The GLIO Site

PETERSFIELD

     TWELFTH HANTS RIFLE VOLUNTEERS.— On Friday last week the officers this corps entertained the non commissioned officers and men, together with several friends, at a dinner at the Dolphin Hotel. Captain S. W. Seward presided, and was supported on his right by the Revds. J. M. Sumner and H. Haigh, and Mr. Stowe, and on his left by Messrs. Light, Elkington, Dusatoy, Adams, and Hunnard. The vice-chairmen were Captain Cooke, the adjutant of the battalion, and Ensign Soames. A first-rate dinner was served, and done full justice to, and after the cloths had been cleared the usual loyal and patriotic toasts were given from the chair and heartily responded to by the company. Capt. Cooke responded for the army, and the Rev. J. M. Sumner for the bishop and clergy. On the chairman rising to announce the distribution of prizes which had been won at the recent competitive firing, Quarter-master-Sergeant Bettsworth stepped forward and asked permission of the chairman to say a few words, which being accorded, he called upon the men to rise from their seats, and advancing to the front of the chair, he presented to Captain Seward, in the name of the non-commissioned officers and men, a splendid sword, of which they requested his acceptance as a token of their respect, esteem, and high appreciation of his constant attention to the best interests of the corps. The sword bore the following inscription:— 

The Chairman said he was so completely taken by surprise that he felt quite unable to find words in which to thank them as he could wish, but he assured them that he valued this mark of their good-will towards him very highly. He trusted he might be spared to retain possession of this sword for many years, and when the time came, as come it must in due course, that he must relinquish it, he hoped his son, if occasion arose, would wield it in his country's defence. The chairman distributed the prizes, of which the following is the list:—

Prizes

First Match—at 200, 500 and 600 yards—Corporal Rapley and Sergeant Caplin, making ties, £5 5s. each; Private Edney, £3 10s; Sergeant Lewis Cole £3; Private Caplin, £2 15s.; Private Dear, £2 10s.; Corporal Carter, £2 5s.; Corporal Penn, £2; Private Pescott, £1 15s.; Private Penn, £1 10s.; Sergeant Instructor Allen, £1 5s.; Private T. Penn, £1.

Second Match—7 rounds at 200 yards—Bugler Barber, £2 and cup; Private Howell, £1 10s.; Private Rapley, £1 5s.; Private J. Edney, £1 2s. 6d; Sergeant Berry, £1; Private Emm, 17s. 6d; Private mart, 15s.; Private Kille, 12s. 6d.; Private Cousins, 10s.; private Etherington, 7s. 6d; Private Hobbs, 5s.; Private Pullen, 2s. 6d.

Recruits’ prizes.—5 rounds at 200 yards.—Privates Harvey £1 and a cup; Chandler, 17s. 6d.; Denniss, 15s; Hollman, 12s. 6d.; Palmer, 10s.; White, 7s.6d.; Budd, 5s.; Jackman, 2s. 6d.

The Rev. J. M. Sumner, in eulogistic terms, proposed the health of the chairman, which was drunk with all honours.—The chairman in returning thanks, said that whilst he could not but feel highly gratified by the manner in which Mr. Sumner has spoken of him as their captain, he at the same time fet that it was the efficient men who made the efficient captain. He begged to propose the health of Captain Cooke, their adjutant, who as they all knew spoke his mind freely, but he (the chairman) felt confident that in doing so he had the best interests of the corps at heart.—Captain Cooke returned thanks, and in doing so spoke in high terms of the efficiency of the corps, whilst still (following illegible.)

Chichester Express and West Sussex Journal 4-Feb-1868

     CELEBRATING THE ANNUAL DINNER OF THE 12th HANTS.—On Friday the annual dinner of the above corps took place at the Dolphin Hotel, which, in consequence of the death of the gallant captain's father, was postponed from its usual time of holding. The weather was sadly unpropitious, nevertheless the corps assembled and proceeded to the Heath, where they underwent two hours’ company drill, consisting of skirmishing, forming squares, &c., each man being served out with 20 rounds of blank ammunition. At five o'clock the bugle sounded, when the officers, non-commissioned officers, and men, together with honorary members, and friends, of near ninety, proceeded to the large room, where a first rate dinner, under the very superior catering of Mr. Crafts, awaited their attention, to which we may add, ample justice was done in a manner thaColet Riflemen should do—with wine and punch ad libitum.

     The Captain filled the chair, being supported on his right by the Rector, the Rev. J. M. Sumner, the Rev. Henry Haigh, Mr. Stowe, and Captain Adjutant Cook, and on his left by the Honorary Secretary, Mr. Light, Mr. Elkington, Mr. Dusautoy, and Ensign Soames, with the following gentlemen, viz., Messrs. Adams, Hunnard, Grain, Boys, with many others. Sergeants Bettsworth and Lewis Cole occupied the vice chairs. Upon the removal of the cloth,

     The CHAIRMAN, in some brief, but well digested remarks, proposed "the Queen, " which was right loyally responded to.

     The CHAIRMAN, in proposing "The Prince and Princess of Wales, and all the Royal Family," concluded his observations by saying, "May it be long before he is called upon to fulfil his high destiny." In proposing "the Army, Navy, and Volunteers," the Chairman spoke of the gallant deeds of both branches of the service, and expressed his confidence that, if the time should ever come for the services of the Volunteers to be brought into requisition, that they would readily respond to their duty; and coupled the toast with the names of Captain and Adjutant Cooke.

     The gallant Officer, in a speech of some length, observed that as regarded the army they all knew they had acquitted themselves nobly, and he was sure the Volunteers would do theirs, when called upon. He took the opportunity of expressing his opinion that before the year was out the management, he felt, would be placed under the administration of the government, and consequently would be more efficient at the end of 1868 than in 1867. The adjutant further observed that the volunteer movement took place seven years ago, and that there were more men at the annual inspection this year than before, and there was a rumour that the small battalions would be broke up and thrown into greater ones.

     The CHAIRMAN proposed "The Bishop and Clergy of the Diocese," and spoke of the high qualifications possessed by the Rev. J.M. Sumner, observing that he might almost be termed the father of the corps.

     The Rev. Sumner responded in a practical speech (which we are reluctantly compelled to abridge, with several others, for want of space and time) and expressed the great pleasure he had in meeting the volunteers again, and alluded to the necessity of efficiency in drill, so that if ever they were called out they might be good seconders to the army, and very happily contrasted the inefficiency of the volunteers under Garibaldi with well drilled regular troops.

     Quarter-Master Sergeant BETTSWORTH having been deputed by the corps to present a valuable sword to the Captain, proceeded from one of the vice-chairs up the room to the cross table at the top, and in a well delivered volunteer address said, "That in presenting this sword we are quite sure that no commanding officer was more deserving, and that if ever the time came when the 12th Hants might be called out, that he was confident that no corps of volunteers would be more ready to follow their captain than the members of this corps."

     The CAPTAIN, in accepting the sword, said how much he felt the inability, from his feelings, adequately to express himself, but observed that he might say he should. ever prize the gift, in the highest extent, that he could assure the volunteers that when his time came, which it must, he should hand it to his son, who he hoped would follow. in his footsteps.

     The sword, which was a very handsome one (being subscribed for by the members only) had a beautifully mounted guard in silver, &c., and bore the following inscription, artistically chased upon the blade.

     The CAPTAIN presented the annual contest prizes and marksmen's badges, viz. Prizes Awarded

     The Rev. J. M. SUMNER proposed "the Chairman" in eulogistic terms, as the Captain of the 12th Hants and spoke of his liberality, as also of his qualification as a sprtsman. (The toast was drunk with musical honours).

     The CAPTAIN, in responding, observed that his friend and neighbour, Mr. Sumner, had so kindly spoken of him, saying that he mad a good captain, but he felt that it was the men who made him a good captain. He then spoke of the great efficiency of the officers under him, saying that for the number in the corps there were more efficient men than in any corps in England, and concluded by proposing "the health of Captain and Adjutant Cooke,’ who, in responding, availed himself of the opportunity of saying there was another young corps, viz., Alton, who, with the 12th Hants, he could state were the two most efficient corps in the county.

     The CHAIRMAN proposed "The Officers."

     Ensign SOAMES ably responded on the part of Lieut. Minty (who was absent) and himself, stating that his best wishes and endeavours would be exercised to render himself thoroughly efficient.

     Song,—"The bloom is on the Rye."—Sergt. CAPLIN.

     Ensign SOAMES proposed "The Honorary Members," who not being able to join as riflemen in the ranks, did good service with their purses, coupling the names of the Rev. Mr. Haigh, who eloquently replied, observing that he was a great believer in the necessity of the Rifle Corps, particularly at the present time, and the great good they did in bringing men together for the purpose of connection and exercise, that they were ready to do all they could, and wished he could do more.

     The CHAIRMAN then proposed, "The Hon. Secretary, Mr. Light," in doing so he took a review of his past services, and trusted that for many years they might have the advantage of his valuable assistance.

     The HON. SECRETARY said that he felt if it was not a breach of military duty, he might be disposed to challenge the over kind observations of the captain, in saying too much in his favour, but he hoped for some years to be able to render any services in his power.

     Song,—"Fifty years ago."—Corporal CARTER.

     Ensign SOAMES proposed "The Sergeants."

     Sergeant BELL appropriately responded.

     The CHAIRMAN proposed "The Visitors."

     Mr. ELKINGTON, in returning thanks, fully entered into the stuff composing the Anglo Saxon race in a fluent speech.

     Song.—"The Corn Exchange."—Mr. GRAIN.

     Mr. STOWE, after some very humourous and talented observations, delivered the following impromptu lines, which we subjoin, viz.:—

"A rifle dinner subject meet for verse,
May never riflemen sit down to worse,
Where sirloins, haunches, and the fatted calf
Smoke on the board: yet I've not mentioned half
The good things there. Our ranks we form in square
Not to receive a charge of horse, flesh rare
And dainty though it be, as Frenchmen say,
Our Crafty caterer gives us more to day.
Your musty barrel knowing not to fail,
To-day is changed for one well primed with ale,
And practice at the butts seems on the whole,
To suit you well. Then while we empt the bowl,
May we all find of quips and jokes good stock
To cap, and fire off, and may no deadlock
Disturb our harmony, but humour, light,
And kindly feeling, ever be in sight.
Our Volunteers will always ready be,
To do their part, a goodly company:
Each in his place with his converted Snider,
To give no gentle hint to an outsider,
Who sets his foot without an invitation
On soil belonging to the British Nation.
Where in the Van are borne by Ensign Soames,
The colours blazoned "For our hearths and homes;"
There the 12th Hants will not be far behind,
With Captain Seward, if I know their mind.
But lest too uniform I prove, or long
Speaking, I'll stop, just asking for a song
From Sergt. Capelin—name I will not mention;
The song itself will sure command attention."

The post time having arrived, we are compelled to stop our report.