VOLUNTEER INSPECTION.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1031, 9 August 1879, Page 2

VOLUNTEER INSPECTION.

Last night the headquarters companies were inspected in the Volunteer Hall, by Major Steward. The parade was the largest that has taken place for some time, and the appearance of the forco was certainly good and soldierly. After inspection the corps were marched out, and while on the march performed several well executed movements in quick and double time. Officers, non-commissioned officers, and men showed a very good knowledge of their different duties, and wo noticed the good effect of regular attendance at the weekly drills. It if, pleasant to observe that when our local force comes before the public, such an efficiency in drill is shown as to call forth praise and not ridicule. A good feature, and one tending to advance an honorable emulation, was the test of Acting-Cor-poral Hard}' for efficiency. It looks bad to see a man with the badges of honor on his arm who cannot (ill the duties quired. Corporal Hardy passed fairly last night, and by a little more practice he will make a good non-commissioned officer. We hope all Volunteers will have to pass examination before obtaining promotion. The following shows the parade state: — Staff—-Major Steward (in command), 1 ; Sergt.-Major M'Pherson, 1; total, 2; Artillery—Captain Morton (in command), 1 ; Lieut. Holdsworth, 1; B.S.M. Creagh, 1 ; Sergts., 3 ; Gunners, 32 ; total, 38. Oamaru Rifles—Captain Sumpter (in com-' maud), 1 ; Lieut. Headland, 1 ; Q.M. Sergt., 1; Sergts., 3; Vols., 29; total, 35. O.C. Cadets—Captain M'CorkmtJjUo (in command), 1; Opened,' 1J Sergts., 2 ; Cadets, T5 total, 10. Band,' under B.M. Goddard, 1; Bandsmen, 14; total, 15. During the day the School Cadets were inspected, numbering" 150; all told at Head Quarters, 259. ' ' During the evening Major Steward read a telegram from the' Defence Office, stati ing the shipment for Oamaru of 35 casea of ammunition, and 11 cases of shell. He also read the following telegram from Lieut.-Colonel Reader:—" The Hon. Defence Minister requests you will thank the corps for their patriotic and soldierly offer to come to the assistance of the settlers, which, if required, will be taken advantage of. The following copy of resolutions. passed at a public meeting held Plymouth on Wednesday, the 17fh July, 1879, re Volunteers was also read ; " That this meeting desires the Chairman to convey to the members of the various Volunteer corps throughout 'the Coloj its most hearty thanks forJ, the gallaiy, conduct in offering themselves for active service in the event of a disturbance on this coast, and to statp that although theip services may possibly not be required, the offer of such substantial and unexpected help in the hour of need will never b$ forgotten by the people of Taranaki."