Hull Packet & East Riding Times
Fri 2 Jul 1880
SUSPENSION OF COLONEL HUMPHREY
AND THREE CAPTAINS
THE PROPOSED MARCH OUT
MAJOR PUDSEY IN COMMAND
The position of affairs in connection with the resignation of the Hull Artillery Volunteers has, unfortunately, become more complicated than ever. It was confidently hoped that, after the resignations of the officers who had sent them in had been returned and the determination of the men to at once resume their duties, matters were approaching a satisfactory termination.
Yesterday [Thu 1 Jul 1880], however, considerable sensation was caused in the town through the report that orders had been received from the War Office, suspending Colonel Humphrey, Captains Wellesley, Thorp, and Sharp, and Sergeant Major Pexton and Quartermaster Sergeant Morris, pending the decision of the military authorities with reference to the attempted disbandment of the brigade. Major Pudsey has been placed in temporary command of the regiment, and after the receipt of the above information, orders were immediately issued countermanding the march out which was arranged by Colonel Humphrey to have taken place last night [Thu 1 Jul 1880].
Several hundred of the men, however, assembled at the barracks at the appointed time, but very few of them were in uniform. Great disappointment was expressed on all sides at the unexpected decision of the War Office, and anything but a feeling of willingness to continue their duties without Colonel Humphrey was manifested. At eight o'clock Major Pudsey put in an appearance, and on going upon the platform was received with some hooting and applause. There were loud cries for Colonel Humphrey.
When order was restored, Major Pudsey requested all those who did not belong to the Brigade to leave the hall. (A voice: "Turn 'Index' out"). An officer from the War Office, he said, was expected there during the evening, and he wished them not to forget themselves and to behave in a proper manner (voices: "We don't want him", "Let's have Col Humphrey"). He added that if any of them wished to put in a drill they could do so.
Major Pudsey then left the platform but returned in a few minutes, and announced that at the wish of Lord Londesborough a battalion drill was arranged for Monday night [5 Jul 1880]. His Lordship was expected to be present, and he (Major Pudsey) hoped there would be a good muster. These remarks were by no means well received. The men loitered about the barracks for some time, and then gradually dispersed. At the conclusion of Major Pudsey's remarks an attempt was made to hustle the reporters out of the hall, and they had to beat a hasty retreat. It will now be impossible for the brigade to render itself efficient for the year, and it is estimated that a loss of £2,300 in the Government grant will thereby be sustained.