VOLUNTEER NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXV, Issue 192, 27 August 1903, Page 4

VOLUNTEER NEWS.

The Ikddquaiter companies of the Taranaki Battalion were iuspeoted by the Commandant of the New Zealand Forces on "Wednesday evening, when there was a very good muster. The companies fell in at 7.30, when the respective strengths wero as follows: Taranaki Rifles (under Captain Weston and Lieut. Okey) 48. Taranaki Guards (under Captain Cook and Lieut. Messenger) 51. Garrison Band (under Bandmastei Gordon) 18, The Bittalion officers on parade wei-8 : Li; ut.-Colocel Ellis, Major Okey, Adjutant Taunton, Quarter master-Captain Cock, Surgeon-Major McCleland. Surgeon-; 'aptain Home and Sergt.Major Sanderson were also on parade. Shortly before 9 o'clock the Commandant, accompanied by Col. Webb (officer commanding Wellington district) and Capt. Campbell (A.D.O. to he Commandant), arrived, and, after the customary military reception, proceeded to inspect the different corps, This he did minutely, and in addition plied both privates and non-coms, with questions, after which the different sections of companies were put through various movements by the non-coms. The Major-General alto addressed the men, but his remarks were practically inaudible owing to the noise going on in the Hall, The effect of his remarks was, however, advice to the men of all ranks to know more thai their subordinates, for without this the officers would lose their influence, and the rank and file would cease to regard them as their superiors. He further spoke against the practice of " prompting " by officers when on parade. Every man should know his duty, and it was better to make an open blunder than to have to constantly rely upon " tips" from the officers. Speaking of the new drill, he said it was no doubt new to them yet, but it would be found in time much simpler than the old style. He also expressed bis pleasure at the good turn out of the men, and said it appeared to him evident that the companies were in a flourishing condition. Before the inspection Colov-Sergt. Lever was unanimously elected Junior Lieutenant of the Rifles. This is a well-deserved promotion, as this officer is one of the most painstaking and efficient members of the Rifles.

The whole turn out was very creditable alike to officers and men.

A reminder is given of the parade to-day for attending the ceremony of unveiling the Troopers' Memorial at St. Mary's.