RIFLE VOLUNTEERS.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XII, Issue 3974, 27 November 1891, Page 2

RIFLE VOLUNTEERS.

Presentation to Lieut- Thompson.

The weekly parade of the Masterton .Rifle Volunteers was held last evening, thirty seven, rank and file, answering to the roll call. Captain Pownall and Lieuts. Hooper and Malcolm were in command. The men were put through their facings by the Captain and Lieut Hooper, and acquitted themselves very creditably. They weie also inspected by Captain Pownall, in the unavoidubale absence of Major Newall.

After the parade, a handsome gold medal, suitably inscribed, and testimonial, were presented to ex-Lieut, A.G. Thompson, in recognition of his past services to the corps. Captain Pownall, who nude the presentation in the presence of the Rev. W. E. Paige (chaplain), and a large number of ladies andgenilempn, said he had much pleasure in handing to Lieut. Thompson a small token ot the esteem in which he was held by the company on the occasion of his retiring. He was very sorry that the company was losing the services of so useful an officer, and expressed regret that the regulations did not permit of his being placed on the unattached list. In saying good bye he assured Lieut. Thompson that they would always be glad to welcome him as a comrade (cheers). It was through bis efforts that the corps was now in existence, and in him they found not only a good officer, but a sincer friend, (cheers). In conclusion h wished him good bye and God speed, (cheers). Lieut. Thompson, in a few words, expressed his extreme pleasure at the manner in which his services bad been recognised by the corps. He issured them that as long as lie lived he would retain warm recollections of his connection with the corps. He hoped that both officers and corps would stick together and the company would become one of the strongest in the colony (cheers). The testimonial, which contained the signatures of nearly every member of the corps, read as follows: —T» Lieut, A. G. Thompson—The officers and men ot the Masterton Rifle Volunteers desire to unanimously tender you their sincerest regret at your being compelled through private affairs and refusal of that rank which you dpserve, to resign your commission as Lieutenant in the corps, and to express the heartiest appreciation of your qualities both as officer and a comrade during your long and meritorious service. Hoping that your future private career may be as successful as yrur career with us, whether on the parade ground or at the butts, knowing that the bugle call will always rouse in you in an appreciative chord, an I wishing you the best of happiness, and long and prosperous life, We are, etc, — The presentation having been made, Lieut. Thompson was unanimously elected a life member of the corps, with all the privileges attached thereto. The corps, headed by Pearson's Brass Band, then paraded the main thoroughfares and the health of Lieut. Thompson was drunk in bumpers at both the Star and Empire Hotels.