BANQUET TO SIR GEORGE WHITMORE.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 772, 17 December 1886, Page 12

BANQUET TO SIR GEORGE WHITMORE.

The Volunteer officers of the Wellington district corps entertained Sir George Whitmore, Commander of the Forces, at a dinner on Wednesday evening last in honor of his recent promotion to major-general. There were about forty officers present, representing the various corps in and around Wellington. The chair was taken by Lieutenant-Colonel Butts, who was supported on his right by the guest of the evening and Major Shannon, and on his left by Captain Fitzherbert (Petone Navals) and Captain Scales (Heretaunga Light Horse) The vice-chairs were occupied by Commodore Johnston and Major Crowe. The banquet was held at the Occidental Hotel, and does very great credit to that establishment. The toast of the evening, that of Major-General Whitmore’s health, was proposed by the Chairman. Major-General Whit, more, responding, spoke for half an hour. He thanked thn officers heartily for their liberality and hospitality, and complimented the Volunteers of the Wellington District on the progress they had made since last year’s inspection. Addressing himself particularly to the officers, he urged them to remember that an officer’s duty was to look after his men first and himself afterward. Commenting on the progress of Wellington, he paid a high tribute to the memory of the, late Dr Featherston. Sir George dealt at some length with the question of obtaining new arms for the Volunteers, and . said the Government would wait until they saw what arm was adopted in the British army before giving any orders for rifles for the Volunteers. They expected 3500 Sniders shortly. Referring, in conclusion to his promotion, Sir George said it was desirable that the Volunteers of the Colony should have a general officer at their head, and he was gratified for their sake as well as for his own, that his Excellency had done him the honor to promote him.

With the exception of the usual toast of “The Queen,” no healths were drunk. A number of songs were Bung by the gentlemen present, and a thoroughly enjoyable evening was spent.