PRINCE OF WALES' BIRTHDAY.

Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 478, 9 November 1877, Page 2

PRINCE OF WALES' BIRTHDAY.

At an early hour this morning everything about the town assumed a bustling appearance. People of both sei.es and all sizes were to be seen treading hastily the pavements evidently bent on pleasure. The lovely morning, the people's holiday attire, combined with their smiling faces, upon which there was just a trace of tlie effects of having been dreaming of the fun to come all through the previous night, tended to render the scene a hsppy one. The principal attraction was the military tight at Hampden. The railway platform was crowded, and, at one time it appeared scarcely possible that all that desired it could oe transported to the centre of attraction, but a large number of those present were merely onlookers, and when they had seen the train depart they returned, the majority as we afterwards learned, with the object of enjoying the trip to Moeraki in the W aitaki. The train, was a very lengthy one. absolutely crammed with passengers, and the soldiers were placed in trucks to inure them, we presume, to the heat of the summer sun and the chilly evening atmosphere. The tram moved off tardily with its heavy living freight at 0.30.

THE BATTLE OF HAMPDEN 15 Y Ol'U WAK COUttESPOXDENT.

The troops, under the command of Major Stewerd, fell in at 8.30 a.m., and, on the roll being called, the following was the field state

AiiTir.LEKY.-l lieutenant, 3 sergeants, 1 bombardier, 14 gunners.

No. 1 Company. 1 captain, 2 subalterns. 1 sergeant, 20 privates. Guammar School Cadets. — 1. Captain, 2 subaliatis, 1 sergeant, Iff privates. City Cadets.—l captain, I sergeant, 20 rank and hie.

Ti,o band was composed o? one sergeant and 17 men.

After practising the " march past," and a few other manceuvrys. the troops, headed by rhe band, marched to the station. Here they were marshalled into tin.' trucks by Major Steward and other oiiicers. The band was placed in the foremost tracks : the cadets e ime next ; then the rifles ; and the big gunners followed in the rear, '{'lie uninitiated would not, of course, be able to discern in all this arrangement, a most important strategical design. Tito band was to lead the van with the intention of inspiring the men to action, and of striking terror into the hearts of the enemy. Tlie cadets came next, because, if the enemy should possess sulHcient strength to .d'ack, a number coital find refuge in the big drum and other large instruments, of which we noticed a larger number than usual, whilst the bodies of those who were mown down would, being small, oiler no obstruction to the heavier iniantry, who could i asdy pass over them to victory. All litis being accomplish i. and till enemies being killed, the aridiery could sailv forth and bombard anything they came across. Then would follow the waiving of tlie white handkerchiefs of the ladi.es/and their thanks for their happy deliverance from the hands of their enemies, and their admiration of their valorous protectors, and then all would return home to have a good feed. Wo sent our " imp " to write his views of the military proceedings tuts morning, and tile foregoing is the resud. \\ e have given him a protracted holiday. [Owing to the Telegraph Dii'lee being closed to-day, we are unable to give our readers any particulars of the encounter, or supply them with a list of the killed and wounded.]

THE WAITAKT.S TRIP TO MoEMAKI.

Shortly after half-past 12 o'clock the s.s. Waitaki left for Moeraki with a goodly number of excursionists,, notwithstanding the lively state of the sja. The weather overhead was glorious, and tim.se who suffer from mal de nicr, seemed inclined rather to suiier probable temporary inconvenience in order to enjoy the present and permanent benefits of a trip on the " briny" and a day' 3 outing in a spot one of the loveliest in the locality. The. steamer will probably return a little behind her time, her passengers looking all the better for their recreative exercise.

THE CONCERT AT THE MASONIC HALL. One of the principal events will be the concert, to take place at 8 o'clock, at ihe Masonic Hall, for the benefit of the St. Paul's organ fund. A better programme, and a more perfect combination of local talent could not be desired. The concert had been given with the double object of swelling the organ fund, and providing a delightful finale to the day s pleasures. Vocal and instrumental music—botii sen-

tunental and soul-stirring—will "be performed. The former will be sung by lady *;uid gentlemen amateurs who have always possessed tho power to an eminent 'degree of ; aimising audiences, and the latter will comprise a grand pianoforte "solo by a Mrs. Xewsha.il, whose playing has never been equalled in these parts, and a violin solo by Mr. Jones on the popular airs from "II lrovatore, with brilliant variations and pianoforte accompaniment. Having been present at the rehearsals, we can confidently promise those who attend a genuine treat.

THE RAILWAY CLUB BALL. At nine o'clock, as a pleasant conclusion to tlie day's uiorry-niahing, the l«ailway Club Ball will commence at the Volunteer 1-Jall, which has been nicely prepared for the occasion.