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English (ATL)

Private. Invercargill

19th January/71



My dear Mr. McLean,

I send you a few lines by "Phebe" to tell you of my doings since I saw you. On 16th Decr. I left Wellington for Hokitika, got through the West Coast inspections by 23rd and then went overland to Christchurch. I remained there till 6th instant, of which time I was 5 days in the encampment at Sumner. There were just 300 in camp and it went off very well. I kept them all well at work, had them out for drill at 6 a.m. every morning, also rifle practice and shot and shell practise with the Artillery (4 guns). The volunteers behaved exceedingly well in camp and not a single case of drunkenness occurred. The last day we had a sham fight and numbers of people came from town, after which they armed themselves with all kinds of sports, tilting at a ring, running, horse racing etc. etc. and winding up with "kiss in the ring" which appeared to be highly appreciated by about 100 young women! I am sure these encampments do good for they not only make the Movement popular but the men themselves seem to take an interest in it and are anxious to do guard and picquet duties correctly, which gives them some little idea of disicpline and habits of obedience and order. The weather was beautiful and altogether it was a very great success. All expenses were paid by the men themselves (except 50£ voted by the Provincial Council) and some of the Companies came some distance from town, our gun's crew from Timaru, 120 miles. On the 7th I left Ch.Ch. overland by coach and arrived at Dunedin 14th having inspected corps at Temuka, Timaru, Oamaru, Hampden and Waikouaiti. Tomorrow I see Invercargill corps, on Saturday Riverton and then go to Dunedin by coach inspecting on the road corps at Clutha, Lawrence, Tokomario, East and West Taieri. Then I have all the Dunedin Companies to see in rotation. I have arranged all the inspections so as not to lose a day and shall leave Dunedin on the 12th February. I suppose Cooper has written to you about the "Luna". If convenient to you, we could be quite ready for her to embark the men from Port Chalmers on 1st of March which would enable us to fix the meeting in Auckland for middle of March. I hope you will be there at that time, as I think the shooting this year will be very good indeed. I did not write sooner as I was so constantly on the move - I hope things are not going to take a hostile turn in the Waikato, but they do not look very promising from the newspaper reports, which however I read "cum grano". They are all electioneering mad in Dunedin, meetings every day. Many think that Macassey will getin for one - I heard him speak once and he is a very fluent speaker. I afterwards met him at a private dinner party and thought him a very nice quiet intelligent man. It would be an acquisition to have him in the House. It will be a close run between McAndrew and Reid for Superintendency, but I am inclined to think the former will get in again. The new dock at Port Chalmers will soon be finished. It is a splendid piece of workmanship and a great credit to the Province. Auckland should have a similar one or all the big ships will come down here for repairs. Stafford was at Dunedin and came on here in "PheDe" - I hear that he was asked to address a public meeting at Dunedin, but declined. Remember me kindly to Douglas.

I am afraid I have inflicted you with a long yarn.


I remain, Your's sincerely,
Philip Harington.