VISIT OF IMPERIAL TRCOPS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXIII, Issue 22, 23 January 1901, Page 2

VISIT OF IMPERIAL TRCOPS.

TO UTC INVITED TO NWiV Pf.VJ-lOirPH.} ENTHUSIASTIC- MEETING. A PI7RLTC MEETING PODJOTIPI] by Hisj Womhipf-he Mayor (Mr. *J. DockrilJ) was held at the Council Chamber ou < Tuesday evening to the question of aalting the Government to arrange for tho Imparial troops to visit New Plymouth. Tl is Worship presided, the attendance being large and vary ! roprpgrmtative. A her briefly explaining tho object of the meeting, the Mayor called ou those who *ook an active interest ia tho proposal to give their' views &n tho sub- &*■ Captain Taunton said he was one of those who warmly advocated a visit hero of tho Imperial troops or at leist a portion of them if not the whole. He pointed out the advantages that would accrue from the presence of picked men of tho Briti'h unci Indian troops. It-i would, he said, be an object lesson for ail in the district. The expense was estimated at 10s per man and £1 )vr officer. In tta event of only a portion of tho troops coming ths rost of entertaining thorn would be lessened. He suggested having some sort of field day on'tho Racecourse, and by making a charge for admission, the hulk of the cost would he defrayed. He thought it would bo a great pity to miss the opportunity and strongy advoca'cda pressing r quast being made to in Govern mo tit, for securing the presence here of the c mtingent.

His Wors'r'p said 'hat the total expense was calculated nt nbout £l2O, , and the way Oiptain Taunton had suggested of r-iiog funds left little doubt that the cost would ba uiot; but they would, of murse, bo glad of guaranties. In reply to Mr. Bowley, His Worship ! gave the details of the anticipated, winch, h'i said, would bo ■ confined to tlm matter o» entertaining the men, the G-wernm nt bearing all 1 other chnrgrs. H-) belnved it was tho den>e of tho moating thut the, m n ■ should bo treats d as hands unely her* 58 anywhere iHf. M>. G wtt thought it would bfl a 1 a grinvnm pity if the opportunity won; lost. The chi"f want in Now Zealand 1 wssth.it of diioipin,©, and hn i hough' the presence r.f the trrvps would be a great adva-fctga in than mid would afl'rd i'.n 'xmo'e for '.he ; velmitws. to copy. it wa a : sri , desirable that shoii'd tW) M.o i best tnye'of British s.ddi vi. He consider id that th<3r>» should be a good "feed" for the man, but he strongly objected to the champagne : idea, as, apart from taa difficulty of getting good cbatnpigne, it was a waste of money to spend it in that way, and particularly si when tha article was bad. '(Laughtor). Ho urged that goad whalesoma beer should b t provided and ■ apirjta tabooed. The chief point Rimed at should the provision of a liberal tut national supply of refreshments for the men, and that the affair bo handsomely done. Lient. Holmes pointed out that as there was no building in town that would hold the number that would bo j present at the dinner and relays shoull j be avoided, this necessary expanse qF hiring marquees would increase the Intimate probably to £220, Mr Govefefc suggested throwing open the doors of the drill shed and having marquees attached, He hopad the <ap3PGhes would be few and short, and the function be devoted to entertai.i-mr-nfc.

The Mayor suggested tint a resolution should be put committing the meeting to asking that the (reqps might visit New Plymouth and that a Oomraittao bo appointed to carry out the details.

I Mr. Ambury suggested inviting only half, the Ooispany as it was very likely that if all were invited the application would net be entertlined. Mr. Sam Hill considered that no, part of New Zealand was mors entitled to a visit from the troops than Now Plymouth. As an old soldier's son, he (strongly advocated the visit. In talking the matter over wib Standi«h he had suggested a round robin being seat to the Government, pointing lout that it was desirable that the | troops should visit the o'd battle grounds of the Imperial forces in t>is neigh bourhoed. He suggested tint the request be worded that the Government be askod to send the troops, such as coul 1 be spared, A discussion took phica*i*!rri the policy of making a 'ho r-Re-course, but (?■•?:',""one ob, j cted to Hiatj;)if"-. | ,oqal. Mr: Govofct mov.-d that His Worship the Mayor be rorpestod to wire the Gove* nrnßitt, strongly urging that one half of the troops bo sent to New Plymouth.

The Rsv. F. G. Evans warmly seconded the motion, pointing out the advantages to the rising generation ami also te the troops themselves, who would be able to carry away a jrood impression of this highly progressive neighbourhood,

Mr. E. M. Smith supported the motion. Ho said the Government, would discharge n\' expenses except, extras, such as lunch or dinner. He promised all nssjs'ance in his power to get the Govornrnent to comply with the request. The motion was carried unaninaonsV Lieut. Holmes suggested that if the Government could riot see their way to sending the troops hoe, tint it would '"e ndvisiblo that tho Government br urged to provide special facilities for the public visiting the nearest place a* which the troops were present, His Worship replied that there was iittle doubt that if the troops visiM Wanganui thay would come to New Plymouth.

Mr. Govett e»ovcd that presen' with power ts add to their number ba a Committee to make arrangements IV 'he fitting reception of the Imperial Contingent and with power to apprin l a sub-committee or committees to arrango details.

Captain Gkey seconded the proposition which was carried unanimously. The meeting which ' hroughout was characterised withgrea*: unanimity ard I enthusiasm was elcned wjth a hearty vote of tbaioka to the Mayor.

'ln Queen's illness would interfevc with tho vifriß of fch.; ] mpem! troopers, •>uo ho had telegraphed umking aaqui'ios. As by th.) present arrangement tha troops will bo in Dunedin on Sunday, It has been decided to held an cp'ja air church parade and nm special trains for it.