EAST COAST MOUNTED RIFLES.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2759, 7 February 1910, Page 7

EAST COAST MOUNTED RIFLES.

AXXI AYERS ARY DINNER

The East Coast Mounted Rifles celebrated their tenth anniversary with a dinner at the Garrison Hall on Saturday evening. There- was a .large attendance of members, ex-members, and civilians, and the. catering of Aiessrs Cl aiv and Sons left- nothing to be desired.

Captain C. Hellier Evans presided, being supported on bis right by Captain A. G. Beere (Gisborne L’fle.s; and on .his left by Captain J. Tombleson (unattached).

Letters of apology were read by the Chairman for the unavoidable aPser.ce of Lieut.-Colonel Winter and Captain •J. H. Colebourne (ex-captains or the squadron), ex-Lieut. Hutcninson, I.icut J. Poynter, and Sergt.-Major Spiagg. After the toast of “‘The King” had been loyally honored, Captain Evans proposed the toast of “The Defence Forces of New Zealand.” A young country such as this, he declared, must necessarily rely almost wholly for its defence upon voluntary service, as the expense of keeping a standing _ army was altogether beyond its financial resources. About 20,000 volunteers had been battling in the past to fit themselves for the defence of the country, hut that number included the members of rifle clubs, so that the rcj.l active force available did not exceed 12,(.00. Under the new Act they could d«: end upon the military authorities to see that every able-bodied man was trained to take his part in the defence of the country if ever the necessity ejose. Captain Beere’s name was coupled with the toast, and, in respond lag he said that he noticed that 242 members had gone through the roll since lhe formation of the squadron. If tins had been their experience, it had no doubt been likewise the experience of most of the corps' in the Dominion. If all these members had remained i’lthe corps and made themselves efficient, there would have been no need for'the introduction of compulsory military training. They had had proof over and over again in the past of what New Zealand volunteers could do, •*d he felt sure that they would give as good an account of themselves in the 7 cure whenever called upon. (Applause.) Mr. W. Miller (an ex-lieutenant of the squadron) proposed the toast of “Tlie East Coast Mounted Rifles.” He stated that he had been one of the original members of tlio corps, and had been appointed to the position of lieutenant on the night of enrolment. He had never regretted his connection with the squadron, and the discipline he had undergone and the lasting friendships he had formed had been of real service and pleasure to him. He paid a high tribute to the officers of the squadron, remarking that Lieut.Colonel Winter (their first captain), to his mind, had been one of the best volunteer officers the Dominion had ever produced. In his frequent trips through the Dominion, it was a source ■of great satisfaction to find that the military authorities regarded the East Coast Mounted Rifles as one of the most efficient mounted corns in New Zealand. /

In responding, Captain Evans said that it was well known that he was an enthusiast in matters that pertained to the defence of the country, and for the last ten years his chief aim had been directed to securing the efficiency of the East Coast Mounted Rifles. He had had 23 years’ service, the last ten of which had been with the East Coast Mounted Rifles. The squadron would attain its tenth anniversary on Sunday, the 6th inst. The corps orig-

inally numbered 77 members, and lie was -proud to tell them that six of the original members had continued their connection with it unbroken until the, present time. These were the speaker, Lieut-s., Hamilton and AVittOrs, Q.-Mas-ter-Sergt. Fairlie, Sergts. McCullough and Oates, and Troonor Leslie. He had a good squadron, and had every reason to be proud of it. Colonel Russel had paid them a high compliment alter bis recent inspection. With regard to attending the Kitchener camp, so far he had not bad a reply from AA 7ellington as to whether they were to go or not, but he expected to receive definite word on Monday or Tuesday. The cost of hiring a transport was thechief difficulty to be surmounted, but lie hoped the Government would see their way to authorise the expenditure to enable the forces here to benefit by serving under the greatest soldier of the age. If the squadron decided to go, he hoped every member would make the trip. He could assure them they would enjoy themselves. (Laughter.) Captain Evans concluded by hoping that they would celebrate the anniversary each year with a re-union such as they were enjoying that evening. Lieut. C. Ji Hamilton proposed the toast of “Past Officers and Members of the Corps,” coupling the toast with the names of Mr. AV. Miller (one. of the original officers), Mr. F. J. Teat (one of the original non-coms.), and Mr. J. O. Parker (one of the original troopers). In responding to the toast, the speakers gave many humorous reminiscences of past and gone camps and parades. The toast of “Our Comrades in Arms” was entrusted to Lieut. G. AVit-t-ers. who remarked that everyone should lie proud of the efficiency displayed by the Gisborne. Rifles and the Defence Cadets. He coupled the toast with the names of Captains Beere and Totnbleson.

Captain Beere, in responding, g-aid that they were all members of one big family. If they were called upon, to defend the country they could do nothing unless they all pulled together. They were on the eve of a big change, but no matter how it affected them be hoped tliev would all stick to the colors. (Applause.) Captain Tombleson congratulated Captain Evans and the corps on the success of the anniversary that night. He was sure that all were pleased with the new departure taken by the- military authorities, and felt certain it would result in defence matters being put upon a proper footing. Ex-Sergt.-Major Kinder proposed tile toast of Non-Commissioned Officers of the E.C.M.R.” He coupled the toast-will* the names of QuartermasterSergeant Fairlie and Sergt. Cole, who suitably responded. Sergt. Cole, in the course- of his response. stated' that the fact that the corps had never had to go outside for a captain was proof of the ability pos- • leased by the non-commissioned officers. He paid a high tribute to Sergt.-Ala jor Spragg, who, th e . speaker considered, was one of the best non-coms, the squadron had ever had. The squadron had been exceptionally fortunate in its choice of officers, and this was largely due to the fact that they had. elected men who Intel gone conscientiously through the routine work and had worked themselves up by merit and ability. Other toasts honored were: “The Ladies,” proposed bv ex-Trooper H. Bright, and responded to by Sergt. AYauebop; “The Press,” proposed by the Chairman, and responded to by exTrooner AA 7 . Gibson. The following concert programme was interspersed between the toasts during the evening:—Songs, “Tommy” and “I Couldn’t Go Home in the Dark,” Captain Zachariah; songs, “Tally-Ho” and “For the King,” Mr. F. J. Teat; songs, “Bombay” and “San Antonio,” Mr. P. Parker; recitations, “Sale Day” and “The Cowboy,” Captain Tombleson; song. Coming Home,” Sergt. Barlow; recitation, “'The Passage of the Scots,” Rev. ATr. AValker; recitations, “The Bush Christening” and “O'Grady’s Goat,"' Trooper T. Orimmins: recitations, “The Goebung Polo Club," and “Old Pardon, the Son of Reprieve,” Mr. AA 7 . Gibson. Air A. Cowley acted as accompanist.