VOLUNTEER DINNER AT STOKE.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XV, Issue 200, 23 August 1880, Page 2

VOLUNTEER DINNER AT STOKE.

[communicated.] It is a well known and acknowledged fact that in military matters the Stoke Rifles display a great amount of enthusiasm, and allow neither little nor big difficulties to obstruct the carrying out of arrangements which concern the company's general welfare, A proof of the above was observable on Saturday night last, which was the occasion of their annual dinner held at the Turf Hotel. A more unfavorable night could not have been selected, and but a few of the responsible ones could be reasonably expected to turn out and face the raging elements — not even for the best of dinners. Notwithstanding all thiß our comrades from afar rolled up manfully, and we were all delighted and proud to see our jovial adjutant, Captain Webb, step iuto the room. When seated at dinner our party consisted of 25 in all, and the cheerfulness of the room seemed to impart its qualities to [the guests assembled. Mr M'Douagh, the landlord, had spared neither pains nor cost in loading the tables with eatables, and had evidently expected a much greater number, a 9 tho 40 vacant seats, empty plates, and idle knives and forks testified. The walls of the diniog room were decorated wilh the inspiriting phrases — " Liberty and Freedom our Motto'" " True as Steel." After the dinner numbers of toasts and songs were given, and the following programme was gone through:— Captain Malcolm opened the proceedings with the loyal toast of " The Queen," and then called upou Volunteer Naylor for a, song, which call was answered by the sous of "The Horse Guards dressed in -Blue."— Mr Harley then gave "The Volunteers of our country," coupled with, the name of Captain Webb. The latter gentleman suitably responded, and spoke hopefully of the country's speedy recovery from tho present depression, and the renewal of our former capitation allowanco. He also spoke flatteringly of the Stoke Rifles. — Volunter Lammas then sung a capital song called "Mrs Jenkins'Gooseberry wine," and this was followed by Volunteer Naylor proposing " success and prosperity to the Stoke .Rifles," referring briefly j

io the honor of possessing members who had shown themselves masters of their rifles, and thereby in opsn competition succeeded in upholding the fame of the Company, and brought iuto the corps substantial honors, iv the shape of belts, medals, cups, &c. — Sergt. Bradley was tlicn called upon . for the song called " Latberum Rbaverunij" which was giovu iv bis ordinary nmusing stylo.— Lieut. Paynter then sang the old favorite, "The Laird o' Cockpen," which was enthusiastically received. — Captain Malcolm at this point introduced correspondence which had taken place between himself and Major Pitt, to the effect thai no chance existed of obtaining capitation allowance beyond December next, ana he hrtd also' learnt that those Com.panics who have involved themselves in heavy debts for new uniforms, as in 6iir case, calculating on 12 months capitation allowance, will have to get out of their difficulty without aid from the Government, and either cancel the order or pay the amount required (if over capitation allowance) out of their own packets. — Captain Webb gave another capital song. — Sergeant Bradley theD proposed the health of our worthy captain, and three hearty cheers for the [same respected gentleman, and all present fulfilled their duties to perfection and in bumper glasses. — Captain Malcolm responded, and in flattering terms spoke of the obedience and good discipline of the men in his company, aud said he was proud to hold the position of Captain of the Stoke Rifles.—- Sub-Lieutenant Harkness then gave " The Ladies generally, and more particularly our local beauties." — Volunteer Condell followed with the good old song " Some folks do." — This was succeeded by Volunteer Hyde singing "The minute gun at sea," and before sitting down he proposed the health of alj[ the officers of the Stoke Rifles, which was heartily responded to. — Lieut. Paynter replied, and took the opportunity of showing the advantages of discipline, mentioning cases where a few trained and disciplined men bad resisted the efforts of superior numbers of untrained and undisciplined men.— Mr Harley, iv appropriate terms, proposed "The Army and Navy," and Captain Webb responded,— Vols. Kenning and Naylor and Captain Webb again did their share of singing, and Vol. Lammas introduced, and all heartily took up, the martial song " Three cheers for the Red, White, and Blue." A parting song from Captain Webb, and the healths of the host and hostess were then drunk with musical honors, and responded to by Mr M'Donagh. in suitable terms. — The National Anthem brought our very enjoyable and orderly meeting to a close, and taught us one thing most prominently, namely, that Host M'Donagh was exactly the man to prepare a public dinner. His system, order, and geuial cheerfulness prevented a single hitch, aud all went off most smoothly.