Volunteer Notes.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 374, 9 July 1903, Page 5

Volunteer Notes.

[By " Lyddite."] The new " Infantry Manual," 1903, compiled by General Babington, has arrived, and copies, are now in the hands of the officers and n.c. officers of th&lpcal corps. There are many things ta which no noubt will cause s6«e inconvenience for a short period ; buPbhe new orders when once learned, will make the drill simpler than what it has been previously. The main point, and also the best feature in regard to the new drills that it is applicable to both unmounted troops. What tfawinfantry companies learn from the Jpw\drill will stand them in good members join a mounted the same course is gone through-.ISh both. Members 6hould get a copjtejor the " Manual" and study it, so that, instruction by the officers will be made easier. Through the apathy shown by members, Surgeon-Captain Gregg has discontinued the classes for ambulance work. This is to be regretted, as the lessons to be learned from this part of I the doctor's duties may be the means of easing the suffering caused by accidents, and a knowledge of how to treat patients in first aid eases should be known by almost every one. To earn capitation for the corps, the doctor must put through a given number of volunteers —seven, I think- in this work, and through the apathy exhibited by members, the corps will lose the amount of the capitation—viz, £2 10s. The pecuniary loss is only a trifle, and I have an assurance that the doctor will go on with this work, if he can receive a guarantee of a certain number. I hope that members will roll round on Monday evenings, when the information that will be imparted will be of lasting benefit to them and also the community at large. The Volunteer social will be held this evening, and I trust that it will be the success the company expect. This is not a money-making project as the male portion of the public is admitted by tioket, ladies being especially invited. The object simply being to show to the generous public, who supported our bazaar to enable us to erect the orderly room, that we have not forgotten the part they took on that occasion. Mr Carew, S.M., the other day issued a distress warrant against Robert Hogg, formerly a member of the Dunedin Highland Rifles, for not having paid certain fines imposed for non-attendance at certain parades. At one of General Babington's inspections, a private in a certain Wellington provincial corps'" finding himself unable to answer a question put by him, electrified the bystanders by remarking: " You've got me beat, General." Wonderful the kind of answers that shoot into the head of a nervous private at times.