WAIROA NOTES.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9874, 14 October 1899, Page 3

WAIROA NOTES.

Monday last was a red-letter day in tho history of the Wairoa Mounted Rifles, eight members of tho corps leaving- Waverley by the train for Wellington, on route to the Transvaal. Tho mon, taking them all over, are a splendid lot of fellows, and are a credit to the corps and district to which they

belong. . Groat indignation was felt at one ol tho party (a non-commissioned officer) ' "showing tho "white feather" at the last moment. "Mother says I inusn't, was hifi lame excuse. It is a great pity he did not consult his mother's wishes in tne inalter before putting his name down as a volunteer and making a compact ~with two of his comrades to stick to each Mother till tho death. Some were greatly Sirpriabd £>t it, others said they never expected anything else, as a great talker is very seldom good for much else. However, you may bo sure he has not yet heard tho last of it. On Wednesday Lieutenant Johnston and two other members of the corps lett for Wellington, making eleven m all from the Wairoa Mounted Rifles. A very pleasant ceremony took place 8 t the railway station, Captain Howie, on behalf of the corps, presenting Lieutenant Johnston with an officer's sword as a small token of the respect and esteem in which he is held by his company, ho being an exceedingly popular officer. This is tho third presentation that has been made during the past sis mouths, the others being a uniform, with sword and belts complete, to the late captain (Mr Johnston), and, ft handsome

gold watch to Sergeant-Major Howie on his resignation from the corps after a record of 27 years without e\er having missed a parade.