From The British Colonist, 30 May 1859
(Communicated)The Celebration of the Anniversary of Her
Majesty’s Birthday at Queenborough
The 24th of May was a day of general rejoicing and festivity
in Queenborough, the capital of British Columbia, in honour of the
anniversary of Her Majesty’s birth, and what rendered the day so
peculiarly interesting was its being the first time Her Majesty’s
subjects in this distant part of the world have had an opportunity
of expressing their loyalty and devotion to their beloved
Sovereign. The sports and games went off with éclat, amid the
applause of a large concourse of people. The weather lowered
opinions at the dawn of the day, but changed towards noon to one
of those bright, sunny days, which are so well known in dear old
England as “Queen’s days”.
To the stroke of time, the bugle summoned the troops of the
garrison to the place of rendezvous, whilst loud hurrahs followed
in their wake, giving to the parade ground of the North Camp, a
very animated appearance, which was moreover graced by the
attendance of Mrs. Moody, Mrs. Grant, Mrs. Spaulding and others of
the fair sex.
The troops were drawn up in line at 11:30. A field piece
manned by the blue jackets of Her Majesty’s Ship Plumper, which
ship, by the way, had been gaily dressed in flags, occupied the
extreme right. The Royal Engineers on the left under the command
of Captain Grant. The Royal Marine Light Infantry on the left
under the command of Captain Bazalgette, R.M.L.I., Major Magin
having been unfortunately indisposed. The Lieutenant Governor
Colonel Moody, R.E., and staff, having inspected the troops, a
Royal Salute of 21 guns was fired at noon, accompanied by a feu-de-joie
from the forces. He then addressed the troops in very feeling and
soldier-like terms, after which, the national Anthem was sung by
all present in a strain that filled many with emotion.
At this stage of the proceedings the scene was most telling
in effect. Three cheers were then given for our Most Gracious
Queen, when all testified by volumes upon volumes of fervent
vociferation how they felt and could pay a tribute to the good
Queen of England, and how she reigns in the affections of her
people. It is truly a happy and glorious thing to think of a
nation’s loyalty, called forth by something more than lofty
station and high descent, rendered to a Queen who has manifested
those virtues, attainments and powers which win for her a high
place in the hearts of an intelligent and mighty people. We need
hardly add that Colonel Moody was warmly and enthusiastically
cheered by the troops and civilians more than once in the course
of the day.
The following is the programme of the sports and amusements
as drawn up by Captain Luard, R.E., Lieutenant Sparshott, R.M.L.I.,
and Dr. Seddall, R.E., : - Foot and hurdle-races, putting shot,
throwing the hammer, high and long jumps, tossing the caber,
bobbing for treacle rolls, bobbing for “bubs” in water, wrestling
and boxing, boat races, etc., etc. Concluding with a sack race
and greasy pole: a Blue Jacket having succeeded in attaining the
envied grease crowned crest with little less difficulty than the
Argonauts of ancient lore, received a like reward. The soldier’s
wives and children were entertained with tea and cake, kindly
provided by Mrs. Moody and the hilarity of the day was much
enhanced by a scratch band from the Engineers, Marines and
Plumpers. In the evening the Royal Engineers entertained the
garrison and the officers of H.M.S. Plumper at dinner.
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