PRESENTATION BY THE CONSTABULARY.

Waikato Times, Volume VIII, Issue 417, 16 January 1875, Page 2

PRESENTATION BY THE CONSTABULARY.

On Thursday afternoon an interesting and pleasing ceremony took place at the Constabulary Barracks. Hamilton. All the non-commissioned officers and men at the post assembled in the large room in order to witness the presentation by SergeantMajor of a very haudsome chain, locket and watch, to Lieut^Col. Lyons, as evidence of the unanimity of feeling in the force. We may mention that each non-commissioned officer and constable stationed in the district contributed one days' pay. The gallant Colonel having entered the ! room the Sergeant-Major addressed him as follows : •'Sir, — Previous to your leaving this District, it is my pleasing duty as Sergeant- Mdjor to present to you on behalf of the non commissioned officers and constables stationed in the Waikato this gold watch, chain and locket, as a slight token of the respect and esteem in which you are and have been held by them, as an oflicer and gentleman, while they cannot sufficiently express their regret at your departure, they unanimously join in heartily wishing yourself, Mrs Lyon and family health, prosperity and happiness in the new sphere to which you have been called, and that yoi may long live in the enjoyment of every blessing is the sincere wish of all the subscribers to the testimonial." Colonel Lyon said he assured the men that it was with very great pleasure that he accepted the very handsome present. During the time he had commanded Jihem in the Waikato they had performed their duty most satisfactorily. It was with very great regret that he was leaving the district, and those with whom he has so long been associated as comrades. As a soldier he was not given to making long speeches, he thanked them agaiu for their very handsome present. He hada watch, but he wauld hand this one down to his eldest boy who would be reminded by it that his father was respected. Three cheers were given for the Colonel and the ceremony terminated. The following inscription is engraved on the case of the watch :—": — " Presented by the Non-commis-sioned Officers and Constables of the Armed Constabulary in the Waikato District to Lieut.-Colonel Lyon, on his departure from the command.