MAJOR-GENERAL SIR HECTOR MACDONALD.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXIII, Issue 262, 6 November 1901, Page 2

MAJOR-GENERAL SIR HECTOR MACDONALD.

ENTHUSIASTIC WELCOME TO NEW PLYMOUTH. Thekb mus'. have been fully 1500 people iu the vicinity of the railway: station by the time the mail train,: bearing Major-Gate; al Sir Hector MacDoaald, drew up at the platform on Tuesday night. A conspicuous feature of tbe gathering was the presence of several kilted Highlanders, who had foregathered to join in extending, a! hearty welcome to their distinguished countryman. The officers of the local volunteer corps were also present, and after being introduced to Sir Hector an adjournment was made to the Commonwealth Hotel. The Garrison Band wi3s stationed on the hotel balcony, which was packed with people, and played suitable airs on the General's appearancs.

A number of Taranaki veterans were then introduced tn Sir Hector MacDonald, who spoke a few words to each in turn, and expressed his pleasure at meeting them, and also other prominent citizens who were introduced by the Mayor. Addressing Sir Hector on the balcony Mr Dockrill welcomed him on behalf of the paople of New Plymouth, and regret 1 ed that his stay was necessity so brief. It was with the greatest pride that the sons and daughters of Scotland, no matter what pars of the world they were in, had watched the progress of the cireer of their distinguished visitor. (Applause). He (the Mayor) hoped Sir Hector would appreciate the welcome extend-d to him, especially in face of the fact that he stood at that moment on historic ground. On that spot the first volunteers in the history of the country had assembled to go forth to battle, during the troublous days of the Maori wars, and they had done as their forefathers had before them—gone out right valiantly and met their foes and conquered. The Mayor then referred to the fact that Taranaki had contributed its full quota to the forces' sent to South Africa, and when the Government called for more volunteers, they came forward in far greater numbers than were required. Sir Hector and hia brother officers had no doubt seen the New Z alandersat their work in South Africa, and knew what they were capable of. He concluded by again expressing the hope that the General would accept thoir welcome, and then called for three cheers for thoir visitor. ThuFe were given right' heartily by the large crowd. Sir Hector Mac Donald, in replying, said it gava him great pleasure co be present, aDd he would have liked to have eeen tha district, and acquainted himself with some of its interesting phcee, "but that was imp ifsi bK The onnecion of the place with the army in its early days interested him greatly, and he hoped to view the church in which the • niednrial hatchments had been place 1. He congratulated the people on their successful settlement of the district, in spi'e of the dangers and trials which had besot them in the beginning. Referring ta the response made by the volunteers for service in South Africa, Sir Hector strongly urged that more training should be given the men. .Numbers were not sufficient. It was training and discipline that counted. Had the irregular troops been batter trained in the present war in South Africa, things might have been very different. He did not wish to cast aspersions on the men sent out by the colony, but he must say that to put volunteers in uniforms and Rive them rifles was not enough. They were biund to be thoroughly trained, even for their own protection and not for aggression. In conclusion, he could only once more say he was pleased to have come to New Plymouth, and highly gratified at the warm reception tendered him. The General was then taken to the dining-room, where refreshments bad been provided, and chitted for a few minutes with those piesent. While here, Mr. Adam Eae, President of thi Tariki Oaladoniao. Society, presented Sir Hector with a silvermounted walking-stick, and asked his acceptance of it as a small token of the Society's good wishes for his welfaro. The recipient, in accepting the present, s id ho wou'd always value it for.the kindly sentiments which were implied in the gift, and trustei the Society would p>o ! p9r well. Sir H ctor Mac Donald "was afterwards driven to St. Mary's Ohurch, where ho inspected the hatchments erected in memory of Imperial troops, and evinced great interest in each of 'he colours as he came to them. Archdeacon Walsh and Mr W, H. Skinner explained the connection of the various regiments with Taranaki to the visitor as he made bis inspection. There was a considerable gathering of people iD the church, and they had thus an opportunity of a view of the General whose tame has become so famous. After returning from the church Sir Hector w»3 drivon out to the breakwater, accompanied by LieutenantColonel Ellis and Mr. S. Hill, and there joinad the Rotoiti for Auckland. The Mayor (Mr Dockrill), Liuit,Ooloncl E.lis, and Mr J. E. Roy met Sir Hector Mac Donald at Sentry Hill, and escorted him to New Plymouth. Amongst those who were introduced to the General we noticed Mesdames E. Dockrill, E. M. Smith, J. Paul, J. SJH's, fid a numbar of gentlemen

prominenli in various societies in tbe district.

A dainty spray bouquet was presented to Sir Hector by Mrs O'Driscoll, who, at his request, pinned it in his coat.

PER PBESS ASSOCIATION. Wang'anui, November 5. Major-General Sir Hector MacDcnall was tuken for a short trip up the river thn morning, ani left. f>r New Plymouth by tSie afternoon mail train. A large and enthusiastic crowd assembled at the station to bid farewell to him.