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TOWYN VOLUNTEERS.

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TOWYN VOLUNTEERS. A SUCCESSFUL GATHERING. A short time ago it was decided by the local members of the above Volunteer battalion to do away with the usual arnual smoking concert and hold a supper instead. Judging by Friday even- ing's entertainment at the Corbett Arms Hotel the innovation was a great success. The Volunteers were present in good numbers, though civilians were conspicuous by their absence. The proceed- ings were highly interesting. The chair was to have been taken by Lieut J M Howell, but in his absence it was filled by Col Sergt-Inst Lichfield. An excellent repast bad been provided by Host and Hostess Latimer to which, it is needless to state, full justice was done. After the tables had been cleared, cigarettes and tobacco were distributed, and an impromptu smoker held. Before this the loyal toast of King, Queen and Royal Family was proposed by Sergt-Inst Lichfield in a brief but felicitous speech, and was drunk with the greatest heartiness. The Officers of the Company" (Captain Kirkby and Lieut Howell) was next proposed by Col-Sergt J C Edwards, who stated that Capt Kirkby would be leaving for the Cape on the 23rd inst which it was hoped would enable him to recover more rapidly (hear, hear). Every member of the com- pany, he was sure, would wish him God-speed and a rapid recovery from his long and painful illness (cheers).-The toast was enthusiastically honoured, all rising and singing For they are jolly good fellows," after which the heartiest cheers were accorded. The Chairman then called upon Pte Ben Jones, v who first of all made a brief speech, expressing his strong conviction that the Volunteer movement did not get the support which it deserved in the town, and maintained that patriotism was at a rather low ebb. He referred to the absence of any of the townspeople there that evening (hear, hear), Which to a certain extent proved what he said. He did not wish to create unpleasantness, but he thought he was doing quite right in calling atten- tion to it. If they wanted anything done, beyond shouting Rule Britannia" (laughter) they were advised not to apply in the town (shame), and although there were notable exceptions, they were very much in the minority (hear, hear). They had to thank the Volunteers that the old flag was kept flying, and as time went on they would have to rely still more upon them, so that the least they could do would be to support them (cheers). He was then called upon to sing a comic song, "The baby's name," which was sung in his own innimi- table style, and caused roars of laughter.—The next item was a comic song by Pte D J Williams I'm a very handy man," which took well, all joining heartily in the chorus, after which Pte Evans sang the Golden slipper." The old favourite The British navy" was next rendered by Mr David Roberts, in capital style. Pte Parry was then called upon to tecite "Napoleon's farewell to his troops," which created much amusement. He afterwards sang I'll be your sweetheart" very tastefully. Pte S Davies was responsible for the next item, which was a comic -song called "I'll push him through the window," and it went well. A step dance by hon member R L Francis and Pte D T Williams followed, after which the accompanist Mr Tom Hughes, was vocifeiously called for. He sang Postponed," and was warmly encored, reply- ing with "By and bye." Sergt-Inst ] Lichfield then proceeded to read extracts from the new regulations, which have already been published. Continuing, he said the "F" Company was the strongest in the battalion at the present time. The total enrolled strength for last year (ending October 31st) was 131, of which 126 were efficient, leaving five non- efficients. This included the Aberdovey detach- ment, who were then 34 and were now 31 in number. With reference to the rifle clab there were twelve members of which five only came from Towyn, the remainder from Aberdovey. The subscription was 2s 6d a member for the season, with an additional 6d every time a member went down, which, taking the value of the prize offered and the cost of ammunition, he maintained was yery reasonable and much below the figure of the other clubs in the regiment. He hoped there would be an improvement in this direction. The Commanding Officer's prize list for this year was calculated on the total points in musketry, number on parades, and attendance at Adjutant's parades. All the winners bad attended at least four of the last-mentioned parades. The Commanding Officer's prize for the best shot fell to Col-Sergt J C Edwards. Drill and class firing combined:- Col.Sergeant Edwards. 77 points, prize 15s Pte W P Jones, 74, 4s; Pte D Ll Lewiø, 59, is 6d; Corpl Newell 57 8s; Corpl R L Jones, 55, 7s; Pte W L Hughes 54, 7s; Pte Tom Richards, 54, 7s; Pte H Evans 46, 5s; Sergt L M Jones, 44, 4s. Company Officer's prize, Col Sergt Edwards, 86, 10s, 2nd and 3rd (same score and prize divided), Pte D LI Lewis and L-Cpl W Jones 4s each. Best shot of recruits, Pte T G Roberts, 141 points. The sectional prize This prize consists of a silver cup and £1 in cash, which was won this year by No 1 section (right sub-see- tion) under the charge of Cpl Daniel. The results for all the sections were as follows :—No 1 right sub-section total points, 125, No 1 left sub-section 115, No 2 right sub-section 115, No 2 left nub-sec- tion 119, No 3 section 111. Col-Sergt Edwards said that they bad to thank the tug of war team for their persistent and plucky efforts, to retain the Challenge Cup of the Battalion (loud cheers). It was now the property of the Company. He thought the best they could do with it, would be to present it to their gallant chief, Captain Kirkby—(cheers)—and proposed a parade on the following day to present it, which was unanimously agreed to amidit loud cheering. The programme was then proceeded with, and Corpl Newell was called upon to sing Good Old Jeff," which was very successful. A Welsh song by Mr Owen Roberts, "Caru'r Lleaud," took well, and a comic song by Mr D Roberts was warmly applauded. A duet by Private* Parry and Ben Jones, caused roars of laughter, but was none the less appreciated. A French song by Private B R Jones was vociferously encored, and he responded with "A Welshman in Paris," which was excellent. This terminated the programme, after which a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the accompanist, Mr Tom Hughes. On the proposition of Clr-Sergt Edwards, another hearty vote was passed to Mr and Mrs Latimer for the capital repast, and seconded by L-Sergt Roberts, which was given with three hearty cheers. Pte B Jones proposed the" Band" which was carried with acclamation. Pte Griffiths Jones (band- master) responded, and said that he considered that the band had .turned out well on the parades much better he thought than the company, but he hoped that next year the company would get through their work preceding camp in a first rate manner, which could easily be done with regular attendance. The company then separated after a most enjoy- able and successful meeting, and after singing the National Anthem.

E. R.

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