THE QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume III, Issue 252, 25 May 1882, Page 3

THE QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY

The eixty-third natal day of Her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria, Sovereign of Great Britain and Empress of India, was celebrated yesterday in this district with the same degree of loyalty which for more than four decades past has characterised the British race throughout the vast empire. The holiday waß particularly favored with " Queen's weather," and a more delightful day could not have been experienced. The sky was almost cloudless, and the sun shown out in full splendour, giving its genial heat to holiday-keepers. The various banks, stores, and business places were closed during the day, and not a few of the principals and employees of these establishments availed themselves of the occasion to visit the varioud outlying districts and neighbouring townships. The absence of any sports somewhat marred the pleasure of the day, but doubtless on the next anniversary the leading men of the town and district will • supply the deficiency of yesterday in the direction indicated. The Volunteers paraded at the intersection of High and Priences streets at 9-80, and having been inspected by Lieut. Watts were served out with blank ammunttibn by ColorSergeant Meredith, and wore then preceded by their band marched to a paddock at the rear of Cook's Hotel, where a feu dejoie was fired in honour of the occasion, the baud between each fire playing " God Save the Queen." The Company then ° presented arms," the band meanwhile playing the National Anthem. Before marching the men off the ground, Lieut. Watts, stepping in front of the Company, called upon the Volunteers to give three cheers for the Queen. It is needless to say that the men responded most heartily and lustily, being joined in

the cheers by the civilians, of whom there were perhaps about 150 on the ground. The Voluuteers were then dismissed, and

the firing squads — married v. single men — formed and marched to the butts. The town during the day was visited by a large number of ruaoris, many of whom, judging from thoir somewhat demonstrative behaviour towards the ovening, had rather frequently toasted the health of Her Majesty.