OUR VOLUNTEERS.

Marlborough Daily Times, Volume II, Issue 130, 18 June 1880, Page 3

OUR VOLUNTEERS.

General Davidson, the Inspector of Volunteers for the South Island, commenced his inspection for Marlborough on Friday last, with the inspection of the Picton Rangers, and Picton Cadets. On Saturday evening the Blenheim Rifles mustered in Ewart’s Hall, where the stage had been removed, and the hall cleared, to give room for the the movements, a great number of the public being present. The Volunteers looked well and soldierly. After the Company had been proved, General Davidson wasannounced, when he was received with the salute laid down in the Queen’s Regulations—Company at open order, officers saluting, men presenting arms, and the Band playing a slow march. The General wore the uniform of a Major General in the British Army. After ho had inspected the Company, they went through the manual exercise and all the company movements in a very creditable manner. Captain Robinson, Lieutenant Carey, and Sub-Lieut. Rogers,severally acting as instructors. The men were steady —and in the several movements, especially that of forming fours right and left, and right and left about form company on the march, showed that they were well drilled. The General informed the Captain that he could convey to the officers his approval of the efficiency of the Company. This is as we expected, for the judges here of volunteering, have expressed the opinion that the Blenheim Company has proved itself, as in shooting one of the best drilled in the Colony which reflects the greatest credit on both officers and men.

The Blenheim Cadets were inspected on Monday in Seymour Square, when a good muster took place. We regret we cannot say as much for the Cadets as the Volunteers, for while the boys knew the movements the drill was not efficiently done, which the General told them in most unequivocal terms. We hope our boys will take this in a good spirit, and when the Inspector comes next year will be in better form. The Spring Creek and Benwick Volunteers did not muster for inspection as they considered the notice too short. ■ General Davidson took his departure for Nelson cm Monday evening where he has to inspect the Nelson district, which completes his tour of inspection, so we expect to hear of his report being presented to Parliament shoitly, when we shall see the state of the Volunteers both North aad South as Colonel Leckie has completed the North Island. The Inspectors change Islands next year.