5 
Prince one day took him aside to congratulate him on being Governor of Gibraltar. 
The Queen had approved of his nomination and his name would appear in the 
next Gazette. 
Next day my. father, supposing the usual routine to have been followed, went 
up to Apsley House to thank the Duke for his share in the appointment and was 
much taken aback when the Duke replied: ‘ Well, Gardiner, I’m glad it is so; 
but it’s the first I’ve heard of it.’ 
A few years later the office of Master-General of the Ordnance was abolished 
and the R.A. and R.E. were placed where they always ought to have been, under 
the Commander-in-Chief. The abolition of purchase also tended towards the 
present satisfactory arrangement, and I am glad of this opportunity of thanking 
IT.R.H. for the loyal way in which, as Commander-in-Ghief, he gave fair play to 
the new order of things. 
I can quote no more striking illustration of this than the case of the distinguished 
Field-Marshal who has just responded so eloquently for the active list of 
the R.A. and whom we all regard with respect as a comrade who has 
brought much honour to the corps by his brilliant services in command in the 
field—I think some of us who have read his recent publication may be 
disposed to add— c and by his power as an author. 5 ” 
Sir Lynedoch concluded by proposing the toast of H.R.II. the Duke of 
Cambridge, Colonel-in-Chief of the R.A., who has presided over these annual 
dinners for 36 years. 
The Band, after playing “ The Roast Beef of Old England,” withdrew until 
the toast of the Queen was given, when the National Anthem was played. 
Subsequently a full and brilliant selection of music was given. 
The membership of the Dinner Club has again increased by the largest number 
of members who have joined in any one year, excepting 1896 : this year the number 
joining was 18, which, after deducting deaths and withdrawals from other causes, 
brings up the total membership of the club to 303, as compared with 266 in 
1895. The membership of the Club now stands as follows :— 
Field-Marshals 
General Officers 
Colonels ... 
Lieut.-Colonels 
Majors ... 
Captains ... 
Subalterns 
Total ... ... ... 303 
RULES. 
101 
56 
32 
60 
36 
1 ? 
No suggestion has been received for any change in the Rules, which are as 
follows: —- 
(1.) All officers serving, or who have served, in the Royal Artillery are 
eligible to attend the annual general Regimental Dinner. 
(2.) Officers actually serving, are eligible to become members of the Royal 
Artillery Dinner Club at an annual subscription of 5s., and an 
entrance fee of— 
(a) For 2nd Lieutenants ... ... ... ... ... nil. 
(£) ,, ,, 5s. for every year of service up to three years. 
(c) „ Captains ... . ... ... £1 Os. Od. 
(d) 5J Majors.£1 5s. Od. 
( e ) „ Lieut.-Colonels... • •• ••• ••• 890 £1 10s. Od. 
