First Celebration of Volunteer Day.

Manawatu Herald, 15 April 1897, Page 2

First Celebration of Volunteer Day.

1897 will be memorable in history as the year in which Her Majesty the Queen celebrated the attainment of the longest and most illustrious reign on record. One of the most important features of the reign is the formation of the Volunteer Force, in which her consort, Prince Albert, took such a deep and aotive interest. The Volunteer League therefore propose to organise a great commemoration fete at the Crystal Palace on May 22nd, 1897. The executive of the League are of opinion that the proceeds of this fete should be devoted to "The Volunteer Forces Benevolent Association " and " The Volunteer Accident Fund," and as these well known institutions are deserving of the support of every Volunteer, the Executive have reason to hope that this fete will be a great success. Special arrangements are being made that will enable the members of the League to attend the fete at unusually low rates, and in addition special entertainments, sports, and firework displays will be organised with baloon ascents, open-air illuminations in the evening, free variety show, etc. Io the meanwhile, the Secretary of the Volunteer League will be glad to hear from all members throughout the Empire of their willingness to attend. It is considered imperative that the arrangements should be completed as early as possible, in order to facilitate the organisation of so vast a gathering, whioh, it is hoped, will rank as the largest and most significant celebration of Her Majesty's eventful reign.— Home paper. ___________