Hauraki Eagineers.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3383, 25 October 1879, Page 2

Hauraki Eagineers.

- The monthly inspection of this corps took place last night' bj Major Murray, commanding the district. The men paraded in their drill-hall at 7 o'clock, bota company and band were very strong, mustering all told over 80 of all ranks. The corps was formed in open order to await the coming of the Inspecting Otiicer. Very little time was lost in suspense, for the gallant Major speedily made his appearance, and was receded with the usual, general salute, after which ho minutely inspected the front and rear ranks. We will endearor to describe the movements then gone through, which, we.believe, will be found by our military readers to be pretty correct. The corps was formed into two companies, under command of Lieut. Barlow and Sub Lieut. Deuby, Captain Small acting as Instructor. The movements were :—-broke into column to the right by the forward wheel; column retired, advanced, formed close column on No. 1; opened to wheeling distance from No. 1; ground taken to the right; formed company squares, prepared for cavalry; reformed column, wheeled into line by the left; column on No. 2 company, deployed into line on the leading company; retired in line; broke into column ; formed quarter distance on No. 1 company which was turned about. The Miijor thf n awarded the different prizes that had been won in previous competitions—Servant Clout, a Canterbury ham ; Corporal Keller, a dinner set; Sergeant Kellsall, a gold pencil case ; all presented by Sapper J. Leydon, a liberal member of the corps. Sergeant Kellsall also won a huge cake presented by Mr Forgie. Several other prizes were also distributed, the gifts of friends of the corps. Major Murray said be was much pleased by the proficiency displayed by both officers and men in the movements gone through that night. He was gratified to inform them that the Government had fixed their maximum strength at 150 of all ranks. He trusted they would endeavor to keep up their numbers as well as efficiency, and to maintain their position as the leading Engineers of the colony. If anything was worth doing at all it was worth doing well, and volunteering was one of those things that had better be left aloae if it was ttot carried out in the proper spirit, atnl with the necessary enthusiasm and discipline. He spoke in terms of praise of Mr Leydon's liberality in providing so many prizes for the com-, pany. In conclusion, - the Major congratulated the band (which under Mr O'Sullivan, was, he said, approaching military perfection), and the company upon its smart appearance in its royal ■carlet and blue, and stated he should be able to make a satisfactory report of the j inspection. There was a great number of spectators present to witness the inspection—the hall, in fact, was inconveniently crowded. The corps, headed by the band, inarched out through the town, and afterwards were dismissed at headquarters. I