Thames Rifle Rangers Anniversary.

Thames Star, Volume XV, Issue 4908, 2 October 1884, Page 2

Thames Rifle Rangers Anniversary.

The above company held a concert and dance in celebration of their 14th anniversary last evening. There was a large attendance, the Shortland Hall, in which the first part of the evening's entertoinnfent was held, being well filled. Capt. Douglas occupied the chair, and in a short opening address expressed pleasure that the company was still to the fore. He pointed out that considerable alteration was necessary in the volunteer regulations, which had been fairly tried during the past two years, but had been found unsatisfactory. He also hinted that the corps would have to look out for a new commanding officer, but he had no doubt a man who could give more time than himself could be found. The musical part of tbe programme was commenced by the Company singing " Chink Chank," which elicited applause. This was fol lowed by " I'm Still a Friead to You," sung by Mr Jones, who was encored; Miss Phillips securing a similar mark of. appreciation for '■ Here's Christmas Come Again." Mr McLoughlfn gave "Don't forget mo, Darling," Miss Ryan following with " Gathering Shells," in which she was successful, despite a little nervousness. Mr Torrens was encored for "Norah, Pride of Kildare," repeating the last verse, and the next item, Miss McLoughlin's song, " When you and I were young, Maggie," was the gem of the evening, she being loudly encored. " Allister McAllister," by Mr Wright, and " Tawhiao's trip to London," by Mr Wiseman (sung on account of Mr Mitchell being unable to fulfil his engagement;, brought the first part of the entertainment to a close. During the interval the presentation of prizes to the fortunate winners was made. The Chairman explained that he had hoped Mr Holdship, who bad given the gold watch, valued at £40, would have made the presentation, hut he had been unahle to come down, The foiiowing Volunteers weye then called forward, and presented wUb. their prizes by Mrss. Douglas ?—Vol. Hawke, gold watch } Vol. Gilpin, silver walcb; Vol. I Sherlock, silver watch; Sergt, Gibbs, ! silver cup ; Vol. Inglis, cruet; Vol. Simpson, box of tea; Vols. Gentry, Mayo,, and Ardern, bass of $our. The Mannicg Qhampion Belt was placed across the shoulders of Vol. Downie, who repeived in addition a sum of money, and money prises Were handed to Lieut. Lucas and Vols. | Beardon, JNewdick, and loglis. On resuming the musical programme, the company gave '«O April Night; " Mr Vowlea secured a deserved encore for "Once Again;" and Mrs Jeffrey was equally successful with " Step on, Nearest t " Vol. Halhday sang "T&e p v ed Cross Banner" (engqredj - X while for the duet " Flow on, *ho«i Shining Ri?er," Mrs Mackay and Mr Vowles received hearty applause, A song by Mr Target* (withconcerUaa accompaniment), and•« Q, What a Pity" (Mr Wiseman), the programme, trot pefpje the andieoee disDersed, Captaia

Douglas, in complimentary terms, referred to the services Miss Ginn had rendered the company on mure than one occasion by accompanying at entertainments, and assisting to make them a success, and he therefore asked the company's chaplain, (he Rev. S. J". JN Teill, to present her with a handsome silver brooch and pair of earrings, as a small recognition of her services. The rev. gentleman then made the presentation, addressing a few appropriate remark* to the recipient. An adjournment was then made to the Volun* teer Hall, which was prettily decorated, and where fully 70 couples "tripped the light fantastic toe," to the strains of the Naval Artillery BaDd, the merriment being kept up with spirit till an early hour this morning. *