THE INDIAN TROOPS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXIII, Issue 40, 25 February 1901, Page 2

THE INDIAN TROOPS.

THE VISIT TO NEW PLYMOUTH. Toe cavalry portion of the Indian troops now vising New Zesland, arrived in New Plymouth on Saturday about 5 o'clock in the morning bv special train from Napier. There were a fair nnmbrr of townsmen on the platform to recoivo them, includinc His Worship the Mayor (15. Do krill Esq.), Mr. E. M, Smith, M.11.R., Major' Ellis, and tbo officers of the locwl volunteer cmipwios. The tro-.ps were accompanied by the Ri«hfc Hi.n. the Premier, Mis. SedJoa, Mips Seddoo, Colonel Po'e-Penton, the officer commanding tho New Zealand forces, Captains Iva'r aiid Hughes, staff' officers, and Ckptaia Stroughton, of tha VicI torian Mounrod Rifles. Unfortunately ths day broke wet, and no time was Wi in g«ttiri£ the men away to the Dri:J Hall, whero quarters had been prepared fur thsm, the Premier and his party, Oolonul Pole-Penton aod stati going to tho Terminus Hot?!, vvlisre thoy stajod during the visit, Th« Ind'ftn troops made a wry picturesque group nsthey formed up to march to the Drill Had, to which their luggage, e'-c, way quickly conveverl, The typical uniforms and turbms and - glittering m-duls, with which the bre ists of many c f them wcro adorned their bmin'-ss-liks 1.-okiii" cubit,:t' and lacefs, all Coiitributeti making up a picture that will not lie soon forgottsri by those who saw it. The nativo contingent now in New Z»aland is mdo up of 34 Dative oilictrs, 06 non-corns.," oich with a private servant, and 79 followers or a!tendants, whese duty it is to serve and cook for tho Mahomme'ans and Hindoos. Tho troops are made up of Punjab, Banga!, Hyderabad, Madras,' xud Bombay Civah'y, the Quean's Own Guuh-s, aud infantry drawn fctm all the provinei-s, and may therefore 1... n«fc do»a as cqu-Oly as vepros\>nsaiive of ludia as the Imperial tioops are oi' Gmit Britain. Quite a numbsr of men have si-ea active s«rvico on tho frontiers of the eous'ry, inid some possess tho equivalent of the Viotori i Uioss iu tho order of merit, for (':i---'isiguwhod bravery. All tlie Oghtir-g cast's are included. Ths m<»> visiting New Pljmouth <:: >!isif>t>.vi of the Cavalry portion .-nlv. I Tha ofiici'i 1 in clwrga was Captain li, W. Campbfell (16tii Bengal Lancers),! »r>«2 th--> re;.;< smtcd j..n,; j momboM of the i'ontir.geui; t?i-r« : Colonel Dadbha (Jyuinngar l.y. j Cavalry). Rianldar Mf.jor Miscariknn (18th] Bengal Lancers), j

Risalilar Soondah Singh (Guide C:iva!ry).

| Ristvldar Rakors'ngh (6;. h Bsngal it Lnncere.

<>e Keshav;avnß (Gwalitr J.K, o'ivalry). IlisilcUv R'mirmgh (t) Lli Bengal Lancers). Kisaldar Turlolojingh Bahadur (ll:h Ban gal Laucsss). Kisnldar Dilawarkhan (19th Lancers). liisiiklar Mamhmll (2nd Central Indian Regiment). Jemadar Hansingh (Ist Madras

Lancors), Risaldar MahmnndtibudkhaQ ('2nd Bombay Lancers.)

| Rkniikr Agarsingh (4t,h Bombay | Cavalry).

RisnMir Sooeliotsingh (1-tli Wydoc.io.'wl Contingent). Jamardar Siyad Ata»nd (M.yswo iroperial S. Cavalry).

Risaldar Malook.am (14th Bengal Lit corn). Ris-ilJar Asmelkhan (3id Ma.dra« Lancets). Jnmadar Chatai singh (Sirraou 1.5. Troops). Kot Dud'adar Padsisingh (12'-U Bengal i.aiiccrs). Ko' Dulhu'ar Asamau Khan (17: h iiontr*".l Lancers). Di"a .W Khuvaasiiigh (iOU) Beng-il Lanws).

Kot Dufiadar Kasaukhau (Ist i'iju gal Lancers). Kot Dutlkdar Ma'singh (2nd Bszig.il Lanoors). Kot Duffadar Jagatsingh (3rd Bengal Lunrers). Kot Dulladar Scobasingh (12 .h Bombay Lancers). Duifadar Kazi-Kban (15th B >mbay Ld.re.rs). Dufiadar A>asingh (Guide Cavalry). Duffadar Chrtarsiugh (9th Jiengal Lancers). Kot Dufl'adar Tliaicausingh (6ih Bengal Cavahy). Kot Dufl'adar Ibrahiin Khan (2nd Central Indian Horse). Kot DuftsdarGulab Khun (2nd Cen ciai Indian Horse). Dufladar Dilpsihgh (14th Bengal Laucers), Duffadar Rimsingh (14th Bengal Lancers). ■ Nuik Ramavatarsingh (lltli Bengal L:l» Co''S), Dufl'.dar Mahamamdjan (Viceroy's Budy Guard). Ko*; Dufiadar Ahanali (Viceroy's Body Guard). Havildar Shiajirao (2nd Madras Lane is). Naik Atikajirao (2nd Madras Lancers). Havildar Major Kishansicgh (Ist Ma'lra* Lancers). * DufFadar Usafalikhan (2nd Bombay Lane r>). Duffadar An3rsingh (4th Bombay Lancers). Dufiadar Merarirao (Ist Bombay Lancers). Kot Duffadar- Gulamrasui (4th Hyderabad Contingent). Duflad'.r Kifaitkhan (4th Hydeiabad Contingent). HaviUiar Jamalkhan (4th Hyderabad Contingent). Havildar Said Alimahamed (4th Hyderabad Contingent.) Kct Duff idar Doverao (Gwalior Imperial Service Troops). DufFadar Pandurangrao (Gwalior I.S. Troops), Dufl'adar Rupsingh (Bhawacagar 1,8. Troops). Dufladar Mararsingh (Jammgar I.S. Troops). Dufiadar Slid Abulrajah (Mysore I.S. Tro. Ps). Dufl'adar Abd.dsatar (Mysore I.S. Troops). Havildar Sardasingh (4th Kashamir ! I.S. TroousV

Havildar Kesharisicgh (4th Kas' hainir IX Troots'-.

Haviidar Mani-am (4th Ivashamir I.S?. Troop?). 11-ivildar Sao'singh (lh Kashimir I.S, Troops). it mac ho mentioned that the rank of ris.ild ir i.s a Captain in a mounted corps, and a risaldar-major holds a rank equivaf' nt to thai of a major in a mounted corps. A d.iflao'ar is a sor-goarit-major. Sutvadar-Major Savazkhan and Risal-dar-Major Deleeskan (the former of the Quid's, and the latter of the 19th Benj: ■ 1 La »er>) both marched with Lord Roberts on his famous march to K.in-d'-ibar, us did also DaU'adar Thaunnsinpli, of the 6th Bengal Cavalry, and Daffadar Suchot Singh, of the same tegimaefc. Risildar-MajorMisharikhan of the 18th Bengal Lancers, is the champion horseman of India, and is credited with extraordinary feats of i quitution, a reputation which is borne out by the trophies and decrations which he possesses. Among his most treasured belongings is a handsome dirk, presented to him by tho late Quceu Victoria, lie has also a presentation sword from Lord Roberts (under whom hp nerved), and a decoration from the Duko of Connaught. Not» ithstanding the downpour which jros " orse as the day got older, people bejan to lloak into town at an early • hour, and the first train caine in csowdsd to excess Tho later t-nins ivei'o not so well patronised, as all hope of a fine day hud disappeared. Iu response to the advertisement which had appeared in the Daily News, over 70 horses wero placed at the disposal of tho Mayor, but the steady lain rwitierel any out-door parade out of 'he question, snd at noon it was reluctantly abandoned. The result of an '■nnouncnient that the Indian troops would recoivo visitors at the Diill Hall at 2 o'clock caused a general assembling rf i h<i public, who wore admitted to the Hall and rd lowed an opportunity of f-iv-iuy tha men, who were drawn up iu lino on the north and east side of the * nikling, tho local Volunteers forming n guard of honor. Owing to too in i.iy of the public being admitted at • : nce, and tho difficulty of handling the volunteers iu such a crowd, a good do; 1 -•f crowding arid confusion prevailed for a time, but order was s on restored uk!. the public admitted at one door! :>n-> 'pawed out at the other. Somoj 2000 people ate estimated to have been rt'ceiv. d by the Indian ito ps in this w»y, many oi whom must have be ni heurt'ly ti r i.c! of the ordeal and handdiakir.; to which, hoover, thoy sub- ' ;| :itU:d iu goad park. Tho doors of tho j Drill Hall worn t)n j n cloned aud tlio j public ex' luded and tha local volunteers j being diuwn up in column, gavo three j hearty cheers for tho Italian troops, | who in re:urn gave threo equally | hearty choei a for tho volunteers. The | companies ou parade were tho Ingle|wo .d Monutad Rides ur.dor Surgeon ! Oaptnin Valintinr, Taranaki Riiles raider O'.ip'aiu Okey, Taranaki Guards under Captain Taunton, Waitara Rifles tiodtr iyout. Stubbs, and the (Jdntral School t'adots. Surgeon Captain McOlellnn, Taranaki Rillos', Liout. Wester. (Omistelnuch College Rifles) were present in uniform ; Major Ellis, Captain Damps&y, and Lieut. Gray wore ulso present;, but not iu uniform.

i THS LUNCHEON. At 12.30 & largo company, including tho i'romior, ilm. Suddon, iJiwt Seddon, ;i;i<:i viiutiug otlieat";, won; C!t<wrSnhi<wl uf, luncbuon by .1 lis Woi - • oii'fi tin: "ijayor j;; >r\;;<..jL.vrs' jrl.ui.j Tho irtblits wore IU-i'uitgod in the foruij o't a <?> oijs pad very tastefully «!«>-

cerate, the menu boiii" nn excellent oi'O. The Mayer had on ! lis right Captain Cuinpbjll, awl oh his loft the Premier. The seating accommodation was severely taxed. A number of ludfea were presont including M:h atvl Mi«s Hvddon, Mrs. r-ockriil, Mrs I l '. M. Smith, Ms O'llo'i 0 ! , rnvis, 31 rs .1. H. iloy, und others. Tho (oast lis*; was a limited low, After tiio toast of " Tflfl K-i»g'' (had been duly honored The Mayor priaosad " Ciiptaia (Jimpbrlt and - ndian Troops." In doing so the Mayor referred to the pleasure it gave New Plymouth to have them and his regret at the weather. Ho spoke of the proved loyalty of the Indian troops and said it waa only for reasons of policy that they wore not fighting aide by sid.i with our own troops in South Aimch. Captain Campbell in icply Slid thu weather was a disappoitinedt. to thecn ! all. He and his men were glad to be present and on their lvturn would scatter broadest throughsut India the news of the gcod treatment they were rcceing in New Zealand. The next toast was the " Colonial Troops," replied to in well cboson terms by Colonel Pole Pemtoo (who expressed himself as very proud of the New Zealand Contingent:-) Captain JH ugbe.s, Napier Ist con'ingent, acd Captain Sfcroughton of Victoria. The latter said the New Zealan;lers were spokeu well of everywhere and by everybody who had come in contact with tluui

The Mayor then proposed the 00-j varnment arid said the New Zealand Government had been the first to ofler troops, the first to pet a contingent away, and the New Zealanders were the first contingent to get into action. Mr. Seddou replied in a speech of some length ir. which he detailed what had led up to the visit of the Imperial troops and the Indian troops. He spoke of the services of the several contingents and said the responsibility of sending men away on such Sf rvice was a very grave one. Two thousand men sent away from New Zealand meant 2000 anxious mothers and though he well knew how anxious they were he felt proud of the sacrifices they had made for the Empire. He referred to the value of the services of Captain—now Colonel—Davis and said he was glad ha had come to New Plymouth as ho had met Mrs. Davis and after doing so thought more of Colonel Davis than ever. He said the Government intended to keep faith with the men at the front and bring them home at the end of their 12 months' service and send others to take their place. H* thanked them for the manner they had drank th 9 toas*.

The Mayor read apologies for absence from Judga Conolly, the Mayers of Stratford, Ha we; a, and Patea,nnd the clißirraen of tho Ing'ewood, Waitara, and Op.imka Town Boards. Tho toast of His Worship the Mayor proposed by the Premier audresponded to by tho Mayor brought a very pleasant gathe ring to a close, The catering was on the hands of Mr. West who is to be conmended f®r the way he carried out his duty.

On Saturday evoning at the Terminus Hotel Ilia Worship the Mayor, on behalf of himself and a number of admirers of Captain Campbell presented that gentleman with a very handsome native mat of kiwi feathers, and Mi Berry presented him with a very ornatt specimen of a walking stick of native honeysuckle. In acknowledging the gifts Captain Campbell gave a very interesting account of the rite and progress and proved loyalty of the great Indian Aamy. Ha also gave some very interesting personal expediences.

Iliseldar Major Mishara Khan, whosp sword and dirk attracted so much attention, was olso pre-ented by Mr Seddon, oa behalf of Mi' Butterworth, with u wry valu.iblo greenstone oar pendant, while Mrs Soddon was also prosent-d on behalf of Mrs Butterworth with a veiy pretty feather kit. A considerable num'ar gathered at tho railway station at seven o'clock yesterday morning to tee the Troops nil' rtnd sent them away with hoatty cbeoi's and good "islics.

[PKIi PItUSS ASSOCIATION.]

Wklli.ngtox, February 24,

Half tha I odian troops arrived frem Napier via tho Govfrom.nt line on Saturdpy night. A large ciowd watched their airival They fire having an off day to-day. Tlio weather was showery in the morning and dull afterwards The Dalhousie \\s thrown open to the public in tha afternoon. \Voodv!lle, February 23.

Despite the drenching rain a large crowd, including volunteers, assembled to receive the Indian troops en route for Now Plymouth. The officers and the Premier wore entertained at supper. Tlio second contingent; ariives this aftorroon and will also be ectrfitained. Wanganui, February 24.

Tho Indian troops arrived hero to- | day. tho men being dotrained about half «. mile from the railway station and marched through tho streets to ' the station, ltd by the garrison band and escorted by the local volunteers. A huge crowd of people lined tho loute. Oa arrival at the station refreshments vcre provided, after which the public wow admitted to tho platform. The Indians wore greatly admired. Inded<mdent groups of Maeris greatly ■-mused tlio visions by hakas, etc. Mr. Suldon and p.ir»y lurc'itd at ;.n liou l. The re wai slight win during tho ro:ep-1 fcion. I