EIGHTH CONTINGENT

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 327, 30 January 1902, Page 3

EIGHTH CONTINGENT

the departure from wel- ' LINOTON. a GREAT SEND-OFF. CAPTAIN POLSON DECORATED. (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, last night. Despite the fact that Wellington has had more to do with the despatch of the contin gents to South Africa than any other portion of the colony, the send-off to the North Island battalion of the Eighth Contingent lor Auckland, en route to Durban, was none the less demonstrative. Alter a hurst of most disagreeable weather, this morning showed in with a Hue sky and a light southerly wind, just, sufficient to temper the sun’s rajs. One-fifth of the battalion had slept on board the troopship Surrey last right in charge of the horses, and the remainder, who were in camp at T rent ham, were early astir, and shortly after 11 o’clock were brought to town by special train along with the baggage. , , , , The first hour was devoted to getting things shipshape on hoard the transport, and then the men were allowed their freedom. All the morning trains to town were crowded with visitors, chiefly the

friends and relatives of the departing soldiers, anxious to bid a last farev/ell.

in town very little interest appeared to be taken in this historic event, and except here arid there, where hunting was hoisted, there was very little to announce that anything unusual was taking place. However, as the day wore on and the shops closed, it being the statutory half-holiday, crowds began to collect in the street. The first function in connection with trie event took place at one o’clock, when the Citizens’ Committee entertained the departing battalion at luncheon in the drill-shed. Among those present were His Excellency the Governor (who, it was menr,loved, had travelled direct from the Bluff to he present, and have time to meet the new Commandant), the Mayor, the Frtmier and other Ministers, General Ce-hington, and a number of the local military men and leading citizens. The tcasls honored were to the King, the Governor, the Colonial forces, and the Eighth Contingent, and the speeches Wile short. His Excellency, who as usual spoke in a strong patriotic vein, dwelt on the recent outburst of Anglophobia in Germany, and denounced the calumnies and lies with which it was bolstered up, and expressed ais delight at trie loyal feeling in New Zealand, and said that as long ago as the Fashoda incident, he had satisfied nimself that there was a true spirit of patriotism in the people of New Zealand, and that they were as ready then as now to answer the bugle call. He alluded to the admission of the Dutch ambulance corps who had carried despatches for the Boer leaders, and pronounced it as a most inhuman thing, as such conduct would eudanger the sick and wounded in future wars. The severest penalty should fall on those who abused the Geneva Cross. General Babington, who received a great welcome, said that wherever men from the colonics had had the chance they had done their duty thoroudily well. In Africa, especially, lie could answer for the New Zealanders. THcse who had served under him nap fulfilled their duties in a way than could not be excelled. '3 he Mayor reminded the departing troops that very strong lenses would be focussed on them. He was particularly pleased to see so many who had been through the mill ready to go fhe Premier, who was also heartily received, was satisfied the Eighth would prove equal to their P red f i sors. He would say to them . Be careful they had no surprises- , to : cl" officers “see your sentries are well posted,’ and that they do them -Lhas was why the Ninth Contingent was being enrolled, and the Tenth would follow if wanted. He announcrd amid the applause of the men than Ldcuteiiaiit-Colonei Davies had been Ticmoted brevet Colonel, and Cap ta II Bartlett, major. . . ~ „ The latter briefly-spokc, giving it as Ms opinion that the war was by no men had not so much Volunteer “ , pr ience they were equal no the ma tonal of the previous contingents, and a little moulding would remove de “nen °Ur“en given leave for an'hour to say “good-bye” to their lr By tour o’clock, the hour at which tre contingenters had the oruer to renter at the triangle in front of the post-office, there was a dense ma*s of people, all anxious to hid god ■gass# LX w,V e at the Post and in the vicinity must have^Babfngton* I ''and ten thousand. Genera‘ u fence and Snt'eerTS were present, and the men drawn up m « l l ll^ dr “" S \ hem fareta hafa nU Plemianyuty to^erSMJ £* Jo hrftog. „ • bv His Majesty the ku g > Skccw‘*i".M 0 " s S,’S.’o l te IS thi Distinguished Eervicjca the his services m koutn in „ p i„ M ed the %r sir ass “f d““gs woum u vho looked to ptopie of New Zea aim. e o£ them to bring craht had , lie colony as that as soon sjsa aroi na aml th3y d were" fighting with, f vesting them God-speed anu a sale re tU 'rhe Premier, addressing the men, s-r-i the present moment was one ot historic interest to the colony, ,‘ L ’' tins ted would be one to the.i I,l° •m.i to the Empire. For tne nr.sv tM-e in the history of New Zealand a brigade was about to leave llss hOTcs p i « nleased to announce that ■j*g s ne-ial Army, that an endeavor would he made in South Africa to keep the Mew Zealand contingents together as a brigade. (Cheers ) Such being the cave greater responsibility would arise, and they must be careful not to dim the lustre shed on the colony by the braverv and conduct of the contir cents sent before them. As a brigade commanded by Colonel Davies au-1 his worthy officers, he felt they would exert themselves to merit the n-no.l words spoken oi them by the people of New Zealand. As Munster c p Befence, he emphasised what the Governor told them as to good behaviour and they must ever bear in mind that nothing could be said against anv of our previous contingents. • Mr Seddon. “ defend you when absent; you. must defend ) the honor of the colony and Empire. A?^’ 1 inipiessed on them to do uotl Cieditable, and he urged the officers i they saiv the slightest tnigc of “is* obedience ot misbehaviour to do ti-Gir

[duty as officers, and put Lire offenders oi.t of the contingent. Continuing, Mr Seddon said they left behind them !B,ol‘o trained men, in addition to wf.cli they liad rifle duns, which brought the total up to 25,000. Further he could tell them he had received a communication from a numLer of chiefs who represented large I numbers of Natives. The chiefs _ reft, ted to Natives being debarred from tat ing part in the war owing to color, and urged the Government to keep faith and do nothing in conflict with an honorable act. At the same time I they said if there was any place where I soldiers were stationed who were re(|i. -ed for war they ought to send them, and the Natives would take their station. (Cheers.) it was a pleasing tribute to receive, md showed what power they had in Inc Native race. 'the Premier concluded with I the Native cries, “ Kia Ora, 1 ’ “ Ake, ake ” At tho Premier’s request General Babington addressed tho men, prefacing his remarks by acknowledging the kindness received at the hands of the Premier since [ his arrival in the colony. He said he had heard a little advice given to them by the previous speakers, but was convinced that the men before bim wore going to South Africa to repeat what, their brother colonists had done. ff they succeeded in doing so, they would deserve well of the people of New Zealand. He was sorry he was not going with them (Premier, hear, hear.) Ho said he had great affection for our Fourth Contingent, and he had no

doubt, if connected with the present contingent, he would have tho same affection. 1 Had he not thought ho would love the peoplo of New Zealand he would not have accepted tho offer to come. He wished them good luck and a safe return, and hoped that ho would be present to welcome them on the home-coming. All speeches were punctuated with cheers.) The Governor was then introduced to

the officers of the Contingent, at the conclusion of which the Contingent, attended by the Garrison Band and local volunteers, marched to the steamer.

The whole water frontage for a distance of half a mile was densely crowded, and at the Glasgow Wharf, from which the transport took her departure, there was [ an immense gathering, equal to any seen at the despatch of the previous troops. For a time a posse of police, aided by a strong barrier, kept the wharf fairly clear of the crowd, but the anxiety of friends to say good-bye to the departing men was at last outrun, and with a sudden rush tho harrier smashed up. The police were overpowered, and a huge bustling crowd gathered at the ship’s side. All official arrangements for the embarking of the moil were upset. Many of the troopers who had remained saying parting words had a hard tussle to gain their way on board,

However, by six o’clock, so far as could be seen, all were on board, and the Surrey drew out and sailed away for Auckland, the Premier and General Babington accompanying the vessel down the harbor. Hearty cheers and counter cheers were given as the steamer left, and many of the fair sox were weeping over the loss of a relative or lover.

The crowd throughout was most orderly, and no accidents of any nature were reported. It was generally admitted that this contingent is the most lively which has left here.