The New Commandant.

Feilding Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 55, 2 September 1896, Page 3

The New Commandant.

The Agent- General informs U9 thai Major Arthur Poole Penton, R.A., hat been nominated as the new coimnandunl of tbe New Zealand forces, and that th« Government have accepted the nomination. The War Office has not as yet publicly gazetted the acpointment, but th it is m mere formal matter, and the appointment is practically made. Major Penton it out of town at present, and I have not been able to interview him. Here, now•v«r, are a few details of his record. He was eotnimisioned as lieutenant on January 9, 1873, and gained bis captaincy nine years later, the exact date being June 7, 1882. Seven years afterwarda he again received promotion, becoming Major Penton. He has held very important ap. pointments, amongst which may be mentioned captain instructor of Royal Gun Factories, inspector of Steel Brigade, and major Royal Artillery (southern portion). He was also assistant to the Director of Artillery at headquarters. Major Penton holds a certificate from tbe senior class Artillery College. Nor will those who dislike being under a man who has seen no service be able to gird at Major Penton, as they sometimes used to do at his predecessor when annoyed at that gentleman's painfully critical remarks. Major Fenton has served, and served with distinction. He was through the Afghan War of 1879-80, gained a medal, and was twice mentioned in complimentary terms in despatches. He sails for New Zealand at the end of August or early in September. — Dnnedin Star.

It was implied in a section of one of our London letters recently published thai Colonel Fox has seen no service. W» hasten to correct this mistake. Col. Fox was fighting in the Afghan War of 1880, being preeent at CancUbar and Maiwand ; he also smelt powder in the Boer War of 1880, and the Soudan War of 1885 found him actively employed, Tamai being one of the battles in which he took part. — Star.