CABLE NEWS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2740, 19 February 1910, Page 5

CABLE NEWS.

this reason ho classed 18 to 19-year men as recruits, over and above the peace establishment of 80,000 men, but liable to be put in th© ranks in war. He recommends extended camp training up to six clear working days, in addition to home training. This would meet requirements up to the 25th year of the soldier’s ago. The first principle he laid down as essential to success of enrolment was that the nation as a whole should take a pride in its defenders, insist upon their organisation being real and designed for war purposes, and provide means for properly educating, training and ©quipping officers and m£n. In other words, the force must be an integral portion of the national life. He recommends the division of the Commonwealth into 215 training areas, arranged in 21 groups. No social consideration, no influence, nothing but efficiency, should be allowed to affect the selection and promotion of officers in charge of areas. He recommends the following scale of pay : Colonels £BOO to £9OO a year, lieut.-colonels £7OO to £BOO, .majors £530 to £650, captains £375 to £450, subalterns £250 to £350.

VICE ROYALTY OF INDIA

LONDON, Feb. 18

The “Standard” has an Indian telegram stating that Lord Kitchener has been definitely offered the Vice-Royalty of India.

HIS DUNEDIN RECEPTION

A DEMONSTRATIVE WELCOME

TPer Press Association. I

DUNEDIN, Feb. 18

A demonstrative welcome was accorded Lord Kitchener on his arrival here last evening, the streets being crowded by people eager to see the famous “Kitchener of Khartoum, and mark their appreciation of his visit. The famous soldier is accompanied by Colonel Kirkpatrick, chief of his present staff, and bis aide-de-camp (Capt. Fitzgerald), and was met at the Bluff and accompanied to Dunedin by the iPrime Minister (Sir Joseph Ward), and Colonels Robin, Collins, and Tuson, of the New Zealand Defence Council, and Colonel Smyth, officer commanding the Otago district. On arrival at Dunedin the party was met on the platform by His Worship the Mayor (Mr. J. H. Walker), and city councillors, as well as some prominent citizens. The Mayor welcomed him in a very brief speech on behalf of the corporation and citizens of Dunedin. He said they all extended to him a most cordial welcome. They were extremely gratified to have his distinguished presence in the city, and it would be their pleasing duty to endeavor to make his stay pleasurable. They hoped, further, that the important mission on which he was engaged would result in benefits not only to the Dominion, but to. the British Empire.

Lord Kitchener, as befitted his reputation, was not prodigal of words in his reply. “It is a great pleasure to me.” lie said. “Mr. Mayor, to be able to pay a visit to our prosperous city. I feel I am not a stranger coining amongst you, for my father owned j roperty in the neighborhood, and li.y brother worked amongst you in this locality for some years. I have had, too, the great pleasure of meeting my sister here. I thank you very much for the kind words you have adressed to me, and for the warm welcome you have given me on behalf of tfie citizens.”

As mentioned in his speech. Lord Kitchener was met by his sister, who is Mrs. Parker, of Kurow. North O'ago. The meeting was an affectio late one, for many years have oassed since their last meeting. The general public was excluded from the station for the occasion, and after the ceremonial welcome was accorded the visitor on the platform, the party removed to the front of the station, where a goediy representation of defence cadets _ had formed a hollow square to seep back the immense crowd which aad assembled.

Accompanied by the Mayor, Town Clerk, and his aide-de-camp, •>.•l Kitchener here entered an open carriage, and, preceded and folllowed by detachments of the Otago Hussars, proceeded up Stuart Street to rhe Octagon, and then along Princes Street to the Fernhill Club, where his headquarters will he during his stay here. The leading carriage was followed ly four others, containing the <•-. unci Hors and other citizens, and after bis ravne a detachment of the Dunedin Engineers, and lastly the Garrison Band and the Defence Cadets. Hoy Scouts to the number of 150 lined a section of Princes Street. Tlio whole route was crowded with people, who manifested an enthusiastic and hearty welcome.

EN ROUTE TO DUNEDIN. On his journey to Dunedin, Lord Kitchener found assembled at every station large crowds of people, who cheered as the train passed. Wherever the train stopped the distinguished soldier at first went to the window and opened it, and from conversations with the people entered upon the shaking of hands. After Balclutha, ' < wevt-r, instead of cjpening the window, he went on to the platform, and here met as many people as possible. Several addresses and speeches of welcome were made on route.

Lord Kitchener, being a Freemason, an address of welcome and congratulation from the District Grand Lodge of Otago and 'Southland, English constitution of Freemasons, was forwarded from hero to meet him at the Bluff.

THE LITTLE BLUNDER. The Mayor explains that the civic authorities offered to provide the Premier with a seat in the carriage with Lord Kitchener, but Sir Joseph failed to communicate his. washes. The .military advised that Sir Joseph Ward would use a motor-car provided by them.

INSPECTION OF TATAROA HEADS

BATTERIES

An inspection of the defonce 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 of Staff), the members of the New Zealand Defence Council, and Lieut.-Colonel Smyth (officer commanding the Otago district). The inspection covered the engine and

searchlight and six-pounder quick - firing gun, comprising the Harrington T'oint battery, the modern six-inek disappearing gun on the Heads proper, and the 64-pounder at Hewlett Point battery., also the site for the two new 12-pou'nders. To all of these Lord Kitchener gave hut mere passing notice, and it 'was the commanding position of Taiaroa Heads that seemed to have engrossed his attention. He next inspected the garrison forces, comprising No. 1 and No. 2 companies New Zealand Garrison Artillery Volunteers, and members of th© Royal New Zealand Artillery, walked along the lines, and on several occasions took notice of service badges and medals. He freely expressed, his %Aeasure at the general appearance of ; the men. The inspection was over in an iiour, and a return was then made to town.

On reaching Port Chalmers Lord Kitchener found the boys of the training; ship Amokura drawn up as a guard of honor, and, returning their salute, he addressed a few words ■of encouragement to them, also remarking on their fine healthy appearance. He then lets amidst cheering, for Dunedin, by motor car, reaching the city about 1 p.m.

A FEARFUL MUDDLE. REVIEW OF CADETS—TERRIBLE MISMANAGEMENT.

There were about 10,000 people at Eorbury Park this afternoon to witness the review of the school cadets, boy scouts, and veterans by Lord Kitchener. The Field Marshal arrived about 3 p.m., at which time Sir J. G. Ward, the Hon. J. A. Millar, Colonels Robin, Tuson and Collins also arrived. Lord Kitchener spent balf-an-bour in reviewing the cadets, and he then inspected the veterans.

THE CROWD RUSH THE GROUND.

The next part of the programme was a march past. Lord Kitchener and party, who took up their position at the saluting point, soon found themselves surrounded by a growing mass of people, who poured into the review ground from al] points. Th© police did their best to keep the crowd back, but without success, and as a result the march past completely lost its value. It was impossible to carry out the next item, a march past in review order, owing to the crush.

A DISGRACEFUL SCENE. Then ensued a wild scramble, fortunately of short duration. At the conclusion of the march past, Lord Kitchener and party walked towards the grandstand. Men, women and children hustled, or being hustled, 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 2468 cadets scouts and veterans on parade, assembled from all parts of Otago. A presentation of colors to the Boys' High School cadets took place, though the success of the function was marred by the disorderly proceedings referred to above.

CAUSE OF THE MUDDLE—DIVIDED RESPONSIBILITY.

As the result of inquiries, it appears that the muddle at Fcrbury Park was due to the fact that there was no definite authority to make all arrangements. The City Corporation issued tickets for the grandstand and enclosure. and notified the course of events to the {public, but the responsibility for administration was thrown on the defence authorities.

The military authorities state that at the meeting of the Reception Committee it was decided that, as no troops would be available for the afternoon, the police be asked to assist-. Last night the police were asked on behalf of the Mayor to assist in supervising the entrances to the grandstands and the gate leading t-o the inner enclosures, but they were not asked to perform any duty in connection with the parade ground. Nearly two thousand men are in camp in the vicinity of Abbotsford awaiting Lord Kitchener’s orders in regard to manoeuvres.

MAN OR OF DUNEDIN AHU.OGISES TO SIR JOSEPH WARD.

The Mayor of Dunedn informed the

“Daily Times” to-night that, having made inquiries in respect to the arrangements for the reception of Lord Kitchener on Thursday night, so far as the- affected the Prime Minister, he finds that a. mistake was made, of which lie was unaware at the'time. He has expressed regret to the Prime Minister, who is now satisfied that no discourtesy was intended to him.

PREPARATIONS IN CHRISTCHURCH.

CHRISTCHURCH. Feb. 18

Practical work in connection with Lord Kitchener’s review of the local troops and cadets was commenced at Hagley Park this morning, when a detachment of the P/>yal New Zealand Artillery made a start with tent pitching. There will be about 200 tents available for occupation. An excellent supply of water has been obtained from one of tile wells that were used in connection with the Exhibition.