CROMWELL.

Dunstan Times, Issue 815, 30 November 1877, Page 2

CROMWELL.

—o—(Communicated.) In looking over the local journals of late dates I observed that little notice has been taken of the grand review which took place here on the 9th inst., in honor of the anniversary of the Prince of Wales’ birthday. The editor nf the Cromwell Argus, in referring to the matter, did not give as glowing a description as might have been expected, so Ljtrust you will grant me space, with a view ofi bringing under notice of the public the conduct of our brave volunteers on that occasion. The day was proclaimed a holiday by the Chief Magistrate. For some time previous the inhabitants of Cromwell and the surrounding district thought anxiously on the coming event, as it appeared by regimental order, and the red coats—our gallant defenders—were to appear in full dress, which I supposed meant in heavy marching order. The weather for some days had been very changeable, and, in consequence, it was feared it would mar the effectiveness of the display. At an early hour on the morning of the 9th the inhabitants were astir, but, unfortunately, the day had dawned according to expectation, dark and gloomy, almost blowing a gale, and dust flying in all directions, which continued throughout the day. Notwithstanding all the troops were to be seen pouring in from all directions, and according to instructions, at 9a.m., “fell in,” in front of the orderly room, where the orders of the day and articles of war were read aloud in the most impressive manner. The Company was then dismissed to partake of refreshment, as many had marched sever,-1 miles. According to orders, they again fell in at 10 a.m., at the Butts, to enable them to compete for some valuable prizes. Accordingly the shooting commenced—under very unfavorable circumstance, as the wind blew right across the range—until all tho prizes were competed for. It .was only 1 y sound judging distance windwards good shooting could be made, which oh the whole was above the average. After the competition the troops returned to town. As it was known they were to “ fall in ” at 4 p.m., with a view of going through a series of grand military movements. the streets; and balconies were crowded to excess ;•; the ladies—who mustered in strong force—took possession of the latter, where, with, their grand attire and smiling faces, added much to the festivity of the day. .Some had the hardihood to brave the inclemency of the weather, and followed the red coats through wind and dua f —we all know what an effect a military band has when it strikes up “ The girl L left behind me.” A little before the general muster the Band emerged into tho street, marching to the tune of “See tho Co - quering Hero comes," their appearance being moat soldier-like, one having his cap turned to the rear, as the chin strap was worn on the back of his neck—poor fellow, he had been ill for some days previously. Another wore his strap over both eyes ; bu I suppose it was in consequence of the dust blowing about so much at the time. The Band halted in front of the orderly room, where the troops were drawn up in line awaiting the general’s arrival. On his arrival the command was given for “ attention,” “ fix bayonets,” .“ shoulder arms,” “general salute,’’, “present arms,” which was gone through in grand style like one man, with good time between each motion. On the Commander returning the salute they got the word for “inspection,” “take open order.” The General, accompanied by the Commissioned Officers, inspected, passing up and down the ranks. After taking “ close order,” the General appeared much pleased with the soldier-like appearance of' men and officers, and express»d his approbation as to the state of clothing, arms, ammunition, &c. The battalion mustered about seventeen rank anil file, including all grades. I noticed about half a-doz»n appeared with. “ bell-toppers,” which I suppose was full dress. After inspection tho Band struck up a lively air, when the Company formed fours deep, marched up and down the principal streets with s'oped arms, and fixed bayonets, which was a grand display, the glittering of swords and bayonets, tugether with the brilliancy of tbe uniforms, forming a beautiful contrast. On arriving at tbe Bridge 1 thought some might have had the pluck to have jumped over, and others to have shown their bravery by jumping after to the rescue of the drowning. I believe the idea was to see if the fitshwatcr shark,“ the Pyke,” was to be seen in his native element, and that the strains of the Military Band would-bring him to the surface. The poor fish, however, did not appear, but looked on them with contempt from below. Being disappointed the batallion marched back to the'orderly room, where a feu dejoie was fired and throe cheers given ; n honor of the day, which was rei spondee! to by the spectators. The Commander then proceeded to distribute the prizes which had been won in tho earlier . ' part of the day. One volunteer was i j awarded a bottle of pickles, wbich was much prized. Strange to Say, the donom ' j in general were the winners. The National i Anthem brought to a close !hc grandest display of military tactics ever witnessed in I . Now Zealand. The General is a fine-look-ing old warrior. "No doubt ho has reooa-

noitred many a bloody battlefield, and led many a brave follow into the Valley of Death. Lieutenant and Sub-Lieutenant are perfect models of soldierly appearance, well braced up in, the limbs, and what is more, both have seen active service—one in the North Island, who has a fine voice for command ; the other served before the mast of a schooner. Last, not least, the Adjutant, of unmistakcable military appearance, with his decorations, showed that be has braved many a bard fought battle ; the long beard, now beginning to fade, denotes that he has seen active service. He bears on his breast a medal and clasp, a badge on his left arm—■which 1 am told is the Victorian Cross—which decorations were obtained for bravery on the field, the latter for gallant and heroic conduct in the capture of an old man kangaroo, somewhere in Cardrona Valley. It appears that the poor animal strayed amongst the snowgrass, got out of Ms native element, became Lunatic,” and likely to become dangerous to himself and others, in fact hot fit to %e at large. The captor was stuck up by the old man, when a fierce struggle ensued causing the claret to flow in »!' directions. The captor, after a well- % U V fight, succeeded in bringing the poor old mail to bay; when be was safely lodged in an asylum, to the satisfaction of the inhabitants. Such a hero in a militaiy corps must be a great acquisition, and it is, no doubt, through his tact and energy that the Cromwell defenders have been brought to such perfection. lam happy in stating that, notwithstanding the great concourse •of people no accident occurred, which was providential, as the regimental surgeon was ■not present ; although there was a medical man on the-ground, of slight stature, who, •on such occasions is generally on the alert —as friends and patients come in from the ■country—ready for ■a hearty shake cf hands or a p»ke in the ribs. In passing an hotel, however, he always turns his head and looks in the opposite direction. The day •was wound up with a Ball at the Athenaeum, which was a great success. Thcdcooration •of the Hall with works of art, the gaudy dresses of the ladies, the regalia of the Oddfellows, and the scarlet uniforms with crossbelts of our gallant defenders was of the grandest description. The Military Band was not in attendance, the bandmaster not Kina very well. He :£ell in for a legacy a few days previous. Now, looking at the menacing aspect of Europe, and not knowing what moment our •gallant defenders may be called on to take ■the field, would it not be prudent that the Government should, in case of necessity, .make provision for their widows and orphans.