NELSON CITY RIFLES.

Colonist, Volume XXXII, Issue 5572, 14 August 1889, Page 3

NELSON CITY RIFLES.

RESIGNATION OF CAPT. BOWLING.

At the conclusion of the Company parade last evening, Captain Bowling addressod the members of the City Bifles, and said that that was the last occasion on which he would bo with them. He was about to leave Nelson for the North Island, and had sent in his resignation as Captain of the Company, but lie did not wish to entirely sever his aonnoetion with the volunteers. He had made application to be placed on the active unattached list, so tha'. there would be chances, if they were all living, that they might meet again at some volunteer encampment. Captain Bowling said that he had been connected with the Company for olose on nine years, first a* private, then as corporal, afterwards as lieutanant, and subsequently as captain, and he conld tell them that he regretted severing bis connection with them very much. Sinoe he had had the honor of being their Captain, he bad received a great many kindnesses from U-e members of the Company, both collectively and individually, and a better hearted lot of fellows than they had proved themselves he never wished to be among. They had, too always shown him respect. He wished to thank them heartily, and to s -y that go where he might, and let his lot be what it might, he ahould never forget the years he had spent with them as their Captain. He had now to ask them that, whoever they elected to fill bis position, they would rally round tbeir new Captain, for he would remind them that tbe success of a corps rested with eaoh and every individual member, and an officer alone could do but little. If every member of the Company resolved that it should be a success it was bound to be one. Every man should strive to be regular in attendance, and if he could not be present he should send an excuse, for it was not fair to the officer, to the other men, or even to the district, if they neglected thbir drill. He asked them elsoio. respect 'their officers. The" Company had long oocupied a good position, and ha had reason to believe that Colonel Hume was pleased with the result of his inspection.l He bid only to add that he hoped they would stick-together.: .They had in Colbnel Pitt mi I Major -Webb two of. the .best: officers in New Zealand. '" Both of them had shown him j many kindnesses, and they had proved themI selves always rc-dy to assist any Volun.e_s by giving- information or assistance. His going away would not _riake- much difference} but he hop d they would go an in the future as they had done in the pasfc "Don't forget target, practices,^ he enid; last year the Com. pany took a pretty fair position, -but he said " take a pride in your target practice, that you may do credit to your corps and your district." He concluded by saying, *' Good-bye, lads, I trust you will go on and'prosper/';; Lieut Vesoy said hei .as sure he waa expressing the.opinions of the officers and men when he said they al very deeply regretted the fact that Captain Bowling was severing bis oonneotion with them. Captain Bowling had proved himself a good officer, and tbe Company was no win a higher state of efficieuoy lh-<n it had beta in for many jim

All they could do was to wish Oaptain Bow., ling G>d speed and a greater measure of prosperity in his new home. Three hearty cheers v,ere then given for Captiin Rowling* and fHither cbeera for Mrs Rowling. There were present at the parade two or three officers, including Captain Simpson, of the Navals, and Dr Coleman.

Dr Boor exp essed his regret at the fact that Captain Bowling was leaving them, and boro testimony to that gentleman's efficiency as an officer '.*'

Ciptftin Bowling briefly thanked them for their.expreaeion of good feeling, and also on behalf of Mrs Rowling, who always had taken great interest in the Company, and who would he was sure continue to do so.

The Company, was shortly afterwards dia missed.