PRESENTATION To Mr. Drill

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume IX, Issue 947, 28 May 1881, Page 2

PRESENTATION To Mr. Drill

Instructor Huddleston. A very pleasing, and at the same time substantial, recognition of Mr. Huddleston’s services in connection with the J Battery, was made on Thursday evening, at the Drill Shed, when a purse of sovereigns was presented to him. Lieut. Boylan, in the absence of Capt. Winter, said he was pleased at being selected to pay Mr. Huddleston the very well deserved compliment he was so justly entitled to, but regretted that the Captain Commanding the Corps was unable to be in attendance. Mr. Huddleston’s removal would, he trusted, be for his advancement in the force to which he was attached. Lieut. Boylan then called upon Sergt. Piesse to read the illuminated address, which was as follows: — Gisborne, May 24, 1881. To Sergeant G. Croft Huddleston, N. Z. Armed Constabulary Force. Dear Sir, — We, the undersigned members of the J Battery, New Zealand Regiment of Artillery Volunteers, and residents of Poverty Bay, desire to express our regret that the exigencies of the service to which you have devoted yourself, should necessitate your removal from this district. We feel that in losing you we are parting from one who, both in his public and private capacity, has contributed in no small degree towards perfecting the Volunteers and Cadets in the essentials of drill, and rendering many obligations to the community at large. While regretting your departure from our midst, where your courtesy and gentlemanly demeanour have made you universally esteemed, we hope the change of the scene of your action will lead to your rapid promotion and permanent advancement. We beg to ask your acceptance of the accompanying purse of sovereigns, and to subscribe ourselves your sincere well-wishers. (Here follow the signatures of the Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, Acting and Honorary Members of the Battery, and leading residents of Poverty Bay.) (Band, “ For he’s a Jolly Good Fellow.”) Mr. Huddleston said that he thanked all those who had so manifestly appreciated his services. He was at a loss to express his feelings ; but could assure all present that his words came from his heart. He expressed his regret at being compelled to leave Gisborne, but would always be enabled to recall it in pleasant remembrance. (Band, “ Should Auld Acquaintance be forgot.”) He would, however, always bear the J Battery in mind, and, if possible, would use every effort to assist them. Three hearty cheers were then given for Mr. Huddleston.