AUCKLAND SPECIAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 317, 18 January 1902, Page 3

AUCKLAND SPECIAL.

(Special to Times.) Auckland, last night. A number of troopers returning from South Africa arrived this morning in the Shaw-Savill steamer Aotoa, from Capetown, via Hobart. They aro all in splendid health. They speak in the highest terms of their treatment on board the steamer. They are under the command of Sergt.-Major Lockett, of the Seventh New Zealand Contingent, who was wounded in an engagement at Colesburg, where he had his right arm shot off, the gun that did it being about seven yards distant. The Mayor said he wished to welcome the men on behalf of tho citizens of Auckland, and thank them for upholding the honor of tho Empire and the good name of New Zealand. Of the contingents at the front Mr Kidd said : “ If it wore possible for one contingent to have dono bettor than another tho Seventh wore entitled to that credit, but all had fought and upheld the honor of Now Zealand well. Ho was proud to say;that tho men of tho Seventh had proved themselves equal to the task, as had dono those who went before them. Many had returned homo wounded. Some, ho rogretted to say, would not return at all, which was indeed a matter for great sorrow for all concerned, but it was pleasant for everyone, both relatives, friends, and citizens, to welcome back those who had returned in good health." Sergeantmajor Lockett thanked His Worship for tho kind welcome tenderod the returned troopers. Ho mentioned that several of tho men wished to roturn to South Africa with tho Eighth Contingent. As some of the men had reached the rank of sergeant and sergeant-major in the Seventh Contingent and other contingents, they thought it would only be fair for the Government to give these men some consideration if possible, in the shape of commissions in the Eighth Contingent. Among the Gisborne men who returned by tho Aotoa are Quarter-master Parkinson, of Sixth New Zealand Contingent ; Staff-Sergeant Major Tom Porter, Soventh New Zealand Contingent; Sorgeant G. B. Bougen. A Gisborne Times correspondent, conversing with Major Lockett, had explained to him the misfortune by which tho officer had his arm shot off by a Boer. SergeantMajor Lockett informed your correspondent that Sorgeant Gannon, of Gisborne, immediately shot the Boer dead. Lockett was naturally much delighted when ho saw the Boer falling, but 11 I did not feel tho bullet going through me,” remarked Lockett.