CAMBRIDGE CAVALRY VOLUNTEER DRILL AND RACES.

Waikato Times, Volume XII, Issue 1002, 23 November 1878, Page 2

CAMBRIDGE CAVALRY VOLUNTEER DRILL AND RACES.

The corps resumed drill on Fridaylast. On Saturday morning, a meeting was held at the Public Hall, at which several new members were balloted for and elected. The troop has now reached its full strength (71), and no others Gan be admitted unless a sufficient number come forward to form a left wing, or contingent. Nearly a dozen members of the Cambridge Reed Band, also, joined the troop, and were sworn in as active members to form a Cavalry Band, including Bandmaster Mackintosh. The Band fellin immediately, and the various evolutions of the drill were performed with the accompaniment of martial music. A special uniform is to be provided for the members of the Cavalry 3and, and steps will be taken to get new instruments suitable to be played on horseback Each member of the troop will subscribe 10s a-year out of his pay towards the Band Fund. At two o'clock, the troop mustered in the paddocks of Mr A. A. Eantham, by that gentleman's kind permission, and, after about an hour and a-half of drill, Drill-Instructor Sergeant Eraser complimented the men on the way they had conducted themselves, and said they had shown more efficiency than on any previous occasion. : A race-course —distance, 1 mile—was ' now laid off, and the sports commenced. Captain Handley was requested to act as judge, and Captain Walmsley as starter. The first race was the Maiden Plate, for which there were nine entries. The prizes were —lsfc, a new snaffle bridle ; 2nd, a pair of spurs. This was an excellent race; all the horses kept well together. Trooper Smith Ilk in Gladys (from Benathalath) led, but j\ist at the finish Trooper Harp's chg Danger rushed to the front, and won by half-a-length. Gladys took second prize. The second race was over eight flights of hurdles distance, 2 miles; eight horses ran. Trooper Garland's b g and Trooper Smith's b g Tama had it all their own way, the forruor leading by some dozen yards; each took every hurdle in splendid style. Troopor Garland's horse, ridden by McCabo, came in an easy winner, and took first prize, which was a, cavalry bridle. Trooper Smith took second prize—a silver-mounted riding whip. An open race was now on the board, 1 twice round the course, distance two miles. Eight horses started for the race, which was well contested between Trooper j Harp's Danger and Trooper Campbell's b.m. The Bell. Tui also ran, and won easily, hard held. Sub.-Lieut. Kirkwood, however, resigned the prize in favour of the second horse, Danger. The third horse, The Bell, taking second prize. The prizes were, a breastplate for first prize, and a pair of Victoria-silver stirrup irons for the second. The next was a trotting match. The first prize was a silver-plated cavalry bit, and second, girth and pair of spurs. Tho handicapping was as follows : Trooper Wright's b.g., scratch ; Trooper Hannon's roan, 150 yards ; Trooper Eurgusson's crm, .«■., 300 yards. Tho race was a good one, Wright catching up the others just in time to win. ifannon ran ran second. A Hurry-Sotirry was next held, fqr which ten harscs r in. Ist prize, .-Gl ; second prize, 10s. Trooper Smith's blk. mare Gladys won easily, and Trooper Hacslip's bay ran a good second, A Handicap Fqqt Rnco of 'M)O yards was the last' thing on the programme. ' 1-liis vas -\jqii by Bing-, McXeish running ■' second. ' • I This concluded n??. excellent rough &nd

tumble afternoon's sport, at which every one present enjoyed themselves. On the way home, the band stopped opposite Mr Fanthain's house, and after playing a short piece, Corporal Hicks called for three cheers for Mr Fantham, for his kindness in allowing the use of his paddock. A hearty response was given, and thus ended the half yearly drill of our Cavalry Corps.—Own Correspondent. [By some mischance, the above, sent on Monday, only came to hand yesterday.— Ed W.T.]_ ' J