AUCKLAND BANQUET TO THE VOLUNTEER REPRESENTATIVES.
On the return of the Auckland representatives at the Colonial prize-firing, they were entertained at a banquet, which appears to have been a successful affair. The principal speeches were made by the Champion and the Defence Minister, and we give them as reported by the * Star :’— Captain Hamlin, in a neat and well-ex-pressed speech, said he was glad to find that ’.he deeds of the representatives had been so warmly watched by their Auckland friends, and also to find such a warm reception given to them on their return. He agreed with what Mr VI ‘Lean had said about their bein indebted for success to the advice of their Southern friends. Captain Wales had told them that if they (the .Northerners) wished to beat the South they must get up early and practise. Since'that time the*Nonh had twice taken the belt, and in future always meant to take it. If Otago wanted to regain its laurels its riflemen would have to practise not only in the morning but in the evening and at noon. —(Loud cheers.) The Defence Minister said that his disappointment at nob being able to be present, at the late prize-firing at "• apier was partially atoned for by his meeting the representatives on this occasion. Mr M‘Lcan went on to observe that it appeared to him that the interest fe ! t in the Volunteer movement was somewhat spasmodic. He certainly felt that a community like A uckland should possess greater organisation in so important a feature as Volunteering. The late success of the Northern representatives was due in a great measure to the representatives of the South, who had come up in the first place to fire for prizes in the North. He did not suppose that there would be any necessity f- r calling into use the practice in which they had become so perfect ; but he did not wish to see the Volunteer movement a sham. It was with a view to prevent this that he intended to introduce some stringent legulations into the seivice. De considered that one good man was better than three useless ones. l*or success in Volunteering be did not look alone to the men but to the officers. If the officers and men co-operated thoroughly it was the best sign of prosperity in a Volunteer corps. If such co-operation was impossible it would be bettor to entirely abolish Volunteering altogether, and trust to the youth of the Colony for defence. He should be sorry to see such a condition of affairs; but, he repeated, it was belter than having a useless Volunteer system. Mr MVLeau concluded by saying he had been purposely plain and outspoken with them. He congratulated them heartily upon the success which the representatives had achieved.
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Evening Star, Issue 3473, 10 April 1874, Page 3
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465AUCKLAND BANQUET TO THE VOLUNTEER REPRESENTATIVES. Evening Star, Issue 3473, 10 April 1874, Page 3
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