THE QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume X, Issue 2910, 27 May 1873, Page 2

THE QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY.

This anniversary has bocome so intimately associated with our public life, that it is regarded as a day of mark and festival. People who are very demonstrative take pleasure in dating from it such events as occur within their domestic circle and are under their control. Paterfamilias likes to have his eldest girl married on that day,—to set the eldest boy up in business, —to give his annual ball upon this or similar occasions. This habit, which is almost universal, indicates pretty accurately the growth of a feeling towards the illustrious Queen of the United Kingdom and its colonies, which has been, in moments of national crises, able to avert the consequences of impolitic acts. Whatever may bo said to the contrary, the thirty-five years of Her Majesty's reign have been coincident with new developments of educational and moral revolution, which have kept p-ice with those of natural science. In New Zealand we ar© UU" fortunately too far outside the reach of the higher influences of progress to estimate with accuracy the advance made from year to year. At the same time, we do our be9t "to mark time" with all tho vigour we possess, notwithstanding that the sound conv33 to U3 somotimes so faintly.

Although yesterday was in every meteorological sense " Queen's weather," it was r.ot without pressing anxieties for many persons. The thought of being on the verge of war with a savage and possibly an irreconcilable enemy, i 3 not pleasant. The possibility of such events as followed the national celebration of 1867, obscures a good deal of the brilliant sunshine. At the same time, people are not to be defeated of their pleasures. Holidays are not so frequent, though more frequent here than in other places, that they should be waited. Fine weather in tho winter ieason though pleasant,i» not continuous, and fine days are bare probabilities. Nothing could be more satisfactory than the almost cloudless and genial brilliance of yesterday. Few who could go to the country, remained in the towns. Picnics to all parts were improvised —to the North Shore, Onehunga, and other places inland. There were no Bteamers " put on" for the islands, a circumstance which was probably owing to the pressure of business engagements. The ceremonial proper to the anniversary days of sovereigns is a military parade. Without this, people would not fancy themselves under a monarchy. Where there ia no ifcanding army, the Volunteers are too happy to turn out. Perhaps in England and her colonies there iB a show of reason for insisting that all soldiers are Volunteers. This is strictly true, as every man only takes service voluntarily. However circumscribed this view of the subject may be, it underlies the whole of tho questions connected with Volunteering. There was a passion for Volunteering in England during the Crimean war, which has nothing diminished oy time. The presumption, of course, is that Volunteers will be the defenders of their own homes while the regular army i« asserting the national honor abroad. The circumitancei of the time attracted a good deal of attention to the Volunteers of yesterday. The thought suggested itself, " What sort of figure they would make if instantly ordered to the front ?" The several corps mustered a little after 10 o'clock in the Albert Barracks. The Auckland Cavalry, the Engineers, the Scottish, and the Rifles were the first on the ground. We should have desired to »ee the horses of the first-named force of better clars aud better groomed. These matters of neglected detail are not so apparent when an indiridual rider and horse aro observed, but they become conspicuous when a troop is to be inspected. The foot regiments appeared to great advantage. It would have been difficult to find fault with them individually. The Hobson Company, with Cadets, followed the Bifle Brigade. This corps has provided for itself a really excellent band, under Mr. McComish. We do not think wo are paying a compliment either to band or bandmaster whtn wo Bay that thsir performances wero excellent in every I*~Bpect. The only imperfection Hint we noticed yesterday aroso either from insdaquate drill or some personal incapacity, suoh es stature or like dofect. As a whole, the parcde was effective, and it may be presumed the only thing ! necessary or wanting to complete their military education would be a slight experience not of the pomp, but of the circumstances, of war. We assumo that " urgent private" affairs will not dim their view of a high military reputation. It is impossible that the youth of Aucklano, who looked so well yesterday, could behave so ill as to shirk the responsibilities which are exhibiting themselves in the Waikato and elsewhere. At half-past t en o'clock the following corps, headed by their officers, were on the parade ground, where a large Union Jack was planted, and past which the different corps were to march : — Cavalby.—Auckland Troop R.C.V., 23 strong, commanded by Liout. Isaacs, with Drill-Instructor Wainhouie. Abtillehy.—36 strong, with three guns, commanded by Capt. Featon and Lieut. Devore. Engineebs.—so strong, under Lieutenants Anderson and Kitchen. Fikst Battalions—Victoria Company, 24 strong, under Capt. Dorroui. Scottish, 30 strong, under Cnpt. Moivbray and Lieut. Reid. Royals, 42 strong, under Capt. Burns. Hobson Company, 40 6tron£, under T.ijut. Clifton.

Second Battalion (Cadet?;, nnder Captain Slcßaa ; Grammar School, under Captain Flowers ; Victorias, Lieutenant Bruce ; Engineer?, Lieutenant Bussell; Bifles, Captain Kenfiington and Lieutenant Mois ; Sir George Greys, Captain Taylor; the whole 130 strong. Thibd Battalion. —Bifle Brigade and Royals, under Captains Batger, Morrow, Barnett, Burns, Adjutant McConnell, -Lieutenants Mathews, Phillips, and Sub-Lieut. Bullock; 170 strong. Shortly before eleven o'clock the bugles of the different corps sounded the " Fall in." The different companies " fell in" in the following order :—Cavalry, Artillery, Engineers, Victoria, Scottish., iUobson, Grammar-school and Victoria Cadets, Engineer and Bifle Brigade Cadets, Sir George Grey Cadets, Royal Company, and the Riile Brigade. The bands of th-a Hobson and Royal Companies were stationed in the rear of their companies. The Temperance drum and fife band was stationed at the rear of the Sir George Grey Cadet corps. Major Gordon was in command of the force. The following Companies were then formed into three battalions, as above :—Victoria, Scottish, and Hobson, under Captain Derrom; Grammar-school Cadets, Engineers, Victoria, and Sir George Grey Cadets, tinder Captain McKae ; Royals and Rifle Brigade, under Captain Batger of the Brigade. The battalions then deployed into line on the first battalion. After this had been done, the order was given to deploy to the left on the first battalion, open order. This brought the whole force into line, and the order was given to load in quick time. The Artillery, on the right, had manned three guns, and they commenced to fire a royal salute of 21 guns, firing Beven guns. The Rifle companies fired a feu de joie. The firing was gone through in excellent time. The bands during the firing played" God Save the Queen." After the firing the order was given to " present arms," which was very well done. Major Gordon called for three cheers for her Majesty the Queen, which were heartily given by the Volunteers, the bands again playing " God Save the Queen." The next order given was to form quarter column on the leading battalion. The whole then formed, fours, and the bands having taken up their respective positions, the march past took place. The Cavalry were told off to keep the ground clear, so that the spectators -would not crowd on to the Volunteers. The inarch past was gone through very fairly, but some of the com. panies seemed to bs rather unsteady. Th e Engineers and Bills Brigade went through

the march past excellently, fcher former being very steady, and their ranks heicgf straight, a mark of efficiency which sores of the other companies seemed to forget:. After the march-past was concluded, tbir force marched back to the parade ground, where they formed fours, and headed by the different bands, marched down Shortland-street, up Queen-street and Sy-monds-street, and into the Barracks, where they were dismissed. The whole of the proceedings were satisfactory. The honors of the day were sustained by the usual hospitalities given by the officers to the men of their respective corps. The Royals were entertained by Captain Burns. Among the more imposing ceremonies of tho day was the presentation to Volunteer May, of No. 3 Company, A.R.8., of the Champion Belt, which was given to be fired for by Captain J. M. Clark, shortly before his depart ure for England. Just before the review, the be It was presented by Major Gordon who a scompanied the presentation with an appropriate addresi.

THE HARBOUR. Throughout the day, wore a lively and . an animated appearance. The vessels alongsu le the Queen-street wharf, and those lying in th e stream, for tho most part of the day. dij • played their bunting. There was just sufficient breeze to make a sail a pleasant sensation, and many cutters, yachts, andsmaller boats with pleasure-parties on board, wero gliding gracefully up and down and across the harbour. The Royal mail steamer Gemini took a good, many people as far bb Riverhead, thus giving them a cheap and health-preserving ride. A party of gentlemen left in one of our crack boats on a shooting excursion at the Waiheke, and other parties iu other boats left for varioui places for various purposes. Some little boys, lovers of aquatics from the time they were put into knickerbockers, wore out in little boats, and paddling as though they had been used to the occupation from the time the- were born. But, as before observed, we heard of no accidents during the day from this or any other cause. NORTH SHORE. This favourite place of resort was well patronised, especially during the latter part of the day. The steamers Takapuna, Devonport, and Enterprise were crowded on every trip, and each displayed to the best advantage " the flag that braved a thousand years," &c. We are glad to record that there were no collisions and no accidents of any kind, and that the best of feeling eeomed to prevail between the rival skippers. As fast as the crowds disembarked from the steamers, they disappeared, some going round the hills, some up the hills, and some over the hills and away to the beautiful sheet of sand facing Bangitoto Island, from which a lovely prospect met the «ye. Others, who sighed for a more rural view, travelled half-way to the Lake, and " picnicked" at various way-side places under the warm and inspiriting rays of the sun. But the day draw in apace, and those who ventured far wero warned by the rapid descent of Sol towards the west ; so they hurried aw«y down to the boats to secure their places for town, and by six o'clock very few of the pleasure-seekers remained upon the North Shore. THE DOMAIN. For those for whom military display had 110 attractions, this favourite retreat was visited by a great number of holiday-makers. There are many delightful Bpots here which afford privacy to groups or families. We regret, howover, to say the place is becoming infested I with rats. " Music hath charms," Orpheus, 1 if he were au official of the Domain Board, | would find plenty of employment here. ! There was a large assemblage of young people of both sexes who occupied the time until dusk, in the open ground outside the enclosure, with tho usual merry games—" Ess in the Ring," " Prisoner's Base." EXCURSION" TO THE THAMES. The fine paddle-steamer Golden Crown, , Captain Farquhar, made a special excursion to aud from the Thames, at single rates, and as the d»y was everything that could be desired, by the time advertised for starting this noble ve«»el w«s crowded in every part—large numbers of people who have but few opportunities of getting away out of town and enjoying the cool sea breeze, availing themselves of tho opportunity thus presented. The steamer made a fiue run to her destination, —*nd on her human freight being disembarked, they very soon spread themselves about in all directions : some visiting their particular friends — same traversing the deserted creeks, where perchance thoy themselves had worked in times gone by, while a great proportion betook themselves to the scene of the mimic warfare going on. amongst the Volunteers, who were assembled together for the purpose of a grand review. Shortly before six o'clock a rush was again made for the steamer, and a very few minutes sufficed to see her even more crowded by the return trip than she was in the morning j for, in addition to those who had gone down by her, were the members of the Auckland Naval Brigade who had tuken part iu the Thames review. The steamer reached the Queen-street wharf between ten and eleven o'clock. GRAFTON ROAD WESLEY AN SUNDAYSCHOOL. The anniveriwy Boiree of the Grafton Road Wesley an Sunday-school took place in tho Chapel, Grafton Road, last evening. The church was gaily decorated with evergreens, flowers, and mottoes, which had a

most pleasing effect. After tea W3s finished, the tables were cleared, and a publie meeting took place, at which llr. C. J. Stone occupied the chair, and opened the proceedings wilh a few remarks on the Sunday-school. He then called upon the Key. Dr. Maunsell, who addressed the meeting on Sunday-schools anil Teachers' Wort." Mr. Lawry then read the annual report, -which was of a most i'arourable character. The number of scholars attending the school during the year was 130 —51 boys and 79 girls,—of whoui 1-1 classes were formed—7 boys', 6 girls-, anc. 1 infimt class. The treasurer's report ehowed the receipts were £21 13s 9(1, and tae expenditure £27s 19s Id, leaving a debt of £6 5s -id against the school. The debt remaining was caused by an expenditure ot over £10 for library books. Mr. J. Woodward then addressed the meeting on "Teachers and Sunday-school Work/' and made severainteresting ana instructive remarks on hnown experience. At the conclusion of hit address the speaker was very much applauded. The Rev. W. C. Oliver then gave an interesting address on " The Church and the Children." He said that what was wanted was suitable teachers for the more intelligent scholars, and thought that a great deal of good might be done if they had these, llr. JtT. Ellis then addressed the meeting, taking as his subject, " Alan and his Masters.'' The address was a most interesting £iud instructive one to young men, whom & e advised to cultivate their minds- as much as possible, and to be self-reiian'. The Bev. Mr. Williams then addressed the meeting on "Sunday-schools," in a. very entertaining manner, for which ho- wa? muc - applauded. The Chairman informed the meeting that the Bev. G W. R'gi?who was to have addressed the ™ eet " ing, was confined to his home with severe attack of illness. The Chairman moved a vote of thanks t(> Mr. Saxton, t »r leader of the choir, who had superintendei. the putting up the decorations ; and a' 6 ® ° the ladies, who had the- whole responsibility of getting up the tea-meetii:g, The SundflJnohool children sang sevtrul hymus sweetly during the evening.. The Ben W. ( -- Oliver then pronounced the benediction, anu the meeting terminnted after haling spent " very enjoyable eveniag.

THE PARNELL HALL.

The Auckland Ethiopian Troupe s performance at this hall last evening, ilicr was a very full house. The programmer* divided into two parte. The first _ what is commonly termed the "chair■ busni*3-> in which solos, ehoruscs, and nigg-' = c®

the leading features. Tho second part .0f -i miscellaneous character. The entire was really very good, and passed with great success. The n-gro sketch f the " intelligence Office," a:. •: the local speech by Mr. Armstrong, -'-ere provocative of great laughter. There was afterwards a quadrille party.

TUB CITY HALL.

There was ft crowded house at the Caranj -ii's last evening. The programme comprised ' j fl i operatic selections, viz., " Massaniello," ■ 'llarlha," "II Trovatore," and the usual lection of charming ballad music. The !ni>eial features were "The British Lipn," 'P, with great spirit and effeot by Mr. Portion" "The Queen's Letter," admirably 'Ten bv Madame Carandini. Each part ivincludeil with national airs (solo and chorus), the first, " Rule Britannia," and the lecond, wjod Save tho Queen." Besides these, the fioe song ( io '° nuc * c h° rus )> " Bless the Dear Old Land," was given by Mr. Gordon, and "An Englishman am I," with excellent Madame Winter performed two solos 02 the pianoforte, which were distinguished hv her umal brilliance of execution. The was an excellent programme, and gate great satisfaction. There was a disposition to enc .re everything, which might be excused CI such an" occasion, but Mr. Gordon was so plsiii'v suffering from hoarseness, that an explanation had to be offered for noncompliance.

MR. BROWNE'S CONCERTS,

Another of the series of Mr. Browne's Mondsv popular concerts took place last at "the Choral Hall. There was a very good house, and the performance appeared to give satisfaction. As most of the persons who t:ok part in the concert were amateurs, it would, perhaps, be hardly fair to speak of their performances too strictly ; but as these concerts are not given for charitablo purposes, t,'-t may be looked at purely in a professional light, there is no doubt that any persons taking part in them lay themseW«s oren to an ordinary amount of criticism. «ir.-.e portions of the programme were carried eu-'wUh great spirit—others were exceedingly weak uae. If Mr. Browne could throw a little more life into these entertainments, thry ir-'u'xl doubtless very soon become far more popular.

SHAM FIGHT AT PARAWAT.

[FEOM OUS THAMB3 CORRESPONDENT.] Although Saturday was observed a holiday fcT the miners, and the.e chiefly compoie the Volunteers, advantage was of it by Mspr Cooper, to hold a grand Review— which was duly reported,—but seeing that the Auckland Naval Brigade is on * visit, it was decided to have a sham fight to-day, and orders were published to that effect. Consiiierina. there was a good turn-out on Saturdav, that of til- morning was very creditable, —"jot less tlmr. ISO men taking part, chiefly fbose of the Nos. X, 2, and 3 H».ur»ki Rifles, 3'jrt T.R.S., and the various Cadet Corps, while the Auckland and Thames Navals formed two very strong companies. After inspection, at the Volunteer Hall, the men were supplied with 25 rounds of blank cartridge each, when they marched to Parawai, headtd by the fine band of the Auckland Navals. Here a halt was made for refreshment, when the bugle sounded to falliu, and the attacking and defensive forces took up their respective positions, ssd shortly the crack of the rifle, with the puff of smoke, were seen to cover a very extensire tract of country. After an hour and a-h:lf o! this mimic warfare, the attacking force were driven back over the hills borderit:; on the Kauwaeranga, and this eloted the fisht of the day. The operations were witser=ed h? a large body of people. The whole of the b-siusss places were closed, and, outside tbe mines, has been observed as a general holiday. The Auckland Naval Brigade are new on their way to Tararu to meet the Crown, being escorted by the Thames Navals aijd a verv large body of Yoluut«rs from the other corps. Tiie line of march wai crowded with ipectators, who were enthusiastic in their applause.