MILITIA & VOLUNTEERS

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume III, Issue 141, 25 September 1863, Page 2

MILITIA & VOLUNTEERS

On Monday last, the three Companies forming the Militia and Volunteers of the Napier district completed their twenty-one days’ training, and we believe they are as efficient and as steady on parade as any other body of men who have been called out for the first time in the colony. We attribute this mainly to the good spirit and determination to learn the drill with which the nun turned out. The two last mornings were taken up by ball practice at 100, 150, and 200 yards range, and, everything considered, the shooting was by no means bad. Major Whitmore thanked the men on Saturday morning for their attention and willingness at drill, and stated that he did not intend to call in the arms at pi esent. The Major then stated the posts for those in the town, and those on the Spit in case of alarm, and retired. The thanks of both officers and men are due to Captain Withers, the adjutant, for the impartial aod

efficient manner in which he fill tilled his duties, and also to the drill instructors for their patience at drill, who, we Indieve, are about to receive some substantial proof of the satisfaction felt by those under their instruction. From the subjoined general orders, read on parade on Monday morning, it will be seen that those men who are desirous of ball practice will be supplied with 22 rounds for that purpose, subject to the conditions mentioned.

1. The Major Commanding desires to express to the officers, non-commissioned officers, and men of the Militia and A T okmteer companies of the Town of Napier, his warmest, thanks for the spirited and energetic manner in which they have come forward to learn their drill. The remarkable good feeling of the various companies has rendered his own task a light one. The willing support lie has met with from the officers and the valuable assistance received from the indefatigable Capt. Withers, he trusts they will permit him to acknowledge, and it only remains for him to represent to the General Government how satisfactorily the training of the Civil Forces has terminated.

2. In consequence of several applications on the subject, the Major Commanding desires to notify to the Militia and Volunteer companies that, on the requisition of the Captains, ho will authorise an issue of ball cartridge to the extent of 22 rounns per man for the use of any militiaman or volunteers who may desire to complete their practice in ball firing. But it must be understood that the practice is to be conducted in a regular manner, in the presence of an officer of the company. with the usual precautions for the safety of the public, and that rolls are to be kept shewing the result of the practice.