THE VOLUNTEER REVIEW.

Grey River Argus, Volume XI, Issue 884, 27 May 1871, Page 2

THE VOLUNTEER REVIEW.

(from our own special hanger.)

We had almost maae up oor minds not to go, but at the earnest solicitations and downright entreaties of B r and L n (by telegrams too numerous to mention) to the effect that a banquet was prepared for us and must be attacked, we threw overboard all scruples and determined to go ; consequently, in spite of wind, rain, and a heavy-looking bar, the Greymouth Bangers found themselves " mids strains of martial music," embarking on board the good steamship Charles Edward, bound for the metropolis to join in the grand review in honor of the fiftysecond anniversary of the birth of the Queen.

The Rangers, under arms, great coats and mackintoshes, looking, or trying to look their best in the rain, muster considerably, men officers aud band, all told with a spare man, full Private J -n, without arms, as an emergency man, probably to replace the Doctor, who suddenly deserted us. at the wharf, having discovered he was " wanted." Time and tide being up, and Jimmy at the point agreeable, we steamed away, crossing the bar iv fine style, and rounding to the southward, became aware of a cross sea with heavy squalls, gradually increasing to a steady gale of wind, right in our teeth, frightfully cold and wet into the bargain. Some uncharitable Bangers ascribed the state of the weather to the fact of having a minister on board. An hour's steaming began to tell seriously on the faces of a very large majority of the Hangers, who, from being brimful of mirth, quietly and by degrees collapsed, and doubled themselves up anywhere and everywhere. The gallant Captain and officers were the first to retreat to some sequestered spot astern, and the decks were very soon strewn with the bodies of disconsolate Rangers, the spare man being accommodated with a bucket. After four hours' hard steaming the gay metropolis was reached, and Turnbull, with much shouting, having made us fast alongside the wharf, the Bangers quickly disembarked, reformed company, and saluted by the I.W.R, marched away to the Drill Shed, fi&cQmpanied by their band, very shortwinded, but playing their utmost under the circumstances. Arms piled, our fellows fell out to fraternise and refresh. A good wash, a brush down, and some internal fixings, soon refreshed the weary Rangers. Theoiderto "stand-to" being given, companies as a battalion marched off to the Town Hall, and formed a hollow square. No provision being made for the outside public, there was naturally a crush at the door, which rather incommoded the Rangers, and drew forth some complimentary remarks from Sergeant K 1, Carey, the Drill Sergeant, looking daggers at everyone. The fair sex now took possession of a raised platform, and a lady (whose interest in the Volunteer movement is well known and as highly appreciated) received the presentations for distribution. The nine recipients were called to the front, and Chamberlain, Moss, Paul, Broadbent, .and Capt;iin Hamilton, with four others, responded to the call, the Rangers carrying off five of the Government .'prizes, the first prize and medal falling to aT.W. R. man, much to the honorable disgust of the rangers, who did their best to secure first phioe. The presentation over, the Battalion filed out of the Town Hall, and forming fours, marched away to the Racecourse, with the Bands of the Totaras aud Rangers playing turn about. The road to the course was abominable, the course ditto, and the feelings of the officers and men in having to wade through so much mud found j vent in stifled groans and curses. The Captain commanding having secured a horse for himself, escaped the infliction. At the course the Battalion went through some very rapid manoeuvring, and forming in line, presented arms, &c, the united bands doing the musical business necessary on such loyal business. Having done all that could be done from the "nature of the ground," and having refreshed on half-inch sandwiches moistened with local brews, the Battalion got back to head - quarters, and forming another hollow square, was addressed by the Captain commanding in a fluent and showy speech, expressing himself delighted at the movements of the Battalion, and asking when fend where shall we three companies meet again. Tickets for the banquet being distributed, the Battalion broke off and the companies dismissed, the Rangers taking up their

quarters at the numerous, hotels to the delight of their respective landlords. The banquet, which was fixed for halfpast seven, with the usual punctuality on such occasions, did not cemmence till near ten o'clock. The delay was blamed to the Rangers for putting in an appearance so late iv the day. The Bands having played some martial air by way of a tonic, the chair was taken, and all hands and mouths fell to with a gusto that demolished all before them, and that in a very short space of time, to the horror and amazement of Wagner, * who didn't seem quite to. understand it, and resulted in certain foraging expeditions to replenish the commissariat. The .usual royal and loyal toasts disposed of, harmony and speeches prevailed. An ws (net of ours, but of Ross) sang a stunning comic song. Drill Instructor Oary boasted of fifteen years service in the army, and Drill Sergeant Robertson, not to be done, came to the rescue with over thirty years' service, and displayed himself and his medals amidst great applause. . The Mayor got quite eloquent on the presence of the Greymouth Rangers amongst them, and considered the question of separation as now finally squashed. Lieutenant Mac made a brilliant response for the commercial interests. Klein replied for the "Press and its perfections," and boldly advocated the " truth — or as near as you can get it — at any price;" principle, which ati all times guided the Press, the West Coast Times in particular. And after a long lecture volunteered from a civilian and a settler on the advantages of volunteering, the finale was sounded by the Band, and the Rangers collecting their sick and wounded, gradually dispersed.

The raprrow dawned on a splendid day, and Hokitika looked charming. At noon the sound of the bugle brought the Btraggling Rangers to the wharf, "and getting on board the Charles Edward to more martial music, we steamed away amid the cheers of the Hokitikians and counter cheers from the Greymouthians. A quick and very, pleasant trip to the Grey fully compensated us for our sufferings of the previous day, and to keep up the interest we relieved the monotony of the voyage by an occasioual shot at sea gulls and porpoises. Arrived at the Greymouth wharf the Rangers landed safely— the "spare" man being received with open arms by the P. T.— all thoroughly pleased with their reception at the gay metropolis of Westland.