SPECIAL TELEGRAMS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 805, 9 November 1878, Page 2

SPECIAL TELEGRAMS.

* i [FROjI our OWN CORRESPONDENT. J DUNEDIN. November 9.

Torrents of rain fell till half-past nine this morning, damping the ardour of our '\ oluntecrs, who lined the street comers and crept under the verandahs, muilled in their great coats, looking extremely dejected. Suddenly tlvs sun shone out with astonishing brilliancy, and the morning gloom has given way to one, of the finest days'that could be wished. _ No time was lost in preparing for the review. The provincial and country contingents from Invercargiil, Christchureh, Oamaru, and other places, left their hotels and formed into line, and at ten o'clock the square at the Cargill Monument was bristling with rines and bayonets, and decorated with uniforms of every shade and style. Our visitors present a fine, healthy, military appearance. About two thousand took part in the review. The artillery consisted of the Dunedin, Christchureh, Timaru and Invercargiil batteries, and was under the command of Captain Hawkes, of Christchurch. They headed the column, and were followed by four battalions, comprising the Otago, Waikouaiti, Portobello, Invercargiil, Riverton, Queenstown, Arrow, Christchureh, Temuka, Ivaiapoi, and Oamaru Rifles. They were commanded by Majors Wales, Macron, and Steward, and. Captain Murray. The commanding officers were—Colonel Stayely, Brigadier ; Captains Pillans and Reid, aides-de-camps : and Major Lean (of Christ-chm-ch), Brigadier-Major. The defending force consisted of the Dunedin and ..Port Chalmers Isaval Brigades and Dunedin Na'val Cadets, headed by their bands. They marched to the Forbury, which was reached at about noon.

Though it rained very heavily in the morning early, the weather cleared off a little after 10 o'clock, and has been delightfully warm all the afternoon. Over 2000 men paraded, and about 1500 of the public were present at Forbury. The Officers entertain Colonel Whitmore and the Hon. J. Sheehan at a bancruet to-night.