Among the "Tommies."

Free Lance, Volume III, Issue 157, 4 July 1903, Page 24

Among the "Tommies."

By Swaddy.

King Dick's bodyguard, whose careful training resulted m rather a good display in presenting arms at the opening of Parliament, were probably as decent a looking lot of "swaddles' entrusted with the duty during many sessions. I think that larger hats will not be required in consequence ot this well-earned, praise. • • *

Noticeable that the average Wellington volunteer hates to "mark time. He usually keeps his toes on the ground and heaves his heels up and down in a tired way. Even if -ou think marking time is foolishness you are not the War Office. Therefore while you admit your inferiority ot rank, lift your feet. • • •

On the 24th, 35 Highlanders paraded, and did some section drill. Not an edifying exhibition, by any means. Carelessness and lack of knowledge or some makes smart men feel hurt, lhe passion that some men exhibit in turning out minus some part of their gear is distressing to a person with an eye to uniformity. * *

If this company is to attain a hi<*h stamdard, practice will have to be much more indulged in. The men should be strictly supervised in regard to dress and cleanliness, faults which have been noticeable on several parades without remark. A glimpse down the barrels of the corps' rifles wouldn t hurt. Maybe, they will "buck up" in the meantime. m

In pursuit of pleasure, the Guards are certainly the crack corps ot the Garrison. So effectual were these endeavours in this direction on the 24th, that on the 25th, their parade night, only about 10, including Captain Duthie and Lieut. Smith, turned up. It is to be hoped that, should occasion lor rough work arise, the Bearskins will not havl a social affair the night before the fray- ». +

The skeleton company decided to abandon operations, so a fair parade of the Spokes and Spockets had a night out in the unrestricted use of the.shed. The latter were capably handled by Lieut Slinn in marching exercise and, though in the main it was well done, there-should be a little more "heads up with the men; and in turning about a deal more crisp muscular exertion should be shown in shifting the wheel®. Cycle drill is interesting to an onlooker, and should there be any at the coming tournament it would draw. * * •

A propos of the tournament, it is to be hoped that Rumour is a lying jade in this case. It is bruited abroad that the Defence Minister will not grant railway passes to competitors from a distance, and if it is so it will cause the coming event to dwindle to a purely local affair instead of being as it was intended, a national one. Other centres obtain the above concession m connection with functions of the kind, and thereby gain a vast amount of interest and desirable competition from outsiders.

For good musters the "Lemon" Company holds the premier position. This parade of 48. together with the College (23) portion of the Guard of Honour, were exercised in their duties by Capt. Turner on the 26th, and, considering the short time for preparation, acquitted themselves fairly well. A great drawback—the want of room —was evident in handling a large parade in the shed. » • ♦

An assembly of 23 Civils was crowded out of their allotted space, and contented themselves with a corroboree in one of the side-rooms. True, the nisrht was rather cool, but I don't think it would have done them any harm had they ventured outside, and indulged m a brisk march, or physical drill — they want both.

The sooner volunteers obtain and study up the new book, now out, the better, as there aie points therein that many are ignorant of, and the result on paiade of the mixture of a little new and a lot of old drill is rather amusing. There are points that never vary, and these our colonial Tommy should study until they become second nature. The position of attention, for instance —a simple affair, but rarely correct with our Atkins. One only needs to stand on the flank of a oompanv and wait for the order to move off. On the word "quick" the whole line will sway forward. This is totally wrone, and non-coms, should see it remedied. • * •

Marching in ceremonial drill — Heads up, and an occasional p-lance to the directing flank should be insisted on, together with the correct and uniform position of the gun in all st acres. In presenting arms, muzzles should incline; if anything towards the face. Nothing looks than an array of bayonets pointing all roads. • • •

The supernumerary rank, as a rule thinks it has a free hand on parade, and can stand anyhow, and do as it pleases. This was subjected to shairp correction by the officer in charge of the Guard, and it is to be honed will have a good effect generally. • * •

The lecture at the Non-Cams ' Club, by Bom. Junss, should be well attended on 2nd July.