Among the "Tommies."

Free Lance, Volume III, Issue 158, 11 July 1903, Page 22

Among the "Tommies."

By Swaddy.

A record parade of the Highlanders (47) taced Captain Macintosh, with Lieuts. McLeod and Harland, on the Ist. After a few company movements by the captain, the officer commanding the district appears, and the scene' is changed. Subalterns are called out, and the first manoeuvres the company to a point, and is retired, leaving it slightly mixed. The operations of No. 2 result in a rather worse "mix," thus emphasising the fact, pointed out before, that subs should wire in and learn something. * * • A feature of this, as with many other companies' parades, was the perfunctory inspection. The above corps, possessing &uch a varied apparel as it does, required close observation with regard to complete and accurate equipment, but these are details beside the important one of rifle examination, and I am pretty certain there will be as big a row about damaged barrels before long as happened a few months since if this work is not carried out in a stricter manner than at present. * * » The backbone of the company is next out for its gruel, and pets it. What can be said about it is this, that if the particular vertebrae is to be of much use to its body, the sooner it gets the marrow of the drill-book into it the better. vr * * Guards to the number of 29 and Cycles (18), and a section of them without, made their bow to the officer commanding the district on the 2nd. Both parades were fairly accurate in dress and certainly very cleanly in appearance. Absence of rifle inspection is again in evidence. Both carps were piven varied work, to test their capabilities, but in the former corps were one or two who, possibly throuo-h nervousness, but more likely through want of drill-book, spoilt the efforts of their company. A fairly good number of non corns, attended the lecture by Bom. Junss on 'Physical Culture," a subject that should possess interest not only for volunteers, but for civilians as well. While, through absence of notes, the lecturer curtailed his remarks to a degree not anticipated by his audience, he gave practical demonstration of the wonderful effect that will-power has on the muscles of the system. For an interesting and useful evening, the bombardier earned a hearty vote of thanks, and it is to be hoped that his efforts will bear good fruit among our flabby colonial Atkins. « • • The third inspection of rifle companies, by Colonel Webb, eventuated on the 3rd, and it is 1 now beyond doubt that skirmishing drill is largely the order of the day. The two Government corps — the Civils and Telegraphs — rolled up to the tune of 25 and 47 respect^ ively. The Civils came first for their gruel, but, by its behaviour, proved conclusively they did not approve of the menu. * • • To the Post and Telegraph company must be awarded the premier position in the ordeal so far. Its leaders have evidently given considerable attention te the drill-book, and consequently were able to interpret the new order of things in a manner unapproached by any other parade. At the same time, there are sergeants in this company who are a little backward in their work, while there are lance stripes in thte ranks who bid fair to become far better than some of their seniors. Several of the College non. -corns, lined in the street on this occasion, and doubtless picked up a few wrinkles. We will see. * * # Point for non. -corns. Nervousness should be unknown. Must have plenty of brass, and, like a Chinaman, no nerves. * * * Company inspection was continued on the 6th, by Colonel Webb, when Cities (49) and Zealandias (41) were put through their facings, to the discomfiture of several members. Knowing they were to be called on to show what ability they had in handling bodies of men according to the drill-book of the past year, it is a matter for sumrise that more officers and non. -corns, of all the companies did not show up at the parades of the past week, and thereby view practical illustrations of work that was rarely touched by most companies during 1902. The evidence of this lack of interest is patent as each corps comes up for inspection and, though there are exceptions, the word thorough is largely unknown to the majority of volunteers.

One or two City non— corns., also one of Zealandies, were much in advance of their fellows* in dealing with the tasks set them, but the effect of any good work by these was at once knocked kite high by the operations of their successors, consequently the corps suffer, for as a non. -com. is so will his men be, and until the majority of non.corns. attain efficiency degrees ahead of their present standard, the Wellington Battalion will never be in the position it should occupy — second to none in the colony. » * * Enquiries are being made as to the fate of the programme for the coming tournament. It is high time it ■was out, for until it is various corps arereluctant to start training. * * * Steps are being taken to arrange a shooting match for the hon. members of the Wellington Highland Rifle corps'. Details of what will, doubtless, prove a very enjoyable outing, are being prepared by the secretary, and will be published at a later date. * • • The final of the initial inspection of the Wellington Battalion, by Colonel Webb, took place on 7th July, when the College Rifles paraded with 52, and the Kelburnes totalled 35. With the latter, w ant- of uniformity of dress was marked, and the absence of and the mixture of black and khaki pouches w ith the former, was not as it should be. Steadiness in the ranks was, to a great extent, absent, chiefly through non.corns. chatting, and allowing themselves to be engaged in conversation with the men on parade. Both corps were exercised in the open in company and skirmishing drill, and, after the week's manoeuvres, certainly the. Post and Telegraph and the College company gave the best exhibitions of the work the battalion was called on to do. * • • A large muster of the Bearer Corps nas on view for a few minutes at this parade. They did not volunteer to accompany the skirmishers, but retired

into a side-room, probably for discussion of their partacular branch. I note that a Dunedin, volunteer has been fined £2 for not attending a. parade. He appealed, but the authorities confirmed the decision. A distress \\ arrant was issued, and altogether it costs the not enthusiastic volunteer £25. Makes you careful, doesn't it ?