The Sun.
London, England, 1864-01-23 00:00:00

THE VOLUNTEERS.

Last evening an interesting ceremony took place in West-
minster-hall, in the presence of a large number of people,
including several persons of rank. The Civil Service Rifle
Volunteers, a fine body of men, and who enjoy the proud
distinction of having for their honorary colonel his Royal
Highness the Prince of Wales, were drawn up in the hall
on the occasion of the presentation by the Countess of Albe-
marle of the prizes won by members of the corps during the
past year. A platform, elegantly draped with red cloth, and
over which several handsome banners, lent by the Admiralty
were suspended, had been erected for the occasion immedi-
ately in front of the members' enhance to the House of
Commons, and upon it were displayed the prizes about to be
distributed, many of which were of great intrinsic value,
irrespective of the skill which they symbolized. The corps,
attended by its band, was ranged along the northern side of
the hall,and the spectators between it and the dais. Viscount
Bury, M.P., the Lieut.-Colonel, was in command of the
regiment. He explained that Lady Bury, who was to have
presented the prizes, was prevented being present at the
ceremony by illness, to her own great regret, for she claimed
a share in the good name and repute of the regiment, The
Countess of Albemarle, however, would take her place—the
wife, he said, of an old soldier, and who had from the first
taken the warmest interest in the success of the Volunteer
corps throughout the kingdom.
An analysis of the shooting in 1863 showed that the course
of musketry drill was attended by 315 members of the regi-
ment, of whom 284 proceeded to target practice. At the close
of the course there were in the third class 33, in the second
class, 86 ; and in the first class, 165. Of these 97 were marks-
men, 21 of whom were entitled to " cross muskets "—the
marksman's principal badge. The average points per man in
the first period of firing (3d class) was 18.71; in the second
period (2d class), 1212 ; and in the third period (first class),
10'11.

The Countess of ALBEMARLE, addressing the regiment
from the platform, said,—lt gives me the greatest pleasure
to take part in the presentation of the various prizes which
have been won by members of the Civil Service Volunteers
during the past year. I am sure, gentlemen, you are all
well aware how delighted the ladies of England are at all
times to avail themselves of opportunities to take a share
in anything that concerns this great Volunteer movement
—(cheers)—an interest whioh they are over willing to prove
by their readiness to come forward on all suitable occasions,
with words of deep sympathy and encouragement.
(Cheers.) I observe that among the prizes to be distributed
to-day are some given by the Prince of Wales, and it must
indeed be a matter of great satisfaction to you to feel that
the Royal and illustrious Colonel of your regiment takes so
deep an interest in its welfare. With the knowledge of
that, interest you must have experienced peculiar pleasure on
hearing of the late event which has so materially added to
the Prince's happiness, and been hailed with joy through-
out the length and breadth of the !encl. (Cheers.)
Loid BURY, interposing for a moment, called for three
cheers for the Prince of Wales. They were given with
great enthusiasm.
The Countess of ALBEMARLE, resuming, said—l hear,
gentlemen, that for efficiency both in shooting and in drill
the Civil Service Volunteers are second to none in London.
This we all fully believe, and I must say I feel it a subject
of great pleasure and pride to myself that one so nearly
connected with me should have the honour to command a
band of men who, in a military point of view, have earned
such high honour and distinction. We feel that in the
hour of danger—should such au hour, in the Providence of