WAIUKU CAVALRY.

Auckland Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 69, 23 March 1887, Page 6

WAIUKU CAVALRY.

The Easter Encampment — Pre seutatfon to major ISamlin.

The hali-yeaily training of the Waiuku troop commenced on Monday, March 14th, on which day there was but one man absent; on the two following days every member was present. The arms, accoutrements and uniforms were found in aplendid order. On each day the troop was put through a steady but heavy course of drill, and showed considerable proficiency both in dismounted and mounted drill. On the afternoon of Wednesday LieuffenantColonel Shepherd inspected the troop. After marching pset, etc., the Colonel directed the troop to be put through a number of movement?, which they executed in a highly-creditable manner.' The corps was then formed into a hollow square, and Lieutenant - Colonel Shepherd addressed thorn. He spoko highly of the way the men turned out for their drill, the steady way the movements* were executed, and particularised the gallop Pact' Al" though not a cavalry man, he possessed mfficieut knowledge to know when a movement of the kinj was well d..ne. The march past was not so good, although nfter pn'sinc the saluting bare the line was very good indeed. Ho further expressed a hope, indeed requested th troops to turn out woll at the Eastern encampment. They woro the Auckland Garrison troop, and as such ho urged them to make a good turnout, ao that the people of Auckland could see what a fine troop they possessed. If not the best, it wa3 certainly one of the best in tho colony. He regr6tt«d to tee so few psrtoue watching their move ments. The people of Waiuku ought to tako more interest in them. The troop was then marchod back to their private parade in the town?hip, and each man was asked to cay yes or no us to whether bo would go to camp. Captain Payne, of the A Battery, who had arrivod by steamer as one of the judges for the sports, informtd the parade of the steps being takon in Auckland. Fifty men consented to go, four could not go, aud ton would try to bo present. At the annual meeting of the troop held after parade, Acting Captain Brown intimated that he would have to resign, as his health would not stand tho work, and hia medical adviser had told him to resign. He thanked them all for their kindness, and especially thanked Major Hatnlin for Mb assistance. On tho motion of Lieutenant Barriball seconded by Sergeant-Major Manning, a vote of thanks and regret at the state of Captain Brown's health was carried unanimously. Major Homlin, on behalf of Mrs Brown, uskeJ the troop to express their desire as to what that 'ady should present to them. Tho goneral desire was in favour of a " colour " for thu troop. On Thursday morning, prior to tho corps being marched to the Recreation (irounii, Captain Brown, un buhali of the troup, pie Rented Major Humlin with a sword aud belt. Ho said it was expressive of the high esteom in which tha Major wua hed Tliuy all felt proud of his promotion, but regrettod ho had to sever his immediate connection with them. They hoped he would assist them as much »s he could.

Major Hamlin oxprefsed his sincere thanks to tho officers, non-commieaioned officers, nnd hjou for their u.-oful und valuablo pr^-eiit. Ho need not aseure thitn of the interest ho dad taken in tliem, »nd, although ho had to ttver tho close connection which hud :-o lung existed, ho should HI.VUV6 do ali be could to keep them in their present position, en ono of the beat corps in ihe province, if not in tho colony. He iig-tin thankud t.horn for H.eir handac.me pro-orit. Tnrue lusty and hearty chtura were «iven, and one cheer more for the little

ANNUAL SPORTS,

Tho men were thon marched |fco tjie Recroitiir. <i round und couimenceSthoir da^-Ia sports, which coi^i'-tcd of"niw'ifcjparato matches. LieutenatitColonel" Shepherd,

•nu uf the patrons was present, and the jucJt!C3 *ere OaptHin Puyne, Instructor tJiiil-.-y, and Major Hamlin, who wete ably a««itt<d by uilior gautluvaen. Ttie spoits weie very successful.