NAVALS' SOCIAL.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 9316, 10 March 1893, Page 3

NAVALS ' SOCIAL.

The Napier Naval Artillery Volunteers held their annual social reunion at the Caf£ last evening. There was a large muster of the company present, and the gathering proved very enjoyable. The chair was occupied by Captain T, G. Smith, supported by Major Wood, officer commanding tbe district, Captain Chicken, of the Rifle?, and Lieutenants Gooch and Perrin, of the Navals. The catering was in the hands of Mr Glaesford, who acquitted himself well, and his efforts to satisfy the Inner man appeared to be thoroughly appreciat< ■}, The following toasts were drunk enthusiastically : — " The Queen." " The Army and Navy," proposed by Captain Smith, and replied to by Major Wood and Captain Chicken. " The Officer Commanding," proposed by Captain Smith, and responded to by Major Wood. "Kindred Corps," proposed by Lieutenant Gooch, and replied to by Cap. taiw Chicken, of the Rifles, and SergeantMajor Huddleston (in the absence of Captain M'Cartney), on behalf of the F Battery of Artillery. " Non-commisaioned Officers," proposed by Lieutenant Perrin, and responded to by C.P.O. Franklin. " The Garrison Band," proposed by Captain Chicken, and replied to by Band, master Barrett. " The Ladies," proposed by Sergeant-Major Huddleston, and responded to by P.O. White. "The Press," proposed by Captain Smith, and replied to by the representatives present. "The Heat and Hostess," proposed by Captain Smith, and replied to by Mr Giassford. During the evening songs were contributed by Petty Officers Scarfe and P. Franklin, and Gunners B. and M. Frank" lin, Wilkie, Cameron, Long, H. Andrews, Drury, Brophy, Gallovan, and Rolls. The presentation of the prizes won in the annual prize-firing competition was made by Major Wood, who spoke a few words of encouragement to the younger marksmen. The recipients of the prizes on coming forward to receive the reward of their skill were grested wifch much applause. The chief winners were P.O. Key, Gunners Norton, Green, and W. Tates. Captain Smith had announced Ms intention of resigning his captaincy of the corps, Bnd the members, while urging a reconsideration ef his decision, presented him with a handsomely illuminated testimonial, the work of Mr H. C. A, Wundram. C.P.O. Franklin In making the presentation referred to the invaluable services rendered to the company by Captain Smith, and expressed the unanimous wish of the corps that their chief officer should retain his post. Captain Smith said that in response to such a strongly expressed wish he would accede to the request of those present, and he felt honored by the hearty way in which they had shown their goodwill. After Gunner Hedley had danced a breakdown the company sang "Auld Lang Syne" and dispersed.