HAMILTON LIGHT INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS.

Waikato Times, Volume XVI, Issue 1342, 5 February 1881, Page 2

HAMILTON LIGHT INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS.

A parade of this corps was called for Thursday evening last, for the purpose of coming to a decision as to whether the company should be carried on or not. There were on parade— Captain Dawsbn, Lieut. Break ell, and 16 rank and file. The Band, 18 strong, was in attendance. The men having been exercised in various company movements by Sergeant Kelly, Captain Dawson addressed the men, referring to the two meetings which had recently been held, and stated the object for whicli the present parade had been called. The officer commanding the district had plainly told him that, if an improvement were not effected, the corps would have to be disbanded. At the last meeting but one, two or three members of the Band attended, and they were asked to consult with their brother members as to whether they would agree to fall-in in the ranks, and so increase the strength of the corps. The Band, through their Secretary, had refused. He would ask the members of the Band if, for the purpose of keeping the corps together, they would agree to fall-in on inspection parade night — once a month. Colonel Lyon explained the position. He informed the Band that only when a company was in excess of the maximum strength was it allowed a band. In Auckland there was a battalion of four companies, which was entitled to one band. Each company had a band, but the members were Volunteers, and fell-in for inspection, the bands being simply used as citizens' bands. Several of the members of the Baud objected to fall-in on the score of want of time, and the general opinion was decidedly averse to complying with the captain's suggestion. Captain Dawson said in that event he would be compelled to send in the resignation of himself and his company, and gave notice that all arms and instruments must be given up that day week, in order to comply with the Volunteer Regulations. The meeting then separated. The Band afterwards paraded the town, playing popular airs.