OUR SOLDIERS.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 370, 20 March 1902, Page 2

OUR SOLDIERS.

THE SEND-OFF OF NINTH FROM AUCKLAND. (By- Telegraph—Press Association.) Auckland, last night. The weather was splendid for tho Ninth Contingent’s send-off. A half-holiday was generally observed in the forenoon. The Contingent marched to the Domain Cricket Ground, where the Premier and party reviewed a large number of school cadets. Captain O’Brien, promoted to tho rank of Major to day, was in command of the Contingent. Tho Premier addressed tho cadets, expressing admiration of their bearing and marching, and of parents and teachers. At luncheon the Premier stated that Captain O’Brien had been promoted to bo major of the North Island Battalion of the Ninth Contingent. The announcement was cheered lustily. He also announced that Captain Major would bo given charge of tho district.

WONDERFULLY PICTURESQUE SCENE. SIGHT NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN.

By Telegraph—Press Association. Auckland, later. Tho send-off to the Ninth Contingent to-day was in every way a great success. Tho weather was perfect. Enormous crowds, which displayed tho greatest patriotic enthusiasm, witnessed the proceedings. A half-holiday was generally observed, and the City was gaily decorated with bunting. Tho Contingent left camp at about 9 a.m., and on the way to town passed through tho Domain, where tho Premier reviewed the Cadets in the presence of a great crowd of mon, women, and children. Mr Seddon addressed a fow words of encouragement to tho Cadets, congratulating them on their attention to drill.

The Contingent, headed by the band, then marched off to tho Choral Hall, where luncheon was served. Tho toasts of King and Governor were duly honored. In reply to the toast of tho Artay, Navy, and Volunteers, General Babington said that the Colonials wore peculiarly fitted for tho class of fighting now goiug on in South Afrioa. In future, however, they might meet enomies of a different class, aud it behoved them to be ever ready if they wished to keep tho sword of New Zealand and sharp. That could only be done by organisation and discipline. All who had the truo interests of the Empire at heart would not forgot the people of New Zealand. The Premier, in proposing the health of the Contingent, announced amid applause that Captain O’Brien was now Major O’Brien, and that for tho future CaptainAdjutant Reid would he Major Roid.

Ho further announced that Government had received a cable from tho Secretary of State asking that New Zealand bo represented by local forces at tho Coronation. The British Government were prepared to receive any number not exceeding 150 of all arms, officers not to exceed four. ■The Premier also read another cable from the Secretary of State expressing appreciation of the splendid patriotism of New Zealand in offering another contingent. After pointing to the glorious work of other contingents, the Premier said: “Go lads, and do likewise.” Ho had never seen finor men than the Ninth Contingent. After further toasts the banquet ended, and the troops were given a ,little timo to say good-bye to their friends in the Metropolitan Grounds. The contingent then marched through the city to the troopship, the streets being lined with great crowds, and windows, verandahs, and every point of vantage being occupied. It was a splendid sight, and tho scono in the harbor as the Devon steamed away wus something never to bo forgotten. A fleet of coastal steamers escorted the Devon down the harbor, and a fleet of white-winged yachts made the final demonstration a wonderfully pieturesquo scene.

The Premier has received tho following telegram from the Governor :—“ The following has been received from the Secretary of State for the Colonies, dated the 18th : 1 His Majesty’s Government gratefully accepts the offer of the Tenth Contingent of one thousand men made by the New Zealand Government. They sincerely appreciate this further proof of the patriotism of the people of New Zealand, and recognise tho invaluable moral support afforded to them in their prosecution of the war by the co-operation of His Majestys dominions across the sea. He is sending large reinforcements from this country, who will feel proud to fight side by side with their New Zealand comrades, who have once more shown their splendid quality in the heroic defence they made in recent engagements.’ ”