THE NEW SOUTH WALES ARMY.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 895, 2 December 1871, Page 2

THE NEW SOUTH WALES ARMY.

New South Wales has lately followed the example of New Zealand in establishing a permanent military force, regarding which the " Sydney Morning Herald " writes as follows : Tho enrolment of men for this force is still proceeding, and up to the present time about 120 men—infantry and artillery—have been accepted. The required number would probably have been filled up before now, but a good deal of discrimination is observed in selecting the men, no application being entertained without satisfactory references and the usual medical certificate.

The result is that the men now in barracks are as fine a set of fellows as could be obtained. On Sunday afternoon leave of absence was given to some of the members of the force, who went round the Domain in uniform, and attracted a good deal of notice, their appearance being decidedlysoldierly. The conduct of the men in the barracks has been admirable, and only one complaint, of a trifling character, has, up to the present time, reached head-quarters. Tne first parade took place about the 6th of last month, and since then the squads have been regularly drilled. There are three parades during the day, the first commencing at 7 o'clock, and continuing until 8 o'clock, when the men fall out for breakfast. At 10 o'clock the men are again called on parade and drilled until 11 o'clock, and the third parade during the afternoon. The men, as a general rule, are in undress while at drill, but as soon as the uniforms are complete the public will, no doubt, have an opportunity of judging for themselves as to the efficiency of the force. The men are advancing rapidly, and several of the squads are very smart and soldierly in executing the various evolutions. Those who have only lately joined, of course, present somewhat the appearance of an " awkward squad," but a week's drill will make a vast difference.. Guard was mounted for the first time at Victoria Barracks yesterday, and we believe that a guard from the permanent force (infautry) is shortly to relieve the police at Government House. We understand that Capt. Fitzsimmons is to visit the country districts in a day I or two, to receive applications from those willing to join.