RIFLE VOLUNTEERS AT HASTINGS.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3211, 14 October 1881, Page 3

RIFLE VOLUNTEERS AT HASTINGS.

The Napier Rifles proceeded yesterday morning, by invitation, to Mr Well wood's paddock at Maxwell Lea, for the purpose of engaging in company drill, skirmishing, &c. About 40 of all ranks assembled at the Athenaeum at 6.30 a.m., the officers present being Capt. Blythe, Lieuts. Cato and King, Sergt.-Instructor Nelson and Sergt.-Major Cantle, The company, headed by the band, then marched to the railway station and proceeded to Hastings. On arrival at their destination, a letter was handed to Capt. Blythe, expressing the regret which Mr Wellwood felt at being unable to give Capt. Blythe and his company a hearty ' personal welcome to Maxwell-Lea. The letter further stated that in consequence of being a member of the yard committee at the Agricultural Society's show, j Mr Wellwood was compelled to attend to his duties at the show yard. He hoped, however, that the company would have a successful field day, and would thoroughly enjoy themselves. The earlier part of the day was occupied by company drill in close order. About 11 a.m. the men marched to the homestead and piled arms, when the company was dismissed for half an hour for refreshment. On the bugle sounding the corps marched into an adjoining paddock for skirmishing drill. Twentyfive rounds of blank cartridge were served out to each man, the right half company being thrown out as a line of skirmishers, the left half company acting as support. The support then advanced in line as skirmishers, the former line becoming a support. The smoke and firing, with the red coats dotted here and there on the green sward, the sound of the bugle, together with the hoarse word of command, all gave life and animation to the scene. Major Eoutledge then arrived on the ground. Time having been called, the Major gave the order " officers to the front," when be complimented the officers and men on their drill and general appearance, promising to send in a most favorable report to the Government. The company then marched back to the homestead, and piled arras. Bountiful provision was made for the men on a large table under shade of the trees, ale, tea, milk, lemonade, &c, being also provided. The officers and guests were served with a cold collation in Mr Wellwood's house. The assembly having been shortly afterwards sounded, the corps marched round in front of the house, when Captain Blythe called for three cheers for Mr Wellwood and his little boys, which were very heartily given. The men then marched to Hastings, preceded by their band, and by the kind permission of Mr M'Leod, piled arms in the school-house. The corps was then dismissed, to enable those who were so disposed to visit the show, of which numbers availed themselves. The amenably again sounded at 5.15, when the company marched from the ground to Hastings, and there took train tor town. On passing Mr Wellwood's three cheers were called for that gentleman, the band striking up " For he's a jolly good fellow." On arrival at Napier the company marched to Clive Square at d were dismissed. A thoroughly enjoyable day was spent, no accident or hitch of any kind having occurred to mar the proceedings.