OUR VOLUNTEERS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXV, Issue 7863, 19 May 1886, Page 3

OUR VOLUNTEERS.

Yesterday evening the members of the Christchurch Eifles held a meeting in their orderly room for the purpose of bidding farewell to Mr G. Adams, their second lieutenant, who has severed his connection with the company in consequence of his being about to leave the Colony. The room was decorated in his honour with evergreens and flags. Forty-eight members were present, and Captain IT. Y. Eichards presided. A letter was received from Mr A. M‘D. Cooper, who had been proposed as a candidate for the vacant lieutenancy, stating that he was unaware, when he allowed himself to be nominated, that any member of the corps was coming forward, but as he understood such to be the case, he would be most reluctant to do anything that would disturb the harmony of the company, and therefore would withdraw his name. He would, however, be gratified if he could be occasionally attached to the Christchurch Eifles on field days. The letter was received, and Mr Cooper was elected an honorary member of the corps. A ballot was then taken, and resulted, in the election of Sergeant Hawley to fill the vacancy. In recognition of the services rendered by Lieutenant Adams, he was unanimously elected a life member of the corps. The business portion of the proceedings then came to an end, and the rest of the evening was devoted to harmony. The toast of “The Queen and Eoyal Family ” having been honoured. Lieutenant Ward proposed the toast of the evening, “Our Mr Adams." In doing so, he paid a high tribute to the good qualities of Lieutenant Adams as a gentleman and a Volunteer, mentioning especially his capabilities as a “ shooting man.” On behalf of the Christchurch Eifles Lieutenant Ward wished Mr Adams bon voyage and success in his new home, expressing the belief that that gentleman would not forget his old corps. In responding. Lieutenant Adams, who received quite an ovation from his comrades, said that he felt more flattered at the simple way in which the toast had been put, “ Our Mr Adams,” than at anything he had met for a long time. He was very proud of the company and the battalion, both officers and men. Thanks to the skill .vi't’ ’ ‘ h Captain Eichards and Licu■Mi-.;!. v. ;>ju had worked, the Christchurch . i>, » -a good, perhaps better, than i\r\ oiupimy in the battalion. As the i p-', Canterbury Battalion was decidedly

the best at the Oamaru encampment, it followed that the Christchurch Eifles must be the best company in the South Island. He was going to a Colony, New South Wales, where Volunteering was gone int* with a great deal of spirit, but he was not sure that he would meet a company better than the Christchurch Eifles. He left his old corps with a great deal of regret, and would be always glad to hear of their success in the future. After the conclusion of Mr Adams’ remarks, three hearty cheers were given for that officer. The other toasts honoured were “ The Ladies,” “ The new Lieutenant,” “ The Officers of the North Canterbury District,” ” The Press,” and “ Auld Lang Syne.” In proposing the last toast, Captain Eichards said that during the time he had been in the Volun-'-teer iorce he had never met,a better officer than Lieutenant Adams. He had, in nominating Mr Adams foi'Mbe position, felt that he would be the right man in the right place, and'the large attendance at the present meeting showed that he had been right. Mr Adams had always given him the most loyal support, and had worked heart and soul for the interests of the Christchurch Eifles. Captain Eichards concluded by expressing his deep regret at losing Mr Adams. Votes of thanks were accorded to the Committee, special mention being made of Sergeants Warfc and Bishop. The proceedings were concluded with the singing of the National Anthem.