THE DOMINION DEFENCES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 321, 22 February 1910, Page 5

THE DOMINION DEFENCES.

LORD KITCIIKNER IN CHRISTCHL'RCH. A CIVIC RECEPTION. By Telegraph.—Press As<o<-iat'<-Christchurc-l), Last Night. Lord Kitchener arrived in Christchurch to-night from the South. He was accorded a civic reception at the railway station, and an address of welcome was presented by the Alayor. An enormous crowd assembled at the railway station and along the line of route from the station to the Christcburch Club, where Lord Kitchener is staying. The welcome was of a most hearty character.

After the address of welcome had been read by the Alayor, Lord Kitchener, whose voice carried over a remarkably large area, made the following reply: "I thank all the citizens of Christcburch for the very kind and cordial welcome they have afforded me. You, Mr. Alayor, have alluded to the possibility of my advice being of some use to the Government of this country. I can assure you that if such is the cas'e, and my experience in military matters can be of any assistance to them, it will be most willingly placed at their disposal. (Loud cheers.) It will be a source of great gratification to me in after years if by this means I can be associated with a measure that will enable the s'plendid young manhood that I 1 have seen in all parts of New Zealand to render themselves thoroughly efficient for the defence of their country, and able to take their share in the maintenance and honor and solidarity of the 'grand old Empire to which we all belong." (Loud applause.) Three cheers were given for Lord Kitchener at the close of his reply, and the little function of welcome came to an end.

Lord Kitchener, accompanied by the Prime Minister, the Mayor, and Colonel Kirkpatrick (aide-de-camp), then drove away, their carriage being followed by others containing members of the Defence Council, Col. Hawkins (officer commanding the district), and other military officers.

To-morrow morning Lord Kitchener will inspect the Lyttelton forts, and in the afternoon will review the cadets and St. John's Ambulance Brigade.

SPEECH BY THE PREMIER. Ashburton, Last Night. A crowd of over 1500 people from the borough and country gathered at the railway station this evening to see Lord Kitchener as he passed through. An address of welcome was presented by the Mayor, the Field-Marshal responding. Leading citizens were introduced. The proceedings' during the stay of the train were very enthusiastic. The Premier, in the course of a brief speech, said this was 'the first time since Lord Kitchener arrived that the speaker had referred to his presence in the country and the objects of his visit, and he did so now in order to express t the feelings of gratification of, he might say, all New Zealand at the Government having the benefit of the knowledge, experience, judgment, and skill of Lord Kitchener to advTse them in the allimportant questions of internal defence. It was an epoch in the dominion's history. Sir Joseph Ward concluded by referring to the general enthusiasm from the Bluff onwards', which showed the patriotism ot the people for the British flag. The Premier was heartily received .

THE WELLINGTON ENCAMPMF*NT.

Wellington, Last Night.

The Government steamer Tutanekai left Welli7)gton this afternoon for Greymouth. Westport, and Nelson tc Tiring troops for the camp at Johnsonville. LOCAL BATTALION ORDERS. Lieut.-Col. 'E. N. L. Okey, commanding 4tli Wellington (Taranaki) Battalion Rifle Volunteers, ha,s issued the following Battalion orders in connection with the visit of Lord Kitchener, G.C.B. In compliance with district order, the 4th Wellington (Taranaki) Battalion will be mobilised with the district troops for inspection by Field-Marshal Lord Kitchener on the 2Gth inst. at Johnsonville.

Troops from New Plymouth will leave by special train at 7.15 on Thursday evening, Lepperton 7.40, Inglewood. S.O, Stratford 8.53, Eltham 0.20. Troops from Hawera will leave by special train at 8.15 on Friday morning, and from Patea at 9.25.

Officers commanding companies parade their companies at an hour to permit of their arrival at their respective railway stations at least 20 minutes before the hour fixed for departure.

Headquarters companies' and band will parade at the drill shed at 0.40 p.m. in marching order. All baggage must be at the Drill Shed at 0.30 p.m. Field service dress (leggings, greatnoats, imversacks and Avsitor-ibottlr.s) marching order kit only to be taken. Officers will provide themselves with field glasses, compasses, a;id maps. Swords will be taken.

Fresh meat will not be supplied, and therefore it will not be necessary for companies to take cooks to camp. Officers commanding companies and band will hand a marcliing-in state to the adjutant on entraining. Every endeavor should lie made to have every available mai present at the camp. The oll'icer commanding Taranaki Rifles will supply a bugler to act as stall' bugler.