OTAGO HUSSARS.

Evening Star, Issue 14635, 3 August 1911, Page 2

OTAGO HUSSARS.

The half-yearly dinner and the annual presentation of prizes in connection with the Otago Hussars, held at the Trocadero Restaurant last night, passed off most successfully. The attendance numbered about 100, Captain Black presided, being supported by Lieutcnant-eolonel Smith, Major McDonald (acting-e.olonel sth Regiment), and a number of other visiting and local officers. The Chairman said he had received apologies from Brigade-colonel Nicholls. Lieutenant-colonel Smyth, Captains Morris and Freeman, Lieutenants Miller and Price, Surgeon-captain Falconer, and others. He had seen the term ■•valedictory” applied to such gatherings as the one that evening, and he did not like it. The only connection in which the term could Ik* applied was with reference to the old volunteer system. The Dominion was now entering upon a. scheme of universal military training which certainly could not he called conscription, hut was not a groat remove, from the past. The word could only be applied to the weaknesses of the past with its lack of discipline and control. Referring to the past year, the speaker said it had been a fairly successful one. A considerable number of new men requiring training had been added, and at the close ot the year there wsa a considerable improvement noticeable. The only camp held had been very sucres.ful, the discipline being satisfactory and the attendance good. The toast of “ The Army, Navy, and Auxiliary Forces ” was proposed by exLieuteuant Q.M. J. A. Park, who emphasised the necessity of maintaining the Navy at its present state of efficiency. He also spoke strongly in favor of the new scheme of training, and was optimistic as to the benefit that would result to the country generally from it. Lieutenant-colonel Smith, in response to the toast, referred to the fine record of the British Army. In the next war two new elements would have to be taken into account namely, submarines and aeroplanes—and the effect of each would no doubt be very considerable. Other toasts honored wore “Exmembers,” “The Visitors,” and “The Ladies.” The musical programme was contributed to by the following:— Trumpeter Grmdley (song). Major M‘Donalcl (recitation), Trooper Logan (song), Sergeant Mitchell (song), exSergcant Wood (recitation), Trooper Scott (song), ox-Trooper Slingor (song), and Lieutenant George. The Garrison Band orchestra also played selections.