VOLUNTEER NOTES.

King Country Chronicle, Volume III, Issue 125, 25 January 1909, Page 5

VOLUNTEER NOTES.

Colonel Bell and Stafi-Sergt-Major Coleman arrived in Te Kuiti on Friday last, and in the evening inspected the Te Kuiti Mounted Rifles and the Government property in '"••''-■ '•" > y '-'I-'-; voluntcurtt. At Mangaroa, on Tueaciay of Itstwotk, Sergt-Major Coleman inspected the Ohura Rifles, 'wflen twenty-six members turned out for parade, and were put through the extended order chill by the Sergt-Major. During the day a shooting match was fired and some go"d scoring was made. Quite a number of trophies were presented for competition by the residents of Ohura, who must be complimented .on their generosity. At a meeting of the Ohura Rifles, held last week, it_was resolved to issue invitations to all volunteer corps in the King Country, to a rifle match to be held shortly at Ohura.

A number of members of the Ohura Rifles intend proceeding, under Capt. Loveday, to Te Aroha to take part in the South Auckland Rifle Association's meeting to be held on January 29th and 30th.

Private Loveday put up some fine scoring at the range it Mangaroa on Tuesday last. This young man, it will be remembered, accompanied his father (Capt. Loveday), and took part in the Trentham meeting held at Wellington last year.

The next parade of the Te Kuiti Troop will be held on February 11th, in the hall!

StafT-Sergt-Major Coieman inspected the Kakahi Rifle Club on Thursday, fifteen members being on parade.

It is the intention of the Kakahi Rifles to hold a shooting match on Feb ruary 24h, when it is expected that a team from Ohura, and Kiokio will compete. The Te Kuiti Mounted Rifles have also been invited to take part.

At a meeting of volunters at Te Kuiti on Friday evening last, Mr Chas. Turner, was elected lieutenant, vice Lieut. '''Edgecombe, resigned. Mr Turner thanked the men for the confidence they had placed in him, and trusted the-corps would progress on satisfactory lines. Colonel Bell addressed the men,, and „3sked them to pull together and keep the corps going. He was sorry ,Jhat Capt. Berry had found it necessary to*>resign command, but, could not expect men to devote all their time to volunteering, though it was essential for the smooth running of a corps that the men should in every way possible help their officers.

Capt. Geo. Berry, of the C. Squadron, 2nd Regiment, resigns at the end of the volunteer year.

One valuable feature of the recent general election has so far escaped notice, says the Dominion. It is the great increase in the number of members of Parliament who are committed to a definite and effective programme of national defence. It is not a party movement, and therefore, it is no,t surprising to find that both political parties are well represented amongst the 19 members who are unconditionally pledged, and the further 16 who view the movement favourably. This, however hardly represent the fu II strength of the gain. Nearly 50 of the unsuccessful candidates, including nearly all the Labour and Socialist candidates, are also, in favour of the movement.