THE VOLUNTEER CHRONICLE.

Auckland Star, Volume III, Issue 610, 30 January 1872, Page 2

THE VOLUNTEER CHRONICLE.

We regret to chronicle the resignation of Captain John Howell, for nearly ten years the able commander of No. 1 (Royal) Company of Volunteer Bines. Captain Howell, though but a middle-aged man, was an old soldier, and we believe was born in his former regiment, the 58th. Ho waa for a long time drill instructor in the groat military station of Chatham, and in that capacity taught many hundreds who afterwards fought gloriously in the Crimea. Since the formation of No. 1 Company in Auckland, he has been an active and energetic officer, and in regard to his knowledge of military movements, unsurpassed. Private business compels his removal to the Thames, where it is to be hoped he will not be allowed by the volunteers to hide his talents under a bushel. We do not hesitate to say, that his resignation of an Auckland captaincy will leave a gap which is not likely to be filled up for a long time.

We understand that Major Gordon has lodged a protest against those volunteers who passed the ordeal of the trial

firing at the Thames, on the ground that by the regulations the firing should have been completed in one day, whereas at. the Thames it occupied several; and indeed one man had a whole day to himself. Should the grounds of protest be held valid, the result will probably be that the whole affair throughout the ; colony will have to be commenced de

now. The annual inspection or the Auckland Engineer Volunteers will take placein the Albert Barracks this evening, at 7 o'clock. The Auckland Cavalry Volunteers will meet at 5 o'clock this evening, at the Drill Shed, for the annual inspection. The members of No 3 Company Auckland Rifle Brigade are requested to meet, to-morrovr morning, at the Butts, to compete for a number of prizes. All intending competitors must attend in uniform. The annual inspection of the Auckland Scottish Volunteers will take place at six o'clock to-morrow morning.