J BATTERY.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume XI, Issue 1351, 4 September 1883, Page 3

J BATTERY.

A GovBBXXBSt inspection parade of the »bote corp! took place on Saturday evening, when 50 men were present. The corps went through numerous evolutions in a most creditable manner. In fact the attention and pains shown by the men and the orderly and smart appearance of the whole corps, combined with the high state of efficiency displayed, reflects the highest credit upon the officers and men generally. Some of the mancsuvres Were greatly impeded on account Of the circumscribed limits df the hall, and we trust before long to see this obstacle remedied. In addressing the men Captain Porter said that he must compliment them on their smart lippearance at he colild not find a single fault. He was ritfetnely sorry that Major Sheppard had not been able to be present on acoount of the delay in the steamers. He was sorry to put them to so much inconvenience, but he must call a day. ight parade on Monday morning at 6.30 jtad inspection at 7 sharp, when he hoped that bll Colild bd present, as Major Sheppard would then inspect them. . , Captain Winter then informed the corps that the target practice would commence next week, and that nmtaunition would be supplied at 5s per 100 rounds, and the money thus obtained would go to Shooting prises for f the corps. Th 6 following orders were then read: — “ Battery Order, 142—1 t is notified for the general information of the corps that all general drills from the Ist of September, and for the six weeks following, are deemed to be rOeruit drills, and for the purpose of regulations ill members shall be deemed to bo recruits. Existing dctnohraents are therefore named to attend fot par! iculsr nights set r apart for their instruction, and any member being absent without pennission or not excused through sickness, will be fined 2s fid, in accordance with Clause 267 of the Volunteer Regulations. For particulars as to drill during September members are requested to make themselves acquainted With the following orders :— “ Orderly duties for the month of September—Orderly officers : Captain Winter, Sdrgt. O'Meara; Corporal Turton, Borabadier Bobb, Orderly Man, Ct. Fagan. Routine Drill: Sept. 4, gun drill, Island 2nd detachment; Sept. 6, gun drill, 3rd and 4'h detachment; Sept. 11, gun drill, Ist and 2nd detachment; Sept. 13, Company parade with arms ; Sept. 18, gun drill, Ist and 2nd detachment; Sept. 20, gun drill, 3rd and 4th detachment; Sept. 25, gun drill, Ist and 2nd detachment; Sept. 27, Government inspection.” Sergt-Major Featon then read the following letter in ackowledgcment of the handsome donation, by the J Battery, of £lO towards the Wither'e Widow Fund i—" Auckland, August 20th, 1883. Dear Sir,—Cheque from your Battery to hand. Please convey the thanks of the Committee to the gallant fel- | lows under your command for their generosity.—Yours, Ac., W. F. Clifton, Lieutenant, Hobsons corps, Secretary to Wither’s Widow Committee, To Captain Winter, J Battery.” We cannot close the report without remarking upon the high state of efficiency Captain Winter has brought his gunners to, and the rapidity with which they unlimbered and dismounted mounted and limbered up again was truly surprising, and deserves the greatest praise, Monday Mornins. > On Monday morning the corps fell in at 6.30, only two being absent on leave. They were shortly marched to Captain Tuckers paddock, and put through eeveral field movements by Captain Winter, At 7 o’clock Major Sheppard came on the ground, accompanied by Captain Porter. They were received with a general salute, the band playing " God Save the Queen." After the inspection had been gone through, the corps Went through some new field manauvres. A gun detachment was then told off and went through various evolutions, unlimberIng and limbering with the utmost rapidity a and ease. In faotit looked more likeclock work Kthan anything else, The inspecting officer yexpressed himself in the warmest terms of approval at the efficiency and general . smart appearance of the men, and stated | that they would boar a most favourable comparison with any corps in the Colony, The band played soma excellent now marches in a most masterly style.