FROM PRIVATE TO MAJOR.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9724, 8 April 1910, Page 5

FROM PRIVATE TO MAJOR.

AN APPRECIATION. Formed ; n 18fi3 members of Royal Rides have bad many successful gatherings, but easily the most notble under the auspices of the corps was the smoke concert tendered ia the Drill Shed last evening In honour of their late officer commanding—Captain Batten, who has bsen promoted to Major. There was a large attendance of members and ex-members of the ocrpa and a number of apologies were read from old members regretting their inability to attend. They were unanimous ia congratulating Major Batten on his promotion and wishing continued success to the corps, (Japt. R. H. Young occupied the chair and ex-Lieut. Marr and Lieut, O. L Harris the vice-chairs. A lengthy toast list was honoured and the manner in which the toasts were proposed and responded to was particularly pleasing. Many very interesting reminiscences of volunteering in the Royals were given. Bach speaker was well up in his subject and the applause which followed showed that the assemblage thoroughly enjoyed the interesting accounts of the history of the Royals for the past 47 years. The toast of the evening was of course that of “Onr Quest —Major Batten,” proposed by Oapt. Young, who made a brilliant speech eulogistic of the splendid work done ia the Royals by Oapt. Batten. He recounted many amusing incidents which had occurred during the time he bad been under him. He referred with pride to the splendid record of their guest --who joined the corps as a private in 1888, was “elected corporal in 1891, sergeant In 1894, captain iu 1898, and in 1910 was promoted major. It was a record to be proud of and the Royals were proud* of it. To have risen from the ranks as Major Batten had done showed that he had been attentive to his duties, and his striking personality had won for him the respect and admiration of all with whom he had come in contact. The speaker had very great pleasure in presenting to Major Batters an Illuminated address and a small token of esteem (a pure? of sovereigns) as an indication of the esteem of members and es-mombers of the Royals. The address read Royal Rifles—lßßß-1910. To Major Batten. —Sir,—We, the members and ex-members of the Royal Rifles feel we cannot let yea leave the company without expressing our appreciation of your long and faithful service iu the corps. Wo know that you have devoted “your best energies and time to its welfare, and have always done your utmost to keep up a high standard of efficiency. We wish to oongratualte yon on your well earned promotion and trust you will still spend many happy years in volunteering circles. Bor and on behalf of members and ex-members of the corps R. H. Young, Captain; C. L. Karris, Lieut. ; H. J. Russel, Sergt. ; J. Bertram.,Sergt, ; E. M. Oopestake, Oorpl. ; Qeo.pJoad, Oorpl. Ex-mem-bers M. Marr, Lieut. ;A. E. Snell - gova, Lieut. ; E. S. Snellgrove, Col. ■ Sergt. ; W. R. Snellgrove, Sergt. ; W. Oldfield, Sergt. ; J. Q. Ritchie, Oorpl. ; A. Way, Privt. Major Batten, on rising to respond received a very hearty ovation. He thanked the Royals for their handsome appreciation, which was altogether unexpected. In a happy speech he recapitulated many interesting incidents which had occurred daring his twenty-two years service in the corps, and regretted in a sense that his promotion meant his severance from the corps He would still maintain a deep interest in the company, and trusted that the support which bad been accorded him would be extended to his successor — Oapt. Young. During the evening songs were given by—Lieut. Young, Sergt. Bertram, es-Bugler Tennant, ex-Yols. A. Hunt and Barnett, and recitations by Lieut. Marr, Oorpl. Head, ex-Yol. W. Barratt. Mr Bert. Orozler played the accompaniments in a finished manner. Bx-Sergt. Jno. Bell was also in attendance with an un-to-date gramaphone and the selections were highly appreciated.