WAIKATO MOUNTED INFANTRY.

Waikato Argus, Volume III, Issue 160, 22 July 1897, Page 2

WAIKATO MOUNTED INFANTRY.

Tiik first parade of the newly-formed Waikato Mounted Infantry corps, transformed from the Hamilton Light Infantry, was held in Hamilton yesterday, when Colonel Banks put the men and horses through their preliminary facings. The muster was most satisfactory, seventy-one being the total of those present. >,o further proof is required that the spirit of volunteering sti 1 smoulders in the Waikato, than to mention that notwithstanding the weather, roads, and other inconveniences, there were men present from all parts of the district, even out back as far as Raglan. My the time Colonel Minks arrived from the station Capt. Eeid had his men lined up in single rank, and there can be no doubt that volunteering leaves its mail; on a man, for as the Colonel marched from end to end hu singled out the half-dozen veterans without the slightest hesitation, and needless to say, they fully appreciated the compliment. The passing of the horses was then proceeded with, but we need not refer to them beyond saying that considering the time of the year they weie in remaikably good condition. At the conclusion of the parade the men i'.ssctnblcd in the hall, wheie they were addressed by Col. Manks, who expressed great pleasure that to much interest was being taken in the formation of a mounted corps, and that so many had come forward to the first narade. They had the material in the place if those who had joined would only pay attention to their instructor, and there was no rtason why the Waikato should not turn out a really smart corps. Headvised the men to pay particular attention lo the training of their horses, teach ng them to hold their he ids up and answer quickly to the rein. It was all a question of a little practice, and a halt an hour now and again devoted to this in theirsparetime would work wonders. The horse's as a whole he said were a credit able lot, among them were some weeds, which he hoped to sec replaced by something more substantial in the future. He would like to see them first get over their recruit drill, and wou'd then try and get an advance upon their capitation in order to obtain uniforms, and later on would s; e what could he done in the way of pioviding them with proper saddlc3 and bridles. (Applause). Capt. Ucid then read a letter from Mr C. J. Mann, offering a cup, valued at .C 5 ."is, for a shooting competition. This announcement also evoked hearty rounds of applause. Col, Hanks said he hoped tie public of Waikato would do all iu their powet lo assist the movement by offering cups and medals for competitions, which helped to arouse interest and keep the corps together. He referred to the splendid shooting of the colonial volunteers at Home, and said there was not the slightest reason Ahy some of the members of the Waikatc corps should not be included ill the next team sent to England. The question of parades was then introduced by Mr .Johnstone, rf Raglan, who thought the majority were in favour of a week's drill at a time instead of one every month, and asked to have the matter put to the meeting. This was done, with the result that with the exception of one or two eveiv man voted for the monthly drill.

Captain Rw'il explained that drill would take place in the different centres, including Cambridge, Ngaruawahui, Tauiuheie, Whaaiwhata. and liutiiilt n on days to lie lixed by the men themselves.

In leply to a question re the oflieers, Col. Hanks slid the oflieers would be elected by the men themselves, and lie enjoined the men to choose only tlio.-se who would lie most likely to take an

active interest in the welfare of the troop, and not simply take cilice for the honour attached thereto.

Dr. Kenny, as tlicir honorary surt'con, said he would be vciy pleased after a little while to take names of those wishing to learn stretcher 111111 and other forma of ambulance work, an offer which was greeted with applause. Cap'. Heid, in reply to a question, said there would be IS parades in \'l months, lie had no intuition of fixing the day, and would leave that to the nun themselves, its he had no wish to intii fere w ith football or anything else on Saturdays.

This linnight Col. Hanks to his feet, and he gave it as his opinion that football had ruined volunteering in Auckland. He piouii.-.cd the men far mole fun as volunteers than they would get on the football field, ami expressed his in tension of at once .sending to India for spears for tent-pegging practice, which would afford them plenty of an.usi nient.

Archdeacon 'Willis complimented Cipt. Ecid on the success with which his efforts had been attended ; he certainly deserved a great deal of praise, lie (the speaker) hoped the time was not far dis tant when it would lie the exception to find a man who was not a volunteer.

These remarks elicited three ringing cheers for the new company, and the n» eting closed.