VOLUNTEER INSTRUCTION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2097, 25 January 1908, Page 1

VOLUNTEER INSTRUCTION.

■The volunteer instruction class was continued last night at_ the Drill Shed, when Sergeant-Major Williams lectured on- “Hasty Entrenchments, showing rough field trenches of a temporary nature, which would be erected by our troops. Then a discussion on the staff r.ide took place. The general idea is that the troops are disposed In a proper way and making .all dispositions for practice on tho field.- The condition under which they go out under the_ staff •ride to-day are these: The idea, is that- a state of war exists, and that a force will bo landed at Wnikokopu Harbor, and the advance on Gisborne starts at noon to-day. The advance guard will bold the position of the Willow settlement, and trenches have been thrown up north of the railway lino with a cover of three miles west from the town boundary. Launches for transport will co-operate with the invaders, anil bridges and forts in- tho rear of the enemy have been destroyed by detailed sappers for the purpose of manoeuvring a field force as mobilising at the- wharf. A special idea to the officer commanding the troops in Gisborne, with a force of 800, is to move out and obviate any occupation of valuable ground in the vicinity of the wharves, the occupation of which would compel tho surrender of the town. It is assumed that there would bo a nebulous opposition force, of 600. Captain Beero will bo in charge of the local troops this afternoon. Tho course of instruction finishes this evening, and the officers leave for Wairoa on Tuesday.