Village Squire, 1980-05, Page 16proportion as the distance decreased to the
various places of refreshment which were
located on the oldest thoroughfare in the
township, there being no fewer than six or
seven hotels between Prospect Hill and St.
Marys. Considering the great heat, the
fatigue of the journey and the importance
of the duties of the day, it is not surprising
that the potations were frequent and
copious.
"On reaching the old bridge over the
Thames on Queen Street we noticed that
a large concourse of people had assembled
on the flats and the various evolutions of
the troops were about to begin. On
crossing the bridge over the mill race,
opposite the planing mill, as we entered
the flats, several of the officers were
chatting. All were on foot except one, who,
we were informed, was Colonel C.G.
Sparling, the officer in command. He was
mounted on a feeble steed.
NAMES CALLED
"At last our name was called by an officer
at some distance on the flats, and we at
once proceeded to fall into the ranks. This
officer was Mr. David Cathcart and the
experience he gained in the yeomanry in
Ireland stood him in good stead. Near him
was Lieutenant James Dinsmore. We were
at last ordered to fall in line. A more motley
and awkward line of warriors one could
hardly conceive. Every one of us was
dressed as seemed right in his own eyes.
Some of the North of Ireland men had plug
hats, bought in Donegal or Londonderry,
with black broadcloth coats, garnished with
rows of brass buttons in front and at the
peaks of the tails in the rear. Some wore
blue cotton and straw hats, and one
gentlemen wore heavy winter garments
and his high crowned hat was ornamented
with squirrel tails.
but though we were uncouth and
awkward, let no man for a moment think
that in that thin, awkward line there was
nothing but clowns. In the faces of those
men were deep, thoughtful lines,
evidences of strong character. Many of
them never knew fear. Possessed of sturdy
independence, determined and resolute,
they had braved the dangers and
possibilities of a long voyage across the
sea, and with a heroism that cannot be
overpraised, struck into the interminable
forest and hewed out for themselves
independence and a home.
ATTENTION
At length the order was given,
"Attention! Stand at ease " and for the
next hour or two we wheeled, we marched
and countermarched, shouldered arms,
grounded arms, and performed many
intricate movements which must have
convinced the spectators, if the opportunity
offered, that we were the lads that could
show them how fields were won.
" Hitherto we had been executing the
0
MOM WILL LOVE
•Jewellery
•China
•Crystal
•Perfume by Coty
•Jewel Boxes
•Smiles 'n' Chuckles chocolates
WILSON'S
HEALTH & GIFT CENTRE
BLYTH PHONE 523-4440
PG. 14 VILLAGE SOUIREIMAY 1980
simpler movements, when the order was
given by Mr. Cathcart for the most difficult
manoeuvre of the day. This was to effect a
change of front.
"We began to move, but before long we
got into the greatest confusion, which was
heightened by an incident on our left. A
soldier, then residing on the 10 th con. of
Blanshard, and who was somewhat of a
wag, gathered some grass and quietly
fastened it to the tail buttons of a claw
hammer coat. The wearer of the garment
had to pass close to the Colonel's steed,
who reached out and seized it, and caught
the button at the same time. This led to
disastrous results. A hungry horse at one
end, a swearing Irishman at the other, the
piece de resistance the tail of a claw
hammer coat. The issue was not long in
doubt. The coat tail gave way.
"The fun arising out of this incident
abruptly brought the duties of the day to a
close, and Mr. Cathcart, seeing the state of
affairs and the attitude of some of the
troops around the Colonel, proposed three
cheers for the Queen, which were loyally
given. He also informed the men that he
had ordered refreshments for all who were
in the ranks.
"This was followed by a prolonged
cheering, to which that given Her Majesty
was but a trifle."
And so ended another Muster Day, but
this time on a happy note!
Modernizing
your kitchen?
check th
quality of these
all -wood cahinetsby Belvedere
BELVEDERE KITCHEN CABINETS
Put on a happy face and install these handsome,
beautifully matched cabinets. All units have the
easy to clean surfaces and they carry ine
Belvedere mark of craftmanship.
Ball -Macaulay
Clinton
40 Wellington
482-3405
BUILDING CENTRE
Hensall Seaforth
151 Richmond St. S. 112 High St.
262-2418 _ 527-0910