THE VOLUNTEERS.

Evening Star, Issue 2833, 18 March 1872, Page 2

THE VOLUNTEERS.

The Artillery paraded on Saturday for inspection by Colonel Harrington, and mustering thirty-three rank and file, wont through the manual and platoon exercise, together

with Company drill, after which the battery engaged in shot and shell practice, with their Armstrongs, at Pelichet Bay. At the conclusion the Defence Minister expressed the pleasure he had derived at visiting the battery’s-shed, and his pleasure at the result of their drill and practice. Col. Harington also addressed the men, stating that he was greatly pleased with their drill and practice, and expressing his regret that they were about to lose the services of so efficient an officer as Captain M'Farlanl, who had been in the battery since its formation, and to Avhom its present state of efficiency was mainly owing. He had no doubt bub they would find a worthy successor in their ranks, and hoped that by attendance and attention to drill, they would long maintain their present efficient state, and their name as the company of the colony. The Naval Brigade, about 25 rank and file, parade on the reclaimed ground, and went through some excellent shot practice. The Defence Minister addressing the men, said he regretted to see such a small attendance, for which he believed there was reasonable excuse, but the limited numbers were compensated for by the excellence of the shooting, which he hoped would be maintained. Colonel Harrington said he would put the men through company drill on Saturday next, when the parade would be held early, to enable all to enjoy the holiday.

It would seem that the Government intend sending to Christchurch all representatives who scored 40 points at the representative firing. Private Snodgrass, of the Thames, is now added to the list of Government representatives.