TENTH CONTINGENT.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 395, 21 April 1902, Page 2

TENTH CONTINGENT.

DEPARTURE OF SOUTH ISLAND BATTALION.

By Telegraph—Press Association.

Christchurch, last night. What is hoped to be the last of New Zealand’s contributions of men to the war in South Africa was despatched yesterday, when the South Island battalion of the Tenth Contingent left by the troopship Norfolk. Flags flew in their honor everywhere, and the streets were lined by spectators who cheered the men on their way. There was none of the wild enthusiasm on the part of the public that was displayed when the previous contingents left —the Third, for instane—but then there was absent from the minds ol the people the feeling that the country was in sore need of the help that was being sent. The feeling expressed was, therefore, accordingly more matter ol fact than sentiment. The troopers were in the highest spirits, and no more cheerfill body of men ever proceeded from camp to ship. There was not much work required of the men in the morning, which was spent by the troopers in seeing their friends at camp, in writing a few farewell words to friends at homo, and giving a final look to their kits, and satisfying themselves as to their completeness.

The Tenth’s brass band appeared about 10 o’clock, and played a few pieces on the ground. At 11 o’clock, the squadrons paraded in order. The Maori Coronation Contingent was in front; the European Coronation Contingent came next; and the Tenth in order of squadron. The Hon. J. Carroll delivered an address m Maori to the men of the Maori Contingent, while they paraded, awaiting the order to march. But before this was done the squadrons one after another had Mr R. A. Falconer, the Soldiers’ Rest missionary, in front of them, and each presented him with a sum of money in acknowledgment of the kindness they had received at his hands. Ringing cheers for the missionary “ captain ” followed each presentation, and Mr Falconer suitably acknowledged the value to him of the kindly spirit that had prompted the giving of the gifts.

Dense crowds lined the route of march through the city, and though the cheering was neither so loud or frequent as on former occasions, the people none the less showed their kindly interest in the contingent. At 12.80 the men were entrained for Lyttelton. The port train was bedecked with flags, and a large crowd had assembled to witoess the final scene in connection with the departure. At half-past one the contingent marched along Norwich quay, and proceeded with the work of embarkation. The last man was onboard before two o’clock, and promptly as the hour struck the gangway was raised. Five minutes later the troopship had slipped her moorings, and at 2,15 she was steaming through the Moles. The crowd displayed the greatest enthusiasm, cheering wildly. The Norfolk was accompanied down the harbor by a number of vessels, including the Zealandia, Rotomahana, and Moura, as well as a number of smaller craft.