RETURNED TROOPERS.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 418, 17 May 1902, Page 2

RETURNED TROOPERS.

THE LUNCHEON. (Per Press Association,; .WELLINGTON, last nighL Daily lilts morning the members of the Sixth New Zealand Kegimenii wen, paraded at the Departmental Buildings for the purpose of receiving their, pay for furlough prior to discharge.. Each man received a month’s pay at colonial rates, all being paid in coin. At 1 o’clock the men attended a luncheon, provided by; the Government, at the drill-shed/ Sir Joseph Ward presided. In the course of a speech, the Acting-Premier complimented the men on their conduct in the field, and regretted that he was unable to say that peace had been proclaimed. He was not going to individualise the efforts ol anyone specially, beyond saying that amongst those who had come back were two who had gained the D.S. medal. He referred to Sergeant Tree and “ Trooper Freeman. (Applause and some cries of “ What about Rouse and Baigent ? ”) Well, all he could say was that his information came from their officer. He understood, however, that Baigent had been recommended for a medal. The feat which had earned distinction tvas the capture of a waggon containing twelve armed Boers and a quantity of dynamite. He was sure that he was echoing the sentiments of the colonists of New Zealand in expressing a hope that these men would long continue to wear the honor so worthily won. The war in South Africa had been a very protiacted one, and it was now of a lingering character. There was, however, the strongest evidence to war-

rant him in saying that peace was approaching. ' • Short congratulatory speeches were given by the Mayor, and Sir Henry Berkeley. The health of the officers and men was- honored on the invitation of Sir Joseph Ward, and responded to by Colonel Banks, who also thanked the officers and men for their assistance to him during the campaign. They had done their duty remarkably weii. He thanked the people of New Zealand who had sent out comforts, and the Defence Stores Department for its thoughtfulness in fitting vut the troops ■ with suitable clothing. | The proceedings terminated with > cheeis for the troopers remaining in ( South Africa, for Mr Seddon, now on ; the eve of landing in South Africa, ' and for Sir Joseph Ward. ( The Southern members of the regi. ] ment left for Lyttelton to-night. The 1 northerners take their departure to- ] morrow.- j