THE EASTER MONDAY REVIEW.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 1, Issue 80, 30 March 1880, Page 2

THE EASTER MONDAY REVIEW.

[by telegraph.] Christchurch, March 29. There was an enormous attendance at the racecourse to-day, estimated at the lowest computation at 10,000, and said to be the largest ever seen on the ground. The weather was splendid, and not too hot. The strain on the railway resources was very great, especially as they wore only informed yesterday at 4 o’clock that the volunteers would go by rail. Enermous passenger trains, over a quarter of a mile long, were got off as quickly as possible, and not so much confusion resulted as might be expected. Some trucks got off the line, and caused a delay in coming back, but there was no other mishap. On arriving at the Race platform the men were marched on to the course, and there fell out for a little while. The ammunition was served out daring this interval, and after a short spell the bugles sounded the “ Fall in,” when the companies were divided into the following battalions : —Cavalry and artillery on the extreme right, the naval brigade next, and two battalions of infantry one formed of mixed companies. After the centre battalions had been placed in extended order, Colonel Packe, attended by his staff’, rode along the whole length of the brigade. Some little excitement was caused by a member of the Wellington Naval Brigade being carried off the held into an office by some of his comrades. The man—who, with many others of his company, has been suffering from diarrhoea since his arrival—had fallen in a fainting tit. He was attended by Drs. Diver and Dcamer, and soon recovered. At 1.30, the Commanding Officer and his staff having taken up a position at the Union Jack erected opposite the grand stand, the brigades were formed into companies, and marched past In the following order Cavalry, artillery with guns, companies of artillery, naval brigade, engineers (Wellington company), Christchurch engineers, Christchurch City Guards. The steady marching of the artillery, naval brigade, engineers (Wellington company), and Christchurch engineers would have done credit to regular troops. A second march past took place inclose column order, between lines formed by the people, in which the artillery companies, naval brigade, Waipari rifles, Dunedin rifles, Christchurch engineers, and city guards, were _ particularly noticeable for their steadiness. A halt was now called, and after a spell the men were put into position for the usual review movements 'which it is needless to detail. When the sham fight was finished the volunteers marched back to town by battalions, by way of the road. This evening there is a grand ball in the Drill Shed.