THE VOLUNTEERS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6860, 30 July 1900, Page 3

THE VOLUNTEERS.

• On Friday, the recently-formed North Canterbury Mounted Rifles gave a complimentary smoke concert to their commanding officer, Captain Cosgrove, in the Tuahiwi Hall. About ninety were present, including several honorary members; Lieutenants Winsloe and Horrell, of the Kaiapoi Rifle Company, occupied the chair and vice-chair respectively. Apologies were received for the absence of Captain Helmone and . Lieutenant Smith, of the Rangiora Rifles; CaptainPappriH, Kaiapoi Rifles ; the Mayor of Rangiora, and Mr J. Lowthian Wilson. The members of tihe company had donned, their uniforms for the first time, and most of the men, especially the Maoris, being of exceptionally fine physique, they made a good appearance. The toasts of "The Queen," also that of "The Imperial Forces," proposed by Mr H. Boyd, were honoured, Lieutenant Horrell responding to the latter. Lieutenant Home gave the toast I 'of "The Honorary Members of <the Company." He. stated that thirty honorary members were on the roll, and the company was much indebted to them for their, financial support. Mr Taitaiha Hapo, chief of the Pa, then, on behalf of the membeiti of thie company and Natives, presented Captain Cossgrove with a saddle and bridle, , in recognition of the active part he had taken in the formation 1 of the corps. Captain Cossgrove, in acknowledging the handsome gift, said that since coming, to the Pa he had been! treated with the greatest kindness by <tli» Natives ; and in. raising the troop he had met with the most gratifying support. It was the inten- • tion of the company to drill at Rangiora, Southbrook, Kaiapoi and Woodend in rotation; This, being the seventh time he had been elected, a captain, ho was well aware that the office was not a bed of roses. He would treasure the present as long as it lasted, and would never forget the kindness which had prompted the recognition of his small services on behalf of-the troop. A call for three cheers for "Our. Captain" was hearti^ responded to, and after his health had been drunk with musical honours, the Maorisgave the .salutation to a chief. Lieutenant ■ Moir proposed the toast of " Sister Companies," to which Lieutenant Winsloe responded; Mr E. W. Relph proposed "Succesu to the Company," and Dr Cook, Honorary Surgeon, responded ; and the toasts of "The Nurses in South Africa," proposed by Mr Jennings and the were heartily honoured. During the ■ evening, songs were contributed by ; Troopers Russell, King, Tyler, Momo, Wakefield and George, Lieutenants Horrell and_ Home, and Messiß J. Anaha-, T....Gir<een. and E. Wv Relph; Lieutenant W. Uni playing! the pianoforte accompaniments. Trooper Dun- • ©an also gave two recitations. The proceedings closed with, a 'haka and the National Anthem.