EAST COAST MOUNTED RIFLES.

Gisborne Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1477, 10 June 1905, Page 3

EAST COAST MOUNTED RIFLES.

ANNUAL BALL. Although the weather was anything but favorable, there was a large and representative attendance at His Majesty’s Theatre last evening on the occasion of the fourth annual ball ia connection with the East Coast Mounted Rifles. Excellent arrange- • ments were made for the gathering, which was generally admitted to be the most enjoyable function of the kind ever hold in Gisborne. The floor was in splendid order, -Jand a .most recherche sapper was provided by Mrs Erskins, who did all in her power to promote the pleasure of all present. The music, which was supplied by the I City Band, under the able conductorship I Mr T. Morrison, left nothing to be I desired, a number of popular seleotions beiog contributed. A programme of 24 diAnees and four extras proved all too short - v fesr those present. A special word of praise -was due to Sergt.-Major Evans, She popular secretary, for the success of thß ball, and mention should also be made of I services rendered by tlje following - A members of committee—Capt. Colebourne, Surgeon Capt. Scott, Libuts. Hutchinson, and Tombleson, Quartermaster Sergt. Zachariah, . Farrier Sergt. Davidson, / Sergts. Hamilton, Zachariah and Pirie, Corporals Oates and Parker, Troopers Barlow, Carter and Kinder. The duties of M.C.’s were ably discharged by Quartermaster Zachariah, Sergts. Hamilton and Zachariah, and Corporal Parker. * Amongst the visitors present were the Hon. James Carroll and Secretary, Mr W. dordon. During the evening a presentation of a pleasing nature was made by Mr Cyril , "White, who on behalf of a number of Gisborne citizens presented the corp 3 with a very handsome silver-mounted belt, to be competed for for championship honors. In thß course of hi 3 remarks Mr White Y said :—“ Captain Colebourne and officers of thß Bast Coast Mounted Rifles, —A heavy task has been given me to-night to make a presentation to your squadron. Acting on behalf of a committee of citizens v and sympathisers with volunteering, I wish to tell you that on the occasion of the new rifle range at Whataupoko beiog opened a year ago, it was arranged to commemorate the event by getting a trophy of some sort for competition among your men. The result is that to-night I . am, on behalf of the committee, asked to present you with a challenge belt to be fired for and held by the winner for one •year. It is the wish .of the donors that this belt shall continue to he a challenge belt for all time, and in tbe event of the East Coasi Mounted Rifles being disbanded that it then should be held in trust by the officer commanding the district for aDy . other corps that may arise. The object is, 1 *• shortly, this—efficiency. I also hand you a cheque for UlO, a surplus over the cost 4vE the belt collected, and which the dooors (jpish you to use in purchasing medals or certificates of merit to be retained by the e- winner of tbe belt for the time being. In conclusion, I hope this belt will be won by merit and worn with honor, and that the exoollenco of your squadrou will never deteriorate.” (Applause.) Replying ou behalf of the sqnadron Captain Colebourne said that tbo corps fully appreciated the kindness of the sub soribers for the handsome present they bad made. Such interest displayed by citizens in the affairs of tbe corps would do much i to securo that efficiency whirh they were all anxious to obtain. He hoped that the squadron would long retain the interest and support of the donors. (Applause).