VOLUNTEER SMOKE CONCERT.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 122, 24 May 1901, Page 2

VOLUNTEER SMOKE CONCERT.

The Xewton Rifles Corps held A smoke concert last evening- in the Foresters' Hall for the purpose of welcoming Captain A. M. Myers and Captain T. -Todd, D.S.O. The hall was tastefully decorated with bunting-, and tbe comfort of visitors was admirably looked after by the caterer. Lieut. R. J. Derrom presided, and amongst the guests were.—Messrs W. Coleman, J. M; Geddes, and G. Higgins, Captain J. E. Reed, Lieut. Quarter-master Dormer, Lieut. J. Spinley, Lieut. Ewen, SurgeonMajor* Walker, Sergeant-Major Carpenter, and SeTgeant-Major Sherson. The. chairman apologised for the absence of Lieut. Col. \V. B. White, and also for Captain Todd. The first toast, "The King-," was proposed by the chairman and duly honoured. Mr W. Coleman proposed the toast of "The Army, Navy, and Volunteers" in a neat speech, in the course of which he referred to some of the great historic charges of the past, and finally claimed to belong to a corps whose charges had never been excelled —the corps called by some "The Devil's Own." He regretted the absence of Captain Todd, on,e of their own number who. had so conducted himself in South Africa as to return with the coveted letters D.S.O. after his name. He was only one of the many volunteers who had gone to South Africa, and fought like heroes, showing that in these colonies where they had no standing army they need have no fear in trusting the defence of their homes to the volunteers. (Applause.)

Dr. Walker in replying- to the toast referred to the losses of various coinvpanies by the destruction of the drill shed, and mentioned that when in Wellington recently he called upon the Defence Department and was pleased when assured that the Bearer Company's losses would be replaced. (Applause.)

The chairman next proposed "Our Guests, Captains Myers and Todd," and expressed the pleasure of all present at welcoming them back home again. He felt proud that one of their lieutenants had returned with the rank of captain, and the letters D.S.O. (Applause.)

Captain Myers upon rising to reply was greeted with prolonged cheering. He thanked those present for the kindly and cordial welcome tendered, and expressed regret that the chief guest, Captain Todd, was absent on duty at Wellington. Personally he was proud that Captain Todd was a member of their company. To return from the war with the letters D.S.O. after his name was an honour not only to the Newton Rifles but the whole batallion. They must not forget also another man, than whom there was no better volunteer officer or a more popular one—Captain Major, D.S',O. (Cheers.) Captain Myers then referred to the fact that Dr. J. L. Campbell was really the father of the volunteer movement in Auckland, having as far back as 1856 put £1000 on the estimates to procure rifles "to create a body of marksmen prepared to turn out at a moment's warning for protection of the town." Captain Myers said until recently volunteers were looked, upon as toy soldiers, but that could never again be cast at the movement. (Applause.)

The toast of the company was also responded to by Captain Myers. During the evening Mr W. Harkin sang a couple of solos in admirable style. Other vocal items were given by Messrs .H. McCoy, F. White, B Myers, Sergeant Major Carpenter, Colour-Sergeant Fraser, Mr Higgins, and Corporal E. Adye. Mr H. Harding contributed a "Sailor's Hornpipe," and Mr R. Hayson a negro song and dance in character. All the items were encored, the audience being most enthusiastic.