OUR SOLDIERS.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 329, 1 February 1902, Page 4

OUR SOLDIERS.

(Per Preys Association.) HAWICRA, last night. One of the largest and most enthusiastic gatherings ever held in liawera took place last evening, when Major Bartlett was given a farewell social, and presents on behalf of the public, ■ Fire Brigade, and Oddfellows. The public presentation was a gold watch, suitably inscribed. The Fire Brigade, of which he was captain, gave him a gold albert and pendant, and the Oddfellows an emblem. Highly eulogistic speeches were made. In his reply Major Bartlett expressed the belief that the war was nearly over, and the enemy was beginning to see that hope of intervention was daily diminishing. At the farewell there was a large at-* tendance of the Hawera Mounted Rifles of which Major Bartlett was captain. AUCKLAND, last night. The Mayor, Mr Kidd, and Colonel Davies consulted the Premier to-day, re the departure of the Eighth Contingent to-morrow, and arranged that the men should be dismissed from 1 to 2, and then re-assemble and march to the Metropolitan Grounds, where lunch will be provided, and addresses delivered by the Premier and Mayor. Volunteers and old veterans will attend. The former march ahead of the' contingent to the wharf, wh?re the men embark. The vessel leaves at ■1 p.m., preceded by a procession of vaclits, which will he headed hv the Government schooner Countess of Ranfurly, with a hand on hoard. ASHBURTON, last night. An enthusiastic send-off was given lo fourteen members of the Eighth Contingent from This district. A luncheon was provided, and addresses delivered by the Mayor and members of Parliament. The local volunteers, Rifles and Guards, mounted, escorted the troopers to the railway station, where a great crowd farewclled them.