THE VOLUNTEERS.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2364, 31 October 1881, Page 3

THE VOLUNTEERS.

The arrival at Port of the volunteers from Timaru, Temuka, and Ashburton en route to Parihaka last Saturday afternoon, was an event which caused more than ordinary interest in the movements of our layal defenders. The playing of music by the brass band from Christchurch and the band from Timaru as the train emerged into Lyttelton through the tunnel, brought crowds of people quickly to the railway station, and that, combined with the military appearance of the men as they formed into companies on the square immediately on the arrival of the train, had quite an enthusiastic effect upon the crowd of onlookers, part of which was manifested by the rounds of cheers that emanated from them directly the men formed, preparatory to the roll being called. The corps represented wore the Timaru Artillery, Temuka and Ashburton Bides, and from the bearing of the men when the bugle call was sounded for them to fall in prior to going on board the steamer Stella, then lying at the jetty, there can bo no two opinions of their efficiency for active service. A good many of their friends had accompanied them to witness their embarks*

tion, and these assembled at the end of the jetty in position to hare a last wave of the handkerchief and a last cheer upon the steamer casting off her lines. The Lyttelton Naval Brigade mustered in uniform with creditable promptness and numbers to form the guard of honor to their comrades in the Volunteer service. Twenty-three of this brigade have already intimated a desire to take part in whatever active service may he required of them by the Government, and are only impatiently waiting for the invitation from the Government to shoulder their muskets and go. Though the uncertainty which reasonably attaches to entering upon a military encounter with a foe might in some instances have found expression m the language and faces of the volunteers whose departure forms the subject of this notice, there wore very few of what might be called “scenes ” amongst them and their friends at the steamer’s side, such as will bo remembered by those who have witnessed the departure of British regiments at Portsmouth. An occasional “good bye mother,” “ soon bo back brother,” and so on, might have been heard, but good spirits and strong hopes appeared to pervade the whole of the volunteers, fully expressed in the vociferous ringing cheer they gave in response to those given from the shore when the vessel cast off. A report had got about that the Lyttelton contingent had turned out to embark with the others, and some interesting episodes in that connection are narrated of the wives or parents of some of them becoming exorcised to no small extent and experiencing no little anxiety until quite assured that their husbands or sons, as the case hap. pened to be, were still left in reserve. The officers who left in charge of the volunteers for “ the front ” wore Captain Hammer;ley of Timaru, Lieutenant Wardlo, Timaru, and Sub-Lieutenant White, Temuka. There were also present on the occasion of the men’s departure : —Lieutenant-Colonel Packa, Major Lean, Captain Young, Temuka, Lieutenant Wolfe, City Guards, Captain Slater and Lieutenant Millett, 0.T.0.

A special meeting of the E Battery, N, Z, Artillery, was hold on Saturday evening, in the orderly-room ; Captain Craig in the chair. After announcing the cause of the meeting, there wore forty-throe names given in as ready to go to the front on Tuesday next, including the three officers of the battery and all the non-commissioned officers. Captain Craig expects that there will be fifty or sixty of the Christchurch Artillery to go with him to Parihaka.

[feom oub special oobbbspondent.] OKATO, October 31. Yesterday sixty-eight men of the Wellington Naval* escorted the ammunition towards Rahotu, under Captain Taylor, A.O, The Nelson battalion arrived at Okato at six o’clock, after a march of eighteen miles. They appear to have had a very rough passage to New Plymouth, and their march on the day after landing must have tried all. There were no sick on arrival in camp. The Artillery bring one six-pounder Armstrong gun, which they mounted on the beach at New Plymouth in a very creditable manner. Time, 3mins. The Nelson men march at nine o’clock to-day for Rahotu, fifteen miles distant. Major Pitt commands, and Dr, Boor is in medical charge. [press association tele grams.] AUCKLAND, October 29.

The Thames contingent of the Scottish Navals and Engineers arrived this afternoon by the Rotomahana. An immense crowd cheered and welcomed them. There are a good many medalled men among them, and they are well drilled. Some Natives were present, and did not appear well pleased at the demonstration. The Auckland volunteers will only go on the outbreak of hostilities, and at the request of the Government recruiting is going on for the constabulary and the Thames contingent, which leaves on Monday. AUCKLAND, October 31. The Thames Volunteers and about twenty recruits from Auckland left Onehunga for Opunake, by the Hinomoa, at one o’clock to* day. They were enthusiastically cheered as they loft Auckland railway station. THAME-*, October 29. One hundred and forty officers and men left by the Rotomahana for Auckland this morning. There were sixty-four men of the Navals, under Captain Wildman, Lieutenants Gordon and Gavin ; fifty-two of the Thames Soottich, Captain Johnston, Lieutenants Schofield and Barns ; and twenty-four Engineers, under Lieutenant O’Sullivan. A large concourse of people witnessed their departure and cheered vociferously. NEW PLYMOUTH, October 31. Great indignation is felt by the Taranaki Rifle Volunteers and Inglewood Bush Corps at the Government not accepting their services, although they were amongst the first who offered them. Captain Ellis, of the Taranaki Volunteers, went yesterday to sea Mr Bryce, who acknowledged that some mistake had been made, and he said he did not know why they had not been gazetted. The force goes out on Thursday. OPUNAKE, October 29.

Some 540 Armed Constabulary are now at Pungarchu, and are all available. They were inspected bylthe Hon. Mr Bryce thia morning. At Opunake the Wellington navala are busy at drill and camp work, Capt, Bennett and officer* evincing every interest in perfecting the men.

The Hinemoa called twice at Opunake this morning with the Nelson volunteers, but could not land the men. She passed on towards New Plymouth, where they landed. Arrangements were made for billeting them in town, and they leave for the front on Monday. WANGANUI, October 30, The Wanganui contingent, numbering 142, inclusive of men from down the coast, leave for Opunake at 330 p.m. to-morrow. Many of the Wanganui volunteers are veterans who won medals in the Maori wars.

WELLINGTON, October 29. The Guards, numbering sixty, leave for Opunake on Tuesday morning. Lieutenant Young, who goes in command, has received a commission of captain while in command of the company. The band accompany the corps, and if required will servo in the ranks. October 30. In reply to ft question telegraphed to the Government Insurance Department as to whether the life policies of volunteers now assured will be affected by their going to the front, Mr Luokie replied that such volunteers’ policies now in force in his department willjin no wise be affected. The Government have now got the full number of volunteers required for the present. They have declined to take men newly enrolled, and who haye not had previous training. MARTON, October 31. Thirty-two Marton, thirty-six Fielding, and thirty-three Palmerston Volunteers left by the morning train for Wanganui to embark for the front. A large crowd assembled to witness the departure of the Volunteers. OAMABU, October 29. The Artillery Company, at a meeting held last night, decided to go to the front if their services were required.