OUR SOLDIERS.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 157, 15 July 1901, Page 2

OUR SOLDIERS.

A WELCOME FEOM THE HEART. FRIENDS CROWD THROUGH THE RANKS. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) Dunedin, Saturday. Very large crowds asteinblod iu the vicinity of the railway station to welcome the Tagus contingents returning from the war. The day was beautifully fino, though with the recont frost and enow it was somewhat damp underfoot. The train was over half an hour late, by which time the crowd had lessoned somewhat, those on the outskirts having realised that there was little chance of them seeing much. A volley of cheers greeted the train as it steamed into the station. Tho men got out smartly, and were drawn up iu a triangle, whore they were formally welcomed by the Mayor and Colonel E. R. Smith. There was much chcormjj, remarkable for its heartiness. It had been arranged that tho men should be takeu to their quarters by tho volunteers, and Colonel Ponton was just congratulating tho police on keeping tho place clear for tho purpose of arranging the men when tho friends and relatives of tho men drifted rather than rushed through tho ranks of the volunteers aud police, and in a few seconds the returning troopers were surrounded. It was at once seen that the men of the fourth and fifth outside of Otago had made many warm friends while in camp at Forbury boforo their departure, and these friends now took possession of them. It was, perhaps, a heartier and more appreciated welcome homo than a more formal one, as each of the troopers was surrounded by small knots of men, women and children, and taken away to some homo. Tho men aro being entertained at a social to-night, and put iu appearance in large numbers. Tho Northerners appoar in excellent spirits, aud havo only one complaint, that they are being rushed away too soon from friends in tho South. Tho invalided men aro making satisfactory progress to-day.

MILITARY FUNERAL. PATHETIC CASE OF GUNNER FORBES. CAME HOME TO DIE. [By Telegraph—Press Association.] Dunedin, last night. Tho military funeral of Gunner Forbes, who died on tho Tagus, took placo to-day. and was very largely attended. Denso crowds lined tho streets, and all tho city and suburban volunteers were strongly represented. Tho Governor was represented by the Hon. Hill-Trovor, tho Ministry by the Hon. C. H. Mills, and tho Defence Foreo by Colonel Pole-Peuton and Major N. Smith. Wreaths wore sent by the Government and Colonel Polo-renton, and the coffin, which was placed on tho B Battory’s gun-carriage, was covered with flowors. About 120 of those who returned with tho docoased attended. General regret was felt for tho pathotic death. Forbes lost his father beforo coming to the colony. Ho was with his mother whon she died. Friends in Dunedin sont him home to his relatives, but ho returned five years ago, and resided in Auckland, where he joined the contingent.

THE INVALIDS-ALL DOING WELL. By Telegraph—Press Association. Dunedin, last night. Tho troopers who returned by the Tagus and wero removed to tho hospitals are getting along favorably so far, though of course there is not much change for tho bettor. A very largo proportion of tho men aro suffering from colds —which tho tramping about with the wet underfoot at Invercargill did not improve.