CAVALRY DRILL AT TIMARU.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2448, 22 January 1881, Page 2

CAVALRY DRILL AT TIMARU.

Oat of a strength, we believe of 28, only about a dozen representatives of the Timaru Contingent C.Y.C. mustered for drill at McLean and Stewart’s yards yesterday. They wore their new uniform, consisting of scarlet jacket with black facings, dark trousers with a double stripe of scarlet, and foraging cap with a yellow band. They were well mounted and caparisoned, but we could not help thinking that the saddle cloths of dark blue trimmed with yellow braid, though less loud and conspicuous, looked much better than the florid colors, of the riders. If wc disagree with the colors, however, the fault is due to the cloth, and not to the tailor, Mr Hobbs, who has turned out his workmanship most creditably. The bearing of the men was decidedly soldierly, their horsemanship was of a superior order, and but for the unfortunate circumstance that there was a great inequality in stature and bulk they would have presented a very martial appearance. After a few preliminary movements under the direction of Drill Instructor Dundas the contingent proceeded to Saltwater Creek, where they went through a variety of evolutions. These they preformed in a highly creditably manner. A little trouble was experienced with the bit and bridoon bridle, to which several of the horses had evidently never been accustomed, and some drill in the handling of the apparatus was required. Apart, however, from this difficulty—which a little practice will readily overcome—the members of the contingent displayed some capital military horsemanship, forming into four and single file, with the alacrity of trained soldiers. The excellent progress made by the Timaru contingent ought to induce others to join.