NINTH CONTINGENT.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 336, 10 February 1902, Page 2

NINTH CONTINGENT.

DEPARTURE OF GISBORNE SECTION.

The Gisborne section of the Ninth Contingent left for Auckland by the Government steamer Tutauekai on Saturday evening, being accorded an enthusiastic send-off. The riding tests were hold in Captain Tucker’s paddock during the afternoon of Saturday, when there was a record muster of men, no less than 75 being on the ground. A large number of spectators were present, and took keen interest in the proceedings. When the men were lined up, Major McCredie addressed them, expressing regret at the reduction of numbers which had taken place with regard to the men allowed to the Gisborne district. Especially was this to be regretted, remarked the Major, as from the announcement of the Defence Minister they wore led to believe that the outlying districts were going to receive an increase for the Ninth. Instead of that the Recruiting Board had received instructions that they wore reduced five men. He had done all lie could to induce the Defence Department to increase the number, even to sending a wire that morning. He had received no reply to the wire, and, in the absence of an answer, all that they could do was to select fifteen, according to instructions. They would see that out of the number present the task of selection would be very difficult. Major McCredie then gave the men information as to what points the selection would be made on, and in doing so said he was satisfied they could all ride. Ho did not know any man yet who had come forward for any of the contingents who could not ride.

Troopers D. Cameron and A. Green, of the Fifth Contingent, and Trooper J. W. Parker (East Coast Mounted Rifles), were selected without examination, and the required number was made up with the following : John Hall Johnstone, Francis McCabe, Robert Thom, Richard Edward Cook, Albert Kirk, James Cairns, Martin William Grace, Thomas Mallroy Wood, Arthur Nelson, Robert Henry McGough, Ernest Albert Tardieu, and Jonathan Swarbrick.

There was a large crowd at the Drill Shed in the evening to bid farewell to the men. The City Band was present under Bandmaster Morrison, and played a number of appropriate selections whilst the members of the contingent were being paraded. The band then marched to the fireball in Gladstone Rood, where they remained until joined by the departing troopers under Majors McCredie and Winter. There was no speechifying, and a start was immediately made for the wharf, the band playing en route. A pleasing incident occurred as the troopers marched past the Albion Hotel. A number of bluejackets from the Penguin were assembled on the footpaths, and heartily cheered the members of the Ninth as they passed. Upon arriving at the wharf the men were allowed five minutes to say good-bye to their friends, and at the expiration of that time the men boarded the Tutanekai’s launch, which was in charge of Captain Post. There was considerable cheering as the launch drew off from the wharf, and it was continued until the boat was well down the river, the band also playing a farewell selection.

Before the launch left Major MeOredie gave a short address to the departing contingent. He told them that uutil they reached Auckland they would be under the charge of Trooper D. Cameron, of the Fourth Contingent, which intimation was received with much applause. Continuing, Major McCredie stated that he desired to congratulate the district on the men that were being sent as members of the Ninth Contingent. It seemed to him that the men seemed to got better with every contingent that was sent. He desired to see them go with good cheer, and lie hoped that when they got to South Africa they would be courageous and never fail to strike a blow when they had an opportunity of doing so. He looked to them to worthily uphold that flag which had braved all Nations, and do nothing that would drug it down. Tho New Zealanders at the front had made a great reputation for themselves, and he was satisfied that members of the Ninth Contingent would sustain that reputation. (Cheers.) He wished them farewell and God-speed. Major “Winter added a few words, wishing the men farewell and a safe return, As the launch drew off three cheers were given for Majors McCredie and Winter,