Volunteer Anniversary.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2969, 21 August 1878, Page 2

Volunteer Anniversary.

SOIREE IN CONNECTION WITH THE T.R.R. .-...:

A highly successful soiree, concert and dance to commemorate the anniversary of the Thames. Rifle Hangers took place last evening at the Volunteer Hall, Shortland. There were about 250 persons present, a large proportion being volunteers, whose varied uniforms and the handsome decorations in the hall made a very interesting picture. -After a good tea had been disposed of the tables were cleared away, and Capt. It. Parrel! took the chair. :;■ :

On the platform were Major Murray, Capt.- Small, Lieutenant Hunter, and there were a number of officers in the body of the hall.

The Chairman briefly apologised for the absence of the Key. B. S. Bunn, Chaplain of the corps, who was.unable to attend through illness. He read a note from Mr Bunn presenting a handsome prize of books to the company. (Applause.) He then called on Miss Mason to render a song entitled, ' Thy voice is near," which she did very sweetly. Major Murray, who was received with applause, expressed the pleasure he felt at being present, and also reprefc' at the inclemency of the weather. He congratulated the Bangers on the Deat appearance of the hall. He said he was not speaking to Volunteers who just joined a company to wear a gaudy uniform and never attended drill-r----what they called " paper M men. He was not referring to his good friend Mr Philp of the Star, who' was a good volunteer and always attended drill. (Laughter.) A young volunteer in joining a company learned to walk properly, and he also learned the great principle of obedience to orders. This was the chief lesson of a soldier or volunteer, and led to efficiency in drill. The speaker gave farther valuable hints to young volunteers, lie remarked that the Thames volunteers were considered the best and most efficient volunteers in the Colony, but they were not perfect, and in conclusion stated that before they could oxpect, much; from

Government thevAmusb do their duty by becoming e.flicieii^

Mv S. Meachem then rmg in bis usual good stylo --Hue sonc;, "Let me. Hke a soldier fall," from t'Maiitana," at.."the con : elusion of which he was greeted with well deserved applause. Captain Small said he scarcely expected to be called upon to make a speech, but he must say he was pleased to see such a large attendance at this soiree, which was rather a novel thing in connection with volunteers. He had listened to Major Murray's remarks, which he agreed with generally, but thought tbe Government, did not do enough for Volunteers. He had been a volunteer for 15 years, five years of which was spent in active service. He referred to the faults in the volunteer regulations, one of the effects of which was that of men constantly leaving one company and joining another. He ascribed as a reason for this that the Government did not allow enough money, which caused the men to put then; hands ' into their pockets. He briefly referred ■to the necessity of discipline, and in conclusion, again congratulated the Bangers on the success of the soiree.

Major Murray said that lie did not want the remark he made concerning the Government to be misunderstood. Ho meant that they had a duty to perform to the Government in "becoming efficient. He referred to the telegram in last night's Star concerning the new parade ground. Miss Hunter then sang a very appropriate song, "Many happy returns of the day in a pleasing, manner, and the audience vociferously demanded an encore. Miss Hunter favored the audience with a very pretty song, " Beautiful Dreamland," and was again applauded. Lieut. Hunter then, in a masterly** manner, recited "The Outlaw." J

Dr K. H. T. Gilbert, Hon. Surgeon to to the corps, said that next field day he intended' to have out a field ambulance cart. (Applause.) Mr VT. Gribble sang " Good old days." This was well rendered and well received.

Miss L. Uneven then sang " Remember or fcrget" very sweetly. This was one of the geraa of the evening, and evidently pleased the audience. Lieut. Hunter said that the company now known as the Hangars was first organised in 1869, Capt.Finnerty being the first Captain, and it was in his time that the "Waikato was threatened with an invasion from Te Kooti, and the Bangers volunteered to go the front. The Government accepted their offer, and Te Kooti hearing that they were coming postponed his invasion. After this, after several vicissitudes, the company was tantamount to being r.ion esi, and it was to SergeantMajor Grant that the credit was due for keeping the company together. Under Captain Howell .Williams the career of the r>>mpany» had been brilliant. The speaker further traced the vicissitudes of the company. The' Bangers now numbered nearly 100 strong, and they- were trying to raise funds for a band. Subscriptions were coming in freely, and they hoped soon to have one. (Applause.) Sergt. Gibbs then sang " The monks of old," and received an encore, which he acccdad to by repeating the last verse. Color Sergeant Cloutt proposed a vote of thanks to the officers and members of other companies present. This was seconded by Fergt. McCormick,'and carried by acclamation.

Sergt. Gibbs then, in a humorous speech, proposed a vote of thanks to the ladies who had presided at the tables and the vocalists, and this was also carried with applause. ...... The "National Anthem " having been sung, the seats were cleared away, and some sixty or seventy couples 'were soon tripping it on the light fantastic toe to the music of Messrs Bell and Read. Mr James Walker efficiently performed the duties of M.C., and dancing was kept up with spirit till 2 a.m. ihii morning, every one seeming to enjoy themselves thoroughly, and all declared the affair had been an unexampled success. Captain Farrell and his officers and men were indefatigable in attending to the comfort of those present. \