THE COMMANDER OF THE CONTINGENT.

Press, Volume LVI, Issue 10484, 24 October 1899, Page 5

THE COMMANDER OF THE CONTINGENT.

Major Robin is a splendid example, says the "Otago Daily Times," of what the volnnteer may attain to. He first doused her Majesty's uniform as a gunner in, the B Battery, N.Z.A. That he was a born soldier -waa very coon most patent to tihs officer comruandkjg that company, and he, assumed tka corporal's and then the sergeant's stripes in turn as a matter of course. While in the Battery an incident occurred which, is a good illustration of the absolute fearlessness characteristic of him. When Sir Jolm Ricshanlson died be was accorded * military funerai, {md was interred in the Northern Cemetery. On the day of the funeral 'the LeitU mib high flood, and there was «t general opinion that the Dundas street bridge would not beer the weight of the gun carriage beaming til* honoured remains of tlbe late Major Richexd* eon. Major Robin α-t ance volunteered to drive the gun carriage across, and accomplished tlie dangerous task without mishap. When the Otago Hussars were formed, Major Robin at once joined them, and by cheer hard work, spurred on by military enthusiasm, which deepened as toe went on, he ros* through all tho grades of non-commissioned officera to command of the troop. Once in his ihaods, tilte Ota-go Hussars -were gradually raised to such a pitch of efficiency as to cause Colonel Fox, in a report presented to Parliament, to say that in this respect- it was unsurpassed by any mounted corps in th* colony. While in command of the Huason* he -was selected to take charge of the New Zealand Contingent which attoiided ben* Majesty's Diamond Jubiloe celebration ift London, in 1897; and vrfiile in England he acquired the reputation of being one of- the smartest of the colonial officers then in th» mother country. His was also the honour of being selected to oomniand the escort token from the various colonial Contingents which jwxx>m.panied tlie Queen on Ixer visit to London during the celebrations. Ho also received, -while in England, a very advantageous offer to enter till© Canadian military service. • Since Ms return to the colony be has been, promoted to be major, and assigned to staff employment. As soon as acTransvaal Mounted Contingent was decided on, Major Robin's appointment to the command was generally anticipated throughout the colony. * '■ : ~~~" ■