THE JUBILEE IN GISBORNE

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume I, Issue 6, 23 June 1887, Page 2

THE JUBILEE IN GISBORNE

.The celebration of Her Majesty's Jubilee by the loyal citizens of Gisborne passed off, all things considered very successfully, The day broke fair and fine, it being a lovely morning at 3 a.m,, when the local Volunteers mustered at the drill shed tor the day’s operations. In town all business was suspended, shops, offices, banks all being closed, whilst a goodly number of country visitors were in town, THE SHAM FIGHT. The military operations began at 9 a.m, The following Corps mustering at the drill shed under their several officers l—J, Battery, Cook County Bifles, Gisborne Rifle Cadets, No. and No. 2 Company, After being terbed with a supply of blank ammunition the Battalion Was formed in Cdlilnin by the Adjutant and inspected by the Officer Commanding, Maibr Porter was in command, Major Finn, Chief oi Staff; Acting-Senior, Major Kenny; Acting-Junior, Major and Adjutant Winter. During the temporary absence of Captain Ferris, Captain Winter took charge of the force detailed to act as an attacking one, and marched on to the Waikanae Beach by the Lowe Street Bridge, The column of defence was marching up Childers Road, when they were advised by a mounted orderly of the enemy’s landing under cover off the sand hills. The field gun was at once (in charge of Sergeant-Major Hydes), ordered to take up a position to the west of the Grey Street Bridge to open fire on the enemy's vessels. Captain Boylan, with the J Battery, was ordered to advance and oppose the enemy's landing, Captain Warren with No. 1 Cadets acting as a support, Before the defending force could cross the Bridge the enemy had obtained a position under cover of the sand bills, and opened fire with sharp shooters upon the advanced skirmishers, The Bridge was crossed under the enemy's fire, which now became stronger. The artillery extended and faced the advance, but were pressed back upon the bridge again. The support extending to cover the retreat, The enemy then attempted to cross, but were repulsed by a heavy fire and the charge of the Cadets and gradually driven back upon their boats, Captain Boylan had now re-formed his men, and was ordered to execute a flank movement, turning the enemy’s left and driving them from their boats. Thia movement was done in splendid style, the J Battery skirmishers acting steadily together. During this time the field-gun kept up a steady fire from its position at Grey street and then changed to the left flank at Lowe street to prevent the enemy crossing the bridge from their right, A general advance was then made, the enemy retreating in good order to the mouth of the Waikanae. A flag of truce was hoisted by the enemy and Adjutant Winter rode forward to arrange terms, but as these were not agreed to, firing from both sides re-commenced. Captain Boylan brought round his right wing and Captain Warren threw his left back, entirely depriving the enemy of any line of retreat.. At this critical moment the field-gun had come into position at Lowe street bridge, and opened fire on the enemy’s right. This decided the day, the enemy surrendering unconditionally. Considering that the force had no previous opportunity of acting together in battalion the movements were very steady throughout, and instructive to all engaged. The columns then returned to the drill shed to luncheon where they were complimented and ordered to fall in again at 1 30 for the afternoon ceremonies.

THE AFTERNOON, After partaking of a capital luncheon generously provided by Major Porter at his own expense, the men were marched up to Captain Tucker’s paddock, where a large number of people had assembled to witness the saluting of the Standard, and to see the march past, Several evolutions took place, after which the line was inspected by the Officer Commanding, the Royal Standard unfurled and a Royal salute duly fired. Under the able conducting of Mr Bull, the popular first assistant master at the Gisborne School, a number of school children then sang “ God Save the Queen ” in an extremely creditable manner. After this followed a speech by Major Porter, who must be credited with expressing the thoughts of all around him, when he praised the wise and prosperous rule of Her Majesty, and his contempt for those who so unjustifiably malign and abuse her, We regret that lack of space precludes our reproducing the Major’s speech in full. Loud cheers followed the speech. In response to a request that other speeches would be made, Tuta Nihoniho, who was greeted with great applause, then came forward and made a very neat and effective little speech, in which he referred to the loyalty of his people and his regret that his own company, the Ngatiporou Bifles, were unable to take part in the demonstration, Tuta concluded by saying “ May God preserve, bless and protect Her Majesty for ever and ever more. (Loud cheers), The Mayor then called for three cheers for Her Majesty, which were most enthusiastically given. A similar honor was awarded to the Officer Commanding, but a call for three cheers for our only General—Sir George Whitmoreonly elicited one very feeble cheer from the gentleman who had called for the honor, After several other movements had been gone through, the men were marched back to the Drill Shed, with the exception of the Ormond Bifles, who were dismissed near Cobden Street, after having been suitably thanked by the Major for their trouble in coming to town. The remaining companies were dismissed at the Drill Shed, after having been thanked by the Major for their attendance. Similar thanks were accorded to the Staff-officers and Captain Winter, whose management of the evolutions was particularly able and praiseworthy. After the roll had been called over the men got away about 4 p.m. THE BALL. Although one of the youngest benefit societies carrying on their useful work in our midst, the United Ancient Order of Druids, are becoming daily stronger in their list of membership and the energetic manner in which all their operations are carried out augurs well for the prosperity of the brotherhood in this town. For some weeks past the members of the local Lodge have been busily preparing for their annual ball, and we are glad to report that their enterprise in this matter has been crowned with success, for a more enjoyable ball has never been given in Gisborne. Parnell’s Hall had been very attractively decorated for the occasion, and the effect of the devices, foliage and other adornments was chaste and pleasing in the extreme. On both sides of the stage were the letters U.A.0.D., a large picture of Her Majesty being placed above the proscenium, with the words Unity, Peace and Prosperity, which may well be taken as symbolical of Her Majesty'slong and successful reign. Loyalty was further duly expressed by the device “ Long may she reign.” Other devices suitable to the occasion were also to be seen, a large “ Welcome ” being placed in the background, whilst near the door the Society’s mottoes of “ United to Assist,” “ Benevolence and Charity,” were noticeable. Lodge diplomas, mottoes and devices adorned the walls, and the criticism of those present on the decorations was very favorable. As for the main feature of the occasion, the dancing, everything went off well. Messrs Harvey (piano) Beere (olarionette), and Ross (violin), provided the music, which was the subject of much enconium, whilst the floor, having been properly waxed, was in excellent condition. There was a striking absence of any very handsome dresses, with one or two exceptions, but pretty faces made up for some rather plain dresses, whilst amongst the sterner sex the regalia of other lodges ren-

flared the black daw-hammer less monotonous than usual. Supper, which was provided by Mr Craig, gave great satisfaction, everything being good and plentiful. About 95 couples were present, and dancing was kept up to a very early hour with much enjoyment to all, The general management of the affair, Which all will wish to sea made an annual fixture, was admirable and reflects the highest credit on those members of the Lodge who had worked so hard td make the ball a success The Druids may be thanked by all.present .for. having .provided a vary pleasant finish to the Jubilee holiday. 'The M.C s. were Messrs W. 0. Skeet, J. A. Harding, and A. J. Cooper, who had a lot to do and did it well, The other Stewards were Messrs J, Casein, G, Primrose, A. Sawyer, B. Johnstone, J. Adeane, J. Lucas, D. Barry, W. Good, and T, Sweet, The general Secretary to the Ball Committee, Mr Cooper, and Mr J. Gaisin A.D., deserve special praise for the way in which the arrangements were conducted, and one and all of the general Ball Committee are to be congratulated upon the success the ball achieved. Wo trust that the next Druids' ball may be as pleasant and successful an affair as was the one given last Monday.