THE HOLIDAY AT THE THAMES. THE REVIEW AND PRESENTATION OF COLOURS.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXVIII, Issue 4748, 12 November 1872, Page 3

THE HOLIDAY AT THE THAMES.

THE REVIEW AND PRESENTATION OF COLOURS.

Our Thames correspondent wribes : — The anniversary of the Prince's Mrfchday was ke^t here as a close holiday — a holiday that for once was really regarded by the people as a welcome relaxation from the harassing cares of business life. Not that labour throughout the district was entirely suspended, for the majority of the mines and crushing-machines continued in work, but the town presented a Sabbath appearance.

Scrip Corner was quite chopf alien, and its habitues scattered, only too willing to banish for a time the remembrance of market; fluctuations, and professed that the ' ( latest tip" had no charm for them. On Saturdaythere was a considerable exodus to Auckland of pleasure-seekers desirous of participating in the amusements provided there in commemoration of his Royal Highness's birthday. Enough and to spare, however, remained here to patronise the loyal celebration, of which, the principal features were the Volunteer Review, the presentation of colours to the Thames Naval Volunteers, and the opening of the Elysium Pleasure-grounds at Tararu. The first two events were concurrent ; the last received consummation in the afternoon when hundreds of merry folks wended their way to Tararu, bent on exploring the beauties of the sylvan retreat provided by the enterprise and liberality of the lessees, Messrs. Wells and Pardie. It is situated ou Graham's Mount, and is a truly delightful place, and will no doubt be largely patronised during the coming summer season.

A staff order had been issued for the various Volunteer companies to assemble at 10 o'clock, and afterwards rendezvous at the "Volunteer Hall, thence to march to the Parawai Cricket Ground. Time was punctually kept, and a very good muster resulted, each company excepting the Engineers, being fairly represented, whilst the Navals appeared in strong force. Of the Engineers — there were Captain Goldsmith, Lieutenant McCullongh, Sergeant Cleary, and , six privates. Thames Scottish—Captain Murraj', Lieutenant Robinson, Ensign Stewart, and 34 rank and file. No. 1 Royals—Captain Lipsey, two subalterns, and 35 rank and file. No. 2 H.R. V. —Captain Barnett, two subalterns, 22 rank and file. No. 3 H.R.V.— Captain Newby, two subalterns, and 20 rank and file. T.K.R. —Captain Howel, two subalterns, 56 rank and file. The Navala — Captain Grant, 3 subalterns, 54 rank and file and 19 band. Engineer Cadets —Captain Rowe, and 26 rank and file. The Volunteer Band, 19. Total, 248. There would have been half as many again if so many men had not been absent on shift in the mines—men who could ill afford to lose a day's work. !From the Volunteer Hall an advance was made to the Parawai cricket ground, where battalion was formed, and the men wheeled into line, the Navals occupying the centre. Then* the flanking companies were wheeled up and three sides of a square formed, in the centre being a pile of drums to serve as an altar, at which the colour-presenting ceremonial could be performed. The colours, cased, were laid on the drums, whilst Mrs. W. Lloyd, the presenter, and several other lidies, descended from an open carriage, and, with the Rev. Mr. Lush in his gown, advanced for the purpose of commencing the ceremony. At this juncture an incident demonstrative of the influence of the fair sex occurred. With his usual courtesy to the Press, Major Cooper intimated to the reporters that they might if they chose bring their lady friends into the centre of the square to better to witness the presentation. The permission thus accorded was as promptly taken advantage of, and soon a dozen or 15 fair dames were grouped about the drums, much totheenvy of their lessfavoured sisters outside, many of whom pressed forward, hoping their turn would come next. And so it did ; for on a sudden a soft voice was heard to exclaim, "Let's all go in," and in a trice the centre of the square was absolutely flooded by ladies, with whom SubInspector Bullen and his posse of Armed Constabulary there to keep order, were powerless to deal. Parasols were brought to the charge, bright eyes flashed defiance, or something softer, and the Constabulary were vanquished : so also was Major Cooper and his staff; and as the next best thing to having a clear centre vras to keep order amongst those in it, the only alternative waa to form the ladies into a square about the drums ; and squared they were for, T dare say, the first time in their lives, and constituted an exceedingly pretty and effective battalion. Order thus restored, the colouis were uncased, and consecrated by the Rev. Mr. Lush in an impressive prayer. Mrs. Lloyd then advanced, and with much grace and self-possession addressed the Navals as follows: —"Captain Grant, officers, and men of the Thames Naval Volunteers, I can assure you that it gives me great pleasure to present you with these colours to-day. When I first undertook to provide them I little anticipated the difficulties which would stand in the way of the attainment of the object I had in view. In the first place, the material for the colours was not to be procured, either in New Zealand or the neighbouring colonies. I had to send to England for it. Then it was not easy to find persons capable of constructing the regimental flag. However the work waa at last got into training, aud the result you see before you to-day. I have to inform you that the regimental flag was made by the ladies of the Auckland Convent; the Queen's colours are the work of my own hands. I trust the brigade will long exist to carry them, and, should they ever be unfurled to repel a foe, that the men will act up to the motto, "Per mare, per terram," and ever remember that the flags represent the flag which has braved a thousand years the battle and the breeze. I now place the colours in your charge, Captain Grant, and hope that the Naval Brigade will always be noted for steady and soldier-like conduct." The colours were received by Lieutenants Wood and Bruce. Captain Grant made a suitable reply for himself and men. The colours are very handsome. The regimental flag is made of heavy blue silk, with white centre and blue cross. In the very centre is the foul anchor, exquisitely worked in grey floss silk, and surmounting it is the Imperial crown worked in massive gold bullion ; above the crown is the motto " Per marc, per terram," and beneath the white centre is the inscription "Thames Naval Volunteers," both motto and inscription being admirably embroidered in silk. An oak wreath superMy executed in various shades of green silks surmounts the crown and anchor. In the uppermost corner of the (lag is a small Union Jack. The Queen's colour is the Union Jack proper, also constructed of heavy costly silk. The Naval Brigade may well be proud of the gift, for, apart from its value, it is, I believe, the first of the kind ever made in New Zealand. The presentation ceremony over, the Volunteers formed line again, and fired a feu de joie in honour of the day. It was very badly fired indeed. The three hearty cheers that followed were better given, an 3 yet they lacked that ring so peculiar to the true British cheer when flung abroad either in defiance or triumph. The National Anthem was well rendered by the Volunteer band. Marching past, and then a sham fight, terminated the review.