HAMILTON LIGHT INFANTRY.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 2577, 17 January 1889, Page 2

HAMILTON LIGHT INFANTRY.

Presentation of Prizes

Thk lirst Government parade for the current year of the Hamilton Light Infantry Company was held on Tuesday evening in tho Volunteer Hall. Tliore was a canital muster under Capt. Reid and Lieut. Kirk. The Company inarched from tho hall to Sydney Square, headed by the band under Bandmaster Mettam. Col. Forbes came on the ground, mounted and in the handsome uniform of the Madras Staff Corps. After a march-past, which was admirably executed, the men were drawn up in line and Col. Forbes addressed them as follows Capt. Reid, officers and men of tho Hamilton Light Infantry. It affords me sincere gratification to meet you here this evening, and to rone.v to some extent my former relations as your Colonel. I feel highly complimented at having been asked to present the New Zealand Clothing Company's Trophy and other prizes to the successful competitors at the ranges. No one felt prouder of the enconiuois passed by Col. Hume upon yonr efficiency than I did. They were no ordinary terms of commendation which weio employed bv the Inspecting Officer, nor is he a man addicted to using such terms lightly and witho-.it fully weighing their importance. The Hamilton Light Infantry stand on a high pedestal of merit, and, not only Capt. Reid and myself, but all the residents of Hamilton are proud of our connection with such a body of 'lien. Rat, lam desirous that the town should show its appreciation in some substantial manner, and it will not be my fault if a trophy, to be called "The Hamilton Belt," is not added to prizes annually competed for hereafter. We have heard a good deal about the Waikato furnishing excellent scope for the yield of beet, but I think it will bo yet famous for producing something else that "won't be beat." You must, however, remember that the success you have already achieved has not heen won without self-denial and those soldierly qualities without which no body of men can reach to military efficiency ; so in order to maintain your high position you cannot afford to relax your efforts, or to be content with what you have learnt already. Military science is ever progressing ; and we are living in days when the soldier can no longer be regarded as a living automaton, but is required to be an educated, intelligent and efficient unit of organisation. One of the most important objects which every soldier —volunteer or regular—should keep before him is to qualify as a good marksman. One good marksman is in actual warfare worth a dozen indifferent ones ; and a company with a high average of merit in shooting is often more to be depended on than a whole regiment with a low figure. I congratulate the Company on the improvement in shooting displayed by the scores recorded on the Ist. inst., and I am confident still better results will be attained next year; and, lastly, I congratulate it on having as its commander so able and efficient an officer and such a thorough soldier as my friend, Captain Reid. Bandsman H. Tristram, who has held the cup during the past year, was then called up and surrendered it to Col. Forbes, who addressed a few words of encouragement to him. Sergt. Hooper then ad vanced and received the cup to tho tune of "See the Conquering Hero Comes," played by the band. Corporal Alexander then received his prize, and after three cheers had been lustily given for Col. Forbes, the band plaving " For He's a Jolly Good I'ellow," the Company marched back to the Volunteer Hall.

Prior to dismissing, prizes, presented by Mr W. J)ey and Messrs Sandes and Co-, were distributed to the winners by Captain Reid, besides several money prizes subscribed by tho men themselves,

Match with Te Awamutu. The conditions submitted by the Te Awamutu Cavalry for a match with the Hamilton Light Infantry at Te Awamutu, were considered after drill on Tuesday evening, and it was agreed to accept them. The conditions are : Eight men a-side ; ranges, 200, 300 and 400 yards ; five shots at each. The position at 200 yards is standing ; 300 yards, kneeling; and 400 yards, prone. New Zealand regulation target and scoring. Luncheon will be provided for the visiting team at the Commercial Hotel, at 12 o'clock, and the match will be commenced at 1 p.in. sharp. Those members willing to take part in the match handed in their names to Lieut. Kirk, and it was arranged that two preliminary practices should be held, the eight highest scorers at these practices to be the men selected to represent the Company. The following are the men from whom the final selection will be made Lieuts. Edgecombe and Kirk, Bandmaster Mettam, Col. Sergt. Pearson, Sergeants Connolly, Hooper and Kelly, Corporals Alexander ami Hines, Bandsmen H. Tristram and P. Munro, Privates A. Allan, Cassidy, R. Deilicar, <T. Dellicar, Hammond, Kent, Mayes, McPherson, Meredith, Quinn and T. Raid. A meeting of the shooting committee will be held to-nioirow evening to make final arrangements.