RAGLAN.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2245, 27 November 1886, Page 2

RAGLAN.

Never since the war and the troops were stationed here has the place presented such a military appearance as during the past week. The Raglan recruits, belonging to the Raglan detachment of the Te Awamutu Cavalry assembled for drill instruction on Monday evening, which was continued until Thursday. Before dismissal, DrillSergeant Carley addressed the men at some length, and in doing he expressed his pleasure in visiting Raglan, and the pleasure it had been to him, and the kind reception he had received. He then spoke to the men as to the advisability of having their arms always clean, and hoped they would show punctually in assembly, and above all in showing strict obedience to instructions given by their officers, and expressed himself satisfied with the manner in which they had acquitted themselves, considering the long hours they had been at work, which was satisfactory as showing they were taking an interest in their work. —Lieutenant Bruce confirmed the remarks made by Drill-Instructor Carley, and said that that they had made great progress considering the short time they had been at work, and hoped they would continue assidious in their duties, and he intended to do all he could on their behalf, and was willing to meet them once a month for drill instruction. He then alluded to the care taken by their drill instructor, and expressed thanks for assistance rendered by Sergeant Gresham, who had taken very great pains and shown every attention during their period of drill. After dismissal, the men carried with acclamation votes of thanks to both Drill-Instructor Carley and Sergeant Gresham for the care taken and instruction given during the period of their assembly. Sergeant Gresham said his services were always at the command of the troop, and anything he could do to assist them he should at all time be most happy in doing. It was admitted by all that the Raglan detachment will prove a most important accusition to the strength and efficiency of the Te Awamutu Cavalry. Drill-Instructer Carley and Sergeant Gresham appeared in their new helmets just received from England, and found them all that could be desired. Trooper Loane in a neat speech spoke of the care and attention shown bv Lieut. Bruce and their drill instructer, also of Sergeant Gresham. On Wednesday evening a ball was held, and continued until the early morning. A portion of the cavalry band under Mr Sibley was present, and were no small part of the attraction. Mr Wylie catered for the inner man in his usual efficient manner. Mr C. Moon gave one of his songs during the evening. On Saturday last a meeting of the Whaingoria Highway Board was held at Waitetuna. It was resolved to bring the Government Loans to Local Bodies Act into force, and to borrow under it £1000, £350 of which is to be spent in co-operation with the boards of Karioi and Raglan in the erection of a wharf at Raglan. At a meeting of their chairmen of boards held at Raglan on Wednesday it was agreed to act together for the erection of the new wharf. The various boards having applied for the money also, it was resolved to see Mr Lake during his visit to the place next week, in order to take steps to get settlement in the district nearer to Raglan, a large block of suitable land for the purpose being suituated from Waitetuna to Aotea harbour. The delegates sent to view the temperance settlement round the hot springs are expected here soon. Raglan has now a large number of visitors staying in it, and more are arriving every day. To-day two large conveyances brought visitors from Waikato, and in conquence of the presence of our Raglan detachment of cavelry men, the place has been quite lively. Refreshing rains have fallen during the week, and crops are looking well, more especially potatoes, which seem so far a much finer crop than for many years past. The Karioi Board at their last meeting had under consideration the construction of a road from Waimaori, passing the waterfalls and joining the Kawhia road. — (Own Correspondent, Raglan, November 26th, 1886.)