VOLUNTEER INSPECTION.

Kumara Times, Issue 2881, 22 January 1886, Page 2

VOLUNTEER INSPECTION.

The quarterly inspection of tlm Kutnura Rifle Volunteers by the Adj». tant of the district was held on nesday evening, at halfpast seven o’clock. Major Webh, Adjutant, and Lieut. Spence, Drill Instructor, were present. After inspecting the rifles, the company was maiched some distance up Seddon street, back to Main street, and up to the Recreation Ground, where they weie put through company and battalion d.ill, half company in skirmishing order and half company in support. The skirmishers were so pressed that they had (assumedly) to keep up fire whilst retiring ; and they then formed intoUwo squares to resist cavalry. On the bugle sounding “ Assemble !” the squares dispersed and formed into line again. After the completion of these movements, Lieut. Spence was called out to put the company through manual and firing and iword-bayonet exercises.

0« returning to the Drill Hall, Major Webb, addressing the Captain of the company, h® Was proud to sen the corps keeping up its reputation for good drill; it was the best country company in drill he met with. He did not say this to flatter the men ; but as encouragement to regular practice. Che attendance, he found, was not so good as formerly, but no doubt there were causes for this.

Lieut. Borlase, addrpssing tbe Adjutant, said he was requested to ask if there was a chance of the Volunteers of the Coast taking part in the reviews about to be held in the colony? A majority of the Humaia corps had expressed their desire to take part in a review, and were willing to go. Major Webb replied that there would be two reviews of Volunteers, one at Oamaru, and one at Wanganui. If the companies on the West Coast wished to attend one of these reviews he should 1)6 most happy to represent their desire to Colonel Whitmore or the Government. It would necessitate their absence from home for at least eight or ten days, and would be attended with considerable expense. However, should a sufficient number be prepared to go, possibly the Government would charter a steamer for the purpose. The matter might be put to the various companies for an expression of opinion on the subject, and if it were found practicable and they would communicate to him through Lieut. Spence, he would represent the matter to Colonel Whitmore.