VOLUNTEER PARADE

Oamaru Mail, Volume I, Issue 338, 24 May 1877, Page 2

VOLUNTEER PARADE

In honour of her Majesty's Birthday. This took place at nine o'clock in the morning, on the Cricket Ground, opposite the Volunteer Hall, and was but poorly attended, as will be seen from the list of those present, which we give below. The meagre attendance of Volunteer is in some way accounted for by the fact of so many counter attractions presenting themselves. Major Steward was in command of the turn-out, and the different companies were represented as follows :—Artillery Volunteers, Lieut. Greenfield, Sub-Lieut. Kennedy, one sergeant, and 14 men; Oamaru Rifles, Sub-Lieut. Morris, two sergeants, and eleven rank and file ; Citizens' Cadets, Captain M'Corkindale, two sergeants, and 22 rank and file ; Grammar School Cadets, three sergeants, and 17 rank and file ; Caledonian Brass Band, 15. Sergeant-Major M'Pherson was also present. After the various companies had been put through several evo_ jutions, the whole, headed by the Caledonian Band, marched on to the Esplanade, near the Gasworks. Here the usual royal salute was fired, the Band playing the National Anthem. At the conclusion of this part of the ceremony, Major Steward called for three cheers for her Majesty the Queen, which were given by the whole of the Volunteers present, the voices of the Cadets being the most noticeable. The

order of march was again formed, and the Volunteers returned to the Drill-shed, where they were dismissed. We must say that, though the turn-out was but small, the proceedings were carried through with something like military discipline and regularity. The firing of the Artillery wa3 the most worthy of notice, the gunners handling their formidable weapon very well.