THE VOLUNTEERS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1219, 13 March 1880, Page 2

THE VOLUNTEERS.

Last night the headquarters Volunteers were inspected at the No. 1 Company's drill-shed. Therewas. a "very good muster, the men looking smart and soldierly. The : boys; too,' presented, a -neat- and sprightly appearance" iii l their new uni--forms.. But the palm; must be given, to the ; Rifle' company, ; wh,os B\u'sterea : very strong, every

office*, and private being in full driest according to rank., Indeed, the corps ' looked more of the " regular " stamp thari we have before seen in the Colony. We believe that when the battalion gets into full rig, the North Otago citizen soldiers will be second to none. It is to be hoped that each man will show himself a good soldier in every way when he dons his uniform. Last night Major Sumpter, the officer in command of this district, found the arms and accoutrements in every • •• respect in good order. After the inspection, the parade moved off in fours from* the right of companies, the occasion being; , enlivened by the strains of stirring music; from the bands. The Artillery, after' accompanying their brothers-in-arms a» far as the bridge, returned vo their gunshed, to be instructed by Sergt.-Major Hyde, while the rest of the force engaged in battalion drill by order of the officer commanding, the instructions being given ■ by Instructor R.H. M'Pherson. A'large number of citizens were on-lookers, and seemed to enjoy the sight, many expres- ' sing. their astonishment at the soldierlyway that both officers and men did theirwork. The number on parade last night,, < including bands, was 153 of all ranks.