VOLUNTEER NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXV, Issue 164, 15 July 1903, Page 2

VOLUNTEER NEWS.

Although a New Plymouth corps did cot secure first place in firing for the Government medals, a member of the Taranahi Battalion secured the gold medal given for the best shot in the North Island in the person of Sergt.. J. H, Purnell, of the Patea Riflos, who made the fine score of 108 out of a possible 120 at 300,500, and 700 yards. The eame corps had four competitors, and their places in the Battalion were Sergt. Purnell Ist, Sergt. White 2nd, Sergt, Oarey 3rd, and Sergt. Hulbert, a splendid record for the Patea com- ! pany, and one the whole Battalion should be proud of. Last Battalion parade was remarkable for one fact, namely, that Oaptain-Adju-tant Taunton was not not on parade, he being unavoidably absent in Wellington. Captain-Adjutant Taunton, we think, may fairly claim a record in the matter of attention to volunteer duties, as this was the first time for five years that he had missed a parade, either of the.Gnards or of the battalion, and during that term six months was devoted to recruit drills, which took place three times a week, everyone of which he attended Qis attention to duty is certainly worthy of emulation.