PRESENTATION OF COLOURS TO THE MOUNTED RIFLES.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3328, 16 January 1880, Page 2

PRESENTATION OF COLOURS TO THE MOUNTED RIFLES.

The ceremony of presenting the Colours (the gift of Mrs. Davidson aud Mrs. 11. H. Thompson) to the Mounted. Rifles took place yesterday afternoon, on Poverty Flat, under the most favourable auspices. The weather was line, and a large number of spectators assembled to witness the proceedings. A general parade of Volunteers had been ordered by Major Stapp, and the Volunteers from lnglewood and Waitara mustered on the ground to take part in the ceremony. The Waitara Volunteers numbering 30 all told, under Captain Elliot, arrived iv town at 10 a.m. ; and the lnglewood Volunteers, mustering 8G strong, under Captains Trimble nud Brown, arrived in town at 11 30 a.m. We understand there would have been a much larger attendance of Waitara Volunteers had the train connected at Sentry Hill with the lnglewood train, but, owing to the early hour the train left Waitara, a great number of Volunteers were prevented from coming into town. At 1 p.m., the muster took place ou Poverty Flat, when there were 274 men on parade. Before the presentation took place the men were formed up into columns, the Cavalry in front in two troops; afterwards they were wheeled into line, and gave a general salute. Three sides of a square were then formed by the Cavalry facing the saluting point, and the infantry on cither side ; the general public making the fourth side of the square. The Colours were then brought into the square, and Archdeacon Govett, robed in his surplice, offered up a dedicatory prayer. The Colours were then handed by Captain Gordon to Major Stapp aud by him presented to Lieutenants Davies and Hamerton," who received the colours kneeling. Major Stapp then mounted, and addressed the men as follows : — Captain Davidson, officers, non-commissioned officers, and troopers of the Taranaki Mounted Rifles: You have done me the honor to select me to present to you these colours, which the ladies, the donors, desire you to accept as a token of their grateful and affectionate interest, and their deep sense of your bravery and devotion. They beg of you to accept and honor these colours as your rallyiug standard should occasion oblige you to unfurl them in defence of your families aud your adopted country. I might remind you that the colours of a regiment are considered as pledges of our faith and of our allegiance to our Queen and country — to be honored and preserved a* a sac re J duty, and to be defended to the last, even at the cost of life itself. But to you, galla.it Mounted Rifles, many of whom have already fought for your adopted country, and some of you in England's noble army, to you who have gone through so many trials, who have scon war and felt its effects in its saddest form, to you I feel that no such appeal is necessary, for whenever you have been called upou. and wherever you have been engaged, you have proved yourselves worthy of the trust, aud have shown that your true British blood has not deteriorated by your transfer to this distant Colony. I would remind you of the superhnmau ettorts or. Lieutenants Melville and Coghill of the 24 th Regimcut in trying to save the colours of their regiment in South Africa lately. They considered it a sacred duty, aud forfeited their lives. Tlfis is only one instance of many I could mention. It is about three years siuce we assembled ou this spot to witness the presentation of New Zealand Crosses to two of your gallant comrades, Captain Mace aud Trooper Rodriguez, for daring conduct iv the field. Some of you were engaged ou that occasion. The Taranaki Mounted Volunteers have always been the admiration of everyone, aud have been highly complimented by every Imperial officer who lias held command in this district. Captaiu DiyviDSOX replied, saying : — I thauk you, Major Stapp for the manuer you have presented the Mouuted Rifles with the colors, aud I beg to request you to convey to the ladies our most grateful thauks for the very handsome standards we have this clay received. We have seen enough of war to appreciate the blessiugs of peace, but if ever the Mounted Rifles have to take the field. I can promise you that we will come out with no atain upon our colors. (Hear, hear.) The meu then re-formed into line, aud the color party formed with the standards unfurled. The flags consist of a Union Jack and the Regimental Color, both of which arc of silk, with rich gold fringe aud tassels. The Regimental flag is of a dark green silk, bordered with yellow, and in the centre is a magenta disc surrounded by a laurel wreath, surmounted .vith a crown ; aud in the centre of the wreath are the initials " T.AI.R." Beucath the wreath on a yellow scroll is the regimental motto, " Semper Paratns " (always ready.) The colours are each 2£ feet by 2 feet, and are mounted on lance staffs. The ranks were opened, aud the colors received with a general salute. The band took up its position in front of the color party aud proceeded down the ranks playing a march. The men then presented arms, and Major Stapp called for three cheers for Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen, which was responded to heartily, the band playing " Goi Save the Queen." Three cheers were then called for the Mounted Rifles and their new colors, and also for the ladies who presented the colors. The infantry then broke into column and marched past at quick time ; after which, the Cavalry marched past at a trot. The Volunteers then marched to the Racecourse, where field exercises and a sham fight took place. A party representing the enemy were stationed at the back of Mr. Hursthouse's house, when a party went to attack them through the gate at Fort Niger, and another from Elliot-street going past Mr. L. Hamerton's house. The enemy then retired to a gully in the Fort Niger enclosure and on to the left-hand side of the Racecourse, and fought to the far side, and then turned into the Racecourse to the right, endeavouring to get into town, when the Mounted Rifles, under command of Captain Davidson, dropped on them in the open, coming down from Mr. Ellib' house, the troop having been hidiug behind the hedge there in the lauc. After the Mounted Troop had made the attack they retired, and the enemy made for the Avc.uo Road pursued by the infantry, who remained concealed in the road, and disposed of them as they passed. A company of infantry was sent up the Carucll Road to protect that road and gardens if the enemy came out of the Carrington Road Gully, at the far corner of the Racecourse.

The firing and charging in li.ie was executed with creditable exactness. The various manoeuvre^ ivcre performed in good style, the charge of the cavalry on the infantry square was the bctjt exercise of the day. both cavalry and infantry exhibiting remarkable precision and skill. One rider was unfortunately dismouuted in the charge, but did not receive auy injury, The standards of the Taranaki Rifle Volunteers were also on the field in charge of a colour party. The sham fight was completed with a grand charge by all the forces in separate order towards the grand stand, aud afterwards the forces advanced in review order. They were again addressed by Major Stapp, who said : I thank you for 3'our attendance here to-day — although it must have been at great personal inconvenience to many of you— and also for the very efficient manner you have acquitted yourselves in the various field exercises. Rifle Corps are valuable for the defence of the country, aud still more valuable as restoring to the population that sell! dependence ami those manly habits which a nntiun can never lose with impunity. It was very laudable on the part of the settlers of this district, having been couvinced that the country was on the point of being exposed to a very great danger, to have enrolled themselves as Volunteers, and to assemble for a certain amount of military training, and to accustom themselves to the use of the rifle, which would encourage them to defend their own homes, or, if necessary, weary tracts of forest might be traversed, when the skilful and practised marksman would be singularly effective. Every. means ought to be used to m ike our Volunteer-; skilful riflemen. This naturalisation of the rifle amongst us i.s an object as much to be sough 1 after as the formation of any definite bo ly for service in case of any particular event. The truth is that habitual uso of weapons is nine-tenths of a soliier's tr.i le. In the present state of warfare eve>i the usefulness of a private in a Volunteer Corps depends in<ich more on his proficiency with the higuly finished weapou placed in his hands than ou the mechanical drill to which he has been subjected. 'No one will, of course, fancy that J underrate discipline aud unity of action. That there is no difference between an army and a m^b, and that a company of Volunteers are not more effective than as many untrained men, however good and brave, is an absurd proposition. The old and excessive ruiuute drill, which we derived from our ancestors, is not the most valuable iv the present day — that is, march in line like a brick wall, turn the toes well out, chest expanded, little linger i:i line with seam of trousers, &c, &c. Often too much time is wasted on it. We want to turn out efficient fighters with the least possible delay. It would tend to hinder the usefulness of the Voluuteer movement in this district to turn Volunteers into Regulars. To obtain the best marksmen and the best weapons should be the object of every Corps. Che whole object of military manoeuvres is. after all, to put men in their proper places at the proper time, and to accustom them to do so by word of command or bugle sound. It cannot be imagined that such meu as form onr Rifle Corps will require very much instruction to enable them to do this. I hope the whole of the community will assist in getting funds to build a drill shed, which is very much needed. The Ciovernuieut will give £300 towards it. The men then marched back to town and were dismissed. The Mounted Rifles having proceeded to the Captain's residence, where the colours where deposited. The result of the late competition for prizes was announce 1 as follows : — Corporal Newlaud, first choice ; Trooper W. D. Thomson, second choice ; Sergeant Olson, third choice ; Trooper McGonagle, fourth prize. Corporal Newland elected to take the silver Maltese cross. The other prizes will bo presented on arrival. After some further matters iv connection with the corps had been discussed, the troop was dismissed. THE BAL L. In the evening the Mounted Rifles entertained their friends at a ball, which was held in the Masonic Hall. The Committee appointed to make the necessary arrangements were very assiduous in their duties, and the result was a most unqualified success, the only drawback being that the hall was not nearly large enough for the votaries of the terpsichorean art. Every care had been taken in the decoration of the hall, which presented an elegant and beautiful appearance. At the top of the room a glittering star had been designed with sword-bayonets. On the right of the star were placed the new standards of the Mounted Rifles, which had been consecrated aud presented that day ; aud on the left of the star were the standards of the Taranaki Rifles. The sides of the hall were also suitably festooned with evergreens. The gay assemblage, dressed iv various uniforms and elegant dresses, presented a pleasing and brilliant aspect. Mony. Roust catered for the ball in a sumptuous manner, and gave general satisfaction. A good programme was gone through, and dancing was kept up until an early hour. The following arc the names of the officers and men of the M.R.V. Corps who were present : — Captain Davidson, Dr. O'Carroll, Lieutenants Davies aud Hatnerlon, Sergeantmajor Deacon, Sergeants Aiuslie, Bullot, Tatton King, Olso-i, an I R. H. Thompson, Bandmaster Hughes, Corporals Newland, Atkinson, and Nicoll, Troopers Brookiug, VV. Bullot, E. Bullot, Gibson, Spark, W. C. Gilbert, Cleary, Hunt, Cut Sell, Giimour, King, Cooniber, M. Cunningham, W. D. Thomson, Chard, Douglass, Green way-, Leech, O'Connell, E. E. Gilbert. Juty, Moverley, Pnillips, Carrington, Skinner, Goss, McGonagle, Stanley, Callaghan, and others. The following is a list of the guests present, as far as we could ascertain :—: — Miss Atkinson, Misses Ainslie (2). Captain and Mrs. Brown, Lieutenant aud Mrs. Brooking, Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Bullot, Mrs. ftrind, Captain Bewley, Captain Bullen, Lieutenant Bayly, Mr. Brewster, Mr. and Mrs. Buggius. Mr. and Mrd. Crozier, Mr. and Mrs. Cleary, Miss Carrington, Miss J. Carrington, Miss i>. Carrington, Misses Cock (2), Mr. 11. Colsou. Mr. Chard. Mr. and Mrs. Day, Mr. and Mrs. Draper, Mrs. Davidson, Mrs. and Miss Darnell, Mr*. Douglass. Mrs. Davies, Mrs. nnd Miss Devenish, Miss Dymond. Captain and Mrs. Elliot. Miss Foster. Mr. and Mrs. Gore, Mrs. and Miss Gibbcs, Mr. and Mrs. Grey. Miss Grey, Miss Good.

Miss (Jove!!", Mr-, (frccuwuy. Captain Gor lon, Mr. C. W. Govett. Lieutenant and Mrs. Hoskin, Mr. aud Irs. Hal.se, Mis> liaise, Mr-s. Heuipton, Misses Herapton (2), Mrs. Holford. Mrs. T. E. Hamerton, Miss Hamerton, Mrs. E. R. Shaw, Mrs. Hopkins, Misses Hopkins (2), Miss House, Mr. aud Mrs. J. D. Harris, Mrs. Humphries Misses Humphries (2). Miss Hatublyn. Mr. A. Jury. Captain aud Mrs Kirkby, Mrs. A. King, Mr. X. King, Mr. Keefc. Mrs. Leech, Misses Leatham (2), Dr. Leathaui. Miss Martin, Mrs. McGonagle, Mr. A. T. McGonagle, Misses Moverlcy (2). Mr. aud Mrs. Neville. Mr. G. Newman. Mrs. O'Carroll, Mrs. O. Knuckey, Mr. Oxen ham. Mrs. Palsgrave, Mrs. aud Miss Pitt, Mr. Pellew, Mr. Paton. Mr. and Mis. Richmond, Mr. nnd Mrs. G. Ryan, Mr. and Mrs. Roy, Miss Robins. Mr. U. V. Richards. Major and Mrs. Stapp, Captain and Mrs. Skeet, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Skeet, Mr. and Miss Simpson, Mrs. Seccombc, Mrs. J. S. Smith, Miss B. Smith, Miss ShuUleworth, Miss St. George, Miss Smart, Mr. Sheppee, Mr. Stanger, Mr. W. 11. Skinner. Major and Mrs. Tuke, Miss Tuke, Mi>s Take, Mrs. R. H. Thompson, Captain Trimble, I Mr. A. M. Thomson. Mrs. Von Rotter. Mr. and Mrs. Warnum, Mr.-, and Mis 3 Walking. Misses White (2), Miss Wilton, Miss Williamson. Mr. White, Mr. A. Walker, Mr. Winchcombe.

rilDliriVE MEfHODISl 1 CONFERENCE. At the Primitive Methodist Conference hell at CLiristcliurch on Wednesday, January Hth, the stations of ministers was agreed to :—: — Auckland, J. Long, and J. Nixon ; Thames, T. \V. Adanison ; New Plymouth, J. Sharp ; Wellington, D. Button, an- W. S. Potter ; Manawatu, P. J. Jones, and J. H. Lee ; Christchurch, J. Glover ; Gree dale, J. Grey ; Asnburton, A. J. Smith ; Geraldine, T. Sadler; Tiuiaru, J. Dumbell ; Oamaru. C. E. Bailey ; Dunedin. J. Ward, and G. Smith ; Inverc.vrgill, C. E. Ward. General Superintendent, VV. J. Dean. The Primitive Methodist Conference coucludc 1 the session on Wednesday afternoon. The Rev. J. Ward, o£ Dunedin, is appointed Coimexional Editor, aud Rev. D. Dutton. and Air. D. Goldic, Treasurers. The nest conference is to be held in Dunedin iv January, 1881.