MARTON.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXVI, Issue 3213, 31 May 1871, Page 3

MARTON.

[Fbom our Own Cobrespokdent.] The Queen's Birthday was, as usual, celebrated by a review of the cavalry and rifle volunteers of the district. It was held in a large paddock belonging to Mr M. Hammond at Rangitikei (Bull's), which from its size was admirably adapted for the purpose. Although the weather was not at all favorable, being cold, gusty, and showery, there was a large number of visitors present, some of them coming many miles. The interest shown by the ladies especially speaks well /or the volunteer spirit. If they could turn out in such weather, there could bo no possible excuse for any of the male sex not being present. The following were the different corps assembled on the ground : — Cavalry : Victoria Troop (Marton), commanded by Capt. Willis ; Alfred Troop (Bull's), commanded by Capt. Richardson; Turakina Troop by Capt, Owen. Infantry : Royal Rangitikei Volunteers (Marlon), Capt. Galpin ; Union Ritle Volunteers (Marton), Capt. Johnson; Marton Rifle Volunteers, Lieut. Marshall ; Marlon Cadet Corps, Capt. Coleman ; Turakina Rifles, Capt. Hirst ; total strength, 320. Shortly before 12 o'clock the reviewing officer, Major Willis, accompanied by his aides decamp, Capt. Graham, Royal Victorian Artillery, and Lieut. Brewer, Rangitikei Militia, appeared on the ground, the brigade was wheeled into line, the royal salute given, and a feu dejoie fired, the band of the Royals playing the national anthem. A number of complicated evolutions were gone through in review order, and at their conclusion a square was formed, and the prizes for the district firing were presented by Major Willis to the successful competitors, accompanied by a few appropriate remarks. I append the names of the winners, and the amountof the prizes : — lst set. — Private Robert Johnston, U.R.V., £10 and Snider rifle; Sergt. Robert M'Kenzie, A.V.C., 2nd prize, £8; Lieut. John Stevens, A.C.W., 3rd prize, £0 ; Bandsman J. Rumble, £5 ; Private Andrew Johnson, M.R., £4 ; Private Alexander Milne, U.R.V., .-C3. 2nd set.— Lieut. Jolm Scott, R.R.V.,£y ; Capt. C, Galpin,

R.R.V., £3 ; Private Andrew Morrison, U.E.V., £3. Carbine prizes. — Lieut. W. J. Marshall, Victoria Cavalry Volunteers (Marton), £10 and silver medal, for the highest score made in the colony ; Trumpeter Signal, V.C.V. (Marton), 2nd prize, £8. One of the most pleasing features of the day was the presentation of a handsome sword, and an address from the volunteers of the district to Lieut. Heywood, their drill instructor. The presentation was made by the senior captain present (Capt. Hirst). Lieut. Hey wood made a suitable reply, and said that should he ever be called upon to draw that sword in defence of hearths and homes, he hoped those present would give him the same confidence they had hitherto reposed in him. Three hearty cheers were then given for the commanding officer, three for Capt. Jordan, and three for Lieut. Heywood. The Cavalry squadron wheeled back, reformed line, broke into columns and dismissed. VOLUNTEER BALL. Great preparations have been made for a volunteer ball, which will be held to-night in the Town Hall. I will send you an account of it in my next.