Volunteer Notes.

Hastings Standard, Issue 506, 20 December 1897, Page 2

Volunteer Notes.

(By Martini-Henry.)

In order that this column may be as complete as possible and useful to Volunteers and shooting men alike, I should esteem it a favour if Secretaries of Volunteer corps and Rifle clubs would send me items of interest, such as dates and .results of shooting matches, etc., as soon after they are decided as possible. They should be addressed, " Martini-Henry, Standard office, Hastings," and should reach this office not later than mid-day on Saturdays, so as to appear in Monday's issues.

There was a good muster of the Hastings Rifles at company drill last Thursday, Lieut. Ware in command, when the company was exercised in some useful drill both in the drill shed and outside.

The newly-formed rifle corps of New Zealand Natives in the Auckland district, I should say, will be a fine bod}' of men, their heights ranging from sft. Bin. to 6ft. 2in. I see that a member of the House of Representatives has asked the Defence Minister if the Government are going to allow volunteers in uniform travelling to shooting matches free passes, and that it is to be considered by Colonel Penton ; and it is to be hoped that the small concession asked for will be granted. It will not cost the Government anything, as they travel by ordinary trains, and considering the time members give to volunteering, I think it is nothing but right that they should be considered a little, particularly as it will help to improve shooting, the primary object of a corps. The local corps I believe have nearly finished their class firing, and there is only a small squad of casualties to do their volley and independent firing. The matter of a local church parade, mooted for the 2nd January, 1898, is ' postponed until the company go into camp some time in February next. I notice that there is a very good portrait of Sir William Loekhart, commander of the forces in the present Indian frontier campaign, in a late number of " The Navy and Army Illustrated." The special Dum-Dum bullet is said to be a great success. It has been tried lately in the present campaign in India, and it is not the case as in the Chitral campaign, where men were riddled by the Lee-Metford bullet and yet were able to walk away. There is no doubt but that the Lee-Metford is too perfect. They are talking of forming a mounted infantry corps in Auckland. At the Rifle Association meeting to be held at Oamaru it has been decided to add two matches to the programme, to be open to volunteers only, and to be fired for with Government weapons. It is expected to be opened on the sth or 6th of March next. This is the outcome of the late conference between Colonel Penton and the officers of the Association. The handicap for the Boxing Day's shooting of the Hastings Rifles has been made by the match gomtjiittee, and I think will please- everyone and there should be a good day's sport for the company. As this is the last time my notes will appear until after Christmas I wish all volunteers and shooting men A Very Merry Christmas-.