THE VOLUNTEER REVIEW AT TE AWAMUTU.

Waikato Times, 20 April 1881, Page 1

THE VOLUNTEER REVIEW AT TE AWAMUTU.

The grand Review of the Thames, Auckland, and Waikato Volunteers, at Te Awamutu, came off on Easter Monday, and proved as interesting from a general point of view as it was valuable looked at from a Volunteering standpoint. The event was regarded in prospect by the Volunteers of the Northern portion of New Zealand as one of more than ordinary importance, and in consequence of this there was a very large muster of the forces, larger indeed than had been anticipated or provided for. The arrangements made for the reception of the visiting Volunteers were excellent, and nothing occurred to mar their comfort which could possibly have been overcome. Mr Roche of the Te Awamutu Troop, performed the duties of Qnartermaster-general to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. A more obliging and efficient officer coald not have been found. The caterers too are worthy of praise for the good quality of the rations provided. The management was indeed as efficient as could have been expected, and the best proof of this is that no growling of any kind was heard. In the field movements good service was rendered by Captain McPherson, who acted in the capacity of Brigade-Major. With fine weather, a large muster, crowds of spectators, no clement of success was wanting. Below under appropriate headings is a detailed account of the proceedings.

The Ground for Volunteer review purposes was admirably adapted. It formed a large square, known as White's paddock on the road leading from the railway station to the township, and conveniently situated to both. Adjoining the road it formed a large stretch of level country, some aero in extent, with just sufficient rise towards the one end to afford anadmirableviewof thevanousmihtary tactics and manoeuvres in which the troops engaged. Remote from the load, and consequently in the most retired situation, the ground fell by a succession of gentle ten aces into the adjoining flat, around the edge of ■which, in semi-circular form, the Mangahoi —a creek of some considerable extent—meandered, its banks being sheltered with a heavy growth of the sturdy ■willow. In that way the lower flat was mo3t completely sheltered, and, naturally enough, at once recommended itself <is being the most suitable camping ground. The tents were arranged in rows —the bell tents shooting up m peaks, and, as Been from the adjoining rise, looked like so many mole-hills, while the quarters assigned to the oiheers —three large marquees—occupied a commanding position towards the background. Theic were in all fifty bell-tents, together with officers' quarters, foiage tents, &c. At a still lower level, and moru closely approximating the creek, the ground was utilised foi cooking and other culinaiy purposes, the water bong of course of the utmost importance in promoting the business of that department. In the foreground thcic was ncvcithelebs, sumcicnt space left for enabling the wuious companies to muster, prcpaiatory to filing oil for lev lew and other purpose*. The main guard, with the Royal Standard flying, was placed at the edge of the terrace leading down from the higher ground, the position being a most commanding one, and one which could not possibly have been better situated as an otlook, From whatever point tho camp was viewed, it had an imposing appearance, niul when lit up at nights, and otherwise alive with the bustle and excitement incidental to camp life, the sight •was one not to be readily forgotten. Beyond tho limits of the review ground, and within eye shot, the prospect was of the most varied character —undulating lands swelling up into slopes of considerable height on the one side, vast tracts of level countiy dotted over with bush ami cultivations on the other; while .such prominent land marks as the Kakapukas and the Pirongias reared their lofty heads in the distance. Altogether, tho situation was one amidst which pastoial beauty was finely divci billed by the sterner aspects of natural grandeur.

The Weather was, upon the whole, good — at times just sufficiently threatening to make the subject exciting, or perhaps it ould he more correct to say there weie occasions upon which the rain was plentiful enough to afford a taste of camp life under its less propitious circumstances. For weeks, or rather months past, the weather through the whole district has been most delightful— if anything, too hot, and most certainly far too dry to meet the views of the agriculturist, and to some considerable extent the comfort and convenience of certain of the townships. To such an extent was that the case that we had almost come to regard the question of good weather as being one of a foregone conclusion, and in connection with the success of the Review it only very partially entered into the consideration. That happy state of feeling, however, was rather rudely disturbed when on Saturday forenoon the sky suddenly became overcast, and one or two slight skirmishing showers set in. Later in the day lain fell heavily, although at no time were the showers of long duration. Saturday evening, however, cleared up, and, with a bright full moon shining overhead, the damper cast upon affairs disappeared, and the spirit of martial enthusiasm rose in proportion. A pretty smart touch of frost set in with the Sunday morning, and to such as were but lightly provided for with blanketing, camp life was discovered to be not altogether devoid of vicissitudes. When the sun rose, which it did brightly, the warmth again returned, and the discomforts of the night were readily forgotten, or, if remembered, they were only alluded to as a further pledge that, with the recurrence of frost, a continued tack of fine weather was likely to supervene. Once more, however, that expectation was doomed to meet with disappointment. The latter part of Sunday was wet, the rain being particularly heavy during some hours of the afternoon. A lull took place in the evening, sufficient to enable the visitors to took around them—a visit to the township, more detailed particulars of which are given elsewhere, being as might be supposed the most popular resort, Between bed time that night and the small hours of the morning, a farther shower fell. So heavy was the rain about thib time that it was noted that the spirits of even the most sanguine hitherto animated by the prospects of cood weather began to droop, and for 9. time the chief topic of consideration was the best means of protection frw» $<? inclemency of the weather.

With the arrival of the Auckland contingent on Sunday afternoon, the available "housing" accommodation became rather scant. As many as twenty-four men, it is said, had to be billeted in one bell-tent, and even then a considerable number had to find shelter elsewhere. In this emergency everything that could, by the most liberal interpretation, be construed into a shelter was occupied. Tarpaulins, act up for the protection of forage and such like, coverings were impressed into the service. One slim-look-mg structure, little better than a summer's awning, under which the officers' dinner of the previous evening took place, was assigned as quarters for thirty odd men, the cubic space appropriated to each being as carefully economised as if it had been a herring-firkin or sardine-tin packed for the foreign market. With such insecure coverings as these overhead, it will be readily understood that it took a good deal of "underhand " work to make them at all habitable, amidst what was now little short of a pelting rain. After the experiences of the preceding night, it is not difficult to believe that the weather piospects was a subject of anxious solicitude and general speculation on the Monday morning. The solitary Kakapuka m the foreground, in its geological formation, belongs to the great family of the "Bens" — Ben Lomond, Ben Nevis, &c, of Scotch notoriety, and, like the latter, it appears to have acquired considerable fame as a wcather-guage. Accordingly, as if by common consent, all eyes were turned in the direction of this solitary peak, and many were the hage predictions and weather-wise prophesies founded upon its varying aspects. Although shrouded in mist, the_ atmosphere was at no time dense enough to destroy tho traces of its outline so that all the different atmospheric effects of light and shade, as they rolled aiound its craigs, could bo distinctly marked. Authorities in this particular branch of tho moterological pcicmce gave out tlm want of density to bo a very bad omen. Enlarging on tho topic, they gave it as the infallible result of long and varied experience that the denser the cloudcovering became in broken weather, the groatc r likelihood there was of the weather breaking up. No attempt was made to expound thi&astute meterologicalproblem, and probably it is just as well the effort was not made, as nothing seems more certain than that it would have been &o much labor lost. After swimming about for some time in a watery maze, old Sol succeeded most effectually in solving the doubt, and long before the hoar fixed for the review, showed forth with all the warmth and glow of the summer's refulgence. Looking back from the propitious .state into which the weather had thus developed, we can appreciate the great importance of the few antecedent hours rain, out of which these grave doubts and fears arose. Not only did it help to temper the weather but in a much higher degree, it contributed to the success _of the review by allaying the dust which otherwise would have been rendered an intolerable nuisance by the rapid movements and counter-movements upon the precision of which so much depended. Altogether Monday was a lovely day and as such it is only necessary to add tliat the weather was one of the most important factors in the success of its events.

Arrival of the Volunteers. The ground, as already stated, was well chosen, both in respect of the requirements for review and camping purposes. The proprietor (Mr White's) maiti.il ardour may be guessed fioin the fact that he gave the u&c of the ground for such a trifling consideration as a -ClO-note. The tents— fifty in number — which were, of course, piovidcd by (4o\ eminent, were pitched on Thur&day by squads drawn from the Thames, Cambridge, and Te Awamutu Cavah y Troop". Matter-of-fact as such work is usually esteemed the success of the day largely depended upon its efficient performance. Nothing more readily creates a fcolmg of discontent on the part of this or any other bodj of men than a presistent disregard to their peisonal comforts; and once a feeling of that kind In eaks out the spirit of insubordination is bound to ensue. Thursday's work was performed with a good deal of caie ; and but foi that fact the over-ciowdmg that subsequently aiose would have been much more apparent as an attendant consequence. Pitched in rows, each tent was sepaiated from the other by a width sufficient to provide the freest possible ventilation and other sanitary observances. In addition to these, "a couple of capacious marquees were set up diagonally at the j he.id of the rows, thuso being 1 set apait exclusively for the accommodation of the | officers. The afternoon train on Friday brought a fiiv>t contingent m the slmpe of the Thames men, who came by way of Auckland. At the station they wore met by the Te Awamutu Troop, and headed by their bands marched to the camp. The day following the Cambridge and Hamilton men arrived at seperate intervals, and on the afternoon of Sunday the various companies sent up from Auckland. The latter arrived by special train about •1 p.m., and amongst the troops then in camp considerable preparations were mado for their reception. Untortunately, the weather at the time was the very reverse of favorable, for a display of the kind— the rain falling copiously. At the station they were mot by the officerfl of the different corps, as also a contingent of their men by whom they were escorted into camp. Each company was headed by its own band, and on getting into quarters they wero otherwise warmly received by their brethren in arms. The forces may now be said to have completed their muster— there being not less than 1000 men, besides catnp followers, &c, so that the lot summed up a moat respectable number. As was to be looked for a gathering of this kind oreatad a good deal of baetle and turmoil, its effects being considerably hightened, by bugle calls, martial music, clatter of arms, and other accompaniments, incidental to the life jf a soldier.

The Force and its Disposition now in Te Awamutu may be particularised as follows :— Brigade Staff : Colonel Lyon, Captain MoPherson (Brigade Major) ; Cavalry : Waiuku Troop, Captain .Hamlin, Lientenant Barriball, Sub-Lieutenant Barriball, and 33 rank and file ; Waikato Cavalry : Btafi, Major Jackson, Sergeant-Major Carley; Troop A : Captain B-utherford, Lieutenant Bruce, Sub-Lieutenanc Wilkinson, and 58 rank and file (including Band) ; Troop B : Captain Runciman, Lientenant Fisher, Sub-Lieutenant Kirkwood, 39 rank and file (including Band) ; Troop C: Captain Whitaker,Lieutenant Johnson, Sub-Lieutenant Hunt, 42 rank and file ; Auckland Rifle Battalion; Staff: Major Withers, Major Derrom, Adjutant Clifton, Sergeant-Major Haslem; Victoria Company: Captain Mahon, Lieutenant Skinner, Sub-Lieutenant Self, 62 rank and file; No. 3 Company: Major Mofrow, Lieutenant, Rotooswi, ftub-Lieuteuawt

Hitchins, and 29 rank and file ; Hobson Company : Captain Dignan, Lieutenant Connelly, Sub-Lieutenant Flynn, and 60 rank and file ; Scottish : Captain Birnie, LieutenantFotheringham, Sub-Lieutenant Robinson, and 34 rank and file ; No. 2 Battalion (other Auckland and out-dis-trict companies) : Staff, Major Withers ; Artillery (with two six-pounders) : Major Burns, Captain Payne, Lieutenant Norrie, and 57 rank and file ; Auckland Engineers, Captain Anderson, Lieutenant Shillington, Sub-Lieutenant Shaw, Dr. Dawson, and 41 rank and file ; Lieutenants Chapman and Parker, Sub-Lieu-tenant Smith, and 63 rank and file ; Auckland Naval Brigade : Captain Le Roy Wairoa Rifles : Captain Bain, Lieutenant Crawford and 38 rank and file ; Pukekohe andTnakau -.Major Harris, one Lieutenant and 35 rank and file ; Coromandel Rifles : Captain Gatland, Lieutenant Harison, one Sub-Lieutenant and 41 rank and file ; Cadets : 2 officers, add 31 rank and file ; Thames Battalion : Stag, Major Murray, Adjutant Schofield ; Engineers : Captain Small, ■ Lieutenant O'Sulhvan ; No 1 Scottish -. Lieutenant Johnstone, Acting Sub-Lieutenant Symington ; No. 2 Scottish : Captain Watson, Lieu tenants Coney, Crump, and Perry ; Naval Brigade (with two guns) : Captain Wildman, Lieutenants (xa\ in and Lawless ; Sub-Lieut-cuants Burton and Gordon ; Native Company : Captain Taipari. The total strength of the battalion was, including the Bands, 333. There were eight Bands at the Camp, viz : Auckland Aitillery, Hob.son and Navals, Thames Scottish, Engineers and Na\als, and Waikato Cavalry, Te Awamutu and Cambridge Bands. The total strength of Volunteers taking pa.it in the demonstration was thus, 1077.

The Sunday Services. After the preliminary dutien of the day had been disposed of the camp was enlivened by excellent music —the selentionw being for the most part of a sacred character. At 10 a.m. tho troops mustered for Church parade, and although the Auckland men had not then arrived those presezit made up a most respectable number. Each company was headed by its own band and en route te the (service music suitable to the occasion was discoursed. The march to church led the troop throngh the township in the htrects of which the the inhabitants congregated as spectators in large numbers. The Roman Catholic portion of the men were allowed to file off, to enable them to attend the service belonging to their own particular denomination. The othez-s moved on in the clnection of the Church of England, tho clergyman of that denomination, the Key Mr Phillips, having undertaken to officiate on the occasion. St.. John's Church, Te Awamutu, is a neat little structure of it& kind, pleasantly situated amongst clusters of foliage in the outskirts of the township. As was ahrewdlj' surmised, the extra number of worshippers last Sunday far exceeded the accommodation provided by the Church. In anticipation of that contingency an opon-air service was arranged. Happily the weather during the hours of service was all that could have been desired, and no inconvenienco whatever was experienced on that scorf. A largo paddock forming a portion of the parsonage grounds was improvised tor the occasion. For the officiating clei-ijyinau and Church choir atompoiary puljjit, redding desk, &c , were eiecterl, ladies and children being placed under a iow of well-trimmed willows, forming an imbrageous covering overhead. The spot was remarkably well chosen, and in a certain way lent quite a charm to the sen ice. The Volunteers wne diawn up in line in front of the clergyman, and in that positiou the various forms of the service were gone through. Although not a powerful speaker, the Te Awamutu incumbent hns nevertheless a impressive manner, and is otherwise effective as a preacher. His discourse was purely of a doctrinal character, appropriate to the holemn teaching's the d.iy is designed to commemorate. The efforts of tho church choir were ably seconded by volunteers from the Scotch company's band, bo that the service as a whole, passed off very 9moothly. Under auspices of the Roman Catholic Church, the Rev.. Father Luck celebrated Mass in the Volunteer Hall, which was fairly-well attended. The address delivered by the Rev. F.ither, was also in accordance with the characteristics of the season, as viewed by the church.

Te Awamutu and the Volunteer Revels. Te Awamutu is a place where importance is solely derived from its temtoiial position. It is admitted on all hands to be the urban centre of one of the finest agricultural districts in the colony. In that respect it surpasses some of the other townships in the Waikato, whose pretensions are of a much more advanced character. It lacks the watei-carriage facilities provided by the river for NgarUcUvalna, Hamilton, and Cambridge; but in lieu thereof, it is, and for a time to come is likely to remain the terminus of an important branch of railway system. One great draw back to the progress of the place is the extent of surrounding country still locked up against settlement in the hands of the native owners. Indeed it may almost be said to be located on the very confines of Maoridome, the King Country bordering it within a very few miles walk of the township. That of course is a difficulty which, must eventually adjust itself so that the unconstrained progress of the place becomes simply a question of time. That that day is not far distant may bo gathered from the fact that the next Native Lands Court will be held at Te Awamutu, or some of the neighbouring townships, which means that before long the vast territorial estate known as the King Country,willbe brought within the pale of settlement. Meantime, tha place is, comparatively 3peaking, small. Three or four really lofty tenements constitute the sum total of its more prominent features. Among these the two hotels occupy by no mean an unimportant position. The business done by these establishments during the Review and other days immediately preceding, was something considerable. Considering the number of men cast adrift on camp life, the police very properly allowed the hotels the utmost possible latitude. — Sunday trade being no exception. It would convey but a very faint idea of the true state of matters to say that these houses literally rang from top to bottom. Bars barparlors, tap-rooms, &c.,were crowded out. Incited by military ardour, and stimulated by strong drink, feats of prowess became numerous. These, however, partook of the characteristics of the whimsical rather than the malignant. The Navals —a corps largely composed of the devil-me-care element—were in "great fettle." Nothing gave them greater satisfaction than to appropriate some stray nag, and ride him around, four deep, at hurricane pace. If he had spirit enough to do a little tip-toe business, and land one or more of their number on the roof of an adjoining tenement, he was all the more thought of. A wheelbarrow was* Jikewiw preyed infa

the service, its special functions being to convey "marked men" into the bars of the hotels, where they were made to "shout." One prominent member of the Native Lands Court at Cambridge was waylaid in this way. Being on horseback he resented the interference, and, being well mounted, for a time he was master of the situation. One of his assailants, however, more adroit than the others, succeeded in doubling both him and hia horse up in such a way that the entire mount went pell-mell to the ground. The barrow being got into requisition, he was triumphantly conveyed to a neighbouring "pub," I where, to use the language of one of his assailants, he "did the handsome like a man." Meantime the horse disappeared, under the navigation of a couple of Navals, who bestrode him head and tail fashion. By way of varying the entertainment, Bacchanalian songs and choruses were shouted, and it is not too much to say that the night was ren- | dered hideous with their music and their howls. In one or two instances John Bdrlycorn revenged himself upon his patrons. One man succeeded in breaking his ankle, another got kicked on the stomach by a horse, besides one or two other mishaps of a similar kind, none of which, however, were of a serioin nature Both in the camp and on fcho review ground the utmost decorum prevailed although two or three parties were escorted to the latter by the "picket." In the camp two or ehree barrels of beer were dispensed, but these weio dispensed chiefly I in hospitality to new arrivals and tueir friends. !

THE REVIEW. On Monday morning the bugles sounded at 6 o'clock, and the camp was early astir. Fires were soon lighted and hasty preparations made for breaktast, it being at first understood that the parade for review would take place at 10 o'clock, and there was much cleaning of harness, and brightening of weapons to be accomplished. During the night se\'eral showers ot rain hail fallen, and in the early morning the atmosphere was misty and damp, and iv consequence many unaccustomed to the gloriously uncertain weather of Waikato began to entertain fears of a wet day. What th» effect of a realisation of such fears would have been it is needless to say ; the difference between that and what actually did occur would bo all the difference between success and utter failure. As the hours grew on, these fears were one by one laid aside, and expressions of a more hopeful character began to find utterance. As the mist drifted about in clouds the onlookers got glimpses of red and blue coats ascending in order from the camp to the higher land above, for preliminary exercise on the ground selected for the days manoeuvres. Nearly the whole of the infantry was thus exercised between the hours of half past 6 and 8. The fog prevented any one obtaining the a good view of these evolutions, but the marching out and in was performed with regularity and soldier-like bearing. The scene at the Camp during and after the morning meal wa-, an unusually animated one. Throughout the whole of the encampment every man was preparing himself for parade ; belts had to be cleaned, swords and bayonets polished, horses, which during the breakfast hour had been regaling themselves with oats and chaff, had to be groomed, and bits and stirrups brightened. The whole was performed amid a perfect babel of sounds ; voices pitched in every conceivable key, and discoursing upon every imaginable topic, proceeded from cveiy tent, excepting perhaps those in which were located the bandsmen, and they contributed, generally speaking, a sort of intermittent medly of sweet sounds, rendered none the more pleading by the fact that all the bands a\ ere careful to avoid playing similar tunes. The effect was not displeasing, but it was odd. tt is perhaps, by these strange admixtures of harmony and discord and something else winch might be neither the one or other, that great composers are led up to fco the conception those grand compositions to Avhich mankind pays reverence. It would be curious, nevertheless, to discover the nature of the music which could be envolved out of a conglomeration of " Pop goes the weazel," "Paddy will ye now," "The girl I loft behind, mo,"" "Home sweet Home,'' " Hold tho> Fort," and the "Old Hundredth". Theso might not have been the tunes played, but they arc near enough for the purposes of illustration. Monday too, being the last day in camp for the great majority of the men, all available time was nuide use of for packing up. At 10 o'clock, however, the whole force excl tiding guards and others left in charge of the tents, to the number of about 1000, paraded at the camp. The infantry matched fiom their private parade and formed mass of quarter columns facing the racecourse, the Cavalry taking up a position in front, the order being ; — Waiuku Troop, Te Awamutu Troop, Cambridge Troop, Hamilton Troop, Cavalry, No. 1, Auckland Rifle Battalion ; ISTo. 2, other Auckland and out district companies ; No. 3, Thames Battalion — Infantry. The Battalions then wheeled into line facing the rising sroundnear the main Alexandra road, which at this time was beginning to be covered with those of the spectators who belonged to the neighbourhood or who had come thither in vehicles. The Infantry Battalions then opened into deploying distance from the right of No. 1 Battalion this and the preceding movements being very fairly executed. The force then deployed into line on the leading company of each Battalion with the Cavalry on the rights. The Auckland guns on the right of their Battalion, and the Thames guns on the left of their own Battalion. The word, " open order, present arms" was given as Colonel Lyon, accompanied by his staff, with Lieutenant Perry A.D.C., came on the ground, and inspected the line, the bands playing. By this time visitors, who had come up by the special from Ngaruawahia, had arrived on the ground, and the crowd of spectators must at this time have numbered 2000. They occupied the whole of the rising ground, and although some considerable distance from the volunteers the greater portion of the time, the concourse of people was •most orderly, the line of flags being religiously kept. The movements of the troops were not, therefore, in the least impeded, and the spectators had a clear and unbroken view of the whole of the manoeuvres . It is the disregard to the convenience of the troops by the larrikin and juvenile portion in general of the population which so seriously interferes with the efficient carrying out of such demonstrations in the immediate vicinity of Auckland. Happily, the few members of the larrikin element which Waikato can boast of are overawed by the good behaviour of the rest, and keep their mischievous proclivities in due check when they are in danger of being too closely regarded. The weather just at this time was gloriously fine ; the sun had scouted the last threatening raincloud, and the topmost peaks of Pirongia pierced, .nothing but the blue of tfaq

atmosphere. The rain which had fallen had successfully laid the dust, and the pleasure of the visitors, or at least that portion which is governed by the weather, was now complete. The appearance of the Volunteers as the commanding officer passed slowly down the line for the purposes of inspection was very imposing, and insensibly recalled to the minds of many of the older settlers present on the ground, the old military days when Te Awamutu was the head-quarters of the British. Nor is it to be supposed that their satisfaction was lessened by the knowledge of the great difference between thia and the former military demonstrations. The Colonel expressed himself as being pleased with the appearance of the men and horses and the brigade was then reformed in close order, and then broke into column to the right, marching past in column, and afterwards in quarter column. In the march past the steadiness of the Thames men was generally noted and admired. Evpn the Native Company, or the " Foreign Legion," under the temporary command of Lieutenant Coney, of the Scottish, keeping in good line. The bearing of the whole Infantry force was good, and each individual was evidently animated with the desire to do his utmost to contribute to the success of his particular company. The Cavalry, notwithstanding that the ranks contained a number of men who had not attended the preeeodin°r half-yearly drill, showed to great advantage, and marched past in splendid order. The uniform of the Waiuku men detracted considerably from their appearance, but otherwise the Troop was all that could be desired as an irregular body of horse. After the march past the battalions wheeled into line to the left, and advanced in review order. The Infantry line then retired, broke into column to the right, and formed quarter columns on the leading companies of battalions. The brigade advanced towards the racecourse, changed direction to the left, wheeled into line of quarter columns, and deployed on the leading companies. During this movement sknmishers were detached from No. 1 Battalion to cover the line. This was effected very indifferently, the men exhibiting very Jittlc aptitude for this position of their work, and paying but little heed to the command, ' ' Cease firing, " no doubt owing to want of practice. The Auckland Artillery had their two 6 pounders in position on the right in advance of No. 1 Battalion, and kept up a smart cannonade against the supposed enemy. The Cavalry in the meantime had been drawn up in line on the opposite side of the ground near tbe entrance and awaited the order to charge. The skirmishers retired and closed at the double and formed line on tho right of No 2 Battalion, tho whole being ready to receive the Cavalry charge. Before retiring- the Artillery dismantled their field-pieces with rcmarkablo alacrity, the sections of carriages lying- apparently in confusion around the guns, the big guns of the Navals on the left were ordered to retire behind the line, but unfortunately the noises of one were obstinate and refused to move. The detachment did all in their power by putting their shoulders to the wheels to make progress, but failed, and as the enemy were supposed to be close at hand, Major Murray dispatched a further detachment of the Navals and the Native Infantry to protect tho gun. Tho reinforcement went forward at the double and in an instant formed a square aiound gun and horses, ready to receive Cavalry. Before, however, the enemy came upon them, the horses under a sudden impulse moved forward, and the gun was. brought to the rear of the line. The Cavahy charged in splendid order, the whole infantry line opening a terribly destructive fii - e upon them as they came within range. The conduct of both men and horses was highly commendable, the Litter standing the tire remarkably well. Down the whole of tbe attacking force came at a thundering gallop, making tiie earth vibrate, and when within about 30 yards, they wheeled outwards and retired in very fair older. During the charge one of the Waiuku men, unable to see through the sinoko, mn foul of one of tho wheels of the artillery guns and got a spill. This the only casualty of the day was not very serious, lider and horsa escaping unhurt. The Infantry then advanced in echelon of battalions and formed squat es, the ovalry charging from the bide of the ground nearest the racecourse, in open older, and performing the purbuingpractice, round about the squares. This was probably the prettiest sights of tbe day. A peculiar interest attaches itself to the squaie in the minds of all Britishers ; it is by this means that many of our victories have been secured j it was by this hat Wellington succeeded indi&oiganhmg 1 tho cavalry* of 'Napoleon, on the ever memorable field of Waterloo, and in earlier times we know it was a favorite means of defence with the old Highland clans against their beta now mounted soldiery. As a relio of a past age, a momento of old time glories it is well that the square should still have a place assigned for it in military manoeuvres, although,practieally speaking, the immense strides which have been made in the science of warfare by the improvement of the Artillery branch of tbe service, and by the introduction of breechleaders have rendered the square of little value. Cavalry rarely now-a-days charge a mass of Infantry. On Monday had the rifles been loaded with ball it ia scarcely probable that a single member of the attacking force would have survived to toll the story of the charge and its disastrous result. After the charge tho Infantry reformed line. They then broke into column and formed quarter column on No. 1 Company of each battalion, and marched past. They were then drawn up opposite the reviewing point, and the Cavalry went past, first at the trot and then at the gallop. This they did in good style, to the admiration of the whole of the assembled spectators, the visiting Volunteers in especial expressing the pleasure they felt at witnessing such a display. At the conclusion of this part of the programme, the Infantry formed a hollow square, the officers in tbe centre, and the commanding officer (Colonel Lyon) addressing the assembled Volunteers, said it afforded him the greatest pleasure to meet them together that day. They were deserving of every praise for coming there, because many of them had denied themselves their usual Easter holidays to do their duty as Volunteers. It would not be right to tell them that they were equal to regiments of the line ; it was no discredit to them to aay that they could never hope to be as good as the regulars. He knew that many of them were prevented by their business avocations from giving the time and attention which alone could make them efficient soldiers. It was the continued drill and the exercise of discipline which made the British soldier what j he was. He hoped that what he said would have the effect of in ci easing their j efforts in the direction of attaining effi« ,

ciency. He was, however, bound to admit that he was satisfied with what he had seen that clay, and more especially with the creditable appearance of the men, considering the wet weather of the preceding night. He was surprised at their steadiness in marching past. Hp was not going to particularise, bdu he would say they all | did well. If there was a fault, it was talking in the ranks ; it was an abominable [practice; and if he had been tempted into using strong language, they would admit that he was justified in doing so. The skirmishing was bad ; they were lax and loose, and a real Cavalry charge would have cut them into "smithereens." He supposed that their faults in skirmishing were due to the fact that they were drilled in a hall, and did not get exercise enough in the field^ If ,they wanted to become proficient, they should go out into the country more than they did. He might tell them that the squares had been formed that day merely for amusement. In modern warfare there were no such things as squares. What he would say to them in regard to their drill was this, skirmish, skirmish, skirmish. He hoped they had all enjoyed themselves, and felt sorry that their stay was so limited, he trusted that that day's review would not be the last of. its kind. He would like to know if they were satisfied with their rations (ciies of " yes, yes)." He was sorry that the accommodation was so limited, but they did not expect so many. He had nothing more to say, and begged afMn to thank them for their attendance. The Cavalry then advanced, rlosed on the open side of the square, and were addressed by Colonel Lyon, who, in a few brief remarks, recapitulated in effect what he had said to the Infantry. He praised their conduct on that day, and said that although they were not as good as regular Cavalry, and never could hope to be—on account of the nature of their avocations not allowing them the time necessary to devote to drill—they were a very efficient body of men. The Waiuku men had done remarkably well; they were efficient, hardy horsemen, and they were well mounted. He did not like their uniform, and advised them to adopt the helmet of the "Waikato Cavalry. By doing so they would greatly improve their appearance. With regard to the Waikato men, he was not going to say much about them : they knew his opinion of them, and if he said much more they would grow too proud of themselves. He thanked the whole of the Cavalry for their conduct, and hoped it was not the last time he would see the Waiuku and Waikato men together. At the invitation of Major Jackson, three hearty cheers were given by the Cavalry for the visiting Volunteers, and Major Withers called for a similar compliment from the Auckland and Thames men for the Waikato Cavalry and Colonel Lyon, to which the visitors heartily responded. Captain Runciman then called for cheers for the Waiuku Cavalry, which were given with great enthusiasm. The whole force was then marched back to the camp, the Thames Battalion in advance, and the Cavalry bringing up the rear—the bands playing. On reaching camp the Infantry and the Waiuku Cavalry were dismissed to quarters- On noaiinu: the Camp the To Awamutu Troop halted and returned inwjids the township. The Waikato Cavalry, Cambridge and Hamilton Tioops, was drawn up in lino for the purpo-e of arranging matters in regard to striking camp the follov/iNir morning. Squads of men from each Troop having been toll off for this dutj' the Cavalry was dismissed and proceeded to quiuters. The Avhole Review must be held to have been emineutlv successful. When it is considered that the Infantry have very little battalion drill and that their ordinary instruction is received for the most part in a drill shed, the manner in which they performed the field movements in battalion is deserving of considerable praise. There does not appear to exist in the ranks of the Auckland Companies, as a whole, that amount of discipline which characterises the Thames men. During the time the battalions were drawn up to receive Cavalry, the talking in the ranks of some of the Auckland Companies was deafening, and Colonel Lyon was obliged to send orderlies clow n the line to prevent its continuance. In all other respects, whether regarded as an intimation of the strength of the force which might be made available in time of need, or merely as a species of amusement provided for the people of Waikato on the occasion of a, national holiday, the demonstration was eminently a success. The day was beautifully fine throughout, and the large number of visitors assembled from all parts of the district appeared thoroughly to enjoy the outing. After the Review a large number of the visitors proceeded to take a ramble through the Camp, and to note the preparations which were just then being made for dinner. After this meal the greater number of the Volunteers returned the compliment by investing the township which, was thence till dark, and after, the scene of much merrymaking, the visitors, and indeed the Waikato men thoroughly giving themselves up to the exigences of the hour. Although the fun ran last and furious without intermission it is but just to say that there was no rowdyism. The tails of passing horaes were caught, vehicles were impeded in their progress, popular officers were lifted up and carried shoulder high, but everything was given and taken in the most perfect good humor. Of course the Navals were prominent in every adventure, but they were by no means alone. It seems as though their wildest performances wero prompted by the, by reputation much quieter, blue coats. Bo this as it may, the visiting Volunteers were out for a holiday, aud they evidently knew and appreciated the fact. For many days Te Awamutu will wear an air of oppressive quietude, now that the lively boya, who last week invaded the place have departed.

Presentation. At the conclusion of the Review, after Colonel Lyon had addressed the Volunteers, that officer was requested by Captain Hamlin, of the Waiuku Cavalry, to present to four members of that Troop a corresponding number of medals which had been presented to the Cavalry by Captain Fergusson for good shooting and good riding. The Colonel then presented the medals, which are of silver, and in the form of a Maltese Cross, to Lieut. Barriball, Troopers Lucas, Barriball, and Curne. Ho complimented the recipients on their success, and said he was glad to see that one of them had already a shooting medal on his breast.

The Officer's Mess given by tho officers of the Waikato Cavalry to their visitors took place at Lewis' Central Yfaikato Hotel at halfpast 5 o'clock, at which hour, all the officers of the Volunteers present at the Review, numbering 1 about 60, sat down to an excellent spread provided in Mr Lewis' well-known good Btyle. The menu included everything in season and was well jjewred, memb^w oi the Tfc Aw&wnjini

Troop doing duty as attendants. The Te Awarautu Band was also present and discoursed sweet music at intervale. The chair was taken by the officer commanding the Cavalry (Major Jackson), having on his right Colonel Lyon, Capt. McPherson (Brigade Major), Major Derrom, and Captain Gatland, and on his left Majors Withers, Murray, and Morrow. The vice-chair was occupied by Captain Rutherford. The cloth having been removed, The Chairman proposed the usual loyal and patriotic toast 3, which were duly honored in bumpers of champagne. Colonel Lyon responded on behalf of the Army, and Captain Wildman for the Navy. The Chairman next proposed "The health of the officers commanding districts, Colonel Lyon and Major Withers." They had very little time, as their Thames friends had to go by the train leaving at 9 o'clock. He would not therefore say very much, although he could say a great deal. He had known Colonel Lyon ever since 1863, in which year he had been under that officer's command. Major Withers he had not known long, but he hoped to know him better. The toast was drunk with musical honors. Colonel Lyon, in responding, said he felt proud at the flattering manner in which they had responded to the toast. He had been in command of the Waikato for many years, and he had always tried to do his duty. It gave him pleasure to see so many strangers coming to this district, and thought they should have these meetings oftener. They did very much to advance the Volunteer cause. He was afraid that many of the gentlemen he saw around would not be able to give the time necessary to come, but now they had come he wonld like them to stay a week. (Hear, hear). If they could it would be better for them and for the men. There was not enough discipline maintained : many thought that a disciplinarian was a martinet, and a martinet was a Tartar. Nothing could be done without discipline. If they would only come into the country for a month or two, he felt that he could make good soldiers of them. (Hear, hear, and laughter. ) Major Withers also responded, and in doing so said he was proud to have his name coupled with that of so gallant a soldier as Col. Lyon, whose father he had had the pleasure of knowing when he was general in command at Portsmouth. He hoped this would not be the last occasion of the kind they would meet together. He agreed with the Colonel's remarks in regard to the want of drill and discipline, and only regretted that the Volunteers could not aftord the necessary time. He was pleased with what he had seen ; some companies from whom he had expected little had done well, (laughter). He was not going to particularise. He again thanked them. The Chairman proposed "The Visiting Volunteers," coupled with the names of Majors Derrom, Murray, Harris, and ( aptain Hamlm. He referred to the past dangers, which he said were for ever gone by. He had tried to impress on the natives that the demonstration of that day was intended not as a wailike exhibition to btrike teiror into them, but as an assurance that if the Maoris helped them, they had the means of returning the compliment in the event of any common foe interfering with them. Major Den oni responded. In the course of his lcmarks he said lie Mas as sjicat a stickler foi discipline as Colonel Lyon was. The C^ eminent would not second their efforts at maintaining 1 discipline and the consequence was that every man did as he pleasnd. Tho w.int of discipline had been exhibited that day. The object of discipline, was to instruct the mind to obedience. He did not wish to detract from the Volunteers, but he i would say this, that as they were, without discipline, he would give very little for them in the field. (Hear hear.) Major Murray thanked them for the toast. He had only a few minutes to spare, and only a few remarks to make. Ho altogether disagreed with what Major Derrom had said in reprard to what was meant by discipline. He could always get obedience from his men. Obedience waa not discipline ; that was a thing they could not hope to get in Volunteer?; it was acquired by along service. Militaiy authorities would tell them; as Sir Frederick Roberts had told them;that it was difficult even to discipline the British soldier under tho present short service system, and if so, how was it possible to acquire it in Volunteering ? If they could only get a few weeks preparation he felt sure that the Volunteers there that day would be iit to meet anybody. If there ever was trouble again in Waikato he would promise them to bring to their assistance 400 of the best men in the colony, and those present well knew what atamina they were of. He cordially thanked the Waikato Volunteers for the kindness they had shown the visitors, and for the splendid reception they had got, and lie also thanked the caterers for the quality of the rations. He might tell them that his men were principally engaged in mining pursuits, and that coming up to Waikato meant to them a loss of £2 each, besides their expenses, because they worked on holidays as well as other days. They might, therefore, be said to have spent some £800, in order to qualify themselves. This was a fact which ought to be borne in mind by the House when the consideration of the capitation to Volunteers aga : n came on. They acknowledged that they had duties to perform, but the State also had duties to perform. They must not, however, forget to thank the Government for what they had done on this occasion. They had gone to some inconvenience to supply them with tents, and had provided them with free passes on the railway, and a free steamer from the Thames. It was only by the Government, as well as everybody else, doing their best that they could hope to make New Zealand a nation of British people — (applause). Majors Harris and Morrow briefly returned thanks. Capt. Hamlin also responded, and said the cause of many of the defects in the Volunteer system was due to the fact, that the Defence Ministers had never done their duty. If they had there would be as fine a force in Ne^y Zealand as in any part of the Empire— (applause). He trusted that their meeting that day would result in some good. Capt. Gatland, (Corromandel) also responded, and condemned the action of the Government in abolishing the capitation. I The Chairman proposed the toast of \ " The Members of the House of Representatives." He said there were three of them present, and he hoped that what they had seen and heard tbat day they •would remember when in their places in Parliament. He coupled the name of Captain Whitaker with the toast. Captain Whitaker, M.H.R., in responding, said the removal of the capitation had been rendered necessary by the need for retrenchment, hut he hoped that with t-h.9 brighteo«»^;|>roa^?oter <?I tfow

financial position ss a colony that the Government ■would see its way to resuscitate it. He would certainly not forget the Chairman's hint when he got to the House. At this point the officers of the Thames Battalion bad to depart in order to make some necessary arrangements before the train left, and after hand-shaking they took their departure amid the expressions of the good wishes of all assembled. When order had been restored, Major Derrom proposed "The continued Success of the Waikato Cavalry." He had seen the regular Cavalry, but he was perfectly eatisfied with the way the Waikato men had behaved that day. With a little more training they would be as fine a body of irregular Cavalry as anybody could wish for. The Chairman acknowledged the honor. The Cavalry endeavored to do their beat, and to earn the praises bestowed upon them. Captain Rnnciman also responded, and in doing so referred to the hearty reception they had met at the Thames last year. He could only hope that the Cavalry would continue to be the useful body of men they were. Captain Hamlin and Captain Rutherford returned thanks. In the absence of Captain Whitaker, Lieutenant Johnson briefly returned thanks on behalf of the Hamilton Troop. He expressed a hope that the members of the Waiuku and Waikato Cavalry would meet at some future day and enter into a friendly competition. Dr Dawson, at this stage of the proceedings said he wished, on behalf of the visitors, to tender their thanks to the gentleman who had charge of the Commiaariat, Mr Hungerford Roche.' They would never forget the trouble he had taken, and the kindness he had shown them, and he wished Major Jackson to convey to Mr Roche the thanks of the visitors for the manner in which he had pprformed his duties. (Applause.) Maior Derrom proposed the toast of "The Brigade Major, Captain McPherson." Ho said they were greatly indebted to that gentleman for the success of the day's proceedings. Captain McPherson, in responding, referred to the harmonious way in which the various officers had worked with him. He had expected a great amount of trouble, but he was happy to say his office that day had proved a sinecure. Ho could have wished that they were going to have two more days : they had left off juat as they were beginning to gather up the reins. (Hear, hear.) Captain Rutherford proposed "The Host and Hostess," to wliich Mr Lewi3 suitably responded. At the invitation of the chairman, Major Harris, M.H.R., made a few remarks in ! response to the toast of "The Members of the House of Representatives." He said he had tried te get the Government to keep up the capitation, and would try again and again. Perhaps he ought not to use the two "ac;ains," as the next session was the last of this Parliament, and he might never go there again. (laughter). It had been better if the Government had disbanded the Volunteers than to treat them as they had. Twenty years' experience had taught him that Volunteers gave a great deal of time pud money towards keeping up the system. The Government ought to render moio assistance to the Volunteers than they did. Theie were many people vho ought to be Volunteers, but who were not, and it was ouly right that they should be made to pay townid the maintenance of the force. Ho piomised them th.it he would do his utmost to obtain the Volunteer gr.uit. (Applause). Captain H.unlm, M.H.It., also responded. He said Ins heart and soul was in the Volunteer cause, and he would leave no stone unturned to promote its interests A few other customary toasts having been duly honored, the company separated, the Cavalry officers proceeding to the railway-station, to see their Thames friends safely away.

Non-Gommissioned Officers Mess, given by non-commissioned oiheeru of the Waikato Cavalry in the Volunteer Hall on Monday evening. The attendance was large, some three hundred persons having down. The chair was occupied by Scrgt. Major W. Hipginson, of the Te Awamutu corps; Staff Ser ,'t. Major Haslem instructor of the Auckland Volunteers acting as vice-chairman. In creature comforts the mess was a most substantial one, and it is hardly neceßsaiy to add that after the exertions of the day the appititea of the guests were quite equnl to the occasion. The Auckland ]SJaval Brigade Band was in attendance by ■« horn a number of stirring airs were played. During the course of the proceedings the company loyal, and patriotic toasts. The chairman drank tho health of the Queen and other also gave the health of the visitors coupled with the names of petty officers present from the various corps. In doing so he spoice at Pome length on the importance of an exchange of sentiment and co-opera-lion between the different Volunteer Corps, such as that which had taken place during the day. It was most beneficial to all parties concerned, and, as such, occasions of the kind ought to be highly prized. The moral effects of the day's proceedings were also alluded to, and in doing so he remaiked that, although the prevailing feeling of the Maori mind was understood to be peaceful, an exhibition of their preparation for war, like that which had just taken place, was, to say the least of it, well calculated to strengthen that feeling.

Homeward Bound. Shortly after 8 p.m. the Thames and Auckland corps were mustered under their various leaders, and marched to the usual homeward-bound airs to the railway station. The first train, conveying the Thames men, took its departure at 9.30. A few minutes afterwards a second train left, freighted with a contingent of the Auckland Volunteers. The next train left at 11 o'clock, but, in consequence of some misunderstanding, it only took away one carnage - load. Between that hour and 1.30 a.m., two more trains left, by which the balance of the Auckland men were eon*eyed on to town. The visitors were accompanied to the station by numbers of their friends, and as each train moved off from the platform, ringing cheers were exchanged. Despite the extra work thrown on to the hands of the Railway Department, they seem to have got through it well. At all events, we have heard of no complaints, and in the absence of Buch, wo muafc concludothat they proved equal to the occasion. The Cambridge and Hamilton Troops with the exception of small fatigue parties, also left the same evening. The Camp was struck yesterday.