OTAHUHU ROYAL CAVALRY VOLUNTEER TROOP.

New Zealand Herald, Volume III, Issue 712, 24 February 1866, Page 6

OTAHUHU ROYAL CAVALRY VOLUNTEER TROOP.

TAnHWELT. DINKEH TO CAI'T. HUTTON.

Last evening a complimintoiy banquet was given at the Criterion Hotel, Otahuhu, in honor of Captain Ilutton, late Commandant of the Otahuhu Volunteer Cavalry, by the officers and men of the troop. About 50 gentlemen sat down to dinner, which was admirably served by Mr. Rogers. The Auckland troop was represented by Captain H'lrdington and Lieut. Harris ; the Howiek troop was represented by Capt. Every McLean. Lieutenant Bassett, of the Otaliuhu division, presided. The company present consisted chiefly of tho members of tho Otahuhu, Auckland, and Howiek troops. When the cloth was removed, The Chaibwax gave " Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen," a toast which was responded to with all the usual honors. The next toast was "The Princo and Princess of Wales, and the rest of the Royal Family." Drunk with all the honors. The Chaibmaw next gave "Hi 3 Excellency the Q-overnor," which was also drunk with the usual honors. Capt. "Walmsiey proposed "The Army »nd Navy." It was needless tJ say anything of the honor and bravery of the army and the navy. All had read at their mothers' knees the glory of the army and navy. Its deeds were inscribed on tho brightest scroll of frme. The army only needed to be properly led to take the " old gentleman"out of Pandemonium. (Loud laughter and cheers.) Drunk with enthusiasm. Mr. Albyv Martin' proposed the health of liis Honor the Superintendent. (The announcement was receivod with cheers.) The honorable gentleman said that his Honor had made great sacrifices for the Province. He had given np the advantages of a lucrative business for the purpose of defending the Province. There were very clever men in the South, and it was necessary to have men to cope with them. Mr. Whitaker was the best man that could Lave been found in the circumstances to cope with them. The Province needed a representative, but the people of the Province had also need ot great advance. Cheap labour was wanted, also cheap produce, which was a result of that. Indeed, Auckland ought to be tho cheapest place in the world. Ho begged to propof-o the health of Mr. Vfh(token

The toast was responded to with loud cheering and " one cheer more." ... The Chairman gave the next toast, which was drunk in solemn silence-" The memory of Colonel Nixon." Tho Chairman said that every man at that board had reason to remember the late Col. Nixon to remember what ho was as an otf.cer, a settler, and a friend. Colonel Nixon had rendered service to to Province and tho Colony, which could never bo iortrotten by men worthy of such an officer, comman dor and friend, It was just then that very day two years that he received the fatal wound, which resultod in his death. Therefore was it the more appropriate that upon an occasion such as had brought them together, tho memory of Colonel Nixon should oe fresh in their minds and in their hearts. Tho Chairman in proposing the health of Captain Hutton, uncovered a very beautiful time-piece, which had been subscribed for as a present to Captain Hutton, by the men and officers of tho Otahuhu divi-ion. The following is tho inscription upon it: "Presented to Captain Howard Hutton on hia departure from N'ow Zealand, by the members of the Royal Cavalry Volunteers, Otahuhu division, as a mark of the esteem in which he has been held by them during tho time that he acted as Captain and Commander." The CitAtnMAX said he had to thank Capt. Hutton for accepting tho invitation to meet the troop at a friendly dinner. So far as could be said of tho conduct of Captain Hutton, as man to man, thoso present could say more than ho (tho Chairman) could. Ho had a ploasing duty to perform on behalf of the Otahuhu division, namely, to bog acceptance by baptain Hutton of the handsome timepiece, not that ho wished to inculcate the value of time, for Captain Hutton was over first on parade, and there was no mistake as to time thero. He wished Captain Hutton a safe and pleasant voyage to England, with Mrs. Hutton and family. Captain Hutton arose and said he could hardly express his beings on this occasion for the honor they hid drmo him, and for their hands >me time-piece. He had received tho greatest kindness during tho six yoar-i he had beon amnnerst tliem. Ho remembered when six years ago he first had to make liis appoirauco on parade, his heait was lower ilian his boots. He thought the corps was fortunate in taking service under the new Dafenco Miuistor, Colonel Haultain. That officer would not allow every one who pleased to dress himself out in scarlet and silver. The Governor would not interfere with the matter of uniform. But the government of the corps would abide by rules framed by its members. It was possible that a stale of confusion might yet ariso, such as had been brought about by the late Government. The natives would find persons to second them—men of European colour, who did not hesitate —men of the Aborigines Society, who did not hesitate to sink tho prosperity of the colony in the howl of a religious fanaticism. He would always remember the kindnoss ho had received, and would always be anxious for the advancement and prosperity of tho troop. It was for that r °" s . oa that ho felt a wish that some person such ns Major Walmsley might succeed him and take tho command of tho corps. He would long remember the kindness that he li id received, and his best wishes would bo for their success and prosperity. (Cheers.) Mr. Bucklamj proposed "Tho Health of Major Walmsley." There was no gentleman whose health it gave liim bo much pleasure to propose. He was one of tho re tl John Bull sort, who spoke what he thought and in whom there was no guile. Most gentlemen retnemboroi five or six years ago when all had received intimation to go within the lines and desert their farms. One and all said, "Wo will not desert our firms ; we will fight the Maoris." Colonel Nixon WHS found to take tho lead, and Major Walmsley was found to take tho second in command. The troop should over remember the service that had been rendered by Colonel Nixon. Nothing wa 3 more certain than that tho tendency of colonial policy was to leave the colonies to take care of themselves. That being so, tho great consideration was a head to command and lead, and Colonel Nixon was the right man in liis time. Major Walmsley was another m ill of the same stamp whom any man would bo prepared to follow, not only into the field, but even to the dsath. (Loud and long continued cheering.) Ho (Mr. Buckland) had great pleasure in proposing tho health of Major Walmsley. Major Walmsi.ey responded. He said it would be folly for him to talk alter the kindess that had been manif-sted towards him. He had hoped that the answer ho had given to the deputation on last Tuesday was final. Thero were some times when a man must say " no." Ho believed that tho Provinco was saved by tho Otahuhu Cavalry Volunteers. Tho truth was that ho had retired from Her Majesty's toiviieto settle down in rural life, which ho loved. Then, again, old age whispered ,to him, " Now then, Walmsley don't make an old fool of yourself." He trusted the gentlemen would leave him on his farm. But he could honestly state that should the Maori come again, let any man "chuck up his hat" and como to him, and ho would guarantee to find 500 men who would go in and lick the Maoris. The enthusiasm with which his health had been drunk, caused him for a moment to waver, but he had recovered hia serenity and must decline. (Cheors.) Captain EvEitr Macleav said that Major Walmsley had never ceased to belong to tho troop, and had not sent in a proper resignation. (Cheers.) Lieut. Hahbi.s proposed "The officers of qho Otahuhu, Auckland, and Howick Cavalry Volunteers." (Cheors.)

Captain Haiujington responded • to tho toast. Although ho belonged to Auckland, he was tho second to put his name down for the Otahuhu corps. Ho knew that if Otahuhu went Auckland would be in danger. Ho know that under Colonel Nixon thero would be no humbug.

Ciipt. Every Maclean returned, thanks. In doing so ho alluded to the caso of Mr. Hutchinson, who was a plucky officer, and hud done immense service. Ho sold his estate, and, in fact, his gallantry had almost ruined him. Now that other officers were putting in claims, ho thought tliatHutchinson should not bo forgotten. Mr. Mahks proposed " Th" health of tlio officers and members of tho Otahuhu troop," whieli was received with cheers. Several other toasts were given, amongst them "Tho Committee of Management," "The Vress," when the company separated, having enjoyed a most Congenial and social evening.

DAILY.]