18th, (ROYAL IRISH) REGIMENT.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 13, Issue 1065, 13 July 1869, Page 2

18th, (ROYAL IRISH) REGIMENT.

FAREWELL DINNER TO NON-COM-MISSIONED OFFICERS AND PRIVATES. The universal feeling of esteem and respect, which the uniformly. good conduct of the non-commissioned officers ,and men of the detachment of the 18th stationed in Napier has won from the inhabitants generally, led, on Saturday last, to a very interesting spectacle — that of a public dinner given to the non-commissioned officers and men. At two o'clock the detachment, under command of Capt. Wray, and preceded by the Napier Brass Band, marched from Gore Browne Barracks to the Oddfellow's Hall. Outside, on the green, the detachment was drawn up and a photograph of it taken by Mr. Swan. The men were then marched to the Hall, which had been gaily decorated for the occasion ; and having seated themselves at the plentifully provided tables, ample justice was done to the repast. The chair (in the unavoidable absence of Major Withers) was occupied by Alex. Kennedy, Esq., supported on the right by. Color-Serr geant J. A. P. Dowling, and on the left by Dr. Hitchings. The other sergeants of the two companies comprising the detachment (B and G) — Messrs. P. Cosgrove, G-. Capley, J. Luff, T. Rose, and T. Smith, also took their seats at the cross table. The vice chairs were filled respectively by P. Bourke and E. Lyndon, Esquires, and the edible arrangements were under the able management of Mr. Johnson. ! The scene, at this time, was an exceed- | ingly interesting one, added to which the stage was crowded with ladies, attracted by the novelty of the spectacle, as well as, doubtless, by their sympathy with the object of the demonstration. The number of privates present was, we believe, 86 ; and, although there was no stint of beer and wine, not the slightest breach of decorum occurred throughout. Anything more, orderly and well conducted could not be conceived. "The Queen" and " His Excellency the Governor" having been given from the chair, and heartily responded to, the Band playing appropriate music, — The Chairman said that the toast of the evening would be moved by his friend Mr. Carlyon, as being more able to do justice to it than he was. E. A. Carlyon, Esq., after touching upon the value to Great Britain of her colonies, and the fashion of the day to cry them down, proceeded to refer to the excellent conduct of the detachment while serving in Napier, and to the esteem and respect with which, in consequence, it was universally regarded by the inhabitants. That feeling had given rise to the present occasion, and the movement had been joined in by all classes of the community. He had much pleasure in giving— "Health and prosperity to the 18 th Regiment," and would couple with the toast the name of Sergeant-Major Dowling. The toast was drunk with great enthusiasm, and with musical honors. Color Sergeant Dowling, upon rising, was received with much cheering. He said that, for himself and comrades, he tendered hie warmest thanks for the manner in which the toast had been drunk and his name mentioned. He thought even more of it from the fact that the detachment came to Napier with a bad name. (No, no). Rumour had certainly given them a bad character ; and the contrary could not be shewn without the aid of time and their own good conduct. This day had shewn that they had gained a double victory — they had conquered slander, and, at the same time, won the esteem of the inhabitants of Napier. (Great cheering.) He and his comrades regretted much that circumstances over which tliey had no control prevented them from meeting the enemy in the field. (Great cheers.) Every man was willing to do so, if allowed. It had often been said that the British soldier could not cope with the enemy in the bush. But he and his comJ rade3 knew what that bush was, and he could safely state that the British soldier, properly handled, was more than a match for any , Maori. (Much cheering.) They could not but regret that they were leaving New Zealand without having had the opportunity of punishing the enemy for his cowardly and dastardly acts, by that effectual means — a few inches of well tempered British steel. (Cheers and laughter.) After some further remarks he said that himself and comrades in the Royal Irish would not forget the many kindnesses they had experienced at the hands of the people of Napier. (Great cheering.) He would conclude by proposing a toast. They had all seen civilians take the field and perform duties usually performed by soldiers. They had fought under very difficult circumstances, often against overwhelming odds, and had acquitted themselves manfully. His toast was that of the Militia, Volunteers, and Armed Constabulary, coupled with the name of their esteemed chairman, Capt. Kennedy. The toast was drank, accompanied by three hearty cheers. Band— Red, White and Blue. Capt. Kennedy, in returning thanks, regretted more than ever the absence of Major Withers, who could have responded better to the toast than he could. He himself was only a holiday soldier, but he thanked them heartily for the manner they had acknowledged the toast. : Capt. Wray (commanding the detachment) who, with his brother officers, were

in the hall, came forward to propose a loaSt —the health of the Superintendent? and settlers of Hawke's Bay. He passed -a high compliment upon the settlers, who, when circumstances required ifc, took the field cheerfully, and did not shirk their duty. In leaving Napier he was sure he spoke for all when he said they would regret the .hearty .good feeling they left behind them. (Much cheering.) The toast was duly drunk with three times three, and responded to by Captain Kennedy. " The Ladies," by Mr. Carlyon, was the last toast on the list ; and, it now being half-past four, the company broke up. Outside the hall the detachment: formed into marching order, and, again preceded by the Band (which had played on the stage throughout the afternoon), marched home - to barracks.