“About 11.30 a.m. two gun detachments of that well-drilled nucleus of a volunteer force which, despite many disadvantages had been kept together in Launceston by the energy of a few leading members, mustered at the Volunteer Buildings and, preceded by the St. Joseph’s Band, in their neat but stylish uniforms, discoursing lively music, marched to the Windmill Hill, where they arrived at a quarter to twelve o’clock.

The guns were unlimbered and placed in position, Srgt Prosse having charge of No. 1 detachment and Srgt Easther of the other.

Besides Captain Alfred Harrap, Surgeon Major Miller and Sergeant-Major Martini, Captain O’Hara (Indian Army ) was present.

The day was beautifully fine and warm and a very large concourse of spectators were assembled on the hill, something like two thousand persons being present. The howitzers were polished like mirrors and each decorated with a garland and the turn-out as a whole and the very admirable manner in which the men did their duty, elicited many favourable comments.

Just before he stroke of noon, Captain Harrap ordered a royal salute to be fired, and under the instructions of Sergeant-Major Martini, the twenty one guns were fired at noon with great stadiness and precision. The band struck up the National Anthem, three cheers for the Queen and three more for the Governor were heartily given, the guns limbered up, the men fell in and again headed by the band, they marched to the Launceston Hotel, where a halt was called and volunteers and musicians went inside and drank to the health of the Queen. The band performed a lively piece, ‘I like to walk me out’. And then they walked off and the gun detachments took their pieces to the Volunteer Buildings.”