A MESS

Waikato Times, Volume XIII, Issue XIII, 15 April 1879, Page 2

A MESS

Of the Commissioned Officers was held in tho Commercial Hotel — W. Pearee, caterer.

Colonel Lyon occupied the chair, Major Jackson the vice.

After ample justice had been done to the viands, which were served u r i in great style, the usual loyal and patriotic toasts, were given from the chair, and drunk with due houor3.

. Mr A. Gox proposed "The Army and Navy of Great Britain," to which Colonel Lyon responded. He was the oldest soldier present, and could bear testimony to the pluck and valor of British Soldiers, wherever found. (Cheers.) The A fghan War demonstrated tbe fact, and so did the Zulu War, though in a more painful manner. The colors of the gallant Twenty-fourth were announced to bo lost, but afterwards were discovered uuder the bodies of the men who so valiantly defended them. Paris exhibited colors of nearly every nationalitv won by tho French, but while in Paris he (Sol. Lyon) saw many nation's flags, but none that had been won from the British. (Loud applause.) He placed the Navy on an equally proud footing, and England's seamen on a similarly high pedestal of fame as the Army. Nelsou's motto was», u England expected that every man should do his duty," and he believed they always tried to do so. (Bond cheers.)

jj The health of " Our Guests" tha Volunteers was next given from the Chair. The Chairman considered them a fine body of. men, and they shewed their respectability by their exceedingly good conduct. The toast was drank enthusiastically.

Colonel Fraser, in responding, said it gave him extreme pleasure to respond for the Thames Volunteers, of whom he felt so proud He regarded the two companies of the Thames Scottish as the " Beau ideal " of volunteer companies. The

Waikato Cavalry were as fine a rough, and ready crowd as he had ever met, and if assistance were required against troublesome natives, he believed the Thames' men would be found very willing to assist their Waikato comrades. The Thames Railway would greatly facilitate operation between the two distiicts.

Major Murray also responded, expressing thanks on behalf of the Thames Volunteers for the kindly treatment received, which had surpassed their most sanguine expectations. On leaving the Thames he merely said to the men that he trusted they would not forget they were Thames Volunteers, and he was now proud to hear from Colonel Lyon's lips that the men's conduct had given so much satisfaction, and had gained so high eulogium.

Major Murray proposed the health of " Colonel Lyon, and officers and men of the Waikato Cavalry."' 8 The toast was drunk with musical honors, and very brieflly responded to by Col. Lyon, who said he found the Cavalry and officers as a rule as efficient as the regulars, always ready for duty when called on, and tbe men ready to come out at a moments notice.

Major Murray proposed the health of Lieut. Whitaker, at the same time endorsing Lieut. Whitaker's statements which appeared in the papers respecting the Review arrangements. The toast was drunk most enthusiastically by all present.

Lieut. Whitaker would not make a speech, as a number of men were waiting outside to get dinnerWhile thanking Major Murray for his complimentary remarks, and the company for the handsome mannerin which they had received the toast, he would give his opinion that if Col: 5 - Lyon and Major Jackson had not kindly assisted to-day's successful gathering would not have taken place. Alter Major Murray had borne testimony to the courtesy shown by the Government, he stated that he had informed the Hon. Colonel Whitmore (with the commanding officer's consent) of the great success of the Review.

Colonel Lyon rose, and room was made for members of the Scotish, who were awating the concluson of the speeches.

A sergeant's mess was held in the evening at 6 o'clock iu tbe balcony of Gwynne's Hotel at which about 40 were present, who partook of a most excellent repast. A number of the troopers of the Hamilton Contingent gave their kind assistance. A mostpleasant and enjoyable evening was spent. Sergeants "Walker and Fisher were most energetic in endeavoring to make the affair a complete success. At both messes the fine band of the Thames Scottish alternately performed.

At 10.30 last night tb# Thames

Volunteers left Hamilton amid hearty cheers. The Review may be considered one of the greatest successes of the kind witnessed in this province, while the complete harmony existing among the 600 men quartered in Hamilton reflects alike creditably upon them from a social as well as a military point of view.