DEPARTURE of H.M.S.S. ESK, with HEADQUARTERS of the 70th REGIMENT.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 6, Issue 332, 14 December 1865, Page 2

DEPARTURE of H.M.S.S. ESK, with HEADQUARTERS of the 70th REGIMENT.

Intebestihg as were the events of Tuesday last* no less exciting were those of the following dav> consequent upon the embarkation of a portion of the 70th Regiment on the Esk for Auckland, as a preliminary stage to their departure for Home. During the few months these gallant fellows have been amongst us they have been a great source of gratification to the community, which has been enlivened by the talented performances of its clever band; and the men as a body have won golden opinions from the townsfolk by their general good conduct. During the morning from an early hour evident preparations were on hand for their embarkation ; and about noon the pathetic strains of “ Home, Sweet Home ” striking upon the ear gave notice of their approach in the direction of the Spit. The p.s. Sturt was again in requisition to convey them to the Esk as she lay at anchor in the Bay; and it was an interesting sight to many to watch her with her living freight, as she breasted the waves of a somewhat heavy sea on her short passage. The work of transfering the men to the larger and more commodious vessel was well and quickly performed ; and, about the same instant, the Sturt returned to port, and the Esk steamed away in the. direction of the Northern city. These men, who will probably shortly be despatched from the Colony for England, will at least bear with them the good wishes of the people of Napier.