VOLUNTEER ENCAMPMENT.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 813, 30 January 1903, Page 2

VOLUNTEER ENCAMPMENT.

YESTERDAY’S PROCEEDINGS*

Yesterday was Visitors’ Day at the East Coast Mounted Rifles’ camp, and it was unfortunate that the weather turned out so wet. as mant were prevented from making the journey. The officers and men had made every preparation for entertaining the visitors, and it was a matter for regret that the elements should have been so unpropitio.us. Lieutenant Tombleson was officer for the day, Sergeant Fairlie Oiderly Sergeant, and Corporal Hall Orderly Corporal. There was no parade in the morning, owing to the heavy rain, but Sergeant-Major Tuck gave a very interesting and instructive address In the non-commissioned officers on outpost duty. In the afternoon, notwithstanding the unfavorable state of the weather, a large number of visitors put. in an appearance. The City Band also attended, and did much to enliven the proceedings. Under Lieutenant Deere they went through their evolutions in a most creditable manner, and [their playing of the test pieces provoked hearty applause. The band was in charge of Bandmaster Morrison, Mr M Foster conducting, and the music was highly appreciated.

The visitors were entertained at afternoon tea at the camp, and everything possible was done to make the outing a success.

A mounted parade was heiJ at 2 o’clock, there being a full muster, and the men were put through their manoeuvres by Sergeant-Major Tuck, Major Winter also instructing the corps in battalion drill. The Company's display was an excellent one, and the men were highly complimented by Major Winter.

THE CONCERT. In the evening, a most successful concert was held at the camp, the promoters being the non-commission-ed officers, the bulk of the work falling upon Sergeant-Major Evans ‘ and Corporal Zaehariah. There was a large attendance, the marquee being well filled. The concert opened with ao overture by the City Band, entitled “ Viscount Nelson,” which was played with great taste. Trooper Bolton gave a fine rendering of the popular song, “In Old Madrid,” and was warmly applauded for his effort, Later in the evening, he sang a comic song, “ I Couldn’t Help It,” which caused a good deal of amusement. Corporal Zaehariah also receives a great reception at local concerts, and he was quite in his element at the camp last evening. He sang, in fine style, “ Yuss,” for which he was deservedly encored. Trooper Delamcre, who possesses high elocutionary powers, gave a spirited rendering of the recitation “I-lail, Maoriland.” Trooper Oates, who was in excellent voice, sang with good effect ‘“Home, Boys, Home,” the audience insisting on his reappearance. Trooper R. Parker sang 11 My Bonnie Barque,” being heartily applauded. Another excellent, number was “ Tommy AtKjns,” being contributed by Mr Holford. A pianoforte duet was played in an artistic manner by the Misses Thompson. Sergt.Major Evans made a good impression with his song “ O You Girls,” which was cleverly interpreted, the singer being warmly applauded. “ The Man from Snowy River ” was recited by Trooper F. Parker, who_appeared to great advantage. Mr A. Don sang “ The Miner’s Dream of Home” in a pleasiug manner; and Trooper D. Parker gave a fine rendering of “ The Skipper’s Flag,’’ Corporal Oates’ song “ Sweet Violets” was an excellent number, as also was the song “The Lads in Navy Blue ”by Corporal Zaehariah. Sergeant Fairlie was in good voice and made a great hit with the song “ lmphem.” Bugler L. Shcrriff made a good impression, and his song “ Tho Sailors of tho King ” was one of the best items of the evening. Master G. Turnbull, a boy of fourteen years of age, sang “ The Whistling Coon,” and was voted by the Company as a regular artist, his performance being a meritorious one. In response to an encore ho gave “ She Wore a Safety Pin.” The proceedings closed with the singing of the National Anthem, tho evening being voted by one and all to be a great success. The accompaniments were played by Messrs J. Chrisp, M. Foster, and H. Bolton. To-day tho company will be inspected by Major Winter, and volley firing will also be held. Tho camp is to break up on Sunday morning, when a church parade will be held in Gisborne. The Gisborne Rifles and Cadets will also be in attendance.