HAMILTON CONTINGENT. Te Awamutu Cavalry Volunteers.

Waikato Times, Volume XV, Issue 1302, 2 November 1880, Page 2

HAMILTON CONTINGENT. Te Awamutu Cavalry Volunteers.

The usual monthly meeting of the above troop was held at Gwynne's hotel on Saturday evening, Lieut. Whitaker in the chair. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. A general discussion took place in reference to the proposed reduction in the 'allowances to the Wnikato Cavalry. The troop were unanimous in their opinion that they expected less pay, considering the general retrenchment going on ; but at the same time the capitation, considering the expense of horse feed, etc., when on drill, would be too little. The* troop had no desire to make anything out of tlieir pay, but considering that they provided horses, etc., and gave their time, it could hardly be expected they would be out of pocket as well. Whatever decision the Government may come to about the pay, the Contingent decided to hold their services at the disposal of the Government till April nexl, and whether they receive any pay or not they will all .turn out for drill on the 11th inst. - The following members were appointed a committee to carry out the arrangements for entertaining the competitors at the ensuing carbine match. Lieut. Johnson, Sergt. Ridler, Troopers Buck, Coombs and Yonge. It was decided to give the teams a dinner, and wind up with a dance. The above committee were to meet last night at Mr Buck's. The Secretary informed the meeting that Mr Fenton had arrived that day with the helmets for the troop. Two or three were handed round amongst the members, and were generally admired. The whole of the ornaments, consisting of a star, with V.R. in the centre surrounded with a wreath of oak-leaves, spike, chain, &c, have been made by Mr Teutenberg, of .Auckland. The design is very neat, and the metal appears to be of a quality that will not tarnish. The Members expressed themselves well pleased with the appearance of the helmet, and in all cases, so far as tried, the fits are perfect. Mr Fenton deserves great credit for the finished get-up of the head-dress, which, when complete with white horse-hair plume now on order from England together with oil-silk covering, will cost each member 32s 6d.