PRESENTATION TO CAPT. PEARCE.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4301, 4 January 1875, Page 3

PRESENTATION TO CAPT. PEARCE.

The Wellington Artillery met on New wear’s Eve a little before twelve o’clock, for the purpose of proceeding to the residence of Captain Pearce and presenting him with a New Year’s gift, in the shape of a set of handsome silver-mounted belts, w hicb had been manufactured to the order of the battery by Messrs. Harrop and Neil, of Dunedin. That firm have as usual displayed great taste in the execution of the work intrusted to them. 'Hie mountings on the belts are beautifully chased, the pattern being fern-leaf, in frosted silver; the front of the cross-bolt is ornamented by a dismounted gun, which can be used as an officer’s whistle, attached to which is a drag rope of silver, with the ends brought lower down and encircling a plate bearing the following inscription :—“Presented to Captain E. Pearce, by the officers and members of the Wellington Artillery Volunteers, Wellington, N. Z., Ist January, 1875.” pouch is ornamented by the usual emblematical figure of gun and carriage ; but instead of being bound by a narrow binding of silver, a braiding of fern-leaves has been substituted, which has a very beautiful effect; in front of tbs waist-belt is* an ornament of a pair of artillery carbines, crossed and encircled by a wreath of fern-leaves. The present is on© which Captain Pearce will no doubt be very proud of. la making the presentation, Lieutenant McTavisii said < Captain Pearce,-—The commencement of a new year being a -Jme particularly appropriate for the expression of kindly feeling, we have assembled here to-night in order'that we might not allow so favorable an opportunity to pass without some endeavor to prove to you how thoroughly you command the confidence and affectionate regard of the members of this corps,-and how much they appreciate the manner in which you have at all times so readily and with'so much courtesy devoted your time and influence to promote the interests and general efficiency of the battery. Some years ago the members who then composed the corps gave expression to the feeling they entertained towards you by the presentation of a sword, and it is almost unnecessary for me to say that the sentiment of esteem which then existed animates the battery now, if possible, more warmly than ever. I assure you that I not only express my own feelings, but that what X say will be cordially echoed by every one in the corps, when I assure you that our meeting together to-night is no mere form or idle compliment, but that our action is significant, and that we are without exception actuated by a sincere desire to show •how sensible we are of our good fortune In being under the command of one in whom we have always experienced such a happy combination of the qualities of an efficient officer, and a perfect gentleman. In order to give renewed expression to the kindly feelings entertained towards you, I have now the pleasure on behalf of the battery to present you with a set of silver-mounted belts, which we trust you tv ill accept and wear as a slight token of our regard, and as an earnest that we wish you and all the members of your family a happy and prosperous new year. Three hearty cheers were then given for Captain Pearce. Captain Pearce replied in suitable terms, evidently being much moved by such an ex- , v pression* of goodwill towards him, and adding that he trusted the good feeling which had for so long existed, and for ivhich the battery was distinguished, might still continue,' he wished every individual member a happy new year and a prosperous one. Three hearty cheers having been given for Mrs. Pearce, the interesting ceremony ended, and the battery returned, headed by the band playing some excellent music.