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Thames Advertiser, Volume IX, Issue 2467, 10 November 1876, Page 3

PBINCE OF WALES' BIBTHDAY. Yesteeday, being the anniversary of tho birthday of H.K.H. the Prince of Wales, Was generally observed as a holiday; indeed, besides the banks, public offices, and Exchange, most of tho business places in town were closed, and although no special provision for general holiday amusements had been made, yet the weather was fine, and tho citizens generally availed themselves of the opportunity of enjoying the holiday out of doors with their families and frionds. Several picnic excursions were arranged, and took place both at_ the Tararu and Parawai gardens, and in other places. The principal picnic party, however, was that comprising about 60 members of the Thames IN aval Brigade, who, with a number of friends, proceeded in tho brigade boats to Tapu Creek, where they spent the day in a pleasurable manner. The weather during the day was somewhat overcast, and appeared to threaten rain on one or two occasions, but tho fain kept off, and the clouds by tempering the heat of the sun made the day a more thoroughly enjoyable one. The town itself wore a somewhat deserted appearance during the day on account of the closed shops and stores and the suspension of business. The most marked feature of the day's programme was the usual celebration of tho event which the day commemorated, by the

VOLUNTEEBS. The different companies paraded at their drill sheds about ten o'clock yesterday morning, ond marched to the old cricket ground at Shortland, headed by the brass baud of the Scottish. Considering the day was not a general holiday, there was a fair muster of the different rifle companies, particularly the Scottish, JNos. 2 and 3, and JTativo corps. There was no parade of the Navals, as a number of the men were absent on a picnic, and crews were required to man the big guns, which fired a salute of 21 guns at 12 o'clock. On assembling at Shortland the officers fell out, and the battalion was handed over to the Sergeant-Major, who put them through some preliminary work. On Major Cooper taking command, skirmishing' supports and reserves were alternately gone into by each company ; also, advancing in line, retiring from right of companies, wheeling in column, &c. The .whole wound up with the usual feu do joie in honour of the day. The movements generally were well done, particularly the marching and firing; but some further practice in skirmishing is, however, evidently required. The Cadets were thrown out as an enemy, and behaved very well. After the review the men were marched to their private parades and dismissed.