VOLUNTEERING NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 11056, 6 May 1899, Page 3

VOLUNTEERING NEWS.

The Auckland Naval Artillery Volunteers wero entertained by the company officers at an annual dinner and smoko concert last evening. Tho company paraded at the Drill Slied, and headed by the Garrison Band marched down to Queen-street to Waters' Coffee Palace, where a substantial repast was served up in Mr. Waters' best style. After the dinner an adjournment was made to the chess room. Tho toast list was a very short one, commencing, of course, with the loyal one of "The Quecil." The others included tin) visitors, the Garrison Band, and sister volunteer companies, also the absent members of tho company, as some were prevented from attending bv ill-health. Tho toast of "Tho Host" concluded tho list. The other naval companies were represented by Lieutenants Spinley and Robinson, and Captain Oakes, of tho No. 2 Natives, and an ex-officer of the corps responded to tho toast on behalf of the Battalion. Captain Oakes, in responding for the other volunteer companies, referred to some remarks anent the esprit de corps existing amongst the Navals, and said that the No. 1 Battalion now had that spirit very strongly,' and wero determined to make a success of volunteering, both as individual companies and as a battalion. Ho mentioned that ho had some good shootists amongst his company, .although a newly-formed one. This was, of course, taken up as a challenge, and a rifle match between the No. 2 Natives and the Navals will, wo presume, bo the result. Captain Clemens, in the course of his remarks, mentioned that he had recently forwarded three names to Wellington of inon entitled to the Long Service medal, making about a dozen men from his company, a record he thought few companies could boast of, and one of which he was very proud. Some very good musical selections, both instrumental and vocal, were given by the Garrison Band, the members, and the visitors, and a very pleasant evening was spent.