PALMERSTON.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 263, 30 July 1908, Page 3

PALMERSTON.

MANAWATU MOUNTED RIFLES. A pleasing ceremony took placo j-csterday afternoon on the occasion of tho oponing of the Manawatu Mounted Rifles' new orderly room, his Excellency the Governor being present. Captain Peach explained that tho building would supply a long-felt want, enabling members to meet together and discuss matters of importance to the.corps and improve themselves in drill. .Ho apologised I for tho absence of Mr. W.. T. Wood, M.P., and Captain Pringle. , His Excellency, who was greeted with applause, stated that it gave him great pleasure to open, the hall, and he was delighted to be associated with anything in connection with the volunteering 'movement in Now Zealand. Any movement in that direction had his fullest sympathy. The volunteers had proved -to tho Empiro that thoy were ready to : serve in tho time of trouble. In tho past they had not been backed up by public■ opinion as well as they might hayo been. . The' Government was now, howevor, endeavouring to assist tho volunteers in every" possible way. He spoke of tho capability of tho officers of the local corps, and mado spccial mention of tho facilities that the new hall would afford, and the useful- instruction that would follow. When tho officers wero prepared to give their time to instruction, he felt sure that the men would take the fullest' advantago of instruction. He- specially complimented tho 'Manawatu Corps on their muster and the general appearance, and stated that ho had watched their movements on official occasions, and was surprised to see tho 1 largo mustorsj'which must have meant self-sacrifico on the part of tho men.. His. congratulations were also extended to Captain Poach for having raised the corps to its present high standard. His Excellency then presented Trooper R. Bright with a South African war trooper having seen two years', active scrvice. Mr. R. Mulrooney, who contested .tho recent election for a vacancy in tho.. Borough Council, last evening tendeved a social to his supporters,' which was largely attended.