THE VOLUNTEERS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 4001, 22 January 1903, Page 3

THE VOLUNTEERS.

FAREWELL TO COLONEL BAILEY.

A special battalion, parade of the infantry companies of Timaru was he’d on Wednesday evening for the purpose of giving Colonel Bailey, till recently Officer Commanding the South Canterbury sub-district, now abolished, an opportunity of bidding the Timairu Volunteers farewell. There was a full muster, including Colonels Jowsey and Moore.

Colonel Bailey, in addressing the companies, said it was with mixed feelings of pleasure and regret thathe met them that night—feelings of pleasure to see such a fine body of Volunteers raised in the district ; feelings of deep regret, that his connection with them was to be sc abruptly and so permanently severed. He had been in command of the district for nearly 18 years ; he had seen most of them through their volunteering from their enrolment to the present time ; and he had always tern Eroud to be connected ■with them. II ad always been his endeavor to uphold discipline, and to make them all good, soldierlike men, cud he" wa happy to saythat limy had attained, tc a degree of efficiency that he war proud of. During all Hie time.he had been in command of the Volunteers:), the district, he was happy to say, he had never heard from a single volunteer an insubordinate word addressed to himself. He was very proud of that, anh he thanked them all for it. Although their connection was now severed, he would always keep them in mind. He trusted that llic-y would continue to act as good s()idiers,and good men, and to uphold ihe good name of the Volunteers of South Canterbury, and he was sure they would do it, so that he wouffi watch their doings with pleasure. Let them not be content with their present efficiency, with the though! that they were good enough ; they were .never good enough, there was room for improvement. Every nan should try to be the best man It. the best corps in New Zealand. These were his last words : he wished thorn all good-bye and good hick. (Colon-?I Bailey was visibly affected as lie bade them good-bye.) Colonel Moore, on behalf ofthe officers and men of all raiv:s of the battalion said they all felt the regvot that Colonel Bailey had expressed at their connection being severed. Whatever degree of efficiency and dicipline they had attained was due to the constant supervision, inspection, and advice Colonel Ballsy had "iven them throughout the long period of 18 years he hart, been connected with the district. He felt like saying t mch more but that he might soy 100 much, as he had osen under Cchmel Bailey ever since ne I’tiio speaker) had been in the force. The only way they could show their appreciation of his services was to maintain the discipline and efficiency that they had attained under his command, and he hoped that all the corps in the ibstrictwould in memory of his connection with them do their utmost to maintain the degree of discipline chat he had desired. Colonel Bailey warn'd no doubt see them often out, and ue hoped that he would not see any falling off in any respect. He again expressed the .regret qf the Officers and Volunteers at the severance, and wished Colonel Bailey evqry success and prosperity in future. A “ general salute ” was then giver, and the farewell ceremony was endch.