THE CHARGE OF THE LIGHT BRIGADE.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2673, 31 October 1882, Page 3

THE CHARGE OF THE LIGHT BRIGADE.

[press association telegram.]

DUNEDIN, October 30,

A number of gentlemen met at the Otago Hotel, this afternoon, for the purpose of making a presentation to SergeantMajor Bevan, of the Otago Police Force, and a survivor of the Light Brigade which made the well-known charge at Balaclava, There wore present—His Worship the Mayor, Inspector Weldon, LieutenantColonel Stavely, Major Hill Jack, and Messrs T. S. Graham, Wilson, Mallard, L. O. Eeel, Glondeniug, G. W. Elliott, Dr. Reimcr, Withers, L. Court, T. Bracken, M.H.R., and Quinn. Mr. Graham said this idea was conceived a few evenings ago on reading an account in the " Evening Star” of the]charge of the Light Brigade, on the occasion of the 28th anniversary of the same. The Mayor made the presentation, which consisted of a very handsome silver cup, bearing this inscription : —“ A tribute of respect and esteem to Sergeant-Major Bevan .from many Dunedin friends, to remind him of the 28th anniversary of the Light Brigade’s charge at Balaclava. And on the reverse side “At present in the Otago constabulary, and late of the Bth Royal Irish Hussars.’’ He had also much pleasure in presenting a a silver neglige and locket to Mrs Bevan. In conclusion ha expressed the hope that Sergeant-Major Bevan would be long spared to keep his present position in the community. [Applause.] Sergeant-Major Bevan said that the presentation was quite unexpected on his part. It was only two or three days ago that Mr Graham called on him with reference to the matter. It was contrary to the service regulations for an officer to be permitted to receive a gift, but Inspector Weldon kindly acceded permission. The speaker then made a long statement as to the service his corps performed in this war. He defended the Earl of Cardigan from aspersions which had been cast on his character, and said that that gentleman was in no way to blame for the chai-go. The men had simply done their duty, and those who had survived would be equally pleased with himself at the forethought and kindness of the people of Dunedin as manifested on the present occasion. Mr Bracken then recited the “ Charge of the Light Brigade ” with much expression, before the proceedings came to an end.