VOLUNTEER INTELLIGENCE.

Evening Star, Issue 4150, 15 June 1876, Page 3

VOLUNTEER INTELLIGENCE.

The Richardson Rifles paraded for company drill last night, and were exercised by Captain Schwabe and Sergeant-Major Stevens. At the close of the parade. Captain Schwabe retired, but was immediately followed by lieut. Cutten, who asked if he intended, as promised, to inform the company whether or not he would resign the command as he had been requested to do at the previous meeting. No answer was made by Captain Schwabe, and when that circumstance was reported to the members present on parade there was anything but a seemly feeling exhibited. We understand that Mr Schwabe’s resignation is in the hands of the secretary, and that the attention of the officer commanding the district is to be called to the present state of things. * In reference to the , recent rifle match West Taieri . v. East Taieri, our Outram- correspondent writes : —That the ammunition was in * a great measure the cause of the West Taieri Rifles being beaten by so many points was proved by some of the men firing with good ammunition and making good scores, after missing the target previously with the 1867 ammunition. Night coming on prevented all the men firing at the last range (600 yds), there being two men of each company to fire when it was determined to cease firing, as it was too dark. One of the South District team not having come, their score has the average of the nine men firing added to it to supply the deficiency. After the match the different companies fell in and marched down to the township- A capital spread had been provided by Host Broadway, and it was done • full ftstice to by all. Lieutenant Blatcb, of tho W.T.R., was in the chair, with Captain Andrews, E.T.R., on his right, and Vol. Gilmour on hia left. Captain Roberts, S.D.R., was croupier, with Lieut. King, S.D.R., on his right and Lieut. Christie, E.T.R., on his left, Lieut. Blatch, in a few words, proposed “The Queen and Royal Family,” which was drunk with the usual h<««P* " He then-proposed “ Our Guests, ” . coupled with the name of Captain Roberts! returning thanks, Captain Roberts re- , maa;km.that he Was of opinion that reunions . ft-iendly competitions Uke the present . j^9-§ps e service tothcYolunteercom; pai)ies,Y3*they formed friendly feelings/ but he hoped that the matches would begin eatUd| next thts »o that they wtfnld hive !nugy

day* and wanner weather, for though the day had been fine it was cold. He thanked the West Taieri Rifles for the warm and hospitable manner in which they had been received, and proposed “Our Hosts,” coupled with the name of Lieut. Blatch. Lieut. Blatch returned thanks for the hearty manner in which they had responded to the toast, and remarked that it was quite a new position for the West Taieri Rifles to be in that of the vanquished ; but though they were beaten, still they would have another try to regain their laurels. He. would own that though defeated fairly on the previous occasion, still this time the defeat was greatly due to the bad ammunition they had to fire with. He fully expected that they would be beaten on that account. He would not attempt to fire another match with such “vile •stuff” ; but when the procured good ammmunition they would have another match. He would propose “The Winning Team,” coupled with the name of Captain Andrews. The toast was drunk enthusiastically. Oapt. Andrews, in returning thanks, said that he was proud of the position he occupied that night, there was no denying it, and in spite of the disadvantages that the W.T.R. had labored under,. still lie must confess he vtos proud of the position the E.T. Rifles held, and hoped that they would continue to hold it. He thanked the W.T. Rifles heartily for the reception given them and the hospitality they had enjoyed. Lieut. King returned thanks for the S.D.R.’s, and said that though they had suffered a defeat at the hands of the E.T. Rifles, still he was glad to see that they held second place. As regarded the E.T. Rifles, as they could not beat them with ten men he would try them with six, and he thought he could manage to beat them with that number, but at all events, they would try and try again till victory did declare itself for them. He thanked the W.T. Rifles on behalf of his Company for their hearty and courteous reception. A few songs closed the day’s entertainment, and all departed home pleased with their visit to the West Taieri.