THE VOLUNTEERS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1497, 24 April 1886, Page 3

THE VOLUNTEERS.

GERALDINE BIFLE3.

On Wednesday evening the Geraldine Rifles were put through n number of movements in company and skirmishing drill by Lieutenant 6. Ward. The muster was not a large one, but the men drilled exceedingly well. Lieutenant Ward was wall pleased with tbe performance of hie men, the marching being steady, and the extending and closing in the skirmishing drill being smartly done. Tbe man made good use of their opportunities for learning their duties while in camp, and will, we believe, compare very favorably at tbe Osmaru encampment with those com* paaies who have had greater facilities for becoming proficient. At tbe conclusion of the drill, about 9 o’clock, the camp fire was lighted. This had been talked of in Geraldine for a day or two previously,, and when tbe time arrived for it to be lit a large number of people had put in an appearaace on the scene, including a large proportion of tbe inevitable “ small boy.” The fire had been carefully laid and burned bravely, to the delight of tbe youngsters, who indulged In all sorts of games of a harmless character. No doubt tbe close proximity of the guard tent, of the horrors of which a youth who was present gave a feeling description, kept them in bounds. Some fireworks were also let off, and tbe Geraldine Brass Band, which was on the spot under Bandmaster T. Sherratt, played aome military airs, which greatly helped to enliven the proceedings. After tbe Volunteers had indulged in a number of games tbe fire was allowed to burn itself out, the civilians wended their way home, the guard was mounted, and in a short time nothing was to be beard in the camp •Sve the Steady beat of the sentry on his lonely watch and the occasional cry of “ All’s well." No enemy being in sight, tbe sentries were after a time allowed to retire, and about one o’clock the occupants of one of tbe tents were surprised to find the ridge pole come down suddenly with a run. This was speedily followed by sereral more of the tents, the occupants of each loudly blaming those ‘of the others as the cause of the mischief. At the first alarm Lieut. Ward was on tbe alert, but not an enemy wae to bo seen. However, tbe tents continued to fall, and at last the whole camp turned out in decidedly undress uniform. The appearance -they presented m the moonlight as they poured out of the tents and scattered over the paddock, with their garment* blowing in the wind, in search of the invisible foa was, to say the least of it, picturesque, while the language used as their bare feet came in contact with gorse and stone! was anything but classic. No capture was made, however, and the men returned to thier quarters and repaired damages. It is generally thought that the tent lowering was tbe work of some of the more frolicsome in the camp. EMBARKATION. The men of the Geraldine Bifles, who are to take part in tbe Autumn nancauvers at Oamaru, accompanied by their Band, left Geraldine early on Friday morning per express to catch tbe special train at Orari, which was to convey them to their destination. The morning was fine, and from a very early hour all was life and activity at the camp in which the men have been located. After a very early and substantial breakfast at the Bush Inn, tbe men got into ' the four expresses which were awaiting them at the door and started. About fourty-four of the Rifles went. They were n command of Lieut. G. Ward and Lieut. R, H. Pearpoint. The Rifles have seized every opportunity during the week they have been in camp of getting a good insight into their drill, and have given great satisfaction to their officers, Tbe appearance of the men on Friday morning with their knapsacks, haversacks, waterbottles, and kit rolled horse-collar fashion was exceptionally good, and it it is to be hoped, they will give a good account of thimselves at Oamaru. As showing the popularity of the corps, it many be mentioned that even at the early hour at • which they started a gocd number of the townspeople were on tha spot to witness their departure, the greater number of whom were ladies, presumably the wives and sweethearts of the men. Such military enthusiasm on the part of the ladies of Geraldine should not go unrecorded, and it is to be hoped the citizen soldiers of the township will always endeavor so to act that they may never forfeit the good opinion they have evidently won among the fair sex of Geraldine. Before six o’clock the men were all on board, and with three ringing cheers started on their journey. 0.Y.0* The Geraldine contingent of the 0.Y.0. Ipft Geraldipa abpiit midday pp Thursday p]i route to patch thp traip at Orari which was to ponvey thejp to Oamaru. Thp mep have lately had pew helmets and over coats served out, and they looked very well,