Among the "Tommies."

Free Lance, Volume III, Issue 155, 20 June 1903, Page 7

Among the "Tommies."

By Swaddy.

There is a rumour current that the Dnllhall is to be enlarged. Rumour is often a lying jade, but it is hoped she as doing her best this time to overcome her predilection for fibs. ♦ * * Fair number of College, and shocking ditto of Kelburne at Government parade on the 9th. Former broke the spell of want of dressi uniformity, but as much could not be said for the Kelburnes, who, however, put in some good rifle drill. College went out for open-air drill, while Kelburnes occupied the shed in section exercise, and afterwards indulged in adaptef shooting — a capital idea, which deserves more encouragement than it obtains. Same night. Lieut. -Colonel Owen delivered a very instructive lecture to a well-attended meting of the Non-Corns.' Club. The subject taken was "Tactics," and was ably handled, but it u to be regretted that the lecturer took imaginary ground for the sketch plan basing the lecture, whereas a diagram of the surrounding locality would, no doubt, be more readily appreciated ; though, as mentioned, it was a good ■discourse, and earned a hearty vote of thanks. • ♦ • Certaanly, it is a bit cold for kilts this weather. Absurd parade of Kilties on Wednesday, 10th. They gained capitation verdict by one. Those prosent, under Captain Mackintosh, with Lieuts. McLeod and Harland, were handed over to Staff -Sergeant-Major Colclough, Avho first supervised the non-coms, in section firing drill, and afterw r ards gave the company a dose of much-needed marching exercise, greatly appreciated by those who took part. It is a matter for regret that a. company which aught to one of the leading corps in the colony, should have so poor ai parade. More stringent measures might be adopted, the bad members weeded out, and only the best stamp of recruit accepted. On Thursday, the 11th, a few Guards straggled in, and a good many Cycles. Smart looking Guards evidently do a lot of "soldiering." Non-coms. are wanting. • • • Sergt. Leslie showed oauacity in his knowledge of manual and marching, but his men didn't. Pivots of rear fours wheeled a, yard or so behind the point. • • • On Friday, the Post and Rails mustered 43 strong, and Civils were there to the number of 23. Rifle drill in section, under non-ooms. Non-coms, approach men in a "would-you-be-good-enough-tor-act-on-my - suggestion-if-you-don't-mind" sort of way. Non-coms, should stand off, and "beef" ut their orders. Volunteers on parade should not be whispered at, or apologised to.

If they don't want to be ordered, they should stay at home. They are no earthly good to anybody. Non-coms, cannot expect men to respeot them if they are not able to demonstrate wath extreme nicety the points they want to explain. ■y- •/■ -HThe syllabus of the Non. -corns.' Club is now to hand, and may be obtained on application to the secretary. Membeirs are requested to give particular attention to the club this year, as it has important work in hand, and good musters are imperative. » * ♦ Monday's (loth) parade was pood. Forty-two Cities and 38 Zealandias faced Captain Duthie and Lieuts. Hobbs and Jones. Funds evidently will not allow complete dress, as several were without leggings. They were fairly smart ait getting to work, which was good, by sections, under non-coms. Many other corps should follow the example of the City non-coms , w^ho do not whisper their orders. If corps with special uniform cannot get (as h often the case) as cood musters as the above coips, they should try khaki. * * • Non-coms, of the Garrison are very lukewarm in support of their club, the average attendance being about three p©r night If they aire. to prove themselves the backbone of the companies of their district, they should lose no ooiortunity to fit themselves for their great part. The fitting shop is the club.