VOLUNTEER NOTES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXIII, Issue 168, 30 July 1901, Page 2

VOLUNTEER NOTES.

The usual parade of the Taranaki Bifleet wag held las'; evening, when there was an excellent muster of all ranks, Captain Okey being in chargo. Speaking to the men on tbe new rifles recently issued, Captain Okey urged them to take every care of the weapons. They were the latest and best in use, and he hoped to see the men go in for siooting in earnest, and see if they could not come out en top at the next competitions. '

The company was put through'the new drill incidental to the introduction of the Lee-Enfield rifle.

Several new members were proposed, and notice was given of a resolution that in the forthcoming shooting matches prizes should be given to first, second and third men of 30, 20, and ten rounds of ammunition respectively. The bat'alion and company cohur badges were i«sued, and it was requested that these should bi worn a* the parad9 on Thursday next.

An amended volunteer regulation provides that the rank, or relative rank, of major shall ba tbe h'gbeet that may be held by an officer of naval, fie'd or garrison artillery, submarine minors, or engibe-'rs, and in each case such rank can only be held by officers who have served s<sven years in command of such corps wi'h the rank, or relative rank, of captain. For o'her branches of the service the highest rank that can be held is that of cap f ain. MILITARY ROUTE MAROHING COMPETITION. Tbe importance to all broaches of the infantry service of rapid marching is coming to be more highly valued with every year that passes. Among Continental aroma lately consid* r.tble me .-uragement has bien given to route marching by regitneat?, particularly 8) by tha Germin authorities. The Wellington Garrison Offic«rs' Club has formu'ated a scheme for ths institution of a route marching competition, open to city volunteer corps, to be held in September, and a few particulars may be interesting to 10.-al volunteers, amongst whom it is to be hoped a similar competition may be arranged. Teams will consist of one officer, twe non-commissioned officers (one to be a sergeant) and sixteen rank and fi'e (corporals and lance corporals may be included, but not lance-sergeants). Teams must be composed of dulyenrolled members of etch corps. Members enrolled after 31st July inst. may no" be included. THree officers of the headquarters staff will be appointed ae judges, and Lieutenant-Colonel Oullins will act as inspecting officer. To the winning company individual trophies of the value of .£lO will be given, and to the second company individual trophies to half that amount. No entrance fee will ba >ha>ged, Eofcrios will clos- <>n September 7th. The dr-hs for the competition will b» drill orde", with Iffggiiigsand haversacks; water-bottlos optional. Rifles carried by all teams must bo magazine Lve-Enfiolds. A sub-committee has been appointfld to inspect routes, and report on the batt ona to the Officow' Committee. The following general conditions havr. been drawn up for the gevernance of the competition:—l. No assistance

I allowed from outsiders. 2. Every man must be in hie proper place, and carrying his complete equipment at the finif h. 3. No «u to leave the rank* during the march, i. No running allowed. 5. Ail teams most observethe ordinary rules ef the road—i.e., teams being overtaken must allow room for overtaking teams to pass on the right. 6. Teams to be started at ten minutes' intervals from the Port Pffioe. 7. Teams mast march at attention to the New Zealand Loan Company's office, and must »* called to attention when passing the Fire Brigade Station. 8. There must at no time be a greater interval than twenty paces between the front and rear files. Teams must be in column of fours when marching at at> tmtion. 9. Time will be taken from the word "March" until the last man of a team passes the finishing post. 10. Teams will be inspected before starting and immediately after the finish must be furmed up and inspected. 11. Any team not found properly equipped may be disqualified.