CHRISTCHURCH RIFLES.

Press, Volume XLVIII, Issue 7868, 20 May 1891, Page 6

CHRISTCHURCH RIFLES.

FAREWELL SOCIAL TO CAPTAIN BRISTOW.

Last evening the Christchurch Rifles tendered a farewell social to Captain Bristow, who has resigned the command of the corps, consequent upon his removal to Akaroa. The gathering was held in Hobbs' buildings, and the tables were tastefully decorated, and laid with light refreshments. The chair was occupied by Major Richards, who was supported on his right by the guest of the evening, and on his left by LieutenantColonel Gordon, the officer commanding the district. There were also present, Majors Slater and Francis, Captains Recce, Webster, Maseey, and Whiteside, and Lieutenants Bridges and Reynolds; Hon. Surgeon Dr. Thomas, and Hon. Chaplain Rev. W. A. Pascoe. Apologies were received from a number of officers who were unable to be present. After the toasts of " The Queen " and '• His Excellency the Governor," had been duly honored, Major Slater proposed the toast of " The Army and Navy," which was responded to by Lieutenant-Colonel Gordon for the Army, and Captain Bristow for the Navy. "The New Zealand Volunteer Force" was proposed by Mr E. Hardcastle, and responded to by Major Slater. The Chairman proposed the toast of " The Guest of the evening, Captain W. H. Bristow," and in doing so said that when he (the Chairman) resigned the command of the company he felt that the greatest compliment he could pay it was to get the best man he could find to take his place. He succeeded in obtaining the services of Capt. Bristow, who was then a Lieutenant in the Canterbury Engineers. He would say this, that they might get as eood but not a better officer than Captain'Bristow. They would all feel his loss, and he (the Chairman) felt it very much, as he was losing a valued friend. (Applause). The toast was drunk with three times three.

Captain Bristow, in responding, said that of all the vicissitudes through which he had gone as captain of the company, the parting that night was the worst. He alluded to the "esprit de corps" existing among the members, which had been the means of supporting the corps in trying times. He urged the members to work individually to maintain the position of the corps, and to look upon their shooting as part of their duty. He would look forward to the doings of the company in the future, and especially to their volley and independent firing this year. He was pleased to see old members rejoining and to see gentlemen of such promise as Mr Andrews enter the service. (Applause.) Mr Andrews was going forward into the Imperial service, and ne trusted they would send him there with all honor, as he would make an excellent officer. Captain Bristow then presented Private Scott with the challenge belt of the corps, which he had won upon the season's shooting. Captain Reecb proposed the toast of " Lieutenant-Colonel Gordon," and said that during the short time he had been in command of the district they could ccc that Lieutenant-Colonel Gordon thoroughly understood his duties and was ready to make every allowance for the difficulties that volunteers had to contend with. lieutenant-Colonel Gordon said he deeply felt the honor the Government had conferred upon him by promoting him to the command of the district, and said there was no doubt he would find the same " esprit de corps" among the other corps as existed among the members of the Christchurch Rifles. Captain Massey proposed •' Our Mounted Troops," which was responded to by Major Slater for the C.V.C. and Captain Recce for the Mounted Infantry. Major Francis proposed "The Ordnance Battalion," which was responded to by Captain Webßter, Canterbory Engineers. " The Rifle B&tThe toasts of " Tiie Honorary Unattached lost," "Our Chairman," " Honorary Chaplain," " "War Correspondents," ana " The Ladies," were duly honored. During the evening some excellent songs were sung by members of the corps and visitors, and some capital music was supplied by an Italian string band.