GRAND REVIEW AT AUCKLAND.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 6, Issue 327, 21 October 1862, Page 3

GRAND REVIEW AT AUCKLAND.

PRESENTATION OB 1 THE VICTORIA CROSa (Prom the Soutlierti Cross, Oct. 3.) Yesterday morning a grand review of the military forces, stationed in Auckland and at Otahuhu, took place under the inspection of Lieut-General Cameron, C.8., on the Ellerslie race course- The weather was in every way auspicious for the occasion, the sun shining brilliantly ; whilst a pool breeze most agreeably tempered the heat. The ground was aptly chosen, and well situated for the manoeuvring of the various regiments undergoing inspection. The interesting nature of the review, coupled with the fact that the Victoria Cross, the rirst ever presented in the colony, was to be given to Sergeant- Major John Lucas, of the 4:oth regiment, had the elfect of inducing a large number of pedestrians, equestrians, and ladies and gentlemen occupying carriages, to be present to witness the spectacle. I The forces in garrison in Auckland, consisting I of the artillery, sappers, and 40th foot; left the barracks shortly after 9 o'clock, and preceded by the fine band of the 40th regiment, which performed choice selections of music, until arriving | at the entrance of the race-cour.se, where a halt took place, until the regiments encamped at Otahuhu made their appearance. These consisted of a portion of the 12th, the 14th, the 65th and 70th regiments, aud were respectively headed by their bands — with the exception of the 12th. A combined march was then made to the course : the artillery taking up their position on the right of the field. The prelimiaary manoeuvres were then gone through, a,nd a grand line formed. By this time General Cameron with his numerous staff, had arrived upon the ground, and the whole line presented arms. General Cameron then accompanied by his staff, rode up and down the line, minutely inspecting the accoutrements and cleanliness of the forces. This being dove, three sides of a square were formed by the regiments, enclosing General Cameron and his staff: the fourth side being effectually closed by the spectators, who appeared anxiously interested in the flattering ceremony which was about to take place. Serjeant-Major John Lucas was then called into the centre of the square, and Major Wliitmore read the despatch which had been received from Sir George Cornwall Lewis, relative to the act of bravery which Serjeant-Major Lucas had displayed, and which had fitted him to receive the Victoria Cross. General Cameron then said it was his duty to present the Victoria Cross ; and at the same time to congratulate the recipient upon the very high honor which was bestowed upon him. Nothing that he could say would add to the honor which the words of the despatchjust read had conferred upon Serjeant- Major Lucas : aud his position in the regiment was a proof of his exemplary conduct. He had only to observe that the coolness in danger, and the generous bravery with which, he had risked his own life- to vescaehis superior officer, whilst engaged at Waitara, had rendered him worthy of the highest honor. The firmness he had there shown whilst in action, would stamp him as truly brave : and that one act in his life would for ever be worthy of remembering with honest pride and gratulation. It was then his (General Cameron's; duty to affix the cross to the breast of Sergt.-Major Lucas, and he did so with best wishes that he might have health, long life, and prosperity, whilst wearing it. The cross was then affixed to the breast of Sergt.-Major Lucas. General Cameron then said, to give more honour to the occasion, he would call for three cheers for the Queen. The call was responded to most heartily. ■ General Cameron then called for three cheers for Sergeant-Major Lucas. Three deafening cheers were given until the welkin rang again. The whole force then re-formed line ; after which they marched in slow and quick time past the General and staff, saluting on each occasion when passing. Contiguous columns were afterwards formed : the artillery taking up their position on the flanks, and skirmishing companies were thrown out. The companies having displayed their ability in this respect, the recall was sounded ; and was succeeded by file firing, which . brought the proceedings to a close. The forces were then marched off 4he ground — the regiments encamped at Otahuhu turning off to their destination, and the forces in the barracks at Auckland directing their steps to this city by way of Parnell. The following is the list of Quick Marches played by the excellent band of the 40th Regt., under the able conductorship of Sergeant Mur> rell :—" Achilles," "Ever of Thee," "Trompeter Frendent," "Triester," "Shells of the Ocean," "Louisen," "Sieges," "Olivia," " Frederick William," "Lord Dangan," "Rudolphs," "Soldater Lust." We regret that we were unable to procure the lists of music played by the bands of the other regiments on the ground.