Volunteer Annual Inspections.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3499, 12 March 1880, Page 2

Volunteer Annual Inspections.

The annual Government inspection of the Volunteers of this district was begun last night by Col. Leckie, Inspecting Officer for the North Island. The Naval Brigade and Scottish Battalion were the corps inspected last evening, the Brigade at 7.30 and the Battalion at 8.30. The Brigade was under the command of Lieut. Gavin, in the absence of Captain Wildman at Nelson. The Brigade fell in at their own hall about 120 strong of all ranks, including band. The inspecting officer, who was accompanied by Major Murray and District Inspector Grant, was received at open. order • with the prescribed salute. A searching and close inspection was made of the arms and accoutrements, after which the men were put through the manual, firing, and' bayonet exercises by Lieutenant Gavin, and acquitted themselves to the satisfaction of the gallant Colonel. Petty-Officer Henderson also told off and proved the company in a manner which elicited approval. At the conclusion the Colonel expressed his pleasure at inspecting such a fine Naval corps, and said he should favorably report of them to Government. Punctually at 8.30 the Scottish were inspected, having about 125 all told. After the usual "present" arms, with bayonets fixed and arms sloped, a most careful and searching scrutiny was made of each rank, at the conclusion of which Adjutant Schofield was called on to put the men through the manuel and firing exercises. When this was done, Major Murray took over the battalion and put the whole through several column and line movements. Lieut- Johnston, Commanding No. 1 put a squad of men, officers, and non-commis-sioned officers through preliminary bayonet exercise. The officers of the battalion were then called to the front, and put through infantry sword exercise, which they did in excellent time and with good effect. At the conclusion of the inspection, Colonel Leckie expressed himself pleased with the efficiency of the Battalion, and the excellent condition of their arms and accoutrements. The parade was then dismissed. Col. Leckie expressed himself to our reporter as extremely pleased at the magnificent physique of the men of the Naval Brigade and Scottish Battalion, whom he inspected that evening, and did not wonder at our being proud of our citizen soldiery. He regretted the want of a drill ground how* ever, where the efficiency of the men could, be so much more improved than ever it could possibly be by working in small and confined halls. The weather during the whole evening was most boisterous, and militated against the musters, as several out-district men found it impossible to be present.