ALEXANDRA CAVALRY.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume II, Issue 166, 31 October 1881, Page 2

ALEXANDRA CAVALRY.

On Saturday a troop of the Alexandra Cavalry — fifty-two strong, under the command of Capt. Somerville — passed through Hawera en route for Manaia, where they are to be stationed. The troop was greatly admired, being composed of smart young fellows, most of whom were excellently mounted, and will, no doubt, give a very good account of themselves, if their services are required in the field. The troop dined at Owen's hotel, and after a stay of three hours, were again on their way. On their departure, Captain Bayly, of the Bifles. was present, and at his instance, hearty cheers were given by a large number of persons present, when the troop moved off. The troop were received with loud and hearty cheers at Manaia, by fully 100 mounted men, volunteers, and settlers, about 40 of the Mounted Rifles having met them on the road.

Captain Somerville halted the troops at the Manaia Hotel, at 5 p.m., and told the men that the Waimate troop through its oflicers, desired to welcome them to the township of the Plains and asked them to drink success to the expedition. He thanked all present for the cordial welcome had been extended to his troop.

After a ten minutes rest at the hotel, the visitors accompanied by many of the settlers, and a number of the Mounted Rifles, proceeded to the redoubt. By this time, Captain O'Brien with about 40 men in the uniform of the Foot Rifles had come up to the hotel, and these joined the rest of the by-stanclers in Riving the visitors another ringing cheer on leaving for the fort. On arriving there, the troop was met by Captain Gudgeon, and quarters were "found for all hands. The accommodation was limited, but although numerous offers of lodgings were made by settlers who were present, both oflicers and men preferred to stick together, so as to be on the spot ready at a moment's notice to obey any orders received. On Sunday, the men were drilled on foot in the morning, and on horseback in the afternoon. Competent judges were unanimous in their opinion, that a better volunteer captain than Captain Somerville could not be wished for, it being evident that his heart is in his work, and that both officers and men recognise that they have the right man in the right place. We understand that on Tuesday, Captain Gudgeon and most of the A.C.'s will proceed to Pungarehu. Captain Somerville taking charge of Fort Manaia.

Te Whiti at Parihaka, feeling his influences crumbling away to dust, desires to re-establish himself in the minds of his followers. But he deals in ambiguity of speech: various interpretations are given of his last socalled warlike oration. Te Whiti is an astute reasoner ; he is a clever humbug, and like Friar Tuck, who knew what Richard Coeur de Lion could do when he gave a blow, Te Whiti knows that the pakehas' blow means an extinguisher, and neither he nor his followers mean to try that- blow. But should they so desire, Wellington's inspiring words would he the watchword o£ our hrave stalwart boys now on the Plains — " Up, Guards, and at 'em." The flower of the field is concentrated in our A.C. Force and their officers now under canvaa. We understand that the stores at Hawera supply all the Baking Powder (Mba Brand) of Sharland's make. This accounts for the fine physique of theForce, observed by all who visit the CampW£Aß.VT.:| •.;• . - • .