TARANAKI RIFLE VOLUNTEERS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 7932, 22 September 1905, Page 2

TARANAKI RIFLE VOLUNTEERS.

ANNUAL RE-UNION. The annual re-union, taking the form of a dinner, of the Taranaki Hillc Volunteers, was held on Thursday evening, in the Trocadero. A fine repast was served by Host Hate and his efficient stall. Among llinse present were Colonel Ellis, LieutenantOkey, Chaplain - Major Evans, Major Dempscy, Adjutant - Captain Weston, Quartermaster-Cap-, tain Cock, Messrs J. Paul, Dockrill, and K. T. Bellringer (Town Clerk), The chair was occupied by Captain P. Okey, who was supported by Colonels Ellis and Okey. After the toast of "The King," proposed by the Chairman. Mr Dockrill proposed "The Army and Navy," with which he thought should have was no doubt as to the account it said it would be superfluous ior him to say anything in praise of the Army and Navy. As to the former, there was no doubt as to th? account it/ would give if called upon to go into the fray. He referred to the good work done by the regular army, and the Colonial troops in South Airica ; they had proved themselves to be made of the stuff for which their iorbears were renowned, He had no doubt that if ever the Empire demand* edit, the Colonials i would be as willing as ;tliey were before to give a helping hand. He coupled with 'the toast the ; name of Colonel Ellis, In returning thanks, Colonel Ellis said no dou|in the Army and Navy were necessary ; the only way to keep the peace was to be prepared for war. The British Navy had at the present time three fleets, each superior to the one with which Togo won the battle of the Sea of Japan. This was not taking into account the powerful cruiser squadrons. As to the Army, Lord (Roberts thought it was not as efficient as it might 'be,. and seemed to favour conscription, and to a certain extent, he (the speaker) was with him in that* Mr Paul proposed "The Taranaki Battalion, an important toast, it was satisfactory to note \ the marked improvement iiv volunteering here now, ami what it was when he was captain of the corps. Alter what Captain Ellis had said about the Navy, knowing what the Taranaki Battalion was like, he could say that the country was safe, (Laughter.), A noticeable feature in regard to 1 the latter was the youthful and intelligent appearance of officers and men. (Laughter ' ami applause.) Colonel Okey, before returning thanks, apologised for the absence through ill-health, of the Mayor. He proceeded to say the Battalion had not been in existence a short time, and as such had only met once, an unfortunate result of. the distance beween some of the companies. He hoped that during the coming summer the companies would be got together *e do some good work. Captain Vies tun also responded. He said the remarks of the proposer of the toast were the more complimentary as coining from an old officer. After humorous remarks as to oldtime volunteers, he said it was encouraging to see how volunteering was progressing. Lieutenant bellringer proposed the toast of "Honorary Members," coupled with the names of Messrs • Paul and Dockrill, who suitably acknowledged the complimenlaty reference to their services.

Chaplain-Major Evans, in submitting the toast of "The Taranaki Riltcs," said the corps could be focst described in the words of the auction-, ecr, "a fine upstanding lot." (Laughs to and applause.) Not only In appearance and efficiency, ;but also in good behaviour on parade, he considered the Rifles held a commendable Place in,the volunteering ranks. There was no efficiency in any corps without thorough loyalty and U)edience to the officeis, and he believed these atn.'fl o Cte cons P' cu ous in die Kifies. He congratulated the company upon the election during the nSir- Captain Cock and Lieutenant S r ~ thorou / h, 5' effi cie«t upright officers, and he was sure the corps would find a,pleasure in readily. . •toying their orders. (Applause.) ' Uwml nl ' In rcs men,. uontd that he corps,was formed in the firvt p or being the lust company of volunteers in Australasia— lie believed lie was cor " rect in saying the first cmpany t s itukri , Volu i lce ' ols wctc now eonM?,' un «'«• (Applause,) o was t' l ® «rst iL?? ® 9 ueL '» s colours, now in then possession. Speaking in remitiis-. ha Colonel tain uiai Loionei was caotain nf 4h* STi'm," A ul "> rived to a more prosperous state At, feu V'Z U : c coni P a 4 was alPaul, g c 00 m MeL- " B I'/ M «srs goant fe Coloujr-Ser-others, Mr Pan ;k' r , e r cHcw a, "< humorous vJut on rw S "'§ witl ' a Armitage carried out C ° t duties most efficiently,