DEFENCE NOTES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 61, 10 December 1907, Page 3

DEFENCE NOTES.

The fact tluit about twenty-live members of the. Turauaki Killes mustered at Lin* Drill 11 nil on Sunday morning speaks volumes for their enthusiasm anil desire to meet the ollieers half-way in popularising and improving the corps. There was a drizzling'rain at the time, but as this .seemed inclined to clear up, a start was made, as arranged, for the Waireka battlefield and Otuata. The company halted near the month of the Waireka stream, where the billy was lHiileil and lunch partaken of. Afterwards thi' company inspected the available portions of the renowned battlefield, where the Taranaki Killes were onw under fire—and, owing to the withdrawal of the Imperial troops, nearly under ground also. As part of }h"e ground was locked up for hay, and other portions in oata, the observations were necessarily confined. The history of the battle, based on "Wells' History of Taranaki," was sketched, and the various positions located. These, and the disposition of the various forces, were discussed, and an interest ing and useful hour wan spent. The conipanv then marched to Omata and attended church parade at the Primitive Methodist Church, the Itev. Campbell, of Stratford, preaching an appropriate sermon, lav- | ing particular stress on the value of preparedness. He pointed out that very ; little notice was taken and scant attention paid to the volunteering forces in times of peace, but they were much praised and sought after in troublous times of war. After the service the preacher, who stated that he was for- • merly a volunteer, joined the company " at afternoon tea, and the march back i to town was commenced. Before dis- > pcrsing at the Drillshed, Captain Bell--3 ringer thanked the members for turning , out, and announced that he would ent deavor to arrange another outing, visitI ing Mahoetahi. On that occasion he hoped the. Garrison Band would accompany them. Owing to the unfavorable weather in the morning and the dampness under foot, none of the veterans arcepted the invitation to act as ciceroni's on Sunday.

The class of military instruction at present being lield in the Drill [lull is In-ill}? conducted by Captain lirowu, assisted by Sergeant-majors Saunderson I and Dodd, of the headquarters stall'. The class will be continued durin<* the present week. Volunteers are requested to appear in uniform. On Thursday next the headquarters companies of the Taranaki TSullnlion will he inspected by Colonel liaudiope.