DEFENCE NOTES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 61, 4 December 1907, Page 3

DEFENCE NOTES.

'iiicrc was a good muster ol the Itilles on Jtouday nigut on parade, ine n:glit Oung too dark lor upcu-uir cU'rcincs, Lapium iiellnuger gave the men iiali-au-iiuui on bugk-c.i11,, the bugler sounding caii- aud members being asked m turn to name them, This was a new lealure, and evidently appiecmted as a change ironi ine marching, wheeling, mid excrcising which generally makes up the routine drill.

It in useful work, too. Thuse who touK part in the recent shainlight will probably "appreciate the situation.' iliey will remember that when the defenders ot Stratford received orders to make a counter-attack and the bugler sounded the •charge," the seekers alter Stratford's treasure-chest misinterpreted the call and stood up. They kid taken it for the "cease fire" signal, and wondered why the other madcaps were disregarding it. I'he Kiiles held a meeting after parade, and discussed many matters of interest to the company. The following promotions were announced:—Private Pycroft to be corporal, and Privates j. Ward and L. C. Woods to be lance-corporals. The balance-sheet of the recent assemblies held in aid of the orderly-room funds was submitted, showing a satisfactory credit balance. Notes of thanks were accoided to the committee, the ladies, and to the secretary (Sergeant Jo.-ph). ■ b

It was decided to establish a military library in connection with the orderlyroom, and to invite contributions of military and historical work*. Several volumes have already been promised.. I'pon the suggestion of Private liacon. it u- dc-iicd to hold a monthly "freeand ea-y" evening. In the early part ..I the evening lectures will be" given by olliccr-. During ,)„. disposal of tea, colfee. anil other light refreshments, and 3- accompaniment to the pull' of the pipe, the matter in the lecture will be Hilly di-cu,-cd. "fold tea" will lw barred. All tea must be the usual household decoction.

Prizes were presented to the winners in the recent shooting, Hon. Member Willi* lieing first and Private Cole second. A history of the company is being prepared by Mr. W. J. Penn to be circulated in connection with the jubilee in January. 100!). The occasion will be fittingly celebrated. 'i'he semaphore signalling class is to be recommenced under Sergeant Uruco. The Rilles - class-firing will be continued on Thursday and Saturday. Tlie District liistructorial Staff will conduct a class for officers in New Plymouth from flth inst. The date is fixed for the Bth, but that is a Sunday. One of the distinctly forward moves in popularising military service is that "f the Taranaki Riiles in arranging for ;i .•hurch service at Omata on Sunday morning nevt. followed bv an inspection "f lb" Waireka battlefield, with some ■if the veteran-, as cieerones. Instructions luive been issued to non-coniniis-i.,i„.,| „l!i,.ers ~f the fiiiardrt to "-hake the members up." with a view of putting on a -pint. Volunteering is in a very healtliv condition locally. The Taranaki Hoards have decided to trice a military di-play at 11, 0 opening o, the ISeereafion Spoil- firoiind on \evv U'arV D.iv.

f'.irnornl Arnold, of the Hoards, lias been pr..nii.fed to the rank of s,.,geanl. -iml giv.-n charge of N*o. .'! section.*"