Volunteer Inspection Parade before MAJOR WITHERS.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume XI, Issue 1298, 17 March 1883, Page 2

Volunteer Inspection Parade before MAJOR WITHERS.

Last night, according to instruction received, the members of the J Battery rolled up to be inspected by Major Withers, There were verging on 50 members present, including the Band. Very few of the Ormond Detachment were present. The Company was now proved, and put through various movements by Capt. Winter. * Majoa Withers, accompanied by Captain I'orter, arrived a little after 7 o’clock, when they were greeted with the usual salute. Major "Withers then proceeded to inspect the Company, and had no complaints to make as to their tidiness. The Company were now put through various evolutions and movements by Captain Winter and Lieut, Boylan, which they executed with accuracy, and deserved great credit. The X'on-commissioned Officers seemed as if they could stand a little more practice, they appeared not to know their positions during the movements. Several of the movements were spoiled on account of the building being too small for the number of men. Major Withers now addressed the men, saying that they knew their drill much better than he had expected. That they had evidently taken great pains, as also had the officers in command, to bring them to their present state of efficiency. He advised them not to make or attempt to make any movement until the last sound of the word of command had been uttered. He gave them to understand that he was thoroughly satisfied with them, and concluded by saying that he did not think he would be here next month, but he would try if possible, and then he hoped to see them even better than they are at present. In reply to Major Withers, Captain Winter stated that they had a hundred stand of arms. He also informed the Major that the Ormond detachment would not give in their arms before they received capitation for the time they had served. Major Withers replied that the capitation went to procure their clothes, etc., and therefore, they would receive nothing. He advised Captain Winter to summon them, if they still continued to retain their arms. In reply to Captain Winter, he said five members of the Band would count on the strength of the Corps. The Company could have the maximum, and also the five members in addition. He also stated that cadets would not count on the strength of the Corps. Major Withers and Captain Porter now retired, and the distribution of the Government and other prizes were presented to the winners, as follows : — Gunner Hansen—Cup presented by C. D. Bennett, Esq.; and the 3rd Government prize. £l. Gunner Morrison (No. 2)~ Cop presented by W. L. Rees, Esq. Gunner Thelwall—lst Government prize, £4. Corporal W. O’Meara—2nd Government prize, £2 3s. Gunner W. J. Nash-4th Government prize, 10s. The recipients of the above received considerable applause as each prize wasdelivered. The Company was then dismissed.