get in. Cr Jones said they had also the country people to consider.

It was decided that horses should bo brought in to the Flagstaff and picketed. Borough employees will take charge of them, and the mounts will be handed over to the visitors by the volunteers. The troops are to march from the wharf up Gladstone road to Roebuck road, then into Palmerston • road and down Carnarvon street to the Recreation Ground, where the Natives will dance their haka and give their welcome. The Bands will be asked to meet the troops at the wharf. The Mayor, Mr Macfarlane, the Hon. J. Carroll, and Captains Winter and Warren will be a reception committee. The programme will be submitted to the officers on Wednesday and amended as required. On the Recreation Ground a large marquee will be erected for the luncheon. Local volunteers will provide their own lunch, but will be provided with •liquid refreshment. Crs. Jones, Skeet, Lewis, and Kennedy will be a ground committee. Supplies of fruit are invited from the country, to be delivered at tbe Recreation Ground on Wednesday evening. The Hon. J. Carroll estimated the expense at £SO. Cr. Hepburn proposed that each Councillor contribute £5 to the funds, and offered that amount himself. The Mayor seconded,. Cr, Harding said whenever anything of this kind was on the same people always gave ; the funds should be provided by the County Council, Harbor Board, and Borough Council. In that way all ratepayers would contribute equally. Cr. Jones did not favor Cr. Hepburn’s proposal. All should contribute their share, and he was prepared to give his. He did not like to sec the amount taken from rates. They had enough to do with them as it was. The public was quite willing to contribute, and if .£IOO were required the amount could be obtained easily. After further discussion Cr. Harding’s proposal was carried, Cr. Lewis seconding it. It was decided to observe a full holiday on Thursday, and to recommend a full holiday for all the schools and invite the cadets,

Numerous offers of horses havo’gcnorously been made, including horses from tho County Chairman, and Crs. Joyce and Tombloson.

The Ground Committee met at tho Recreation Ground yesterday, and mado all necessary arrangements. Mon are already at work clearing the ground, and lopping tho trees, so as to givo the onlookers every opporfcuiity of witnessing the display. '_y His Worship tho Aayor last night received the following message from Colonel Pole-Penton :—“ I shall bo glad of a wiro informing me of the programme for tho Indian troops. The Dalhousic leaves at 5 p.m. on the 19th (to-day).—A. P. Pknton, Colonel.”