Volunteer Notes.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 371, 18 June 1903, Page 5

Volunteer Notes.

[By '« Lyddite."] The much-talked-of visit by General Babington eventuated last Wednesday evening, and there is no doubt his inspection, as well as his remarks to the corps will be of great benefit. On his arrival in the town hall he got to work at once, and put questions of various natures to the rank and file, aud where the men hesitated in answering the questions put to them, they were helped along by kindly remarks by the General. Afterwards the non-coms were put through their catechism, and some, besides the officers put the sections and company through different movements.

After inspection was over, the General made a few remarks to the effect that what was required was to learn to shoot accurately, and learn all that was possible in skirmishing and outpost duty, these were the chief things that the Defence Department required. He also stated that in the event of another war, and contingents from New Zealand wanted; no. one but a member of a Volunteer Corps would be tiken.

This last statement may be the means of making young men join the Volunteer Corps, not in this district, but throughout New Zealand. A movement is now on foot to form a Volunteer Cadet Corps in this town. &t a meeting held last week a large number of youths signified their intention of joining in the event of one being formed. When once in good going order, the cadets will parade with the volunteers; that will be in the summer months when the nights are long, and when the members are old enough they will be drafted into the senior branch of the service. The movement has my sincere wish for its success.

The corporals and lance-corporals have presented a gold medal for competition among the members of the corps. The junior non-coms, are to be congratulated on their presentation, and I hope that other officers and men may follow in their footsteps. Sergt.-Major Kibblewhite will be in Alexandra on Thursday next.