NO. 2 SCOTTISH.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2976, 29 August 1878, Page 2

NO. 2 SCOTTISH.

The usual monthly inspection of the No. 2 Scottish Company- took place last evening at their dri 11 shed. There was a fine muster of between 50 or 60 (including officers). Major Murray was inspecting officer, and at his request Drill Instructor Schofield put the company through a rather difficult course of rifle drill, all the movements doing the company and their indefatigable Drill Instructor infinite < credit. The' officers were exercised in— "As a company in line*" " as a company in column by the right," &c, and showed ■! themselves tolerably'proficient. At the conclusion Major Murray expressed himself highly* pleased at the progress made by the company, and announced that he would report favorably of the inspection to Major Withers. In a few well chosen

remarks he r' ferred to the loss the company was. fibout to sustain in the departure of Captain Macionald. The Captain annoiinoed that; the firing for the belt ' would shortly take place, and a, money prize had been added to it. The Major mentioned that he had communicated' with the Government, and he feared that the old Colonial Prize Firing would not be resuscitated, but they were in favor of a National Rifle Association,-the details of which had not yet come to hand. The Government would largely subsidise such an association, and he believed it would be a success. We understand that many members of the company are assiduously practising at the -batts, and' some of the "raw recruits" have; made scores at practice that will astonish' the members of older companies. After^ the parade the following telegram was' r >ceived by Major Murray, and we have much pleasure in giving if 'insertion :— " The proposed Evfle Association is to be formed on the basis of the National Rifle Association of England, to have -colonial 1 'meetings in some central place. Government to transfer colonial prize firing, i equipments of every kind, subsidise the | general fund, and grant the use of a reserve for the .meeting. Meeting, held here (Wellington) last night to initiate movement, and committee appointed wuowill communicate views to all corps in the colony." "; ,

Major Withers will inspect the No. 1 Scottish Company and the' Naval Brigade this evening—the former at 7.20 p.m., and the latter at 8 p.m. Additional interest will be given to the inspection of the Navals by the. presentation of a handsome sword to Lieut. Bennett, who for several years has worked hard in the interest of the company, and indeed it is to his exertions that the preient prosperity of the company is in a great measure due. The musters fof the companies are expected to be'huge ones. 1 At the parade of the Scottish the Company's Champion Belt will be presented to the last winner—Vol. George' Price. Mrs J. E. Macdonald has kindly consented to make the presentation. The prizes won at Saturday's competition wi'l be presented at the same time.

1 , We learn that advices have been received by the Officer commending No. 1 Scottish that their new helmets are shipped from London to Melbourne by; 1 screw steamer Lusitania, and may be ex-' I pected in Auckland by next-trip of the | Hero. With the-helmets is also a further'supply of newj uniforms for' Wo. l.j vSummer and winter helmet rovers were,. to be forwarded, by succeeding'steamer rs well as leopard skin apron for big| drum and some .other incidentals for tbe; band. The Scottish brass band is nW stronger in numbers and more efficient, than at any former period of its history.' 'The members are being measured for new; band uniforms for summer. -. ' • '