CHRISTCHURCH REVIEW.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XV, Issue 78, 1 April 1880, Page 2

CHRISTCHURCH REVIEW.

The return from Christchurch of the Nelson Volunteers who had taken part in the Easter Monday [Review held at the Southern city, took place lasfc night, and on their arrival in the Government steamer Hinemoa, they were welcomed not only by " their sisters, their cousins, and their aunts," bufc by a very large number of the citizens of Nelson. More especially for the convenience of the country corps, a special train Was awaiting the arrival of the Hinemoa, and the railway authorities are deserving of proper acknowledgment for having placed this train on at ao short a notice. By ifc were conveyed to the wharf the Battalion Band and members of the several companies who had remained at home', and the Band having taken up a position on the wharf in order to wetcome the returning men, performed su.h airs as " Home Sweet Home," &c, For the town men, expresses and other traps had been provided to convey their baggage to town, and what with a long procession of traps, the train, and the expresses, the men had no sooner disembarked and received the endearments of an " admiring crowd of. female relations" than they, were en route for their respective homes, where no doubt the experiences of thtir iate campaign formed an interesting topic of conversation. However, as regards tbe late Review and the circumstances surrounding it many of our readers must still be uninformed. Our telegrams not having been of the most satisfactory character we will give some particulars of which Aye have gleaned from reliable and unbiassed sources. The Nelson men, on leaving by the Hinemoa on Thursday morning last, appeared to get on capitally well until they reached the Empire City, but from thafc point trouble commenced. They were no sooner under weigh once more tlian it was very evident that amongst the Wellington men who had come on board there existed a veritable " Jonah " for the winds blew and the waves arose till ifc appeared almost impossible tbat the gooi ship could reach Lytteltou. However, on Friday night Port Cooper was entered, and the meu disembarked, but the effects of their exceedingly rough passage prevented th. ir making so smart au appearance as they otherwise would have clone. Immediately after their arrival they proceeded on to Christchurch by rail, aud they were then forthwith marched to tbeir respective encampments. On the following day, Saturday, for both officers aud men the work was exceedingly heavy, and it is highly gratifying to find that the Nelson officers had created so good sn impression, that they were forced into the more important positio- s, aud necessarily Lad tbe brunt of the work as well as so large a share of tha honor. Capt. Webb was appointed Brigade Major, and the manner in which he performed the difficult duties won for him the esteem aud admiration of all observers. Major Pitt acted as Senior Major, aud was greatly complimented by Col. Packe on his efficient services. Capt. Drake, of the Navals, was also on the general staff, and his good temper, combined with sufficient firmness, made him respected even by the ruffianly Dunedin men. Lieut. Adams of the City Ilifl.s was another officer appointed on the staff, his services being very highly spoken of, so that it will be seen that the Nelson men as a whole were placed at a very great disadvantage, deprived as they were of their officers, but it appears from what we can learn thafc though our telegrams were silent on the matter the Nelsou Volunteers achieved as much distinction proportionally as their officers, for though some unpractised telegraph agent failed to discern the difference between our men well drilled, as they are generally admitted to be, and such corps as the South produces, it is pleaßiug to find that old soldiers like Colonel Brett admitted that the Nelson men were unbeaten. Before actually coming to the Beview, however, we must refer to the gun competition held on Saturday. The Nelson Battery having had no opportunity for practice for some time prior to leaving had resolved to keep aloof from the contest, but at the desire of Jthe Wellington Battery they entered the list for six-pounder Armstrongs, and though they were beaten by Wellington we find that the latter did their work in a slovenly manner. In unlimbering they threw the shafts down and generally paid no regard to regulation distances, &c. Not satisfied with the defeat our men challenged the winners for another competition for £50, bufc the men of the howling City of the Winds declined to accept. On the Sunday there was a church parade, and on Monday morning preparations were rife at an early hour for the' Review. Tha Artillery marched to the Review ground — the Racecourse— which is about six miles from the city, but the Infantry corps proceeded by train, and at about noon the force, consisting of nearly 1800 men, were reviewed by Colonel Packe and staff. The march past then took placed, wheu the Stoke Rifles and Nelson Navals, there designated " The Straw Hats," were admitted by competent judges to be two of the best marching companies on the ground, the former company receiving the highest compliment possible, aud both being cheered by the onlookers. After a short interval the sham fight commenced, and at its termination the men returned to camp by the same means as they left. The following day the Nelsou men had au opportunity of seeing Christchurch aud its neighborhood, for the steamer did not leave till the evening. The homeward passage was more pleasant than the outward oue, aud before leaving the Hinemoa, at the desire of onr men, Major Pitt preseuted to Captain Fairchild, as acknowledging his kinduess, the following letter : — To Captain Fairchild, steamer Hinemoa. Sir — On behalf of the officers, non-com-missioned officers, and men of the Nelsou Volunteer force who have attended the

Easter Review at Christchurch, I have to express to you our deep sense of the kindness and attention displayed by yourself and your officers during the trip from Nelson to Lyttelton and back. Everything you could do to make Us comfortable and to lessen the disagreeable circumstances often attendant upon a sea voyage you have done, and we beg to assure you that we will always enterlain very pleasant recollections of our trip with you. Wishing you a long aud successful career in the future, I am, &c, Albert Pitt, Major, Commandiag Nelson Volunteers. Steamer Hiuemoa, March 31, 1880. Before leaving th. ship three hearty cheers were given in his honor. As showing how greatly satisfied the officers were with the men. we print the following battalion order issued by Captain Webb, and iv addition . would remark that so differently were the Nel.on men looked upon in Chris tchurch that our Navals were called "The Straw Hats,'' to prevent Ihem being in no way connected with the Dunedin and other Navals, who gained such an unenviable uotoriety. Battalion Order. S.S. Hinemoa, at sea, March 31, 1880. Before leaving the Hinemoa, the Major Commanding the Nelson Volunteers on board that Vessel desires to express to them his great satisfaction with their exemplary behavior on the occasion of their recent visit to Christchurch, and with the manner in which they haVe conducted themselves throughout the whole trip. He believes thafc the visit, and the experience gained at the Review, will prove of great benefit to the officers, non-commissioned officers, and men, and trusts it may prove a stimulus to their attaining increased efficiency, and that on a similar occasion in future they may acquit themselves as creditably as they did during the late Easter Review. By order, W. H. Webb, Captain, Adjutant Nelson District. As we hoped, our men returned 159, or rather 160, strong, and beyond one or two trivial mishaps, no accident occurred to mar their enjoyment of the holiday, and all appear to have enjoyed their short military experience thoroughly.