Prince of Wales' Birthday.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3705, 9 November 1880, Page 2

Prince of Wales' Birthday.

The people of this district are essentially loyal, and the celebration of the 39th anniversary of the birth of Prince Albert Edward of Wales, heir-apparent to the British throne, was observed with all the usual demonstrations of loyalty. The banks and all the principal business places were closed in honor of the day, and every flagstaff was gaily arrayed in bunting. Owing to the fact that the majority of our volunteers—the Scottish Battalion and Naval 'Brigade and Cadets notably—had proceeded to Auckland to to take part ia the birthday review there, one of the annual spectacles in which the Thames people take a delight was robbed of many of its features, though the companies who, with the patriotic intention of keeping the money in the place, determined hot to proceed to Auckland, made up the defioiency as far as lay in their power. The Thames Review. At an early hour this morning the streets of Grahamstown and Shortland were enlivened by the clarion toned bugles sounding the revielle, when the streets were speedily filled with red coated volunteers, and citizens with their sisters and their cousins and their aunts, looking bran new in their holiday attire. The Hauraki Engineers mustered at their drill shed at 9 a.m., being about 80 strong inclusive of the band, and the Thames Rifle Bangers and the Native Corps assembled at the Volunteer Hall, Shortland. Captain Small, H.E.Y., was acting major, and Lieut. Grant, the popular drill instructor, officiated as adjutant to the battalion. On the arrival oft lie Engineers at Shortland, they were met by the Bangers, under Capt. Farrell, and Lieuts. Douglas and Kitching numbering 65 strong, and the Native Corps, under Capt. Taipari, and Lieuts. Baika Whakarongatai and Matiu Poona, who mustered forty all told. The column theu moved Parawaiward to the Gardens, in which place was to be the scene of the day's proceedings. The lawn and the spacious Grand Stand— which latter was expressly reserved for ladies and children—^ were already dotted with a goodly number of sightseers, though the somewhat threatening appearance of the sky about 10 o'clock doubtless deterred many from going, who otherwise would have graced the review with their patronage. On the arrival of the Volunteers at the Gardens, Acting-Major Small formed column by the right in front facing the Bob Boy Hotel, after which the battalion ' was wheeled into line, the men moving with the greatest precision aad regularity. The line having taken open order the manual and firing exercises were gone. through creditably. Lieut. Grant then took charge, and under his command the bayonet exercise' was performed, but scarcely with that precision, which makes it effective from a sightseer's point of view. Line having been reformed, and open order again taken, the feu de joie in in honor of the Prince of Wales was fired, the time being excellent. This was followed by the royal salute, the

band at the time playing ' the grand opening bars, of the JNattasal Anthem. After a short pause, the companies broke into column to the right, and the march past—one of tha most successful features of the day—took place. The marching was first in open column, and afterwards in quarter column, This was succeeded by some smartly .? crated battalion and eschelon moveniea The great event of the day, the sheiim /Ajjht, then eventuated. Lines of skirmishers were thrown out, and executm! .both attacking and defending tactics, the red I and blue uniforms e*er and aeoa obscured ! by the.sulphureous canopy of the battleI field, and the sharp cracking musketry | giving an exceedingly realist :;e ;: ppearance to the scene of mimic :/ fr<f&e. The bayonet charges were eqa&iiy effective, and when column was re-formed and the march back commenced;, all felt indebted to the volunteers for a highly entertaining display. Altogether in everything with, the exception of numbers the review was one of the most successful ever held on the Thames, Captain Small carrying oat the prearranged programme in its entirety. The Luncheon. On the column reaching Shortltind, the men were allowed to disperse, and they proceeded to the Volunteer Hall, where an excellent cold, collation had been prepared by Messrs Fulljames and Scott. Capt. Small presided, and Capt, Farrell fulfilled the duties of Vice-Chairman. The Chairman was supported by Capt. Taipari, Lieuts. Denby, Grant, Douglas, Pitching; Messrs G. N. Phillips, H. Mcllhone, T. Manning, New by (an old Thames Volunteer oflS,cer, who had come from Tapu expressly to be present), W. Wilson, and other gentlemen. Altogether there must have been over 200 present. The wants of the inner man having been satisfied , The Chairman called on those present to fill'the glasses, as he had a toast to propose, namely, that of " Her Majesty the Queen." -.

This was drunk with every demonstra tion of loyalty. , •

"The Health of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, and the rest of the Boyal Family," also from the Chairman, was similarly well received. Mr Thomas Manning, who oil. rising was greeted with loud applause, in appropriate terms proposed the time honoured toast "The Army, Nary and Volunteers" which having been amply acknowledged was followed by the " Local Governing Bodies," "Mining and Commercial Interests," " Honorary Members," "The Press," (acknowledged by Mr Gibbons) and other toasts, .Which brought a highly enjoyable gathering to a close. ■ Other Amusements. The cabs did quite a lively business during the day, conveying people to and from Tararu Gardens, at which delightful, sylvan retreat a number of picnic parties had been organised, and the youth and beauty of the place enjoyed themselves to the top of their bent at" Kiss in thi; ring," " Jolly Miller," and kindred anyi semen ts. The contemplated scratch cricket match at Parawai did not eventuate, tbpt^j^ number of members of the T.O.C. ii&^ bri the Waio»Karaka practice ground, and improved their knowledge of wielding the willow, and trundling the leather. this Evening, People desirous of prolonging the merrymaking and appropriately winding up a day's amusementjcan indulge their desires by attending the anniversary soiree of the P.A.F.8., Priface of Wales Lodge, No. 20. The soiree will be followed by a , concert and dance, and altogether promises to be a most enjoyable affair.