Captain Hyde

The Volunteers.
H Battery.
Farewell to Captain Hyde

The H Battery on September 12th held a Government parade, and after the usual routine drill under the sergeants, the members took a farewell of Captain Hyde, who retires in consequence of the regulations, which enforce retirement after the age of 60. There was a very good attendance of members, and Captain Hyde, who wore his Crimean and long-service medals, was received with the general salute.

Captain Hyde, in addressing the members, regretted that old age, or rather the regulations, compelled him severing his connection with them. He felt quite as capable to command the Battery as he did 20 years ago, and he was sorry he could not remain until the end of the year, and earn his capitation for them. He felt his leaving very keenly, for he enjoyed his connection with volunteering, and he could look back with pride upon many years of service, having commenced in the Imperial Army at the age of 13.

He had passed through the Crimea, had been many years instructor, and for seven years commander of the Battery. He had done everything he possibly could for the Battery, and he looked with confidence to their still maintaining a good position amongst the Volunteers of the Colony.

In Lieut. Topliss they had a good officer, who had worked hard for the Battery, and he was well supported by Lieutenant Fleming, and with these two officers he could safely leave the charge of the Battery. Although compelled to retire from actual service, he would still be pleased to take an interest in the Battery, and assist in any way possible.

The Battery had had to work under great disadvantages, and had to do what no other Battery in the colonies had to do, and that was to spend their capitation in keeping in good order their guns and harness, consequently it was with difficulty they could clothe themselves decently.

In leaving, he urged them to put their shoulders to the wheel, and strive to keep up the honor of the Battery. It was with the greatest reluctance he had to say "Goodbye," but he said so feeling that he had done his duty.

Lieutenant Topliss said that Captain Hyde was elected captain seven years ago, and since then he had worked consistently for the Battery, and they had benefited much from his services. He wished their retiring officer long life and prosperity, and said Captain Hyde would certainly be long remembered by members of the Battery. He then called for three cheers for Captain Hyde, and the members replied most ustily.

Captain Hyde thanked Lieutenant Topliss for his kind remarks, and the Battery for their evidence of appreciation. He again expressed his good wishes. On the motion of Lieutenant Topliss, seconded by Lieutenant Fleming, it was resolved to make Captain Hyde a life member of the Battery. An adjournment was then made to the Panama Hotel, when the health of Captain Hyde was proposed and duly honored, the fact of the Battery having enjoyed the services of a Crimean veteran being referred to with pride.

Captain Hyde was heartily invited to be present at the camp of instruction in November, and those present departed after singing Auld Lang Syne.

Colonist, Volume XLII, Issue 9595, 28 September 1899, Page 1