ASHBURTON CADETS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1511, 19 March 1887, Page 2

ASHBURTON CADETS.

The members of the new Cadet Rifle Corps assembled for the first time m the Drillsheoi last evening. There were 36 smart young lads on parade, ranging m age from juvenilei of 13 to strapping youths of 16 and over. After falling m, Major Douglas, who has taken a deep interest m the formation of this oorpß, had the boyß formed into three squads for reoruit drill. One of these was taken m hand by Captain Dolman, of the* Ashburton Rifles, another was apportions! to Sergeant- Major Hayes, and the third to Sergeant MoDonald. For an hour the boys were " put through their faoings," or "turnings," as the preliminary drill is now eftUad» and it is not too muoh to say aoquitted them* selves m a way very few reoruit squads do. The officers present expressed themselves: highly satisfied" both with the muster and the aptitude for drill displayed by the ladf. Major Douglas, before the boys were dis* missed, announced that the next parade would be held on Monday evening at seven o'olook, when Major Newall, the District Adjutant, would be present, and probably Colonel Bailey, to make the first Government inspection of the Cadets. It may here be mentioned that it was mainly at the desire of the popular Colonel of the battalion that this new oorp of boys has been formed, and no effort on the Colonel's part will be neglected to keep the Cadet corps up to the mark. So soon as it ia seen what boys are likely to stick to the corps, and a month or two will settle that question, steps will be taken to supply the lads with uniforms. The latter, it is understood, will oost about 25a eaoh, and Major Douglas intends to so arrange that they can be paid for either m full when served out, or by sma'l monthly payments.