TE AWAMUTU.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2321, 26 May 1887, Page 3

TE AWAMUTU.

Visit of the Waiuku Cavalry. [from our own correspondent.] THE IHNNHR. The dinner, which was provided by Mr W. James, of the Commercial Hotel, in his usual excellent style, was laid in the Public Hall. About fifty volunteers and triend.s sat down. Mr James, with his usual good taste, had the hall very prettily decorated with evergreens, while down the centre of the tables were a number of flowers and pot plants, which had a very pretty effect. Capt. Rutherford occupied the chair, with Lieut. Bruce as vice-chair. The chairman was supported on the right and left by Captains Payne and Barriball, Lieutenants Manning and Storey. It is unnecessary to enter into anv details regarding thedinner ; those who know Mr James are aware of the excellency of his catering, which on this occasion was up to its usual good standard. After the tables were cleared, songs and speeches were the order of the evening. The following the Queen, the Prince of Wales, and the rest of the Royal Family, the army and navy, coupled with Drill 'instructor Carley, the auxiliary forces, coupled with Capt. Payne, and our visitors, coupled with Capt. ißarriball, were proposed by the Chairman, and duly responded to. "The winning team, coupled with Lieut. A. M. Barriball," by the Vice-chair. Lieut. Barriball suitably responded.—"The losing team, coupled with Lieut. Bruce," by Lieut. Barriball. Lieut. Bruce responded in suitable terms. Capt. Payne proposed "The top scorer, Trooper S. Curry." Duly responded to. "The Waiuku Cavalry," by Lieut. Storey, coupled with Lieut. Manning," and "TheTe Awamutu Cavalry, coupled with Lieut. Storey, " both of which were felicitously responded to. — "Absent Friends" coupled with Major Jackson, Major Hamlin, M.H. R., Major Harris and Capt. Erson, by the chairman. In proposing this toast, the chairman said that indisposition prevented Major Jackson being present, but though he was absent in body he was present in spirit, for no one had the interests of volunteering more at

heart than the veteran Major He had commanded for a number of years, and it was with fee'ings of sincere regret that the men heard of his resignation. In counting upon Major Jackson as a warm friend of the volunteer movement they must not forget Major Hamlin, an excellent and thorough ally of Major Jackson in everything tending to the furtherance of volunteering.—Capt. Payne, on behalf of Dr. Erson, thanked the gentleman for the very kind manner in which the toast was proposed and received by theui. He explained that Dr. Erson's absence was due to the fact that he had moved into the city and could not possibly get away. The noxt was the toast of the evening. Lieut. Bruce proposed the health of the chairman, Capt. Rutherford. In doing so Lieut. Bruce referred, in most complimentry terms, to Capt. Rutherford's long service, and the very able manner in which he had filled the position. It was with feelings of sincere regret that they all heard of his intention to resign, and he now asked him, on behalf of himself and the troop, to reconsider his determination. It would mean, if he did, the prosperity and continuance of the troop. They could not dispense with his services, and in saying this he but echoed the desire of not only this troop, but of all the volunteers in the district. —Captain Payne said that on last Thursday Captain Rutherford was elected an honorary member of the A Battery in Auckland. In view of this, it was hardly possible for Captain Rutherford not to reconsider his resignation. —This was received with loud cheers.—Sergt. Greshain said that if Captain Rutherford would only consent to continue as captain of the To Awamutu Cavalry, the officers and noncommissioned officers would work so heartily that there would be very little of the routine wcork of the troop left to be done by him. He had very great pleasure in seconding Lieut. Bruoe's statement that it was the wish of the troop that their captain should not resign.—The climax was reached, however, when the Rev. Mr Boler (chaplain of the troop) rose and repeated the words " Hold on." In his sermon of the day before, these words were used in illustrating a poinc in his discourse. The men remembered it and cheered vociferously.—Captain Rutherford on rising received a perfect ovation, and it was some time before he could proceed with his reply, owing to the prolonged cheers. In replying, he said he felt and thoroughly appreciated the very kind manner in which the toast had been received. In the face of the strongly emphasised wish expressed by Lieut. Bruce and echoed by Captain Payne and the noncommissioned officers, he could not very well refuse to hold the command, for a time at all events. He looked back with pleasure on the time he had spent as captain of the troop. He could tind 110 fault with the officers, non commissioned officers, or men. The former had ably seconded him in carrying out the duties pertaining to his office, while the latter had given a thorough and unquestioning_obedieuce to all his commands. When in Auckland and other places they had never abused the. leave granted them on those occasions, for they were always back at their post when wanted. It was a pleasure to command a troop composed of such men._ Captain Rutherford's promise to remain in tlie troop was received with such satisfaction that several members who had sent in their resignations when they heard of his intention to resign, rose one after another and requested permission to withdraw them, and one of the old members said he would be very glad now to join again if he would be accepted. There were cries of "Corporal and Trooper North," as it appears these smart youug bandsmen had sent in tlieir resignations. It gives me great pleasure to second the request of the troop, that they should reconsider their determination. Their leaving would be a serious loss, not only to the troop, but to the public, who thoroughly appreciate Bandmaster Sibley's fine band. Mr Sibley, under whose tuition they have attained their proficiency, has good reason to feel proud of his pupils, and for the sake of the music-loving portion of the people here I hope they will not think of leaving.—The Chairman then asked the company to fill their glasses, and drink a parting glass to the health of Quartermaster H. Roche, who, he was sorry to say, had tendered his resignation. He paid the Quartermaster a well-deserved compliment 011 his ability in carrying out the duties of his office. It was no sinecure when in camp, and he was glad to say he had given satisfaction to this troop and others also. When a thousand men were camped here at one time lie fulfilled his duties so well that he was presented with a locket by the officers of other corps who were here at that time, in recognition of his services. The toast was received with loud cheers and the members were not satisfied till the Quartermaster promised to withdraw his resignation. In replying he said he would do so as his captain had set him the example. In the course of his speech he referred to the necessity of longer periods of drill for the men, and objected to tho quarterly inspection, which he characterised as vexatious, as they necessitated people leaving the harvest or hay field in order to attend. He strongly urged the desirability of all young fellows joining the troop, as the discipline would have a good effect. They would learn lessons of obedience which would of service to them in going through life. The toasts of the " Ladies," the " Press and "our host and hostess" Mr and Mrs James, were duly honoured and responded to. The latter was well received, as'the excellent dinner provided in such good style by Mr James, (who by the way is a member of the troop), gave unbounded satisfaction to all. I was unable to be present in the early part of the evening owing to the meeting in the church, and so missed a number of good speeches, foremost among which was thatof Captain Payne upon the topic of most interest to the company, namely, volunteering. The band was present and played several pieces and the music for such toasts as it was appropriate for.—Some reference, having been made to shooting, Captain Payne read the following District Orders, showing the prizes won by the various carbine corps. The A. Battery come out first with £40 ; Devonport Navals secend, with £30; Te Awainutu, Cavalry third, with £20; Waiuku Cavalry fourth, with £10 ; Thames Nasals fourth, with £5; or a total of £105 out of nineteen prizes for carbines with a total of £180. He said Te Awamutu and Wa ku troops had reason to be proud of their achievements in this direction. After a pleasant evening the meeting broke up everyone being well pleased. The Sports. Rapidity Match, half-sections. Ist prize, £2; 2nd prize, £1; 3rd prize, 12s Gd ; 4th prize, 7s od. No. 1, Lieut. Storey and Trooper Grey, Te Awamutu 81 No. 2, Trooper Bright and Cr. .Gurne, \Yaiuku 74

No. 3, Sergt.-Major Barriball and Trooper Enwright, Waiuku OS No. 4, Corporal May and Trooper S. Currie, Waiuku OG The time occupied in remounting with everything was 30 seconds for No. 1; No. 2, 2S seconds: No. 3, 44 seconds ; No. 4, 30 seconds. The distance was a quarter of a mile, over two hurdles from starting to firing' point. Dismount and fire as many shots as possible within three minutes ; one minute was allowed to remount. In dismounting the horses were to be coupled. Troop Huriue Race. Distance, U miles. Over six flights of hurdles. Horses to be ridden by members of troops. Entrance, 10s. Ist prize, £3; 2nd prike, £1; 3rd prize, 10s. Mr Enwright's b m Damsel (Owner) ... 1 Mr Graham's ch g Albion (Weal) ... 2 Mr Bond's b g Brigadier (Dixon) ... 3 Two others started. Brigadier fell at the third hurdle, but his rider was soon up and on atrain. The winner was ridden without a saddle, thus giving an example of Mr Enwright's smart horsemanship. It was cleverly done. Cigar and Umbrella Rack. Open to members of troops only. Once round the course. Horses to be ridden without saddles. Umbrellas not to be less than 3ft. in diameter. At the signal to start umbrellas to be opened, cigars lighted, competitors to mount and ride away, umbrellas to be kept open and cigars lighted till past the judge's box. Entrance, 2s Cd. Ist prize, £1; 2nd prize,

12s 0d ; 3rd prize, 7s od. Euwright 1 Storey ... ... ... •■• ••■ 2 Baker 3 Oassidy was disqualified. There were five entries. Running High Jump. Open to members of troops only. Entrance, 2s od. Ist prize, 15s ; 2nd prize, ss. Graham and E. Bockett tied. .. ... ' J. Holden ... 3 The competitors had to jump in full uniform, with leggings and spurs. The height jumped was about 4ft. Handicap Foot Race, 440 yds. Open to all-comers. Entrance : Troopers, 2s ; civilians, 3s. Ist prize, £1; 2nd prize, OS. Lieut. Storey, 15yds 1 Graham, scratch ... ... ... ... 2 Four entered for this race. Time, 08 seconds. Open Race, catch weights. For all comers' horses. Distance, 1 mile, on the flat. Entrance, 10s. Ist prize, £3 ; 2nd prize, £1; 3rd3prize, 10s. Kay's Te Namo ' 1 Enwright's Damsel 2 Monitor 3 Four started. Wrestling Match (Maori style), open to all comers. Entrance, Is. Ist prize, 15s; 2nd prize, ss. Douglas (a half-caste) 1 Kepa (native) 2 Pursuing Practice Competition, open to members of troops only. Squads of four men abreast. To jump fixed fence; then draw swords, perform pursuing practice twice at a smart gallop, about 400 yards ; halt by trumpet sound. Time, 1 minute. Points to count for best jumping, direction of cuts and points, position, dressing, intervals and halting. Entrance, Is per man. Ist prize, £1; 2nd prize, 10s ; 3rd prize, ss. No. 5 squad, Te Awamutu 1 No. 2 squad, Waiuku 2 No. 3 squad, Te Awamutu 3 Five squads entered. Rapidity Match. Squads of four. Open to members of troops only. To parade at 300 yards range; on signal to start to ride to 200 yards range, over fixed fence ; dismount and ride five rounds each ; remount, ride round the course indicated (distance, half-mile), over four fixed fences ; dismount, and fire as many shots as chosen. Time, five minutes. Competitors must be ununited within one minute after the cense lire has sounded. Entrance, 2s Od eaeii num. Ist prize, £3; 2nd prize, £2 ; 3rd priz«, £1 : 4th prize, £1. In both rapidity matches, carbines and ammunition to lie carried by the. competitors. In both these matches, as well as the pursuing practice, the competitors to be in uniform. No. 4 squad, Te Awamutu 1 No. 3 squad, Waiuku 2 No. 2 squad, Waiuku ... ... ... 3 No. 1 squad, Te Awamutu 4 Four squads entered.

Saddling Race; open to members of troops only; distance, 1 mile. All competitors' horses to be ticketed. Competitors to stand facing horses about 20 yards distance, with saddles and bridles. On signal to start, horses to be saddled, bridled and ridden off. On arrival at a polo 50 yards from the winning post riders to dismount, unsaddle their horses, carry their saddles and lead past the winning post. Girths to be either double or single girths with two buckles. All bridles to have Pelham bits, curbs and throat straps; all straps to be buckled. Entrance, 2s. Ist prize, £1; 2nd prize, 12s Gd ; 3rd, 7s Gd. Euwright 1 (t, Kay 2 Tristram 3 Five entered. Thio Maori Race, of 1 mile (Ist prize £2, 2nd prize ss), was run almost in the dark, but I could not get the names of the owners or horses; at any rate they are of no interest to the public. The Tug of War and Wrestling Match (Cumberland style) did not c.jme off as there was no time. The day was everything that could bo desired, it being beautifully fine. The band,, under Bandmaster Sibley, was present, and played a great number of selections during the day. From the appreciative crowds which surrounded it all day it was quite evident that the band was in itself no small sourcc of attraction to the visitors. It could not well be otherwise, considering the bandmaster's ability and the fact that band corporal H. North is one of the best cornet players in the province. The other bandsmen are not far behind these two in skill, and altogether the Te Awamutu Band is a credit to the troop and the district. All the arrangements were carried out most satisfactorily, not a single hitch occurring throughout the day, a matter for congratution with those entrusted with the carrying out of the programme. In the evening the ball was well attended. Dancing was kept up till au early hour, the cavalry band of course providing the music. A most enjoyable time was spent, the visitors and general public being highly pleased with the amusements. lam sure the strangers will carry away with them a very pleasant recollection of their trip and the cordiality of the reception given them by the Te Awamutu troop.