VOLUNTEER AND MILITIA PARADES.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume 1, Issue 2, 12 October 1872, Page 3

VOLUNTEER AND MILITIA PARADES.

On AVednesday the 2nd instant, the various Volunteer and Militia Corps (underwent the usual quarterly inspection, on their respective drill grounds ; and were put through certain manoeuvres which have become part and parcel of the system which brings our local forces periodically together. One of the chief points of interest, connected with the Adunteers, was the examination of five officers, who at present hold acting commissions, [namely: —Captain AVinter, and LieuIteuant Daly, of the Gisborne Rifles ; and Captain Hardy, Lieutenant Kempthorne, and Ensign Hall of the Poverty Bay mounted. Captain Tucker in command of No. 1 company of Militia, took ground at 11 o’clock; and kept it man;fully until dinner time. After which, : until 3 p.m., the drill instructor did his ! best, in a bad cause, to “ lick the comlpauy into shape.” Our observations lead us to the belief that be was not ; successful.

Major Pitt, commanding the district, with Captain and Adjutant Porter, then called the candidates for examination to the front, each taking his company or troop through the various evolutions incidental to the occasion. AVe cannot attempt to forestal the Major’s report to the Government, —indeed we do not know what it will be—but we believe it will be favorable to the gentlemen examined; should this be so, we congratulate our friends on the result. This crucial test of competency to lead, and successfully command, bodies of men under arms, is one which we have often advocated; and we are glad to find the Government is alive to the importance of imparting that vitality to volunteering, which a thorough reliance on the capacity of those whom we are to obey in the hour of danger, very naturally begets. The principle of these examinations has always occupied a place in the Volunteer regulations ; but we are not aware if it has been put into practice before. AVe look for the announcement of the decision of the Government, in this matter, with much interest.