THE VOLUNTEER CHRONICLE.

Auckland Star, Volume III, Issue 628, 16 January 1872, Page 2

THE VOLUNTEER CHRONICLE.

We have received the following for insertion : —

To the Editor of the Evening- Stak, Dear Sic,—Will you be kind enough to correct a series of mistakes in the report communicated to you of a rifle match between Navals and Engineers on Saturday last. Ist. The Engineers are said to nave understood they were to fire No 2 Company only, whereas the match was arranged by a member of the Engineers with a member of No 1 Company on behalf of both companies Navals, 2nd. It is stated that the Navals picked tlmir men. It is to be presumed that the Engineers did likewise. 3rd. As to Lieutenant Kitchens challenge to No 2 Company, it will be gladly accepted when it reaches the Company in a formal manner. I am, &c, G. JOHNSTONE, Capt. No. 2 Co. A.N.Y. The parado of the Auckland Rifle Brigade this morning did not by any moans tend to show that the Auckland Volunteers are inspired with a flow of martial ardour, which it might naturally be supposed would emanate from the bodies of residents in a district even yet exposed to the incursions of fierce and warlike s>avages. A few men assembled, about enough to form a respectable section ; and the parade was presided over, as a matter of course, by Major Gordon. Leaving other officers out of the question altogether, it seems a crying shame that Sergeant-Major Haslem, whose endeavors to promote volunteering matters generally and to urge forward the system of citizensoldiership, have been unremitting, should be left to look after a dozen or two of men, whose juniors, in the form of Cadets, completely eclipsed them this morning in efficiency of manseuvering. The same sleepishness which prevades all business in Auckland, seems really to infect those whose motto ought to be " nunquam domino,"—l never sleep. When people took on themselves the responsibilities and amenities of military life, they ought most undoubtedly to keep up to the mark, and if they cannot and will not fulfil the duties they have taken upon themselves, they ought to be compelled to do it.

The meeting of officers at Britomart House, announced for last evening, for tho purpose establishing a monthly mess. was adjourned until a further date, there being such a thin attendinco on this occasion.

The members of No 2 Company, Naval Volunteers met in Fort Britomart last ovening for drill. The Company were under command of Captain Johnson, and Lieutenant Henderson.

We understand that the gold ring lately presented by Lieutenant Harrison, to No 3 Company, Auckland Rifle Voluntsers will be fired for to-morrow.