THE VOLUNTEER REVIEW.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2193, 30 March 1880, Page 2

THE VOLUNTEER REVIEW.

It is estimated that fully 10,000 spectators witnessed the Volunteer review at Christchurch yesterday. In conveying the men to the scene of the review —the racecourse —the resources of the railway department were severely taxed. The demonstration commenced shortly before noon. Ammunition having been served out, the companies were divided into the following battalions: The cavalry and artillery on the extreme right; the Is"aval Brigade next; lastly, two battalions of infantry, one being formed of mixed companies. After the centre battalions had been placed in extended order, Colonel Packe, attended by his staff, rode along the whole length of the brigade. Some excitement was caused by a member of the Wellington Naval Brigade being carried off the held into the office by some of his comrades. It was found that the man had not been killed, but was suffering from a fainting fit, and under medical supervision he soon recovered—and so did the crowd. At 1.50 p.m., the commanding officer and his staff having taken up a position at the Union Jack erected opposite to the Grand Stand, the brigades were formed into companies, and marched past in the following order: Cavalry; Artillery with guns ; Companies of Artillery; Naval Brigade; Engineers (Wellington company); Christchurch Engineers; Christchurch City Guards. The second march past took place in close column, between lines formed by the spectators, and subsequently the usual review movements and sham fight took place. In the evening there was a grand ball in the drill shod.