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with the drill of the Colonial troops present. He was also pleased to say, in reference to the Colonial troops clothed in kharkee, that he wished " the Imperial troops had as good and serviceable a uniform as that worn by many of the Colonial troops present." In the afternoon of the 23rd June the special escort of Colonial troops were ordered to parade, and proceeded to form part of Her Majesty's escort on her return to Windsor. Captain Eobin had the honour of commanding the Colonial portion of the escort upon this occasion, and he was presented to Her Majesty at Windsor. The Colonial portion of the escort were marched past Her Majesty in single file (at her request). The Colonial portion of the escort returned to Chelsea Barracks atj about 2 o'clock next morning. During the next two or three days very little duty was done, except Contingent's private parades. On Saturday, the 26th June, the Colonial troops were taken to Portsmouth by special train leaving London at 4.30 a.m. to witness the naval review at Spithead. The Colonial troops who went by that train were received by the Mayor and Corporation of Portsmouth, and had a hearty reception from the local people. After breakfast the Colonial troops embarked on a steamer provided for the purpose, and had a splendid opportunity of witnessing the review. One officer was detailed for each contingent, and the remaining officers were ordered to proceed to Portsmouth by the train leaving London at 8.30 a.m., which they did. The Colonial troops returned to Chelsea Barracks at about 11 p.m. On Wednesday the Commander-in-Chief held a levee at the Horse Guards for Colonial officers, which I attended, when his Lordship was pleased to speak very favourably of the New Zealand Contingent. At 8.30 a.m. on Thursday, the Ist July, the New Zealand Contingent, together with the other Colonial troops, proceeded by train to Aldershot, and took part in the Aldershot Eeview. The criticisms of the London newspapers upon the review were most favourable to the New Zealand Contingent, whilst their reception by the immense concourse of people at Aldershot was most enthusiastic. The Contingent returned to Chelsea Barracks at about 11 p.m. On Friday, the 2nd July, the New Zealand Contingent, with the other Colonial troops, paraded at 9.30 a.m., and proceeded by train to Windsor. On arrival there the Colonial troops were marched into the grounds of Windsor Castle. Arms were piled, and the non-commissioned officers and men had lunch in marquees erected for the purpose in a portion of the grounds. The officers were invited to, and had, lunch in St. George's Hall, in the castle. After lunch, and after inspection of the State apartments of the castle, the officers returned to the men, and the parade was formed. The Colonial troops were then marched to another portion of the grounds, where they were reviewed by Her Majesty in person. Her Majesty passed down the whole length of the line, stopping opposite each Contingent and receiving information concerning it from Field-Marshal Lord Eoberts, who was in command. Upon Her Majesty returning to the saluting-point the troops marched past, and afterwards advanced in review order. All the troops were on foot. Upon this occasion I had the honour of being presented to Her Majesty, and by order of Lord Eoberts had in turn to present to Her Majesty Captain Tunuiarangi and Private Te Puni, and to explain who they were and as to their ancestry. Her Majesty said she was "very pleased to see them." Afterwards an officer and a member of each contingent were ordered to fall out, and were presented to Eer Majesty. As the other officers of the New Zealand Contingent had already been presented, I ordered Lieutenant Pringle and Sergeant Slinn to fall out to be presented. The Colonial troops reached Chelsea Barracks on return to London at about 8 p.m. On Saturday, the 3rd July, the Colonial troops were paraded at 9.30 a.m. and marched to the grounds of Buckingham Palace, where they were inspected by His Eoyal Highness the Prince of Wales. Afterwards the Jubilee medals were presented to the Colonial troops by His Eoyal Highness. When I received mine His Eoyal Highness said to me, " Will you tell the Maoris that lam very pleased to see them here. lam sure they are all good loyal subjects of the Queen, notwithstanding that the two races were once at war with each other. Will you be sure and tell them that." I need hardly say that the Maoris were very pleased upon being informed by me accordingly. Five of the New Zealand Contingent were absent on this occasion through being in hospital with severe colds. Colonel Herbert informed me that their medals would be forwarded to them through you. The Colonial troops returned to barracks at about 1 p.m. This concluded the military duties the Colonial troops were required to perform. I had previously made application, through the Agent-General for New Zealand, to the War Office for permission for the New Zealand Contingent to attend a course of instruction at Aldershot, in accordance with the orders of the New Zealand Government. The Maori members of the Contingent were anxious to return to New Zealand as early as possible. Upon my representing this to the Agent-General I was informed that the Eight Hon. Mr. Seddon desired that the Maoris should go to Aldershot as well as the European portion of the Contingent. Considerable delay occurred in getting a reply from the War Office, and after consultation with the Eight Hon. Mr. Seddon, and as it appeared that the next steamer for New Zealand after the " Euahine " would not sail until the 19th August, he decided that the Contingent should return to New Zealand by the E.M.S. " Euahine," leaving London on the 22nd July, but that any member of the Contingent who wished to remain in England till the following steamer could do so at their own expense. Fourteen members of the Contingent availed themselves of this privilege. I may here remark that at that particular time very little work was being done at Aldershot, and I was informed that the New South Wales Mounted Eifles, who were at Aldershot for instruction, were much disappointed at their not being able to do more work, riding merely being their principal occupation. I applied to be attached to an infantry regiment at Aldershot for a week, but Colonel Herbert advised me that unless I could go for six weeks at least it would be practically useless. Captain Eobin also applied to be attached to a cavalry regiment, but in view of the circumstances had to content himself with a private visit to Aldershot.

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