THE MASTERS. 43 



cient connoisseur to point out its merits or defects. It is l)eforc yon for 

 jnilf^nient, and wliatever the verdict I feel assured tiiat you will take the will for 

 the deed. Perhaps, as years roll on, a peep at that bright sky, Old Finder, 

 Trumpeter, Tearboy, or other special favourites, coupled with thoughts of 

 " Auld lang syne," may chase dull care away, and cause you to rejoice that such 

 a souvenir of happy days is near you, and w ill continue to your family as a 

 pleasing proof of the high estimation in which we hold you. We know you as 

 a zealous Mason and a friendly brother, but remember that ours is the R.R.B. 

 or grand central lodge, and that nowhere will you find more true fraternity than 

 with us. I have more cause to regret your departure than many, but, trusting 

 it is to your advantage, will not selfishly regret, but say most heartih' with all 

 around us, God bless you. (Applause.) 



Mr. Rawson rose to reply, and said : — Mr. Christie and gentlemen of the 

 Royal Rock Beagles, the great and highly appreciated compliment you pay me, 

 in presenting me with the picture of our little pack, would in any case be a most 

 flattering testimonial, but when presented to me in this public manner, and with 

 ■^uch kind expressions as I have just heard, it is painfully gratifying — painful, as 

 being a farewell gift preceding my departure from among you, but deeply 

 gratifying, as giving proof of the warm and friendly feelings entertained towards 

 me. Gentlemen, the testimonial, with which you have just honoured me, will 

 long, very long, I hope, be an heirloom in my family. To that picture I can 

 point, and show my sons, and, I trust, my sons' sons, that their father received 

 that proof of the esteem and regard of his Liverpool friends ; and teach them 

 the valuable lesson, that the strong and earnest wish to do right will enable the 

 most humble individuals to obtain the good opinion of their fellow-townsmen. 

 Gentlemen, however I may have failed in practice, this has been my earnest 

 endeavour, and that you appreciate that intention I have a sufficient proof this 

 day. For this flattering token of your esteem, I am most grateful. It will often 

 remind me of the happy da^'s and much innocent and healthful amusement, but, 

 above all, it will remind me of the kind and excellent friends who enjoj-ed those 

 pleasures with me. If, gentlemen, I have been instrumental in establishing in 

 this neighbourhood a sport which has created so much enjoyment and good 

 fellowship, believe me, I have been ampl)' and fully repaid, for I have to thank 

 the Rock Ferry Hunt, not only for many days of pleasure, but I am also 

 indebted to it for many friends now around me, with whom, without such a 

 rallying point, I might never have become acquainted. Gentlemen, with most 

 cordial and heart-felt gratitude, I thank you. May the Hunt long continue 

 prosperous and flourishing, and as creative of good and friendly feeling as it has 

 ever been. I shall never look upon that flattering testimony of your good 

 opinion without remembering you whose gift it is, and whose friendship I trust 

 through life to retain. (Loud applause.) 



The next toast was Mrs. Rawson ; and after some other toasts, the 

 proceedings terminated. 



C. IRawson as Volunteer. 



" Thai in the captain's but a choleric word 

 Which in the soldier is flat blasphemy." 



Measure for Measure, act it, scene 2. 



Though not able to claim the distinction of being the promoter of the 

 Volunteer force as it at present exists, C. Rawson may lay claim to being 

 one of the originators of the movement, as a few years before the formation 

 of the force he and others had brought the subject before the notice of the 



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