The Thames Easter Eeview.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3513, 30 March 1880, Page 2

The Thames Easter Eeview.

Entertaining our Visitors.

officers' mess.

At 8 o'clock a mess dinner was held at the Governor Bowen Hotel. Major Murray presided, Captain Small filling the Vice-President's chair, Col. Lyon and Major Jackson being seated on the right and left of the President.

The officers of the Waitrato Cavalry and Auckland Artillery were present, and several invited guests, the Mayor and County Chairman included. ■.-.■• The tables were loaded with good things, which were done justice to, and the wines were exceptionally good. After the loyal toasts of the Queen and the Governor had been drank, the " Army, Navy, and Volunteers" was proposed in suitable terms by Capt. Wildman. Col. Lyon, responding on behalf of the Army, said it gave him the greatest pleasure to respond for the army. As an old soldier it warmed his heart to hear cheers for the service. It was many years since he served with the .Imperial forces, but the old days were forcibly brought back to his mmd by the present gatherings He referred to the late doings of the

'ityfty in Zululand aud Cabal. '(The remaTka wore received with cheers.) Lieut. JBurt.cn responded on behalf of the Navy, and Inspector Kenny for the Colonial forces.. ■. .The President, in proposing the health of 001. Lyon, said the Thames Volunteers looked' upou that gentleman as one of themselves, and entertained for him the highest respect, knowing him to be a loyal and. brave officer. Many men on the field had served under him, and the present wa9 the third time he had visited the district in his capacity as an insp cting officer. He hoped the Govern ment would always send as good a soldier, and as courteous a gentleman. (Cheers for Col. Lyon and Mrs Lyon ) The gallant Colonel in responding, said he thought the President had laid the compliments to himself on too thick, and he hardly knew how to express his acknowledgments and thanks. He had noticed a great improvement in the Thames volunteers siuce his last inspection. He referred to the steadiness shown by the men in tlio march past— equal to that of Imperial regiments, and the admirable manner in which the Naval Brigade and Auckland Artillery had worked their guns, displaying smartness and a thorough knowledge of their duties not to be surpassed even in Woolwich. (Cheers.) In conclusion he asked leave to propose a toast, and gave that of His Worship the Mayor and citizens of the Thames. (Cheers.) Mr Ehrentried briefly returned thanks, and said the Thames people were amply repaid for their exertions in entertaining their visitors, when they knew^ they had given satisfaction. (Applause.) j Captain Watson proposed, in complimentary terms, the visitors. Major Jackson, who was received with cheers, returned thanks. He thought the visitors had been flattered too much, and for the kindness shown himself and men he could not find words to express his thanks. He felt convinced that the Thames had 150 more advocates in the Waikato for the railway than they had before the visit of himself and men. (Cheers.) \ Capt. Runciman aud Lieut. Johnston also responded, alluding to the extreme attention paid them during their visit. Capt. Payne, upon rising to respond for the Artillery, was received with prolonged applause. Himself and men were not surprised at the kindness of the Thames people ; it was no new thing, in fact in Auckland people said go to the Thames and all would be right. (Cheers.) He complimented the Navals for'their smartness, and said he always considered it a pleasure trip joining the Thames Volunteers at military displays. Capt. Payne thanked all present, and retired as the steamer was about leaving for Auckland.. All the time he was in the room the company applaused. The health of the County Chairman was proposed next by Capt. Farrell in flattering terms, and responded to ably by Mr Brodie. Daring his remarks he said to Major Murray, in a great measure, was the credit due for the efficiency of the Volunteer force in the colony. (Applause.) Tjie zeal and ability shown by the officer commanding this district had had the best effect upon the whole Colony. He hoped the Government one day would acknowledge these services. .......

Captain Runcitnan proposed the health of Major Murray, which was received with applause, and cheers were also given for Mrs Murray. In returning thanks Major Murray paid a compliment to the. officers of the several corps, who deserved more credit thnn did ,he for - the efficiency of the Thames Volunteers. ■'.-.'

The toasts of "The Press," "The Ladies," and "The Hostess" followed, then " God Save the Queen " was sung and all separated.,