THE ASHBURTON VOLUNTEERS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1411, 19 November 1886, Page 2

THE ASHBURTON VOLUNTEERS.

INSPECTION BY COLONEL WHUMUtiE. Yesterday afternoon the Ashburton Rifles and Guards and the local contingent of the 0.Y.0 were Ins eoted for the first time by Colonel the Hon Sir G. S. Whitmore, The men paraded at ihdrlllshed about one o’clock, and, after a few pre'inainaries, were marched, under command of Maj r Douglas, and headed by the Rifle* Band, under teageant Hcskin, to the vacant space near the Orange Hall t Lieut.-Colonel Bailey having assumed command. the in paotin-i cffi:er, accompanied by Captain Wright of the 0.Y.C., wa» received with a general ralute, after which the battalion marched past in column, quarter column and at the double. Line having been reformed, Major Douglas put the men through the manual and firing exrcisea, Captain and Adjutant Pooka taking them for «wo-d bayonet exercise. C lonel Bailey then practised the two companies in the four. deep attack and a variety of battalion movements, after which dir George Whitmore addressed the parade, express ng bis gratification a finding the Ashburton Volunteers so efficient. He was surprised «nd pleased at the manner in which both companies, especially the trifles, had acquitted themselves, and their drill that day reflected great credit on themselves and on Colonel Bailey. He saw evidence of careful training, but he hoped >boy would go on improving, and in particular they would devote much attention to target practice, so that every man might become at le*st an average shot. He also spoke in complimentary terms to the few troopers under Sergeant-Major Scott, who certainly looked particularly smart and were well mounted,—Colonel Bailay also addressed a few words of praise and encouragement to the battalion, naying that Sir George Whitmore had been good to asorlba their present state of efficiency to him, whereas he was to compelled to admit that a large share of credit belonged to Major Douglas, who had for years been working hard for them in the face of many d ffioulties. The Colonel stated that the next Easter Encampment would taka place near Tlniaru. The Canterbury men would encamp at Pareora, and the Otago Brigade further south, and the two forces would operate against each other so as to resemble actual warfare as nearly as possible.—Sir George Whitmore and Ooloqbl Bailey then left the ground, and Major Douglas then marched the battalion bank to the drillahod with the band leading.—The Biles, under Osptaiu Dolman, numbered over 50, and the Guards under Captain Bestall, mustered nearly 40. The District Adjutant, Major Newall, was present, and a large concourse of people assembled to witness the manoeuvres.