Presentations by S. V. C. and Personal Friends: Striking Eulogies of Retiring Commandant There was a moving ceremony in the S.V.C. Drill Hall, last Priday "evening, when, after a'week of farewells by units, the Shanghai Volunteer Corps as whole took leave of Colonel W. F. L. Gordon, the retire ing Commandant, and gave him a parting gift which spoke conclusive ly of the esteem in which he is held) by all rank strong muster under Major R. W. Davis, the Second-in-Command, the various "Units being drawn up in Company formation behind the Light Horse and the American Troop, facing the Foochow Road entrance, whilst tnthe outer hall the Russian Company mounted very smart guard of honour. Short-before the Commandant arrived, the Officers of all units formed up ins two long ranks across the hal, in front of the units, and the Orderly Room permanent. staff were, grouped to the right of the entrance.
'A ringing word of command, and the Russian guard smartly present ed arms as the Commandant ente whereupon the whole Corps likewise came to the present, The Com mandant inspected the ranks and then mounted a small platform over which hung the Municipal flag. Ac~ companying him were Mr. 8. Fes.
jensen (Chairman of the S.M.C. and Civil Commandant) and Messrs. V.
Lyman, J. J. Paterson and Fukushima (Councillors).
'Major MeMichael then' read and presented to the Commandant an address in an album containing the names of members of the Corps, and the handsome silver tea and coffes set, and silver salver, by, Messrs. Mappin & Webb, which has} in the windows Sh Neal yaaa (the period of Col. Gordon's service a ata is.
Sas ly i Out Ware Otlicers, Non-Commissioned Oficers Sar ta Wie etter to you. I hope I am not much of an old woman, but I think sometimes you get very near to making me tone, I do not mind telling you that, when I say thank you" to you for presenting me with this gift, the kindliness you have shown m and words you have addressed to me} to-night, I think the word thank you' is too bald, but there is no other way of expressing my feelings, "For, five years you have given me service and loyalty, and not only does it make me a proud man, but your loyalty must make you proud, and proud, too, of the Corps composed of so many nationalities, when you have worked as hard as you! have done in such troublous time: with " loyalty to the community as} well aa to me. It must make you! proud men and you can hold up your heads amongst the best. 17 now say, good-bye' and good luck' to you. The predominant partner at Home says that I must go home and so I am going. I only wish that she was here to-night to see the proud honour that you are offer-Ing to me. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you have done for mo and for your kindness me. Thank you whole Corps gave. three rousing)
On the cull of Major Davis, the
cheers and a."tiger" for the Commandant, after which the parade was dismissed.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.