THE VOLUNTEER REVIEW.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1901, 29 March 1880, Page 2

THE VOLUNTEER REVIEW.

Favoured by splendid weather, the Volunteer Review attracted a very large attendance, the two first trains carrying tremendous crowds of visitors, who followed the military, the general public not being allowed to travel on the rail till the volunteers had departed. By twelve o’clock the Racecourse presented a scene of animation seldom witnessed even at our large race meetings. The impromptu amusements inseparable from occasions of the kind were to be seen in great force, in which connection it should be mentioned that a few of our gallant defenders, principally belonging to the Wellington and Dunedin contingent of the Naval Force, signallized their presence by conduct that very far from redounded to their credit, inasmuch as they took advantage of their numbers to wantonly destroy the stalls of some harmless vendors of trifles, and upset the apparatus of some of the gaming tables. It is only fair to the Volunteers, as a whole, to say that these larrikins vrere soon dispersed ; but the circumstance did not shew well for the discipline of those who so far forgot what was due to themselves as men and volunteers. Though little was known as to the precise form the movements of the day were to take, thers being no programme issued, the interest taken in the proceedings was intense, the grand stands being literally crammed, whilst every available position of advantage was secured from which to observe what was going forward. There were several thousand people on the ground, the fair sex being present in large numbers. As before stated the weather was all that could be desired, the suu shedding forth a genial warmth, tempered by a gentle breeze from the north-east’, and as a consequence everyone appeared in excellent spirits and prepared to enjoy to the full the amusements of the day. The Artillery Brigade with the Cavalry marched up by road, the remainder of the Brigade leaving by special train at 10 a.m. On arrival arms were piled and the men dismissed for a short time. Shortly after noon the “Assembly” was sounded, and the various companies fell in, the Cavalry and Artillery Brigade being on the right, and the Infantry divided into three battalions, occupying the ground to the left. The Artillery was divided into three battalions, right, centre, and left, the whole being under command of Major Hill Jack. Captain Fox, Wellington Artillery, was in charge of the right battalion ; Captain Hammersley, T.A.V., the left; and Captain Craig, C.A.V., the centre. In this battalion were twelve guns, from the Wellington, Christchurch, and Timaru Artillery. The troops were formed up in battalions, the left resting near Ford’s and the right near Redwood’s gate. The line was headed by the Cavalry, the Artillery Brigade coming next, with the throe battalions of infantry, in order of numbers, bringing up the rear, the respective hands being at the heads of their companies. The Brigade having been formed into quarter distance column, with the Cavalry and Artillery on the extreme right, then deployed into line by battalions. The saluting point was fixed opposite the stewards’ stand, and the battalion having formed into line, prepared to receive the Reviewing Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Pacte, who, with his staff proceeded to inspect the brigade. The Medical Staff comprised Dr. Diver (Wellington), Dr. Deamer (Christchurch), Dr. McClure (Invercargill). Dr. Chapman (Leeston Contingent, C.J.C.),attached to the Medical Staff, has an ambulance wagon supplied by Mr Offwood, and fitted up with all necessary appurtenances. The staff of the Reviewing Officer was as follows: —A.D O. Lieut. Millet (0.Y.C.), Lieut. Hulbert (Christchurch Aitillery), and Lieut. Andrews (Dunedin), and Dr. Diver (Wellington), The Infantry Brigade was, after being inspected. formed into columns of companies, the Cavalry proceeding by troops, and tho Artillery by batteries. The various batteries were formed up at the saluting base, where Colonel Faske and staff had taken up their position. The Cavalry made an excellent show, being a fine soldierly body of men. Tho Artillery Brigade also deservedly won great commendation. As a whole, the Infantry march past was remakahle for its steadiness and precision, the spectators acknowledging this by repeated plaudits.