VOLUNTEERS—WANGANUI.

Evening Post, Issue 244, 18 November 1865, Page 2

VOLUNTEERS— WANGANUI.

In accordance with the order irora the Militia Office, the "Victoria .Company paraded on Saturday in the Market-place. It appears that there are now only 26 members of the company, of whom 18 made their appearance. They were put through various movements, and Lieut. - Colonel Gorton acted in such a manner as to convince the volunteers of his anxiety tor the efficiency of every member of the company. He addressed them shortly, stating that he believed that it was best when they were on parade that they should be treated as soldiers. When off parade they were of course in a totally different position as settlers. It would be his aim to carry out this distinction. He was surprised, however, at the smaliness of the number on parade, and said that the company could not continue in existence unless it had 40 members on the roll. In consequence of the last observation a deputation of five members was appointed to wait on Lieut.-Colonel Gorton to explain the position of the company. They had an interview with him on Monday, which was satisfactory. They explained that the company had had on its roll 64 members, and had not then been permitted to add to its number; and that the system which had been pursued of appointing officers out of it to the militia, and transferring the privates into militia companies had gradually weakened its strength until now it wai reduced to 26. Lieut, -Colonel Gortor

1 said tliat he was anxious to encourage volunteers and boped they would be able to raise the Company tu the required strength. He consiäered that those who bad been volunteeri for four years, were, according to the régulations nôt obliged to attend for training and exercise. Altogethcr the deputatîon feit very much Batisfied with the' views expressed by their commander. On Monday the Wanganui Cavalry Volunteers paraded at the Militia Office They were also shortly addressed by Colonel Gtorton who said among other things that he did not know cnvalry drill, but intended to join their ranks and learn it. Thereafter the troop wns diilled in a very able manner by Lient. Nl oorehouse of the Military Train.— Wanjf an ui (Jhronicle.