THE IRISH RIFLES.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXVI, Issue 17986, 29 September 1920, Page 4

THE IRISH RIFLES.

PRESENTATION TO CAPTAIN J. G. SWAN.

A pleasant re-union of members of the Irish Rifles took place in the commercial room at Chavannes’ Hotel oue evening last week, when some forty members of the corps assembled to farewell their old captain, Mr J. G. Swan, on the eve of his departure from Wanganui on a health-recruiting trip. Mr T. B. Slipper, who succeed-sd Mr Swan as captain of the corps, presided, and explained that the members of the old corps had expressed a wish to meet Mr Swan before his. departure and wish bin a pleasant voyage and a speedy return to robust health. Mr Swan had been one of the founders of the Irish Rifles, and as captain of the corps from 1 902 to 1911 had raised it to a very high state of efficiency. To show their appreciation of what Mr Swan had done for the corps th.’ members had determined to make him a little presentation, which would serve to remind hint of the. esteem in which he was held hr every member of the Irish Rifles. Mr Slipper then asked Mr Swan to accept a beautiful golden shamrock, in the centre of which was a large ruby, and on the reverse, side a suitable inscription. Mr Swan, who was taken completely by surprise, thanked his old comrades for their kindness in making the presentation, and said he would never forget the old corps, of which he had at all times every rea- „ son to be justifiably proud. Mr Swan gave an interesting account of the ,rctj Hon and history of the corp* and declared that no company bad been more zealous or efficient than t the Irish Rifles.