The Thames Easter Review.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3512, 29 March 1880, Page 2

The Thames Easter Review.

Saturday's Proceedings.

In Saturday's issue we brought our readers up to the departure of a number of Volunteer officers and civilians to meet the Waikato Cavalry at Kerikcri. On arriving at this point the Cavalry were met, and a halt was called in front of the Kerikeri Hotel, it having been pre- | arranged that the County's welcome to ' the visitors should take place here. Mr Brodie, who had proceeded to Kerikeri in a carriage with Col. Lyon and party, ■aid, addressing Major Jackson and his , men, that it afforded him much pleasure to welcome them in the name of the Thames people. The occasion was an interesting and important one —serving to strengthen the bond of unity which should exist between our citizen soldiery, and also bringing two important centres of population into contact. He referred to the many obstacles in the road, but hoped that railway communication would shortly be established, when no doubt such gatherings would be perpetuated. He gave them a hearty welcome to the Thames, and hoped they would all enjoy themselves. After some cheering Major Jackson, commanding the Cavalry, replied to Mr Brodie'a remarks, congratulating the County Council on the way the road had been opened, and hoped that it would be kept open. He would advise the County to put on men to complete it, and if the Cavalry's services were required to keep it open they would be cheerfully rendered. He thanked the County Chairman for the hearty good wishes expressed. Order of march . was again formed, and the cavalry with its attendant cavalcade of civilians proceeded townwards. At the Hape Creek bridge they were met by the fine bands of the Thames Scottish Battalion and Naval Brigade, who played them from Shortland to Grahamstowh, the gallant troopers being frequently cheered on the route. As they crossed the Earaka bridge two detachments of the Naval Brigade fired a salute of welcome with their big guns. On the arrival of the troops at the Bank of New Zealand corner a most animated spectacle was presented. The windows and roofs of tbe houses —and indeed every available point of vantage—were thronged with welldressed citizens, all eager to see the fine body of horsemen of which they had heard so much. The gay uniforms of our citizen soldiery mingling with the more sombre dresses of the civilians, the bands playing, and the afternoon sun glinting on the flashing swords of the Cavalry made a scene at once unique and pleasing. As the horsemen filed up Albert street kerchiefs were waved by many fair-hands, which honor was duly acknowledged by the Cavalry men.. At the Bank corner square was formed, and the Mayor, who occupied an open carriage, addressing Major Jackson and his men, bid them welcome on bebalf of the inhabitants of the Thames. Their visit had been a matter for pleasant anticipation, they having been pointed out as the finest Cavalry in the colony, which statement he could endorse. He then spoke on the close relations of the Waikato and Thames district —the one as a producer and the other as a consumer—and expressed a hope that the Government recognising their necessities would finish the railway at the earliest possible time. He con* eluded by calling for three cheers for the Caralry. This was heartily responded to by the citizen's. Col. Lyon and Major Jackson having briefly returned thanks for the warm welcome, the latter called for cheers for the Mayor, the Mayoress, and people of the Thames. These were given heartily, and the squadron moved towards the railway reclamation where the majority of the horses were stabled without delay. The remainder were accommodated in temporary stables in Coromandel and Haven , streets. A stable guard having been told , off the men were marched to their billets, and attended to the wants of the inner man. The Fire Brigade's "Welcome. In the evening, the Waikato men Laving made themselves comfortable at their hostelries, might have been seen in little knots about the streets. The Thajnes people are, however an essentially sociable race of beings, and it was not long before the yoemen of the Waikato and the . miners of the Thames were fraternising as if they had been acquainted for years. At about 7.30, about a thousand persons assembled at the Bank corner to witness the Fire Brigade display. The space at the cross streets was cleared, and by an ingenious disposal of the branches, together with several artificial fountains connected with the town mains, a very pretty spectacle •was provided. The streams of water looked like fairy arches, illuminated as they were with Greek fire and other colored lights. The whole scene reminded one very much of a transformation scene in a London pantomime—the fairy palace beiug composed of sparkling spray, while the members of the brigade darting through the watery arches might have passed for the sprites and gnomes. During the display a number of beautiful fireworks were exploded, causing great delight, especially to the juvenile portion of the spectators. The proceedings were enlivened by the music of the Scottish band, who. played from the Corner I balcony. i Arrival of the Auckland Artillery. This fine force arrived from Auckland per Eotomahana yesterday morning under the command of Captain Fayne. In* eluding the fine band, there were about 50 members of the corps. They brought with them their two field pieces, the manipulation of which at the last review here was so favourably spoken of. The Stabling. We regret to hear that yesterday morning, some of the Cavalry men had occasion to grumble at the horses not receiving sufficient attention. They had been badly watered, a matter which should have been carefully attended to after their long journey. A number of the horses

were removed in consequence of this, during the day. The Church Parade. About 700 Volunteers, including the Waikato Cavalry and the Auckland Artillery, attended Church Parade yesterday, and after service marched to Shortland, the bands playing alternately. The Review. At an early hour this morning the whole volunteer world was astir. At about eight o'clock the cavalry trumpets sounded the reveille, while the more mellow noted bugles pealed out the assembly, and Volunteers of every uniform might be seen hurrying to their drill sheds. We will pass over the particulars of the muster, bringing our readers to the general rendezvous in Brown street at 10 o'clock. The corps were drawn up by column of companies The cavalry (in front) numbered 150 strong, next came the Auckland .Artillery—the guns drawn by horses—numbering 50, the Engineers numbering; 70, Scottish Battalion 120 strong, Rangers 55, Natives 30, and Navals 120. The latter were formed in two companies of carbineers, a color detachment with fixed bayonets and two gun detachments. We noticed the following officers present, Lieut.-Col. Lyon, Majors Jackson and Murray, CaDt. Schofield, N.Z.M., Lieut. Perry, i Adjutant, and Instructor Grant. Officers < having received- their instructions for the , Commanding Officer, the column moved off to the field of battle, the bands playing, alternatively. On the arrival of the column at Tararu, the bands broke off and* marched into , the gardens, where they played a number of selections during the shamfight to the delight of the large crowd which thronged the sylvan shades of that delightful retreat. In addition to those in the gardens there must have been fully a thousand spectators on the flat, which number was constantly augmented by the arrival of loaded 'busses from Grahamstown. In front of the Royal Hotel two wheels of fortune were in full operation and seemed to be doing a large business. After the departure of the bauds, the line was formed to the left on rear company the column having previously closed up. The Cavalry advanced to make a reconnaissance, and every sixth file marched in front Of the line, and formed skirmishing order to relieve the cloud of horsemen. The whole line was then ordered to advance and the skirmishers having fallem into their places, the command " halt " was given. A sharp fusilade ihen opened on the enemy, who soon retreated, and the firing discontinued. The next item on the programme for the mimic battle was a pursuit by the Cavalry after the retreating enemy to facilitate which the right and left companies wheeled inward. The Cavalry charged past in grand style, and while they were engaged in harrassing the vanquished fire, the two companies turned about and wheeled back into line at the double. The whole line then retired, and prepared to receive the cavalry, who after charging the supposed enemy, became transmogrified into a hostile squadron. The appearance of the squadron charging on the infantry formation was most exciting—the flashing swords, continuous rattle of musketry, and deep boom of cannon, with a " sulphurous canopy," all contributed to give the spectators an idea of a life and death struggle. After a sharp action, the cavalry, despite their gallant assault were repulsed with loss, and the infantry changing the offensive for the defensive, advanced in echelon of companies. They had not advanced far, however, before the cavalry turned, and'company square was formed to resist their fierce charge, which was also repulsed. The orders " Reform company" were then given, and line having been formed the force was wheeled into column by the right. The next movement was the formation of battalion square—similar to that used at the battle of Ulundi--to receive a general onslaught of the enemy's horse. The cavalry charged on the whole four sides of the compact mass of infantry, but again the horsemen had to retire. During one of these charges two of the cavalry men collided, and both their horses came on their knees. Fortunately neither were hurt, though the horses appeared to be a little shaken. ' After the assault the whole force deployed into line, and having taken open order were inspected by Lieut.-Colonel Lyon, who rode through the ranks attended by his staff. The next movement of interest was the march past, which was followed by the Cavalry first marching and then galloping past. After several other movements the men took open order, and the infantry grounded arms, while the Cavalry dismounted, and all proceeded to luncheon, which was provided on the ground. i Several trap loads of sandwiches, beer, ; bread and cheese disappeared with marvellous rapidity. After this al fresco luncheon, the attention of the spectators was turned to the Naval Brigade going through their gun drill. They handled the ponderous weapons with wonderful celerity and skill. This was followed by the Auckland Artillery, who likewise exhibited great efficiency indeed. We believe the A battery is the smartest in the colony. A number of natives, who had arrived in a canoe during the morning, then entertained the spectators with a war dance. The remainder of the programme of the day was not complete when we went to press.