HIS ivXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR. Lord Ranfurly, who vaa received with, loud applause, said:—Mr Mayor, ladle- and gentlemen,—We , are met together to bid farewell to the Third Contingent despatched by this colony to Uphold the rights of Great Britain in Soutb Africa. In a moment of heartfelt anxiety, WO feel the utmost pride and pleasure when we see the many brave and line yomtg men, the flower of the land—(hear, bear) —who are ready, yes, and more than ready, to leave their homes and cross the seas to a distant land, in order to vindicate the honour of England and to "champion the cause in the Transvaal of their fellow subjects. (Cheers.) Their patriotic action is not without sacri fice, both on their part and on that of their relations and friends, who have to bear the arixiety of their absence. We all sympathise deeply with those who have to part with their dear ones, but we remember that we ore all citizens of a country and all come of a great race, which has spread itself over a largo portion of the world, by virtue of their irxionritahCe pluck and endurance— (cheers) —and we must uphold our glorious traditions at any personal sacrifice, even of our dearest and. best. (Hear, hear.) The generous enthusiasm which has equip ped and sent out -his third Contingent is beyond all praise. It proves that t_e old British spirit is still present with us, and so long as that spirit a__oates us, England need tear nothing. That spirit has been «_>u_d_Btly ahowa already in tha way by

the valour and endurance of our men, and the splendid g___ntry of our officers, and how admirably they" have displayed the best qua-lifeles of the soldier is apparent to all. (Loud dicers.) This is tihe first time in history that the Canadians, New Zea landers, the Australians, and Cape Colo nists and others stand side by side with their comrades of the linperial troops. (Ap plause.) One race under one Queen, fight ing in Freedom's cause; may the God of their fathers stand by them and give them the victory. (Great cheering.) THE PREMIER. The Right Hon. the Premier, who was re ceived with applause, said he felt proud of the soldiers of New Zealand and of the vast Empire to which they all belonged, and proud to meet them under the existing cir cumstances. 