VOLUNTEER NOTES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXV, Issue 6, 8 January 1903, Page 2

VOLUNTEER NOTES.

MB PRESS AtSOOIATIOX. W ellinotos, January 7. Lieutenant-Oolonel Messenger, wh» baa for many yeais been in charge of the Permanent Artillery fore#, tad Cjp'ain Falconer in charge of the torpedo corp« have retiied from the service.

It is understood that Colonel Messenger mil be replaced by Major Moore of the Eoyal Engineers* who cime out to the colony a year or two go as a'aff officer of artillery. Onp'aiu W, Ooyl", inspector of sub* marine mining at Auckland, will temporarily fill the position occupied by j Captain Falconer. Lieutenant-Co'onel Newall, who is in chuge of the Wellington distriot, is also to retire aud other changes ar* pending. Another officer to retire from the D fence Department is Cap'ain Lemax» who his been adjutant of the Wellington district for two years. He joined the Taupo field force in 1808, and <nf captain and adjutant of tbe first Regiment of New Zealand CUralry, under ! Colonel Noako. He wear* the New Zealand w<tr medal, was recommended for Ne« Z aland Gross by Colonel McDonnell atd Major Kemp, but never i eceived it.

It is understood that Major Reid, acting-Adjutant of the Auckland dietrie', is retiring from the Defenoe Department.

The K-tponga Rifle Club has started with a membership of 40. To-day the Taranaki Guards will fir* a mVeh againss the Stratford Rifles mi the Stra'ford range. Lieutenant Whitlock, Sergeant Thomas, Corporal Wilson, Ralfe, Blaoketf, Jonrs, Wallaoe, and P. de LiUDay will represent Btratford, and Captain Adjutant fauntoa, lieutenant Messenger, Sergeant Short, Corporal Oliver, Privates Boon, McKwan, Giiffitbs and Chiloott will represent New Plymouth. The local team wi 1 lews by the mail train. Tne vuluntefr camp will be in the usual place in the Recreation Ground* As muoh time as possible will ba devoted to field movements. Both the local oompanies are nearly up to their full streagth and tbe camp this year should bo a very successful affair. We understand tbe battalien officers will ge into cimp with the men.