Thames Scottish Parade.

Thames Star, Volume IX, Issue 3000, 26 September 1878, Page 2

Thames Scottish Parade.

The monthly inspection parade of the Thames Scottish Volunteers, Nos. 1 and 2 companies, took place at the Ac,demy of Music last e\ ening, end it being the occasion on which the No. 1 company first appeared in their new helmets, there was a large attendance of spectators to witness the parade. The gallery was crammed with the general public, the stage, which was reserved for ladies, being also well filled. The body of the hall was reserved for the companies, and at the time of falling in the following was the parade state :-—No. 1 company and band, with Major Murray, Lieuts. Dey Johnston and Brownlow, IG2; No. 2 company, with Lieuts. Watson, McVey and Cameron, 70; total, 172. The parade of the latter company would have been considerably larger but for the fact that a number of the men have not yet been provided with rifles. The No. 1 company, with their .new helmets, looked simply superb, and the splendid physique of the men was a matter of much favorable comment. After roll call both companies were put through manual and firing exercises by their officers, all the move 1 ments being executed in .so efficient a manner that even the civilian spectators could not restrain their enthusiasm, which they gave, vent to by frequent bursts of applause. On Major Murray proceeding to inspect the*ranks, accompanied by the surgeon to the company, Dr Kilgour, the band struck up a lively air, and after a minute insp ction, the officers were cal'ed to the front, and complimented on their fine muster and general efficiency. That

beautiful selection "Close the shutters, Willies dead," having been played by the band, the companies formed three sides of a hollow square, and Major Murray called to. the front Corporal Lucas of No. 1 company, the winner of the District Champion Bet. The Major then stated that Mrs William Fraser had kindly consented to award this and other prizes to the winoe's, but owing to a. family bereavement she vvas unable to do so, but Mrs Murray would act for her. Mrs Murray then, amidst loud applause, fixed the bt'lfc on Corporal Lucas' shoulders, while the band appropriately struck up the " Conquering Hero." Major Murray paid a high compliment to Lucas as being' not only an efficient shot but also a regular attendant at drill and an efficient volunteer. Mrs Murray tueu pinned on Volunteer Price's breast the company's medal, which he has now won twice in succession, and money prizes were also presented to Sergeant Heron, "Volunteers McKee, Porgie and Price. The Major then called to the front Drum-Major McLean and presented him with a large sword, the prese.it of an honorary member of the. company, Mr J. D. Wickham. Hon. Surgeon Eilgour then addressed a few words to the men with reference to the high encomiums he had heard expressed, concerning the efficiency of the Thames Volunteer;, while at Wellington He also informed them of the probability of their getting a grant for a drill >hed arid parade ground. In conclusion, he complimented them on being the finest volunteers ii the colony. The companies were then marched out, headed by their band, who played several raarcaes, by torchlight. The column first marched up Brown street, which was lined with spectators, and from thence to Shortland, the band making the welkin ring. .They then returned to their drillshed and were dismissed. This parade was one of the most •successful we have seen here, and we were pleased to notice the great interest evinced by the public in the parade. Undoubtedly it is to that interest that the volunteer movement in this district owes its great tucceas. ,