OUR VOLUNTEERS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1850, 7 February 1889, Page 3

OUR VOLUNTEERS.

GERALDINE RIFLES. Lieul.-Colonel Hume held an inspection of this corps on Thursday evening Lst. There were 37 men on parade, Captain Pearpoint in command. There were also present Lieut.-Colonel Bailey, Commander S.C. Battalion; Major Newell, of the Permanent Staff, Major Moore, S.C. Battalion ; Captain A. Wright. C.Y.C.; Steff-Sergt.-Major Jones. The men ~fell in at the Volunteer Hall, and were marched to the large park, where they received the staff with the general salute. Colonel Hume then inspected them, after which the men were put through the manual, bayonet, and firing exercises, company, battalion and skirmishing drill, the whole of which they performed vary creditably. Colonel Huine expressed through Captain Pearpoint his satisfaction with the excellent way in which the men had done their work. Before leaving the ground Major Newall said that at an early date he should publish the whole of the parades for the year, so that eath man could then obtain a copy, and there would be no excuse for not knowing the date of parades. He also mentioned several matters connected with the new volunteer regulations. The men were then marched back to the hall, and before being dismissed Captain Pearpoint informed them that ho expected that within ten days the old rifles the corps now had in use would be sent away and new rifles issued, a [piece of cows which proved very acceptable to the men. The men were then dismissed.

TEMUKA RIFLES. A special Government parade of the Temuka Rifles took place yesterday evening. There were on parade 28 rank and file under the command of Captain Hay hurst and Lieut. While. The cadets to the number of 16 under Captain Bryars and Lieut. Cross also fided. After muster a move was made to park, where the companies were inspected Lieut.-Colonel Hume. Lieut.-Colonel Bailey (South Canterbury Battalion), Major Young, Major and Adjutant Newall, Captain Wright, (0.T.0.), and Staff Sergt.-Major Jonae, were also present The cadets having been dismissed the volunteers were put through the manual, firing and bayonet exercise by Cepatin Hayhurst. They acquitted thomsclyee fairly well but the presence of several recruits was a manifest disadvantage. Drill concluded the company returned to the drill shed where the spare arms were inspected. Previous to the dismissal of the parade, Captain Hayhurst addressed the men, slating that .Lieut.-Colonel Hume had expressed himself fairly well pleased with their drill, especially with the marching. He directed attention to the somewhat negligent appearance of some of the belts. In accordance with the new regulations the strength of the company would have to be increased and time would be given for this until the end of April. If the requisite strength were not obtainable, then there was a prospect of the disbandment of the corps. Major Newall also conveyed the colonel’s opinion to the men. As a whole, the appearance of the company was Satisfactory. Fault could only be found in individual cases. The parade was then dismissed. At the conclusion of the parade several new members were sworn in. It is understood, although not formally announced, that Captain Hayhursi, through pressure of private business, intends to resign h's command.