NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS' MESS.

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

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS' MESS.

The non-coms, of the local volunteers entertained the Waikato and Artillery comrades of the same rank at a dinner at the Naval Hall last evening. The large hall was tastefully decorated with flags and evergreens, and a most excellently appointed collection was spread for the guests. The chair was occupied by Qr.Master Sergt. Eawdon, T. 5.8., and the vice chair by P.O. Potts, Secretary and Paymaster T.N.B. About 70 sat dowja to table.

The usual loyal and patriotic toasts were duly proposed and received with customaryhonors.

Song: "Little low cabin," P.O. Mitchell. Seaman C. Gordon sang "Killarney," and in response to an encore " Baby 's got a tooth."

The toast of "The Ministry" was then proposed from the vice chair. Iv proposing it, P.O. Potts said he believed the Ministy to be a very liberal one, the visit of the Cavalry being an instance of that. .

Drank with musical honors. Song: Sergt. Gibbs, T.E.K., "My Grandfathers Clock."

Tke next toast —that of the •' Army and Navy "—devolved on Sergt. McCormick, T.R.R. He said that that day's review had been the largest and moat interesting than had ever taken place here, and ho hoped such a one would be held annually. (Hear, hear.) New Zealand was, he believed, the principal volunteering colony of Great Britain.

Sergt. Smith and Drum-Major Thornton responded for the Artillery. The latter, in the course of his remarks, said that what he had seen to day was equal to anything he had seen at Aldershot, having been some years in the Army, and the Cavalry could not bo excelled anywhere. He hoped that the volunteers would soon visif Auckland, when they would endeavor to give them as good a welcome as they had received. Sergt.-Major Higginson, responding for the Cavalry, said the reception they had had was a grand one, and much better than they had anticipated. When the Thames Volunteers again visited. Waikato they Would do their best to give them a hearty reception. Song, 80. Walker, "Eacooa Tracks." Recitation by Sergt. McCormick. Sergt. Wilson, T. 5.8., proposed "Our Guests, the Waikato Cavalry and Auckland Artillery," He spoke in complimentary terms of both corps. Sergt. Allwellof the Cavalry responded, saying that his troop was astonished at the royal manner they had been feted since their arrival here.

Song : Trooper Wood; after which the Cambridge Cavalry band performed a selection. ,

Sergt.-Major Higginson proposed " The Thames Volunteers," which was drunk with great enthusiasm by the visitors, and responded to in felicitous terms by the Chairman.

The Chairman them proposed the " Native Volunteers." Tho toast was

drunk heartily, and, responded to by Sergt. Merrimaua.

After a song by Corporal Preest, " The Commercial and Mining Interests," was proposed by Sergt. Mclntosh, H.E.V. After several recitations and songs, "The Ladies" was proposed by the Chairman, and responded to by P.O. Henderson and Corp. Hicks.

At this point Col. Lyon, Major Murray, and other officers entered the room, and were received with cheers.

Col. Lyon and Major Murray ad dressed a i'ew words to those present.

His Worship the Mayor, the County Chairman, and Capt. Runciman also spoke. The concluding toasts on the pro gramme were the healths of Trumpeter Parr and tb^e Chairman, after which the aisemblage broke up, after a most enjoyable evening.