THE VOLUNTEERS.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2228, 19 April 1881, Page 3

THE VOLUNTEERS.

THE WAIKATO ENCAMPMENT. [PBESS ASSOCIATION TBLBOEAM.] TE AWAMTJIU, April 18. The day opened showery, but the weather cleared about 10 o’clock, at which hour the forces assembled for review by Colonel Lyon. There were nearly 1000 mm on parade, composed as follows : —Thames 400, under Major Murray; Auckland, 300, under Majors Derrow and Morrow; Waikato Cavalry, 86, Major Hamlin j Wairoa Bides, 32, Captain Cain ; Fukepuhoe Bides, 35, Major Harris j Waikato Troopers, Colonel Lyon, 126. There were six bands, and the field-pieces of the Thames Navals and Auckland Artillery. The public assembled from all parts of Waikato to the number of about 1000, ohiefiy in vehicles of all descriptions and by special train from Ngaruawahia. The site of the review and sham fight was most admirably situated for witnessing the movements, which were gone through in a manner creditable to all concerned. The Maori visitors expressed surprise that 1000 trained men could bo mustered in a short time prepared to take the field so efficiently, and go through the movements of attack and defence with such regularity and precision. The arms of the columns of rifiemen, the booming of cannon, the charge of the mounted troopers, with the bevy of staff officers directing the whole, could not fail to have a beneficial effect on the Natives scattered along the frontier settlements. Amongst the officers were three members of the House, Majors Harris and Hamlin, and Captain Whitaker, and these will no doubt refer to the good influence exerted by this display. At the close of the review Colonel Lyon, addressing the immense square of various lines, ■aid that he thanked them for their attendance and cleanly turn out after the night spent under canvas. Continual drill had made the British soldier what he was, and he expressed himself agreeably surprised with their manner of performing the different movements. They went too little into the country, and they wanted more skirmishing drill. He regretted that only fifty tents were available for one thousand men, but those were all that the Government could spare, The medals for rapidily in firing were then presented. They were given by Captain Firgusson, and all fell to the Wareka cavalry men. Cheers were given for the volunteers and visitors by the local troopers and the public, and the compliment having been returned, the parade was dismissed for refreshments at 2.30. The camp was soon dismantled by the staff of assistant's, and the men went into town to amuse themselves after the strict discipline which had been observed. This they did in a manner noisy and demonstrative, taking possession of anything likely to afford them amusement, a team of bullocks belonging to some Maoris and sundry vehicles affording them great delight. In the evening the officers dined together, to the number of about eighty, at Lewis’ Hotel, when the usual loyal toasts were followed by those of

“Our Quests,” also the “ Waikato Cavalry.” Colonel Lyon and officers and the Thames men leave at about ten, and the Auckland and country corps at midnight by special trains, A steamer will await the arrival or the train to convey the Thames men to their destination. They reach Qrahamstown at 9.30 a.m. on Tuesday, after a five _ day* pleasant trip. The general feeling is that the time was too short for all the benefits derivable from such a display.

THE OAMARU REVIEW. (press association telegram.) OAMARU, April 18. The Volunteer demonstration was brought to a conclusion to-day with a review and sham fight. Last night the band contest tor money prizes took place, but through an oversight no judges were appointed, and in consequence no decision was arrived at as to the position to be occupied in the contest by the bands. The bands competing were —the Invercargill, Queenstown, Oamaru, and the Temuka drum and fife. The Oamaru and Invercargill were the only bands that there was any competition between, the latter, however, being credited with a much betterporformanoo than the former. It hag not yet been decided how the prizes will bo apportioned. To-doy the review exercises and a sham fight were gone through. The review exercise* were very creditable to the different corps, but the sham fight was a comparative failure. The following is the total strength of the brigade which took part in the review to-day, including bands and cadets—viz., staff 9, cavalry 42, artillery 308, naval brigade 82, cadets 205, rifles 438, bands 130, total 1122, After the review the sham fight was commenced, but at so late an hour that it was impossible to make many movements before the time of departure for the camp arrived. Detachments of the various companies were posted at different parts of the field, the naval brigade being held as a reserve. No strategic movements were made, and the opposing forces merely contented themselves with expending their twenty rounds of ammunition. Two Armstrong guns were posted on a high hill, and during a cavalry charge up the face of the declivity one of the riders received tbe wadding of a blank cartridge in the face, which rendered the services of the doctor necessary. Another man was hurt with a bayonet, but neither were much injured however. The bugle sounded “ cease firing,” and the men were formed in marching order, and shortly after left for Oamaru. They leave here by special trains at ten o’clock to-night. The demonstration has been a highly successful one, so far as tbe drill exercises and general good behaviour of the men is concerned; but the carrying out of the sports and the competitive programme has been a failure. The men are well satisfied with the treatment received while in Oamaru. There is an absence of Christchurch volunteers, and this is attributed to the remarks of the Southern Frees on the manner in which visiting volunteers were treated in Christchurch last year. The demonstration can fairly be said to be the most successful yet held in the South Island, the arrangements made by the local officers being excellent.