ARRIVAL OF VOLUNTEERS.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2383, 22 November 1881, Page 3

ARRIVAL OF VOLUNTEERS.

Last night the Government steamer Hinemoa, Captain Fairchild, arrived from Pioton after a very tempestuous passage of twentyseven hours, bringing the whole of the Volunteers who loft Canterbury for Parihaka. Before the steamer reached the wharf the Lyttelton Naval Brigade had formed a guard of honor under Lieut, MoLellan, and the Lyttelton brass band had stirred up the town with such martial music as quickly brought forth every man, woman, and child to the scene of welcome. Colonel Packe, Major Lean, and the other officers commanding in this district were on the pier awaiting the arrival of the men. Immediately the Hinemoa touched the wharf the Mayor of the town, Mr H. Allwright, and the members of the Borough Council boarded her, and mot Captain Hamersley, the officer commanding. Not a moment was lost in forming the men, eighty in number, on the wharf alongside the steamer, and directly the roll was called Captain Hamersley publicly thanked them for their services, paying a high meed of praise to their conduct during the time they had been under his command in active service. Captain Hamersley also stated that the Premier, the Hon. John Hall, had been down awaiting their arrival for the purpose of conveying to them the hearty thanks of the colony, but that he had been called away reluctantly, after staying several hours in port after the hour at which the steamer was due. In Mr Hall’s name he, amid ringing cheers, expressed the feeling of the Government and the colony for the sacrifice they had made on behalf of the land of their adoption. Colonel Packe complimented the men upon their military bearing, and reminded them in a rather humorous way that they looked more sunburnt and generally military than they did three months ago. The Colonel expressed the pleasure it gave him to see them once again safe and sound. Three cheers were given for Mr Bryce, the Native Minister, three for Captain Hamersley, and three for the Lyttelton Naval Brigade and the Volunteer force of New Zealand. The wharf was completely blocked by people when the steamer arrived, and the “ Soldier’s return ” was copiously illustrated directly the men were relieved of duty at the station yard, mothers, sisters, and brothers participating in the general welcome with as much reality and thoroughness as the arrival of unexpected relatives and friends should bring forth. A special train was in readiness for the arrival of the Canterbury contingent, and as soon as the formal work of numbering off, addressing, &0., had been gone through, the men left for Christchurch. At the railway station the Christchurch City Guards were drawn up on the platform, under the command of Lieut. Francis, to receive them. The Temuka drum and fife Volunteer band was also in attendance, and also bis Worship the Mayor of Christchurch and the City Councillors. As the train drew up alongside the platform, the band struck up an inspiriting air ; the men stepped on the platform, and the precision with which they fell into rank, &e., spoke well for the drill they had undergone. His Worship the Mayor stepped forward and said : “ Captain Hamersley—lt gives mo groat pleasure on behalf of the citizens of Christchurch to tender you and the volunteers under your command a hearty weloome on your return home, and also our thanks for the plucky manner in which you volunteered for the front when it was thought that the colony was in danger and required your services. It was gratifying to find such a body of men as I now see before me responding at a minute’s notice to defend the lives and property of their fellow colonists, and I am sure you will join me iu thanking God that such prompt action has led to no loss of life.’’

[Cheers.] Three cheers were then moot vociferously given for the volunteers, and also for Captain Hamersley. Captain Hamersley thanked his Worship and those present for their hearty reception. Their reward was that the colony had recognised their services, which might have been needed for a long time, and he felt that if there had been war the men he had under him would have rendered a good account of themselves, and if they were wanted were ready to go North again. [Cheers.] Lieut.-Oolonol Facke then called for three cheers for his Woship the Mayor and the city of Christchurch, which was enthusiastically responded to. A voice demanded the like honor for Captain Young, and the men gave it with hearty will. Attached to the company the names of Lieutenants Waddell and White, as also that of Adjutant Durham, of the 0.Y.0., and Dr. Mclntyre, are deserving of mention. The men ultimately marched to the various hotels where they were billetted, and proceeded South by special train this morning at ten o’clock.