THE "B" TROOP, WAIKATO CAVALRY.

Waikato Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1605, 17 October 1882, Page 2

THE "B" TROOP, WAIKATO CAVALRY.

TO TIIK KDITOK. Sir, — Noticing in the local paper that the above-named troop was ordered to parade at 10 a.m. at Cambridge on Saturday last, I, as an observer, watched the arrival of its members, and their general bearing in the streets. There is a true saying "thab you must go fiom home to learn news of your home," and I would apply this truism here by stating that the "B" Troop must learn from a stranger the appearance they presented for the purpose of parade. Helmets, some with plumes, some with spikes, some with neither. One corporal disclaimed to wear a helmet at all, but stalked about m a grey felt colonial hat; a full private was similarly arrayed in a black one. Tunics showed up in a fair proportion, if any preponderance, those wilh were more numeious than those without, but one particular warrior evidently fearing the heat of the sun's rays on his black tunic, shambled forth in a brown shooting coat. Riding trousers of all hues of yellow, from bright canary color to dirty stone color; another full private burst on the view with a pair of black cloth trousers. Gaiters of an assorted collection of black, brown, and yellow. Rifles, many with, and 11111113' without any. These notes were jotted down from actual living objects before my gaze, and I wish to remark that several of the rifles were carried through the streets by the »wzzh'i>, as if they were bushmen's axes or sweeping hooks, and I have since heard that the inspecting officer found fault with the dirty state of the arms and accoutrements. I was much impressed with the ludicrous sight of such a really fine body of well-built men dressed in such a slovenly and grotesque manner, which was simply disgraceful. If a magnificent corps of men like these band themselves together in the very laudable intention of forming themselves into a mounted body of volunteers or yeomanry, they should, one and all, take the utmost pride in their turn out for muster, iv regulation dress, well-groomed horses, and cleanliness of their arms, &c, instead of making the ridiculous and circus-like display that they did last Saturday morning". It is a most infantile proceeding of these men in their very prinje, thus playing at soldiers.— lam, &0,, A Visitor.

Intending shareholders in the Auckland Freezing Company can obtain plans of 'application from Messrs Clark and; Gane, Cambridge, at the 1 office of this" paper, or 'from any of the' provisional diregtors. "' *" ' • * l - i ■