IN NEW ZEALAND

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 319, 19 February 1910, Page 5

IN NEW ZEALAND

REVIEW AT DUNEDIN. "A DISGRACEFUL SCENE." THE PUBLIC TAKE CHARGE. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Dunedin, Last Night. The inspection of the defence works at Taiaroa Heads, at the entrance to the Port of Otago, by Lord Kitchener was commenced at 10 o'clock this morning. He was accompanied by Sir Joseph Ward, Colonel Kirkpatrick (Lord Kitchener's chief staff officer), members of the New Zealand Defence Council, and Lieut.-Colonel Smyth (officer commanding the Otago district). To the armaments he gave but mere passing notice. It was the commanding position of Taiaroa Heads that seemed to have engrossed his attention. He next inspected the garrison forces', walked along the lines, and on several occasionstook notice of service badges and medals. He freely expressed his pleasure at the general appearance of the men. A return was then made to town.

On reaching Port Chalmers he found the boys of the training ship Amokura drawn up as' guard of honor, and, returning their salute, he addressed a few words of encouragement to them, also remarking on their fine, healthy appearance. Lord Kitchener then left, amidst cheering, for Dunedin by motor car.

There were about 10,000 people at Forbury Park this afternoon to witness the review of school cadets, boy scouts, and veterans, by Lord Kitchener. He spent half an hour in reviewing cadets, and he then inspected rflie veterans'. The next part of the programme was the march past. Lord Kitchener and party, who took up a position at the saluting point, soon found themselves surrounded by an ever-growing mass of people, who poured into the review ground from all points. The police did their best to keep the crowd back, but without success, and as a res'ult the march past completely lost its vairae. It was impossible to carry out the next item, a march past in review order, owing to the crush. Then ensued a wild scramble, fortunately of short duration. At the conclusion of the march past Lord Kitchener and party walked towards' the grand stand, men, women and children bristling or being husteld after them. In the commotion children were knocked down, women screamed, and men cried out, "Keep back," but still the crowd surged on. It was a disgraceful scene, and the crush was only stopped by reaching the limits of the enclosure. There were 2408 on parade, assembled from all parts of Otago. The presentation of colors to the Boys' High School ead'i.3 took place, though the success of the function was marred by the disorderly proceedings referred to above.

(A later message explains that the muddle was due to the fact that there wns no definite authority to make wie i arrangements. The police were as'ked to assist in supervising entrances and ]'. gates, but not to perform any duty in connection with the parade ground.) i THE CHRISTCHUKCH REVIEW. Christchurch, Last Night. ■Practical work in connection wxin " Lord Kitchener's review of the loci] troops arid cadets was commenced at!' •Hagley Park this morning, when a .:e- '' .tachment of Permanent Artillery made ' a start with tent-pitching. There will ] be about 200 tents available for occupa- '■ tion. An excellent supp/y of water has been obtained from one of the wells? that were used in eonneetion with he : .exhibition. /; ■ WELLINGTON ARRANGEMENTS. 3000 MEN IN CAMP. Wellington, Last Night. : The first step towards arranging tie Kitchener camp was made this morning by a squad of the Permanent Artillery sent out for that purpose. The ground is now being pegged oiii. and on Monday the squad will proceed with the erec- \ tion of the tents (between 500 and GO.)) ( and the seore of marquees required. , Wednesday night is to see the eomple- { tion of this part of the arrangements. £)n Thursday the supply depot will be equipped in readiness for the issue of supplies to the first arrivals (from New Plymouth) on Friday. Lord Kitchener will ride over the ground on Friday, and then formulate the scheme to bel carried out on the Saturday. The forces at "his disposal will consist of two field flatteries, a company of field engineers, four regiments of mounted infantry, seven b;»**alions of infant-y, one evele corps and vne field hospital. ■ altogether about 3000 men. On the : Friday morning Lord Kitchener will I - make" an inspection of the forts round ] the harbor, and his opinion will ae ] sought- as to the practicability of certain new proposed gun positions. It is suggested that if possible the for.:s should'be manned and the searchlights put into active operation in the evening of that dav. The difliculty is that Lord Kitchener "is to be entertained by the , Government at a banquet the same evening. On Saturday evening his Ex- • cellency will be the guest of the Wellington Club. THE WELLINGTON VISIT. ; Wellington, Last Night. ■ Next week the half-holiday will be ; observed in Wellington on Friday, instead of Wednesday, in honor of Lord Kitchener's visit. NO DISCOURTESY INTENDED. Dunedfn, Last Night. The Mavor of Dunedin informed the Dailv Times to-night that, having made inau'iries in respect to the arrangements for the reception of Lord Kitchener on Thursday night, so far as they affected the Prime Minister, lie finds' a mistake J was made of which he was unaware at i the time. Wc lias expressed his regret : to the Prime Minister, who is now satisfied that no discourtesy was intended); to him.