KITCHENER ARRIVES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 814, 19 February 1910, Page 3

KITCHENER ARRIVES.

ENTHUSIASTIC WELCOME

AT DUNEDIN,

THE FIELD - MARSHALL MEETS HIS SISTER.

Dunedin, Feb. 17

A demonstrative welcome was accorded Lord Kitchener on his arrival here this evening, the streets being crowded by people eager to see the famour “Kitchener of Khartoum” and mark their appreciation of his visit. Lord Kitchener is accompanied by Colonel Kirkpatrick, chief of his present staff, and his aide-de-camp, Captain Fitzgerald, and was met at the Bluff and accompanied to Dunedin by the Prime Minister (Sir Joseph Ward), and Colonels Robin, Collins and Tuson, of the New Zealand Defence Council, and Colonel Smyth, Officer Commaudiug the Otago District. On arrival at Dunedin the party was met on the platform by the Mayor (Mr J. H. Walker) and City Councillors, as well as some promiuet citizens. The Mayor welcomed Lord Kitchener, in a very brief speech, on behalf of the corporation and citizens of Dunedin. He said they all extended to him a most cordial welcome- They were extremely gratified to have his distinguished presence in the city, and it would be their pleasing duty to endeavour to make his stay pleasurable. They hoped further that the important mission on which he was engaged would result in benefits not only to the Dominion, but to the British Empire. Lord Kitchener, as befitted his reputation, was not prodigal of words in his reply. He said : “It is a great pleasure to me, Mr Mayor, to be able to pay a visit to your prosperous city. I feel I am not a stranger coming amongst you, for my father owned property in the neighbourhood, and my brother worked amongst you in this locality for some years. I have had, too, the great pleasure of meeting my sister here. I thank you very much for the kinds words you have addressed to me, and for the warm welcome you have given me on behalf of the citizens.” As mentioned in his speech Lord Kitchener was met by his sister, who is Mrs Parker, of Kurow North.

THKPRKMIKR OVERLOOKED.

To the great astonishment of the crowds of people who thronged the streets to welcome Lord Kitchener to Dunedin, the Prime Minister (Sir Joseph Ward) who had arrived with the great soldier from the south, was not given a seat in any of the carriages which passed in the procession through the town.

It was subsequently learned that apparently no provision had been made for Sir Joseph . taking part in the procession after the carriages left the railway station he proceeded to the Grand Hotel by motor-car. There is little doubt that such a slight on the Prime Minister was quite unintentional, and due to bungling on the part of some one responsible for the arrangements made at the railway station. The Mayor has explained that the civic authorities offered to provide the Premier with a seat in the same carriage with Lord Kitchener,

but Sir Joseph Ward failed to communicate his wishes. The military authorities were advised that the Premier would use a motor car provided by them.

YESTERDAY’S PROCEEDINGS.

Dunedin, Feb. 19

Ford Kitchener proceeded to the Heads early this morning to inspect the Taiaroa Head defences, which were manned at all points last night. About 2000 cadets are encamped at Forbury and the Field-Marshal inspects these and the war veterans this afternoon.

Two thousand men go into camp to-night at Abbotsford. The weather promises to remain fine, and a large concourse is anticipated.